Synchronous VSB Frame Slicing for Mobile Broadcast Time Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-frequency network (SFN) systems face challenges in providing reliable and coherent signal transmission due to multipath propagation and the complexity of synchronizing multiple transmitters, which affects signal reception, especially in terrain-shielded areas, and lack scalability and flexibility to support enhanced mobile broadcast services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of synchronous vestigial sideband (VSB) frame slicing technology that allows for deterministic mapping and synchronization of data packets within VSB frames, enabling coherent symbol transmission across multiple transmitters and providing time diversity, while being backward compatible with existing ATSC standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transmitters are used in an SFN to improve signal coverage and provide alternate signal paths, then signal reception is improved, but synchronization complexity and difficulty of maintaining coherent transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmitted signal into distinct frames with identifiable synchronization patterns. Each frame contains timing information that allows receivers to independently identify and lock onto the signal structure, simplifying the synchronization process across multiple transmitters while maintaining reliable signal reception through the SFN architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where transmitters monitor and adjust their transmission timing based on received synchronization information. This closed-loop approach enables multiple transmitters to maintain coherent transmission by continuously adapting to timing variations, thereby reducing synchronization complexity while preserving signal reception reliability
2Reliability
If synchronous VSB frame slicing with deterministic mapping is implemented to provide time diversity and coherent transmission, then signal quality and service content delivery are improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing data into structured frames with predetermined slicing patterns before transmission. This advance organization enables deterministic mapping at the transmitter and simplifies the receiver's processing requirements, as the frame structure and slicing positions are known in advance, thereby improving signal quality without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying frame timing and slicing parameters to create time diversity. By controlling the temporal distribution of framed data across multiple transmitters and time slots, the system achieves improved signal quality through diversity gain while managing complexity through standardized parameter sets that can be configured without redesigning the overall system architecture
3Productivity
If bandwidth is used efficiently to enhance service content delivery, then productivity and service capability are improved, but the ability to support diverse and enhanced mobile broadcast services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a framed transmission structure that can carry multiple types of service content through standardized channels. The frame format supports various data types and service modes, allowing the same physical infrastructure to deliver diverse mobile broadcast services with different quality requirements, thereby improving both productivity and adaptability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each service type
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus are provided for providing to a receiver a time diverse digital signal corresponding to a service including receiving a digital signal containing a service content and receiving a digital signal containing a non-deterministic content. The service content is inserted into a first predetermined number of data packets in a first predetermined number of data frames deterministically. In addition, a first portion of the non-deterministic content is inserted into a second predetermined number of data packets in the first predetermined number of data frames. A copy of the first predetermined number of data packets is generated. The first predetermined number of data frames is broadcast over a distribution network. The copy of the first predetermined number of data packets is inserted into a second predetermined number of data frames and a second portion of the non-deterministic content is inserted into the second predetermined number of data frames. The second predetermined number of data frames is broadcast after a predetermined time.