Device and method for transferring a number of information signals in a flexible time multiplex

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a device and method for flexibly transferring multiple information signals (such as TV programs or multimedia streams) over a constant bitrate channel using a time-multiplexing approach. The system estimates future data rate requirements for each signal using a data rate estimator, allowing the wait times (scheduling) for each signal's next data slot to be calculated dynamically. This approach reduces transmission delays (latency), enables more efficient use of bandwidth, and improves the energy efficiency of receivers (especially mobile devices), since they only activate to receive relevant data slots. The method is particularly suited for variable bit rate services, like streaming video with changing scene complexity, and can be used in applications like digital video broadcasting for handheld devices (DVB-H).

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Digital TV and radio broadcasting where multiple channels are sent over a single transmission link (e.g., DVB-H or similar systems).
• Mobile TV and multimedia streaming to handheld devices, with high energy efficiency and smooth quality.
• Efficient streaming of multimedia (video, audio, data) in networks with constrained or costly bandwidth, such as satellite, broadcast, or wireless networks.
• Internet Protocol (IP) based content delivery in dynamic environments, like live sports or events with varying data demands.
• Use in networked multimedia applications where multiple service providers share a common distribution platform and bandwidth allocation needs to be dynamic.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces end-to-end transmission latency for information signals, improving real-time delivery.
• Enhances bandwidth utilization by dynamically allocating data rates according to estimated needs, reducing wasted capacity.
• Improves energy efficiency for receiving devices (especially battery-powered mobile devices), as they only receive data during relevant time slots.
• Maintains or improves perceived quality for variable bitrate content (such as video with complex scenes), without over-provisioning bandwidth.
• Facilitates flexible, fair, and cost-aware sharing of transmission resources among multiple services, even when data rate needs change unpredictably.
• Can be implemented as software or hardware, and is compatible with standard receivers (e.g., DVB-H devices), ensuring broad applicability and interoperability.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The device has an estimator, which is designed for estimating a data rate, for each information signal, with which the information signal is encoded in the current time slot. A processor is designed to determine a relative waiting time for each information signal, based on the estimated data rate. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for transferring multiple information signals in a cyclical time multiplex; and (2) a computer program for executing a method for transferring multiple information signals.