Transmission Device Time Information Descriptor for Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In broadcast schemes like ATSC 3.0, there is a need for efficient transfer of time information for synchronization between the transmission and reception sides, as existing methods do not adequately address the requirement for precise and robust time information transfer.

Innovation Solution

A transmission device generates a physical layer frame with a time information descriptor included in the preamble, containing a time information flag that indicates the presence or absence of time information, which is then transmitted, allowing the reception device to process the time information accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If time information is transferred using traditional PCR in Transport Stream, then synchronization between transmission and reception sides is achieved, but the transfer efficiency and robustness are insufficient for next-generation broadcast schemes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of time information transferVSAvoidtransfer efficiency of time information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The time information descriptor is segmented into multiple fields including time information flag, time information type, time information, and reserved bits. This segmentation allows flexible configuration and efficient encoding of different time information types, improving both transfer efficiency and robustness in IP packet-based broadcast schemes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A time information descriptor is introduced as an intermediary structure to carry time information within IP packets. This descriptor acts as a mediator between the transmission side and reception side, enabling reliable time synchronization while maintaining the efficiency of IP packet-based transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If time information is included in every physical layer frame, then synchronization precision is improved, but the overhead and bandwidth consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoiddata overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The time information flag enables dynamic inclusion or exclusion of time information in each physical layer frame. When synchronization is already established, the flag can indicate absence of time information, reducing overhead. When re-synchronization is needed, the flag indicates presence, improving precision without unnecessary overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The time information type field allows changing the format and precision of time information based on current synchronization needs. Different time information types can be selected to balance precision requirements against overhead constraints, optimizing the trade-off dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11057686B2Transmission device, transmission method, reception device, and reception method

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 SATURN LICENSING LLC

AI summary

There is provided a transmission device including circuitry configured to generate a physical layer frame. A time information descriptor is included in a preamble of the physical layer frame. The time information descriptor includes a time information flag that indicates presence or absence of time information in the time information descriptor. The circuitry is configured to transmit the physical layer frame including the preamble and a payload. The time information indicates a time of a predetermined position in a stream of the physical layer frame.