Digital Receiver Error Correction via Return Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital television distribution systems face challenges in minimizing the burden and cost of transporting Forward Error Correction (FEC) packets, especially when using unidirectional terrestrial networks, as they are not optimized for error control, particularly in scenarios where interactive services are integrated with broadcast video.
Innovation Solution
An error correction method that leverages synergy between multiple networks by identifying corrupted packets in a broadcast network and requesting correction packets from a secondary network, such as an Internet Protocol network, using a transport protocol like RTP to synchronize and correct errors in real-time, allowing the primary network to focus solely on data distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Forward Error Correction (FEC) packets are transported over the broadcast network, then transmission robustness is improved, but network burden and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error correction function from the broadcast network by using a separate return channel for requesting and receiving correction packets. This separates the data distribution function (broadcast network) from the error control function (return channel), reducing the burden on the broadcast network while maintaining transmission robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a return channel as an intermediary mechanism between the receiver and transmitter. This intermediary enables on-demand error correction by allowing receivers to request correction packets for corrupted data, eliminating the need to transport all FEC packets over the broadcast network.
2Reliability
If repetition-based error correction is used with return channel, then error correction effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service error correction by allowing receivers to autonomously detect corrupted packets and request correction packets through the return channel. This on-demand approach eliminates the need for complex pre-configured FEC schemes while maintaining correction effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the broadcast network handles both data distribution and error control, then functionality is integrated, but network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error control function from the data distribution function by utilizing a separate return channel. This segmentation allows the broadcast network to focus solely on efficient data distribution while the return channel handles error control, reducing overall network load.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a receiver and an error correction method at a receiver, comprising the steps of receiving (S1) data information from a broadcast network (109) in a sequence of packets (300), detecting (S2) a first packet within the sequence of packets (300) being a corrupted packet, identifying a packet identifier (418) and a sequence number (416) of the first packet, requesting (S3), on a second network, to receive a transport packet identified with the sequence number (216) and comprising the first packet and receiving (S4) the first packet embedded in the transport packet, from the second network.