Decoding a packet-based data flow

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

This patent describes a method and device for improving the error correction of packet-based data streams, specifically transport streams (such as those used in digital video broadcasting). It does so by combining and recursively applying three layers of systematic forward error correction (FEC) codes—one at the transport stream level, one at the packet encapsulation level (e.g. MPE-FEC for DVB-H/SH), and a newly introduced FEC embedded within each individual data packet (such as IP packets). This triple protection allows errors uncorrectable by individual FEC layers to be recovered by their joint recursive action, leading to significantly higher reliability in data transmission over networks prone to errors.

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

• Digital television broadcasting (e.g., DVB-H and DVB-SH) to mobile and handheld devices
• Internet Protocol (IP) multicast or broadcast of multimedia content over unreliable or wireless links
• Satellite and terrestrial data transmissions using MPEG-TS
• Robust delivery of software updates or critical data in environments with high packet loss
• Streaming of audio/video content over the Internet or wireless networks with improved resilience to errors
• Any packet-based communication system that uses encapsulation and could benefit from multi-layer FEC protection
• IoT data transmission in harsh environments with significant noise/interference

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improved error correction capability through recursive application of three FEC layers
• Backward compatibility with existing receivers and decoders (older devices can skip over new FEC data)
• Increased robustness and reliability of data streams—especially important for mobile, wireless, or satellite communications
• Flexible implementation: can be realized in hardware or in software, including as a computer program or firmware update
• Efficient utilization of existing packet structures with minimal change to protocol standards
• Reduced data loss and retransmission needs, resulting in better quality of service for end-users
• Adaptability to various packet sizes and network conditions

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The device (10) has an interleaver (32) filling a correction table (36) with data packets (20, 22) i.e. internet protocol (IP) packets, and redundant data (24) of a systematic forward error correction (FEC) code in usage data sections (18) of transport stream (TS) packets (14a-14e) i.e. MPEGTS packets, of a packet-based TS (14). A redundant data operator (34a) applies the redundant data on the data packets. A correction device (34) corrects an error in the data packets by recursive evaluation of the redundant data and redundant data (16, 26) of two systematic FEC codes. The FEC code is formed as multi-protocol-encapsulation (MPE) FEC code. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for decoding a packet-based transport stream (2) a computer program comprising instructions to perform a method for decoding a packet-based transport stream.