Service Map Tables for Multimedia Service Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadcasting-communication convergence systems face challenges in delivering unified service-specific information across heterogeneous networks, including the Internet, due to differences in broadcasting standards and the need for efficient data transmission and reception of program guides and schedules.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving service-specific information using Service Map Tables (SMTs) and Package Guide Tables (PGTs) that support both multiple and single logical channels, enabling efficient data delivery and reception of multimedia services across various networks, including the Internet, while minimizing channel acquisition time and supporting multiple device capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single standard is used for Internet broadcasting to overcome regional limitations, then global accessibility is improved, but receiver complexity increases due to the need to handle multiple broadcasting standards
Solution Approach 1:
The Service Map Table (SMT) is designed as a universal data structure that can represent multiple broadcasting standards (MPEG-2 TS, MPEG-4, HLS, DASH) within a single framework. The SMT includes flexible field definitions that can accommodate different packet types, transport formats, and service information structures, allowing a single receiver implementation to handle various broadcasting protocols without requiring separate processing logic for each standard.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service specific information is transmitted across heterogeneous networks, then service delivery flexibility is improved, but data transmission burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service specific information is segmented into hierarchical structures including Service Map Tables (SMT) at the network level and Package Guide Tables (PGT) at the content level. This segmentation allows selective transmission of only necessary information for each service type and enables efficient caching and incremental updates, reducing redundant data transmission across heterogeneous networks while maintaining comprehensive service delivery capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMT and PGT structures employ variable-length fields and optional elements that can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific service requirements and network conditions. This parameter flexibility allows the system to transmit minimal necessary information for basic services while expanding to include detailed metadata for advanced services, optimizing data transmission volume according to actual needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple logical channels are supported for different service types, then service variety is improved, but channel acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Service Map Table (SMT) is transmitted in advance and contains pre-organized information about multiple logical channels, their packet types, and service characteristics. This preliminary organization allows the receiver to quickly parse and identify available services without having to probe or scan through multiple channels sequentially, significantly reducing channel acquisition time while maintaining support for diverse service types.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for transmitting a signaling message, the apparatus comprising a transmitter and a controller coupled to the transmitter, wherein the controller is configured to: identify a signaling message including signaling information for a package of multimedia contents; and transmit the signaling message, wherein the signaling message comprises: a signaling message payload including a plurality of tables, identification information of the signaling message, length information of the signaling message, version information of the signaling message, and extension information including information indicating a number of the plurality of tables, wherein the plurality of tables comprise a first table (505) providing information for at least two additional tables included in the plurality of tables, the at least two additional tables being related to the package,