Zapping Stream System for Fast DVB-H Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In DVB-H broadcasting, fast channel switching is hindered by the need to wait for bursts of program data, which can take up to 40 seconds, making it difficult for users to quickly change channels and view other programs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a zapping stream system that transmits selected data items, such as I-frames, in timesliced bursts, allowing users to rapidly view program information across channels without waiting for full bursts, using a zapping proxy server to create and manage zapping streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If timesliced IPDC broadcasting is used to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but channel switching speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program data stream into distinct components: full program bursts for regular viewing and separate zapping stream bursts for channel switching. The zapping stream is further segmented to include only essential data (I-frames, audio sync points) rather than complete program content. This segmentation allows the receiver to process minimal data for channel switching while maintaining power-saving timesliced operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting complete program bursts for every channel switch, the patent applies partial action by sending only the critical portions needed for zapping - specifically I-frames for video and audio synchronization data. This partial transmission provides sufficient information for fast channel switching without the excessive data transmission and processing that would negate power savings.
2Reliability
If complete program bursts are transmitted for each channel, then program quality is maintained, but channel switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential components needed for channel switching from the complete program bursts. Specifically, it separates I-frames (intra-coded video frames that can be decoded independently) and audio synchronization data from the full program stream. These extracted elements form the zapping stream, enabling channel switching without requiring the receiver to process entire program bursts while maintaining adequate program quality for preview purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The zapping stream is prepared in advance with pre-positioned I-frames and synchronization points that enable immediate channel switching. Rather than waiting for complete program bursts to arrive, the receiver can immediately display the pre-prepared zapping data when a channel switch is requested, significantly reducing channel switching time while maintaining program quality for the selected channel.
3Speed
If zapping data is transmitted in timesliced bursts, then fast channel switching is enabled, but data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zapping stream uses the same timesliced IPDC transmission framework and burst structure as the main program broadcasts. The receiver employs the existing IPDC receiver architecture, protocol handling, and burst synchronization mechanisms for both zapping and regular program reception. This multi-functionality approach enables fast channel switching through timesliced zapping data transmission without requiring separate dedicated transmission systems or complex additional processing infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing zapping data for one or more programs transmitted using timeslicing are disclosed herein. Zapping data may be provided by a zapping data provider or server, or may be created at the mobile terminal based on received program information. Zapping data may be provided to mobile terminals via a wireless multicast network, such as a DVB-H network, using a variety of timeslicing techniques, including providing a separate zapping data stream, providing zapping data as part of the source stream, or allowing mobile terminals to derive zapping data from the source content's broadcast stream. Zapping images may be selected from I-frames of video transmissions. An IP encapsulator may synchronize broadcast streams such that I-frames are transmitted concurrently, and at the beginning of timeslice bursts.