Video-on-demand System Using IP Header Building and Transmission Control Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video-on-demand systems require specific set-top boxes with ATM interfaces and are limited by the need for ATM switching networks, restricting connectivity and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A video-on-demand system that uses a supervisor processor and co-processors to build internet protocol headers and transmission control lists, allowing video data packets to be sent with ATM headers in spaced time slots through an internet router, enabling connectivity with various set-top box interfaces and precise timing to prevent buffer overflow/underflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single supervisor processor and co-processors with ATM interfaces are used, then video stream transmission is achieved, but connectivity with non-ATM set-top boxes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internet router as an intermediary device between the ATM-based co-processors and the diverse set-top boxes. The router receives ATM protocol packets from co-processors, converts them to standard internet protocol packets, and distributes them to set-top boxes with various interfaces (ethernet, DSL, fiber channel). This mediator enables compatibility without requiring changes to the core video transmission system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ATM switching network is required, then video stream transmission is enabled, but network availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the requirement for an ATM switching network with a standard internet protocol-based network. Instead of using ATM switches to route video streams, the system uses internet routers and standard IP networking infrastructure. This substitution maintains video transmission capability while eliminating the dependency on specialized ATM network hardware and protocols.
3Reliability
If video data packets are sent in spaced time slots, then transmission control is achieved, but transmission speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video data into packets and transmits them in time slots using transmission control lists. Each packet is independently controlled and timestamped, allowing precise timing while maintaining overall transmission efficiency. The segmentation enables reliable delivery without requiring continuous transmission, as packets can be sent in manageable chunks with appropriate spacing.
Data Source
AI summary
A video-on-demand system is comprised of a supervisor processor and a co-processor which are intercoupled via a bus. The supervisor processor has a supervisor memory and the co-processor has a co-processor memory. A supervisor control program is in the supervisor memory, which includes—a) a means for transferring a group of video data packets from an externally stored complete video into the supervisor memory, b) a means for building in the supervisor memory, a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group, and c) a means for constructing in the co-processor memory, a transmission control list which indicates how each video data packet in the group and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers can be accessed from the supervisor memory. A co-processor control program is in the co-processor memory, which includes—a) a means for partitioning into pieces, each video data packet and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers as identified by the transmission control list, and b) a means for sending each piece, with an additional header, to an output port during spaced apart time slots.