Virtualized Broadcast Head-End System for ATSC 3.0
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ATSC 3.0 broadcast head-end systems are complex and require significant time and resources for matching heterogeneous devices, leading to high temporal and monetary costs in maintenance and management.
Innovation Solution
A head-end system based on a virtualized broadcast framework that virtualizes all head-end functions, allowing for software configuration of encoder/multiplexer/signaling/gateway devices in a cloud environment, with a master node managing worker nodes and automatically updating components, and utilizing Docker to establish transmission chains on physical servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware-based head-end devices are used for ATSC 3.0 broadcast transmission, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of head-end devices through virtualization technology. Instead of using physical hardware devices, the system uses virtual machine instances that replicate the functionality of traditional head-end equipment. This allows multiple virtual head-end instances to run on shared physical infrastructure, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability through virtualization-based fault isolation and redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate head-end device functions into a unified virtualized platform. By consolidating encoder, multiplexer, signaling, and gateway functions into a single virtualized infrastructure, the system reduces the number of physical devices needed while maintaining all necessary broadcast transmission capabilities through software-defined functions.
2Reliability
If separate hardware devices are deployed for each head-end function, then functional reliability is improved, but installation and matching time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration through pre-built virtual machine templates and automated provisioning scripts. Virtual head-end instances are pre-configured with necessary software components and dependencies before deployment, allowing rapid instantiation and reducing on-site installation and matching time while maintaining functional reliability through standardized configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dedicated hardware equipment is used for broadcast head-end functions, then system stability is improved, but operational flexibility and service update speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service configuration through software-defined virtual head-end instances. Unlike fixed hardware configurations, the virtualized system allows dynamic creation, modification, and deletion of broadcast services through software control. Service parameters, transmission chains, and resource allocations can be adjusted in real-time without physical reconfiguration, maintaining stability through virtualization while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes for broadcast services through software control of virtual head-end instances. Transmission parameters, service configurations, and resource allocations can be modified by changing software parameters rather than physical hardware settings. This allows rapid service updates and reconfigurations while maintaining system stability through controlled parameter management in the virtualized environment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heterogeneous devices are used for head-end functions, then functional completeness is improved, but maintenance cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtualized platform that provides multiple head-end functions through software. A single physical infrastructure supports various broadcast functions (encoding, multiplexing, signaling, gateway) through virtual machine instances, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware for each function. This universal platform reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining functional completeness through software-defined capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-end system for terrestrial broadcast based on a virtualized broadcast framework includes a media configured to store a broadcast head-end virtualized component (BHVC) corresponding to all pieces of software related to a head-end device for transmission of ATSC 3.0 terrestrial broadcast, a plurality of worker nodes configured to transfer data to an exciter of a transmitting station by installing the BHVC stored in the media and performing a function of a typical head-end, and a mater node configured to monitor the plurality of worker nodes while storing and managing a container for installing the BHVC stored in the media in the worker nodes, and thus, modularizes a series of functions related to broadcast transmission in software units and effectively provides a broadcast service in a public or private cloud environment with departing from a broadcast device based on hardware or dedicated software.