TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present technology relates to a reception apparatus and a reception method, and
particularly to a reception apparatus and a reception method capable of minimizing
the influence of an error during transmission in channel bonding.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There is known, in digital broadcasting, channel bonding in which a stream at a high
data rate is divided into a plurality of divided streams (of channels) to be transmitted
and the divided streams are reconstructed into the stream at the original data rate
on reception side. Physical layer pipe (PLP) bundling is defined as one channel bonding
in the digital video broadcasting-cable second generation (DVB-C2) standard (see Non-Patent
Document 1, for example).
CITATION LIST
[0003] Non-Patent Document 1: DVB-C.2: ETSI EN 302 769 V1.2.1 (2011-04)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004] Incidentally, data is transmitted in units of baseband (BB) frame in the DVB-C2 standard,
but when PLP bundling is performed, an order of BB frames constructing a plurality
of divided streams is specified with reference to input stream time reference (ISCR)
of input stream synchronizer (ISSY) included in the BB headers added to the BB frames,
thereby reconstructing (recovering) the original stream.
[0005] As described above, ISCR is the only order information (time information) for specifying
an order of BB frames transmitted as divided streams, but if ISCR cannot be acquired
due to the influence of an error during transmission, BB frames cannot be accurately
rearranged. Thus, there is required to minimize the influence of an error during transmission
in channel bonding.
[0006] The present technology has been made in terms of the above situation, and is directed
to minimize the influence of an error during transmission in channel bonding.
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
[0007] A reception apparatus according to one aspect of the present technology includes
a reception unit for receiving a plurality of divided streams acquired by distributing
baseband (BB) frames of a BB stream which is a stream of BB frames to a plurality
of data slices, an estimation unit for, when an error occurs during transmission and
time information on an order of selection of the BB frames when the plurality of the
divided streams are reconstructed cannot be acquired, estimating the BB frame to be
selected next from among the selectable BB frames for each of the plurality of the
divided streams on the basis of information on the BB frames, and a selection unit
for selecting the next BB frame from among the selectable BB frames on the basis of
an estimation result of the BB frame by the estimation unit.
[0008] The reception apparatus according to one aspect of the present technology may be
an independent apparatus or an internal block configuring one apparatus. Further,
a reception method according to one aspect of the present technology is for the reception
apparatus according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0009] With the reception apparatus and the reception method according to one aspect of
the present technology, a plurality of divided streams acquired by distributing BB
frames of a BB stream which is a stream of BB frames to a plurality of data slices
are received, when an error occurs during transmission and time information on an
order of selection of the BB frames when the plurality of the divided streams are
reconstructed cannot be acquired, the BB frame to be selected next is estimated from
among the selectable BB frames for each of the plurality of the divided streams on
the basis of information on the BB frames, and the next BB frame is selected from
among the selectable BB frames on the basis of an estimation result of the BB frame.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect of the present technology, it is possible to minimize the
influence of an error during transmission in channel bonding.
[0011] Additionally, the effects described herein are not necessarily limited, and any
effect described in the present disclosure may be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012]
Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of one exemplary embodiment of a
transmission system to which the present technology is applied.
Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of PLP bundling
Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a transmission apparatus.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a transmission processing.
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a reception apparatus.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a reception processing.
Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow of BB frames processed in the transmission
apparatus and the reception apparatus.
Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary format of a BB frame.
Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating exemplary formats of ISSY included in a BB header.
Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the reception apparatus for selecting
BB frames to be transmitted in four series.
Fig. 11 illustrates exemplary rearrangement of BB frames when an error occurs.
Fig. 12 illustrates exemplary rearrangement of BB frames when an error occurs.
Fig. 13 illustrates exemplary rearrangement of BB frames when an error occurs.
Fig. 14 illustrates exemplary rearrangement of BB frames when an error occurs.
Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining an influence when BB frames are rearranged in
a wrong order.
Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining SYNCD.
Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining BB frame estimation using SYNCD.
Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining BB frame estimation using SYNCD.
Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining BB frame estimation using SYNCD.
Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining a data size kbch at which BCH coding is performed.
Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating exemplary values of kbch.
Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a control
unit when BB frame estimation is made by use of SYNCD.
Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a first BB frame selection processing.
Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining BB frame estimation using a rule of BB frame selection.
Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit when BB frame estimation is made by use of a rule of BB frame selection.
Fig. 26 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a second BB frame selection processing.
Fig. 27 is a diagram for explaining BB frame estimation using a next ISCR predictive
result.
Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit when BB frame estimation is made by use of a next ISCR predictive result.
Fig. 29 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a third BB frame selection processing.
Fig. 30 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation.
Fig. 31 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation.
Fig. 32 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation.
Fig. 33 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation.
Fig. 34 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation
in consideration of a maximum influence period.
Fig. 35 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation
in consideration of a maximum influence period.
Fig. 36 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation
in consideration of a maximum influence period.
Fig. 37 is a diagram for explaining localization of an error during BB frame estimation
in consideration of a maximum influence period.
Fig. 38 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit when an error is localized during BB frame estimation.
Fig. 39 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a stream reconstruction processing.
Fig. 40 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a computer.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0013] An exemplary embodiment according to the present technology will be described below
with reference to the drawings. Additionally, the description will be made in the
following order.
[0014]
- 1. Configuration of system
- 2. Configurations of apparatuses for PLP bundling
- 3. Method for selecting BB frame when error occurs in PLP bundling
- (1) BB frame estimation using SYNCD
- (2) BB frame estimation using rule of BB frame selection
- (3) BB frame estimation using next I SCR predictive result
- 4. Localization of error during BB frame estimation
- 5. Configuration of computer
<1. Configuration of system>
[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of one exemplary embodiment of a
transmission system to which the present technology is applied. Additionally, a system
indicates a logical set of apparatuses, and the apparatuses in each configuration
may or may not be present in the same casing.
[0016] In Fig. 1, a transmission system 1 is configured of a transmission apparatus 10 and
a reception apparatus 20.
[0017] The transmission apparatus 10 performs transmission of TV programs and the like (digital
broadcasting or data transmission), for example. That is, the transmission apparatus
10 transmits a stream of data to be transmitted such as video data or audio data of
a TV program as digital broadcast signal via a transmission path 30 as cable TV network
(wired line), for example.
[0018] The reception apparatus 20 receives the digital broadcast signal transmitted from
the transmission apparatus 10 via the transmission path 30, and recovers and outputs
it to the original stream. For example, the reception apparatus 20 outputs the video
data or audio data as TV program.
[0019] Additionally, the transmission system 1 of Fig. 1 can be applied to data transmission
conforming to a standard such as DVB-T2 standard, DVB-S2 standard, advanced television
systems committee standards (ATSC), or integrated services digital broadcasting (ISDB),
and other data transmission in addition to data transmission conforming to the DVB-C2
standard. Further, the transmission path 30 may employ a satellite line, ground wave,
or the like in addition to cable TV network.
<2. Configurations of apparatuses for PLP bundling>
(Outline of PLP bundling)
[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of PLP bundling.
[0021] In the DVB-C2 standard, PLP bundling is defined as one channel bonding. With channel
bonding, a stream at a high data rate is divided into a plurality of divided streams
(of channels) to be transmitted, and the divided streams are reconstructed into the
stream at the original data rate on reception side.
[0022] Digital broadcasting for transmitting an image with a high resolution of 8K has been
required in recent years, but throughput required for transmitting data at a high
data rate, which is acquired as a result of coding, is on the order of 100 Mbps for
an image with a resolution of 8K when the coding is performed in the high efficiency
video coding (HEVC) system. Physical layer pipe (PLP) of Fig. 2 corresponding to such
data at a high data rate is difficult to transmit in one data slice.
[0023] Thus, in the transmission system 1, the transmission apparatus 10 is configured such
that actual data as one PLP can be divided in units of BB frame and transmitted in
a plurality of data slices by PLP bundling as one channel bonding. In Fig. 2, PLP
is divided into data slices 2 to 4 and transmitted to the reception apparatus 20.
In the reception apparatus 20, the data slices 2 to 4 are received and processed by
tuners 1 to 3 and then processed by a PLP decoder so that the actual data as PLP is
reconstructed.
[0024] Additionally, in the DVB-C2 standard, a transmission bandwidth for transmitting an
orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal is partitioned in units of
(about) 6 MHz, for example. Then, assuming one transmission bandwidth partitioned
in units of 6 MHz as unit transmission bandwidth, an OFDM signal in the unit transmission
bandwidth in which data slices including PLP of actual data of a desired TV program
are transmitted is received and the data slices included in the OFDM signal are processed
in the reception apparatus 20.
[0025] Further, PLP is (data transmitted in) a logical channel included in a data slice,
and PLP is given a unique PLP ID for identifying PLP. For example, PLP with a PLP
ID corresponds to actual data of a TV program. PLP with a PLP ID of i will be described
as PLP#i below.
[0026] Additionally, in the following description, a stream of BB frames will be denoted
as "BB stream" and a plurality of streams acquired by dividing the BB stream will
be denoted as "divided streams." That is, the divided streams are configured of the
BB frames.
(Configuration of transmission apparatus)
[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the transmission apparatus
10 of Fig. 1.
[0028] The transmission apparatus 10 can divide actual data as one PLP#i (PLP given the
same PLP ID) in units of BB frame and transmit it in a plurality of data slices by
PLP bundling as one channel bonding.
[0029] In Fig. 3, the transmission apparatus 10 is configured of a control unit 111, a BB
frame generation unit 112, a BB frame distribution unit 113, data slice processing
units 114-1 to 114-N (N is an integer of 1 or more), a frame construction unit 115,
and a transmission unit 116.
[0030] The control unit 111 controls the operations of each unit in the transmission apparatus
10.
[0031] The BB frame generation unit 112 is supplied with actual data (target data such as
transport stream (TS), for example) as PLP#i with the same PLP ID. The BB frame generation
unit 112 constructs a BB frame by adding a BB header to the actual data supplied herein.
Additionally, the BB header includes input streamtime reference (ISCR) as input stream
synchronizer (ISSY). The BB frame generation unit 112 supplies the BB frame distribution
unit 113 with a BB stream constructed of BB frames.
[0032] Assuming the BB stream supplied from the BB frame generation unit 112 to be divided,
the BB frame distribution unit 113 repeatedly distributes each BB frame constructing
the BB stream to one data slice among a plurality of data slices, thereby dividing
the BB stream into a plurality of divided streams in units of BB frame. Further, the
BB frame distribution unit 113 distributes the divided streams acquired by dividing
the BB stream to any of the data slice processing units 114-1 to 114-N.
[0033] The data slice processing unit 114-1 processes the divided stream distributed by
the BB frame distribution unit 113. The data slice processing unit 114-1 is configured
of a PLP processing unit 131-1, a data slice construction unit 132-1, and a time/frequency
interleaver 133-1.
[0034] The PLP processing unit 131-1 performs error correction coding on the BB frame constructing
the divided frame distributed by the BB frame distribution unit 113 and supplied to
the data slice processing unit 114-1. Further, the PLP processing unit 131-1 maps
a FEC frame acquired as a result of the error correction coding on a signal point
on a predetermined constellation in units of predetermined bits as symbol, and adds
a FEC frame header to the FEC frame acquired by extracting the symbol as a result
of the mapping in units of FEC frame, thereby constructing a data slice packet.
[0035] The data slice construction unit 132-1 is supplied with one or more data slice packets
from the PLP processing unit 131-1. The data slice construction unit 132-1 constructs
a data slice from the one or more data slice packets supplied from the PLP processing
unit 131-1, and supplies it to the time/frequency interleaver 133-1.
[0036] The time/frequency interleaver 133-1 interleaves the data slice supplied from the
data slice construction unit 132-1 in the time direction and the frequency direction,
and supplies the interleaved data slice to the frame construction unit 115.
[0037] Though not illustrated, the data slice processing units 114-2 to 114-N are configured
of PLP processing units 131-2 to 131-N, data slice construction units 132-2 to 132-N,
and time/frequency interleavers 133-2 to 133-N, respectively, like the data slice
processing unit 114-1. The divided streams distributed by the BB frame distribution
unit 113 are processed in the data slice processing units 114-2 to 114-N as in the
data slice processing unit 114-1, and the resultant data slices are supplied to the
frame construction unit 115.
[0038] Additionally, the data slice processing units 114-1 to 114-N will be denoted as
data slice processing unit 114 for description in the following description when they
do not need to be particularly discriminated. Similarly, the PLP processing units
131-1 to 131-N, the data slice construction units 132-1 to 132-N, and the time/frequency
interleavers 133-1 to 133-N will be denoted as PLP processing unit 131, data slice
construction unit 132, and time/frequency interleaver 133, respectively, when they
do not need to be particularly discriminated.
[0039] The frame construction unit 115 is supplied with one or more data slices from (the
time/frequency interleavers 133-1 to 133-N of) the data slice processing units 114-1
to 114-N. The frame construction unit 115 constructs a C2 frame including one or more
data slices from the data slice processing units 114-1 to 114-N, and supplies it to
the transmission unit 116.
[0040] The transmission unit 116 performs inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) on the C2
frame supplied from the frame construction unit 115, and performs digital to analog
(DA) conversion on the resultant OFDM signal. The transmission unit 116 then modulates
the OFDM signal converted from a digital signal to an analog signal to a radio frequency
(RF) signal, and transmits the RF signal as digital broadcast signal via the transmission
path 30.
[0041] Additionally, in the configuration of the transmission apparatus 10 of Fig. 3, the
blocks which are not required for PLP bundling are not illustrated as needed for convenience
of the description.
(Flow of transmission processing)
[0042] A flow of a transmission processing performed by the transmission apparatus 10 of
Fig. 3 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4.
[0043] In step S111, the BB frame generation unit 112 arranges actual data (target data
such as TS, for example) as PLP supplied thereto in a data field of a BB frame, and
adds a BB header including ISSY (ISCR) to the data field, thereby constructing the
BB frame.
[0044] In step S112, the BB frame distribution unit 113 distributes the BB frame constructed
in the processing in step S111 to one data slice among a plurality of data slices
thereby to divide the BB stream into a plurality of divided streams in units of BB
frame.
[0045] In step S113, the BB frame distribution unit 113 distributes the divided streams
acquired in the processing in step S112 to any of the data slice processing units
114-1 to 114-N. Thereby, the divided streams acquired by dividing the BB stream are
supplied to any of the data slice processing units 114-1 to 114-N.
[0046] The processing in steps S114 to S118 is performed in the data slice processing unit
114. That is, in step S114, the PLP processing unit 131 performs error correction
coding on the BB frame constructing the divided frame distributed by the BB frame
distribution unit 113 and supplied to the data slice processing unit 114.
[0047] In step S115, the PLP processing unit 131 maps a FEC frame acquired as a result of
the error correction coding in the processing in step S114 on a signal point on a
predetermined constellation in units of predetermined bits as symbol.
[0048] In step S116, the PLP processing unit 131 adds a FEC frame header to the FEC frame
acquired by extracting the symbol as a result of the mapping in the processing in
step S115 in units of FEC frame, thereby constructing a data slice packet.
[0049] In step S117, the data slice construction unit 132 constructs a data slice from one
or more data slice packets constructed in the processing in step S116.
[0050] In step S118, the time/frequency interleaver 133 interleaves the data slice constructed
in the processing in step S117 in the time direction and the frequency direction.
[0051] In step S119, the frame construction unit 115 constructs a C2 frame including the
one or more interleaved data slices from (the time/frequency interleavers 133 of)
the data slice processing units 114-1 to 114-N.
[0052] In step S120, the transmission unit 116 performs IFFT on the C2 frame constructed
in the processing in step S119. Further, in step S121, the transmission unit 116 performs
DA conversion on an OFDM signal acquired as a result of IFFT in the processing in
step S120.
[0053] In step S122, the DA-converted OFDM signal acquired in the processing in step S121
is modulated to a RF signal, which is transmitted as digital broadcast signal via
the transmission path 30 (Fig. 1). When the processing in step S122 ends, the transmission
processing in Fig. 4 ends.
[0054] The flow of the transmission processing has been described above.
(Configuration of reception apparatus)
[0055] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the reception apparatus
20 of Fig. 1.
[0056] The reception apparatus 20 is configured to reconstruct (recover) actual data in
which one PLP#i is distributed and transmitted in a plurality of data slices by PLP
bundling.
[0057] In Fig. 5, the reception apparatus 20 is configured of a control unit 211, reception
units 212-1 to 212-N (N is an integer of 1 or more), data slice processing units 213-1
to 213-N, buffers 214-1 to 214-N, a BB frame selection unit 215, and a BB frame processing
unit 216.
[0058] The control unit 211 controls the operations of each unit in the reception apparatus
20.
[0059] The reception unit 212-1 receives and demodulates the RF signal with a predetermined
bandwidth transmitted as digital broadcast signal from the transmission apparatus
10 via the transmission path 30, and performs analog to digital (AD) conversion on
the resultant demodulated signal (OFDM signal) . The reception unit 212-1 then performs
fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the demodulated signal converted from an analog signal
to a digital signal, and supplies the resultant data slice to the data slice processing
unit 213-1.
[0060] The data slice processing unit 213-1 processes the data slice supplied from the reception
unit 212-1. The data slice processing unit 213-1 is configured of a time/frequency
deinterleaver 231-1, a data slice decomposition unit 232-1, and a PLP processing unit
233-1.
[0061] The time/frequency deinterleaver 231-1 deinterleaves the data slice supplied from
the reception unit 212-1 in the time direction and the frequency direction, and supplies
the deinterleaved data slice to the data slice decomposition unit 232-1.
[0062] The data slice decomposition unit 232-1 decomposes the data slice supplied from the
time/frequency deinterleaver 231-1 into data slice packets and supplies them to the
PLP processing unit 233-1.
[0063] The PLP processing unit 233-1 removes the FEC frame header from a data slice packet
supplied from the data slice decomposition unit 232-1 thereby to decompose the data
slice packet into FEC frames. Additionally, a modulation system, a code length, and
the like of the FEC frame are recognized on the basis of the removed FEC frame header,
and demapping, error correction decoding, and the like are performed later.
[0064] Further, the PLP processing unit 233-1 demaps (the symbol of) the FEC frame, and
performs error correction code decoding on the demapped FEC frame, thereby recovering
the divided streams constructed of the BB frames. (The BB frame constructing) the
divided stream recovered from the data slices by the data slice processing unit 213-1
is supplied to the buffer 214-1.
[0065] The buffer 214-1 is configured of a first in first out (FIFO) memory, for example,
and sequentially stores therein (the BB frame constructing) the divided stream supplied
from (the PLP processing unit 233-1 of) the data slice processing unit 213-1.
[0066] Though not illustrated, the data slice processing units 213-2 to 213-N are configured
of time/frequency deinterleavers 231-2 to 231-N, data slice decomposition units 232-2
to 232-N, and PLP processing units 233-2 to 233-N, respectively, like the data slice
processing unit 213-1. The data slices supplied from the reception units 212-2 to
212-N are processed in the data slice processing units 213-2 to 213-N as in the data
slice processing unit 213-1, and (the BB frames constructing) the resultant divided
streams are sequentially stored in the buffer 214-2 to 214-N.
[0067] Additionally, the data slice processing units 213-1 to 213-N will be denoted as data
slice processing unit 213 for description in the following description when they do
not need to be particularly discriminated. Similarly, the time/frequency deinterleavers
231-1 to 231-N, the data slice decomposition units 232-1 to 232-N, and the PLP processing
units 233-1 to 233-N will be denoted as time/frequency deinterleaver 231, data slice
decomposition unit 232, and PLP processing unit 233, respectively, for description
when they do not need to be particularly discriminated. Further, the buffers 214-1
to 214-N will be denoted as buffer 214 for description when they do not need to be
particularly discriminated.
[0068] The BB frame selection unit 215 reads the BB frames from the buffers 214-1 to 214-N
in an order in which the BB frames constructing the original BB stream are arranged
on the basis of ISSY (ISCR) included in the BB headers added to the BB frames constructing
the divided streams stored in the buffers 214-1 to 214-N, and supplies them to the
BB frame processing unit 216.
[0069] The BB frame processing unit 216 rearranges the BB frames in the order in which they
are supplied from the BB frame selection unit 215, thereby reconstructing (recovering)
the original BB stream. Further, the BB frame processing unit 216 decomposes a BB
frame configuring the original BB stream, and recovers and outputs the actual data
(target data such as TS, for example).
[0070] Additionally, in the configuration of the reception apparatus 20 of Fig. 5, the blocks
which are not required for PLP bundling are not illustrated as needed for convenience
of the description. Further, the configuration of the reception apparatus 20 of Fig.
5 describes that a plurality of reception units 212 corresponding to the data slice
processing units 213 are provided, but it may be such that only one reception unit
212 capable of receiving a wideband RF signal is provided and a data slice included
in a C2 frame is decomposed so that the decomposed data slices are supplied to the
data slice processing units 213-1 to 213-N.
(Flow of reception processing)
[0071] A flow of a reception processing performed by the reception apparatus of Fig. 5 will
be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6.
[0072] In step S211, the reception unit 212 receives and demodulates the RF signal with
a predetermined bandwidth transmitted as digital broadcast signal from the transmission
apparatus 10 via the transmission path 30.
[0073] In step S212, the reception unit 212 performs AD conversion on the demodulated signal
(OFDM signal) acquired by demodulating the RF signal in the processing in step S211.
[0074] In step S213, the reception unit 212 performs FFT on a digital signal acquired as
a result of the AD conversion in the processing in step S212.
[0075] In step S214, the time/frequency deinterleaver 231 deinterleaves the data slice acquired
as a result of the processing in step S213 in the time direction and the frequency
direction.
[0076] In step S215, the data slice decomposition unit 232 decomposes the deinterleaved
data slice acquired as a result of the processing in step S214 into data slice packets.
[0077] In step S216, the PLP processing unit 233 removes the FEC frame header from a data
slice packet decomposed in the processing in step S215 thereby to decompose the data
slice packet into FEC frames.
[0078] In step S217, the PLP processing unit 233 demaps (the symbols of) the FEC frames
acquired in the processing in step S216.
[0079] In step S218, the PLP processing unit 233 performs error correction code decoding
on the FEC frames demapped in the processing in step S217, thereby recovering the
divided streams constructed of the BB frames.
[0080] In step S219, the buffer 214 stores (buffers) the BB frames constructing the divided
streams recovered in the processing in step S218.
[0081] In step S220, the BB frame selection unit 215 performs a BB frame selection processing.
In the BB frame selection processing, processing of selecting a BB frame to be read
from the buffers 214-1 to 214-N is performed on the basis of ISSY (ISCR) included
in the BB headers added to the BB frames constructing the divided streams stored in
the buffers 214-1 to 214-N in the processing in step S219.
[0082] That is, the BB frames constructing the divided streams stored in the buffers 214-1
to 214-N are stored in the buffers 214-1 to 214-N until a timing in the arrangement
order in the original BB stream, and are read from the buffers 214-1 to 214-N at the
timing in the arrangement order in the original BB stream.
[0083] Further, in the BB frame selection processing, if an error occurs during transmission
and ISCR cannot be acquired, a BB frame is selected on the basis of the BB frame estimation
result. Any estimation processing among BB frame estimation using SYNCD, BB frame
estimation using a rule of BB frame selection, and BB frame estimation using a next
ISCR predictive result is performed for the BB frame estimation processing. Additionally,
the detailed contents of the BB frame selection processing when an error occurs will
be described with reference to the flowcharts of Fig. 23, Fig. 26, and Fig. 29.
[0084] In step S221, the BB frame processing unit 216 performs a stream reconstruction processing.
In the stream reconstruction processing, the BB frames selected in the processing
in step S220 are rearranged in the selection order thereby to reconstruct (recover)
the original BB stream.
[0085] Further, in the stream reconstruction processing, if an error occurs during transmission
and the BB frame estimation processing is performed in the processing in step S220,
processing of localizing the error during BB frame estimation is performed. Additionally,
the detailed contents of the stream reconstruction processing will be described below
with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 39.
[0086] In step S222, the BB frame processing unit 216 decomposes a BB frame configuring
the original BB stream reconstructed in the processing in step S221, and recovers
and outputs the actual data (target data such as TS, for example). When the processing
in step S222 ends, the reception processing in Fig. 6 ends.
[0087] The flow of the reception processing has been described above.
(Flow of BB frames)
[0088] A flow of BB frames processed in the transmission apparatus 10 of Fig. 3 and the
reception apparatus 20 of Fig. 5 when PLP bundling is performed will be described
below with reference to Fig. 7. Additionally, some components are omitted from the
transmission apparatus 10 and the reception apparatus 20 in Fig. 7. Further, a square
describing a number therein indicates a BB frame and the number described herein indicates
a value of ISCR (time stamp) in the Figure.
[0089] In Fig. 7, the BB frame generation unit 112 generates BB frames from actual data
(target data such as TS, for example) in the transmission apparatus 10, and the BB
frames are sequentially added with a BB header including ISSY (ISCR). That is, in
the example, the BB frames with ISCR of "10" to "80" are generated, and the values
of ISCR included in the BB headers are in increments of "10."
[0090] Herein, as illustrated in Fig. 8, a BB frame (BBFrame) is configured of BB header
(BBHeader) and data field (DATA) in which actual data is arranged. 2-byte MATYPE,
2-byte ISSY, 2-byte DFL, 1-byte ISSY, 2-byte SYNCD, and 1-byte CRC-8 are arranged
in this order in the BB header.
[0091] Further, Fig. 9 illustrates exemplary formats of ISSY included in the BB header.
As illustrated in Fig. 9, ISSY includes ISCR, BUFS, and BUFSTAT.
[0092] ISCR is information on a data (BB frame) transmission time, and 2- or 3-byte information.
When PLP bundling is performed, ISCR is absolutely arranged in the 3-byte field of
ISSY, and is counted up per 7/48 µs as unit of system minimum time. An order of the
BB frames transmitted as divided streams is specified in the reception apparatus 20
with reference to ISCR serving as time stamp.
[0093] BUFS is (substantial) 2-byte information on a buffer capacity (required Buffer amount)
required for compensating for a delay variation in data processing in the reception
apparatus 20. A storage area as buffer with the buffer capacity indicated by BUFS
is saved and data is read from and written into the buffer thereby to compensate for
(absorb) a delay variation in the reception apparatus 20.
[0094] In the reception apparatus 20, BUFSTAT is (substantial) 2-byte information on a read
start time to read data from the buffer with the buffer capacity indicated by BUFS.
The data stored in the buffer with the buffer capacity indicated by BUFS starts being
read at a time indicated by BUFSTAT (at a timing when the remaining amount of data
in the buffer reaches the value indicated by BUFSTAT) in the reception apparatus 20.
[0095] When PLP bundling is performed, ISCR among ISCR, BUFS, and BUFSTAT is arranged in
the 3-byte field of ISSY in the BB header of each BB frame. On the other hand, when
PLP bundling is not performed, any one of ISCR, BUFS, and BUFSTAT is selectively arranged
in the 3-byte field of ISSY in the BB header per BB frame.
[0096] Returning to the description of Fig. 7, the BB frame distribution unit 113 distributes
the divided streams acquired by dividing the BB frame generated by the BB frame generation
unit 112 to the data slice processing unit 114-1 or the data slice processing unit
114-2. Thereby, the data slice processing unit 114-1 is supplied with the divided
streams constructed of the BB frames with ISCR of "10" to "20" to be processed, for
example. Further, the data slice processing unit 114-2 is supplied with the divided
streams constructed of the BB frames with ISCR of "30" to "40" to be processed, for
example.
[0097] Then, the C2 frame including the data slices is constructed to be modulated or the
like in the transmission apparatus 10 so that the RF signal is transmitted via the
transmission path 30. On the other hand, in Fig. 7, the RF signal from the transmission
apparatus 10 is received in the reception apparatus 20 via the transmission path 30.
Then, the data slices acquired from the RF signal are processed by the data slice
processing unit 213-1 and the data slice processing unit 213-2. Thereby, (the BB frames
constructing) the divided streams recovered by the data slice processing unit 213-1
and (the BB frames constructing) the divided streams recovered by the data slice processing
unit 213-2 are sequentially stored in the buffer 214-1 and the buffer 214-2, respectively.
[0098] The BB frame selection unit 215 reads the BB frame from the buffer 214-1 or the buffer
214-2 and supplies it to the BB frame processing unit 216 on the basis of ISCR included
in the BB headers of the BB frames stored in the buffer 214-1 and the buffer 214-2.
In the example, the BB frames with ISCR of "10" to "40" stored in either the buffer
214-1 or the buffer 214-2 are read on the basis of the values of ISCR in ascending
order of the values. Further, the BB frames with ISCR of "50, " "60," and "90" stored
in the buffer 214-1 and the BB frames with ISCR of "70" and "80" stored in the buffer
214-2 are similarly read in ascending order of the values of ISCR, respectively.
<3. Method for selecting BB frame when error occurs in PLP bundling>
(Influences when ISCR cannot be acquired due to error during transmission)
[0099] As described above, when PLP bundling is performed, ISCR is absolutely arranged in
the 3-byte field of ISSY, and an order of BB frames distributed and transmitted in
divided streams is specified in the reception apparatus 20 with reference to the values
of ISCR (time stamps) as the only order information.
[0100] Fig. 10 illustrates that (a stream of) actual data as one PLP#i is divided in units
of BB frame and transmitted in four data slices by PLP bundling. Additionally, the
exemplary transmission in four data slices is illustrated herein, but the number of
data slices used for transmitting one PLP#i is not limited to four, and any number
of 2, 3, or between 5 and 255 may be employed.
[0101] A BB stream is distributed and transmitted in four data slices DS#1 to DS#4 in the
reception apparatus 20, and thus the data slice processing units 213-1 to 213-4 process
each data slice so that the BB frames constructing the divided streams acquired in
this way are sequentially stored in the buffers 214-1 to 214-4.
[0102] The BB frame selection unit 215 sequentially selects the BB frames from the one with
aminimumvalue of ISCRwith reference to the values of ISCR (time stamps) of the BB
headers added to the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4,
and supplies them to the BB frame processing unit 216 (Fig. 5) later.
[0103] However, when ISCR included in a BB header added to a BB frame cannot be acquired
due to the influence of an error during transmission (such as error in a BB frame)
in the reception apparatus 20, the only order information cannot be referred to, and
thus an order of the BB frames cannot be specified and consequently the BB frames
cannot be accurately rearranged.
[0104] Herein, Fig. 11 to Fig. 14 schematically illustrate how an error occurs in terms
of the BB frames when the divided streams divided by the transmission apparatus 10
on transmission side are reconstructed (recovered) to the original BB stream by the
reception apparatus 20 on reception side.
[0105] Additionally, Fig. 11 to Fig. 14 illustrate a state of BB frames in each apparatus
in time series, where the state of Fig. 11 indicates the state at the earliest time
and the state of Fig. 14 indicates the state at the latest time. Further, in each
Figure, the left side to the transmission path 30 indicated in a dotted line indicates
the processing on transmission side or in the transmission apparatus 10, and the right
side to the transmission path 30 indicates the processing performed on reception side
or in the reception apparatus 20. Further, in each Figure, a square describing a number
therein indicates a BB frame, and the number described therein indicates a value of
ISCR (time stamp).
[0106] At first, in Fig. 11, a BB stream constructed of a plurality of BB frames is generated
in the transmission apparatus 10. The BB frames constructing the BB stream are sequentially
added with the BB headers including ISCR of "10" to "80," respectively.
[0107] Then in Fig. 12, the BB stream of Fig. 11 is divided into four divided streams in
units of BB frame by the BB frame distribution unit 113 in the transmission apparatus
10. In Fig. 12, the data slices constructed of the four divided streams are assumed
as data slices DS#1 to DS#4 from the top of the Figure, and the data slice DS#1 includes
the BB frame with ISCR of "10" and the BB frame with ISCR of "50."
[0108] Further, the data slice DS#2 includes the BB frame with ISCR of "20" and the BB frame
with ISCR of "60," and additionally the data slice DS#3 includes the BB frame with
ISCR of "30" and the BB frame with ISCR of "70," and the data slice DS#4 includes
the BB frame with ISCR of "40" and the BB frame with ISCR of "80."
[0109] A C2 frame constructed of a data slice including the thus-distributed BB frames is
transmitted as RF signal from the transmission apparatus 10 to the reception apparatus
20 via the transmission path 30.
[0110] In Fig. 13, the RF signal is received by the reception apparatus 20 from the transmission
apparatus 10 via the transmission path 30, the data slice DS#1 is processed by the
data slice processing unit 213-1, and the BB frame with ISCR of "10" and the BB frame
with ISCR of "50," which construct the divided streams recovered from the data slice
DS#1, are stored in the buffer 214-1.
[0111] Further, the BB frame with ISCR of "20" constructing the divided stream recovered
from the data slice DS#2 by the data slice processing unit 213-2 is stored in the
buffer 214-2, but since an error occurs in a BB frame, ISCR of the BB frame (shaded
square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) arriving after the BB frame with ISCR
of "20" cannot be acquired.
[0112] Further, the BB frame with ISCR of "30" and the BB frame with ISCR of "70," which
construct the divided streams recovered from the data slice DS#3 by the data slice
processing unit 213-3, are sequentially stored in the buffer 214-3. Further, the BB
frame with ISCR of "40" and the BB frame with ISCR of "80," which construct the divided
streams recovered from the data slice DS#4 by the data slice processing unit 213-4,
are sequentially stored in the buffer 214-4.
[0113] In this way, the BB frames stored in the buffers 214-1 to 214-4 are selected by the
BB frame selection unit 215, and the BB frame selection unit 215 sequentially selects
the BB frames from the one with a minimum value of ISCR with reference to the values
of ISCR (time stamps) of the BB headers added to the BB frames stored at the heads
of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4, and supplies them to the BB frame processing unit 216
(Fig. 5) later.
[0114] Thus, when the values of ISCR of all the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers
214-1 to 214-4 can be referred to as in Fig. 13, for example, the BB frame with ISCR
of "10" may be first selected, and then the BB frame with ISCR of "20" may be selected.
[0115] However, as illustrated in Fig. 14, when the BB frame with ISCR of "10" is selected,
the BB frame with ISCR of "50" is then stored at the head of the buffer 214-1, and
when the BB frame with ISCR of "20" is selected, the BB frame with an unknown value
of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is stored at the head
of the buffer 214-2.
[0116] In this case, since the value of ISCR of the BB frame stored at the head of the buffer
214-2 cannot be referred to, the BB frame selection unit 215 cannot specify a BB frame
with a minimum value of ISCR from among the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers
214-1 to 214-4, and cannot select a BB frame next to the BB frame with ISCR of "20."
[0117] Herein, as illustrated on the upper side of Fig. 15, the BB frame with an unknown
value of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is selected after
the BB frame with ISCR of "50" and before the BB frame with ISCR of "70" in a correct
order, but if it is selected in other order, the BB frames are rearranged in a wrong
order. For example, on the lower side of Fig. 15, the BB frame with an unknown value
of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is selected after the
BB frame with ISCR of "20" and before the BB frame with ISCR of "30," for example.
[0118] In this case, the order of the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is wrong, and
thereby the BB frames to be selected after the BB frame (the BB frames with ISCR of
"30" to "50" in Fig. 15) are rearranged in a wrong order. If the selection order of
the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is wrong as described above, its influence
spreads in units of BB frame. For example, even if an error does not occur in the
actual data arranged in the data filed of a BB frame, when an error occurs in a BB
header and ISCR cannot be acquired, the four BB frames are erroneous and the error
spreads, which causes a remarkable deterioration.
[0119] Thus, there is required to minimize the influence of an error even when ISCR cannot
be acquired due to the influence of an error during transmission in channel bonding
such as PLP bundling. There will be described below a method for selecting a BB frame
in order to minimize the influence of an error in a correct order of rearrangement
of BB frames even when a BB frame whose ISCR cannot be acquired is present due to
the influence of an error (such as error in a BB frame) during transmission while
PLP bundling is performed.
(1) BB frame estimation using SYNCD
[0120] A method for selecting a BB frame depending on a BB frame estimation result using
SYNCD will be first described as one method for selecting a BB frame when an error
occurs in PLP bundling with reference to Fig. 16 to Fig. 23.
(Method for selecting BB frame depending on BB frame estimation result using SYNCD)
[0121] SYNCD is information on the number of remaining bits required for constructing a
TS packet (TSP: TSPacket) storing a BB header therein when a BB frame is stored in
the TS packet. For example, Fig. 16 illustrates a plurality of exemplary BB headers
(BBH) stored in TS packets (TSP), and 2-byte SYNCD indicating the number of remaining
bits required for constructing a TS packet storing the BB header therein is arranged
in each BB header (BBH).
[0122] With BB frame estimation using SYNCD, for example, when an error occurs in a BB frame
and a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is present in the selectable BB frames
stored in the buffers 214, the values (setting values) of SYNCD in the BB headers
are compared with an expected value of SYNCD thereby to estimate a BB frame to be
selected next from among the selectable BB frames in terms of SYNCD.
[0123] Additionally, the expected value of SYNCD is the number of remaining bits required
for constructing a TS packet when the previously-selected BB frame is stored in the
TS packet when BB frame estimation is made, and the number of bits matches with the
number of bits indicated by SYNCD arranged in the BB header in the BB frame to be
selected next. In other words, the expected value of SYNCD is a value of SYNCD in
the BB header of a next BB frame which is predicted on the basis of a value between
TS packets storing actual data therein arranged in a BB frame.
[0124] Herein, as illustrated in Fig. 17, if a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR (shaded
square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is present when the BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214 are selected with reference to only ISCR of the BB
frames, the BB frame selection unit 215 cannot specify a BB frame with a minimum value
of ISCR, and the BB frames are likely to be rearranged in a wrong order.
[0125] On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 18, when a BB frame with an unknown value
of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is present, if a BB
frame added with a BB header with a value of SYNCD matching with the expected value
of SYNCD is present in terms of ISCR of the BB frame and the value of SYNCD, the BB
frame is estimated as BB frame to be selected next, and the BB frame is selected by
the BB frame selection unit 215.
[0126] Additionally, when a BB frame added with a BB header with a value of SYNCD matching
with the expected value of SYNCD is not present, the BB frame with an unknown value
of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is estimated as BB frame
to be selected next, and the BB frame is selected by the BB frame selection unit 215.
[0127] Fig. 19 schematically illustrates BB frame estimation which is made when an error
occurs in a BB frame from the data slice processing unit 213-2 in terms of the BB
frames constructing the divided streams recovered from the data slice DS#1 by the
data slice processing unit 213-1 and the BB frames constructing the divided streams
recovered from the data slice DS#2 by the data slice processing unit 213-2.
[0128] In Fig. 19, a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR (BB frame with ISCR of "XX")
is present among the selectable BB frames, and thus BB frame estimation using SYNCD
is made. That is, in this case, an expected value of SYNCD is found from the BB frame
previously selected by the BB frame selection unit 215, and is compared with the values
of SYNCD of the selectable BB frames so that a BB frame to be selected next is estimated.
[0129] In the upper example of Fig. 19, the expected value of SYNCD is found as 728 bits
from the previously-selected BB frame. Herein 728-bit SYNCD is included in the BB
header of the BB frame constructing the divided stream recovered from the data slice
DS#1. On the other hand, a value of SYNCD of the BB frame constructing the divided
stream recovered from the data slice DS#2 (value "XX" of SYNCD) is unknown.
[0130] In this case, the expected value of 728-bit SYNCD matches with the value of SYNCD
(728 bits) of the BB frame constructing the divided stream recovered from the data
slice DS#1 in the selectable BB frames, and thus the BB frame is estimated as BB frame
to be selected next.
[0131] On the other hand, in the lower example of Fig. 19, the expected value of SYNCD is
found as 104 bits from the previously-selected BB frame. Herein, the value of SYNCD
included in the BB header of the BB frame constructing the divided stream recovered
from the data slice DS#1 is 512 bits, and does not match with the expected value of
104-bit SYNCD. In this case, the expected value of 104-bit SYNCD does not match with
the values of SYNCD of the selectable BB frames, and thus an erroneous BB frame constructing
the divided stream recovered from the data slice DS#2 is estimated as BB frame to
be selected next.
[0132] As described above, with BB frame estimation using SYNCD, when ISCR cannot be acquired
due to the influence of an error during transmission, a BB frame to be selected next
is estimated and the BB frames are correctly rearranged depending on matching with
the expected value of SYNCD with reference to the values of SYNCD of (the BB headers
of) the selectable BB frames, thereby minimizing the influence of an error during
transmission.
[0133] Further, SYNCD rarely overlaps, and thus a correct BB frame is estimated at a remarkably
high probability when a value of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD is
present, and the reasons therefor are as follows.
[0134] That is, as illustrated in Fig. 20, a BB frame is configured of a BB header, actual
data (DATA), and padding (PADDING). Generally, padding (PADDING) is not used and the
BB header is of 80 bits, and thus the actual data (DATA) is assumed as kbch-80 bits.
Additionally, kbch is a value defined by code length and coding rate as illustrated
in Fig. 21. Herein, the BB frame is cut out in units of different bits depending on
whether the operation is in a mode called Null packet deletion (NPD). Additionally,
when the Null packet deletion is ON, the Null packet is transmitted in a signal called
1-byte (8-bit) deleted null packet (DNP).
[0135] Specifically, when the Null packet deletion is OFF, a BB frame is cut out in units
of 1496 bits into TS packets, and when the Null packet deletion is ON, a BB frame
is cut out in units of 1504 bits into TS packets.
[0136] At this time, a BB frame with the same value of SYNCD as other BB frame appears after
17 BB frames at earliest. Additionally, the 17 BB frame at earliest is found under
the conditions that the code length is 64k, the coding rate is 4/5, and the Null packet
deletion is OFF. Then, an order is less likely to be selected between the BB frames
away from each other by 17 BB frames, and thus a BB frame to be selected next is estimated
by use of SYNCD when padding is not used, thereby estimating a correct BB frame at
a remarkably high probability.
(Exemplary functional configuration of control unit)
[0137] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit 211 (Fig. 5) when BB frame estimation using SYNCD is made.
[0138] In Fig. 22, the control unit 211 is configured of a BB header analysis unit 251,
a BB frame selection control unit 252, a selected BB frame estimation unit 253, and
a SYNCD expected value calculation unit 254.
[0139] The BB header analysis unit 251 analyzes the BB headers of the BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N. When a BB frame with an unknown value
of ISCR is not present and the values of ISCR of all the BB frames can be acquired,
the BB header analysis unit 251 supplies the BB frame selection control unit 252 with
the analysis result. Further, when a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is present,
the BB header analysis unit 251 supplies the selected BB frame estimation unit 253
with the analysis result.
[0140] The BB frame selection control unit 252 controls the BB frame selection unit 215
on the basis of the ISCR analysis result supplied from the BB header analysis unit
251, and selects a BB frame with a minimum value of ISCR from among the selectable
BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
[0141] When a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is present among the selectable BB
frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N according to the analysis
result from the BB header analysis unit 251, the selected BB frame estimation unit
253 requests the SYNCD expected value calculation unit 254 for an expected value of
SYNCD. The SYNCD expected value calculation unit 254 calculates an expected value
of SYNCD based on the BB frame previously selected by the BB frame selection unit
215 and supplies it to the selected BB frame estimation unit 253 in response to the
request from the selected BB frame estimation unit 253.
[0142] The selected BB frame estimation unit 253 compares the value of SYNCD acquired by
the analysis result supplied from the BB header analysis unit 251 with the expected
value of SYNCD supplied from the SYNCD expected value calculation unit 254 thereby
to determine whether a value of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD is
present.
[0143] When a value of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD is present, the selected
BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates the BB frame of (the BB header including the
value of) SYNCD as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies the BB frame selection
control unit 252 with the estimation result. Further, when a value of SYNCD matching
with the expected value of SYNCD is not present, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 estimates the erroneous BB frame as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies
the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
[0144] The BB frame selection control unit 252 controls the BB frame selection unit 215
on the basis of the estimation result supplied from the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253, and selects a BB frame to be selected next depending on the estimation result
from among the selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
(Flow of first BB frame selection processing)
[0145] A flow of a first BB frame selection processing corresponding to the processing in
step S220 in Fig. 6 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig.
23.
[0146] In step S231, the BB header analysis unit 251 determines whether an erroneous BB
frame (a BB header with CRC error) is present among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
[0147] In step S231, when it is determined that an erroneous BB frame is not present, the
processing proceeds to step S232. In step S232, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects
a BB frame with a minimum value of ISCR from among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB frame selection
control unit 252.
[0148] Further, in step S231, when it is determined that an erroneous BB frame is present,
the processing proceeds to step S233. In step S233, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 compares the expected value of SYNCD calculated by the SYNCD expected value
calculation unit 254 with the values of SYNCD acquired from the selectable BB frames
stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N thereby to determine whether a value
of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD is present.
[0149] In step S233, when it is determined that a value of SYNCD matching with the expected
value of SYNCD is present, the processing proceeds to step S234. In step S234, the
selected BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates a BB frame with the value of SYNCD
matching with the expected value of SYNCD as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies
the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
[0150] In step S235, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects the BB frame depending on the
estimation result in the processing in step S234 (BB frame with the value of SYNCD
matching with the expected value of SYNCD) from among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB frame selection
control unit 252.
[0151] Further, in step S233, when it is determined that a value of SYNCD matching with
the expected value of SYNCD is not present, the processing proceeds to step S236.
In step S236, the BB header analysis unit 251 determines whether a plurality of erroneous
BB frames (BB headers with CRC error) are present among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
[0152] In step S236, when it is determined that a plurality of erroneous BB frames are not
present among the selectable BB frames or only one erroneous BB frame is present,
the processing proceeds to step S237. In step S237, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 estimates the erroneous BB frame as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies
the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
[0153] In step S238, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects the erroneous BB frame depending
on the estimation result in the processing in step S237 from among the selectable
BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB
frame selection control unit 252.
[0154] Further, in step S236, when it is determined that a plurality of erroneous BB frames
are present among the selectable BB frames, the processing proceeds to step S239.
In step S239, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects a BB frame in a series (path)
for which the longest time has passed since the previous selection from among the
selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control
of the BB frame selection control unit 252. For example, when a time after a BB frame
stored in the buffer 214-1 is previously selected is longer than the times after the
BB frames stored in other buffers 214-2 to 214-N are previously selected, a BB frame
stored in the buffer 214-1 is selected.
[0155] When the processing in step S232, S235, S238, or S239 ends, the processing returns
to the processing in step S220 in Fig. 6, and the processing in step S220 and its
subsequent processing is performed.
[0156] The first BB frame selection processing has been described above. In the first BB
frame selection processing, when ISCR cannot be acquired due to the influence of an
error during transmission, a BB frame to be selected next is estimated depending on
matching with an expected value of SYNCD with reference to the values of SYNCD of
(the BB headers of) the selectable BB frames, and thus the BB frames are correctly
rearranged, thereby minimizing the influence of an error during transmission.
(2) BB frame estimation using rule of BB frame selection
[0157] A method for selecting a BB frame depending on a BB frame estimation result using
a rule of BB frame selection will be described below as one method for selecting a
BB frame when an error occurs in PLP bundling with reference to Fig. 24 to Fig. 26.
(Method for selecting BB frame depending on BB frame estimation result using rule
of BB frame selection)
[0158] Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting a BB frame depending on
a BB frame estimation result using a rule of BB frame selection.
[0159] In Fig. 24, the RF signal from the transmission apparatus 10 is received by the reception
apparatus 20, the data slices DS#1 to DS#4 are processed by the data slice processing
units 213-1 to 213-4, and the BB frames constructing the divided streams to be recovered
are sequentially stored in the corresponding buffers 214-1 to 214-4. Then, when ISCR
of all the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4 can be referred
to, the BB frame selection unit 215 specifies and selects a BB frame with a minimum
value of ISCR from among the selectable BB frames. Thereby, in the example on the
left side of Fig. 24, the BB frames with ISCR of "10" to "50" are sequentially selected.
[0160] In this way, when an erroneous BB frame is not present among the selectable BB frames,
the BB frame selection unit 215 sequentially selects the BB frames with a minimum
value of ISCR, and a rule of BB frame selection during the normal reception is defined
herein.
[0161] For example, in the example on the left side of Fig. 24, when the series of the processing
on the data slices DS#1 to DS#4 is assumed as series A to D, respectively, the BB
frame with ISCR of "10, " the BB frame with ISCR of "20, " the BB frame with ISCR
of "30," the BB frame with ISCR of "40," and the BB frame with ISCR of "50" are selected
from series A, series B, series C, series D, and series A, respectively. In this case,
a rule of series of BB frames selected by the BB frame selection unit 215 requires
selection in the order of "A, B, C, D, A."
[0162] Further, in the example on the left side of Fig. 24, when the BB frame with ISCR
of "50" stored in the buffer 214-1 is selected by the BB frame selection unit 215,
a BB frame input next to the BB frame with ISCR of "50" is stored at the head of the
buffer 214-1 but the value of ISCR of the BB frame (shaded square describing "XX"
therein in the Figure) is unknown due to the influence of the error.
[0163] In this case, since ISCR of the BB frame stored at the head of the buffer 214-1 cannot
be referred to, a BB frame with a minimum value of ISCR cannot be specified from among
the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4, and the BB frame
selection unit 215 cannot select a BB frame next to the BB frame with ISCR of "50."
[0164] Herein, the rule of series of BB frames selected by the BB frame selection unit 215
is previously defined during normal reception before an erroneous BB frame is stored
at the head of the buffer 214-1, and thus a BB frame to be selected next is estimated
by use of the rule. That is, when the rule of "A, B, C, D, A" is defined for the rule
of series of BB frames, the BB frame with ISCR of "50" is selected from the series
A according to the rule, and thus the BB frame selection unit 215 estimates the BB
frame with ISCR of "60" in the series B as BB frame to be selected next to the BB
frame, and selects the BB frame with ISCR of "60."
[0165] Similarly, as illustrated in the example on the right side of Fig. 24, the BB frame
selection unit 215 sequentially selects the BB frame with ISCR of "70" in the series
C, the BB frame with ISCR of "80" in the series D, and the BB frame with an unknown
value of ISCR in the series A (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure)
according to the rule of series of BB frames selected by the BB frame selection unit
215. Then, since ISCR of all the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1
to 214-4 can be referred to after the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR in the
series A is selected, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects a BB frame with a minimum
value of ISCR from among the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to
214-4 from the BB frame with ISCR of "100."
[0166] In this way, when ISCR cannot be acquired due to the influence of an error during
transmission with BB frame estimation using a rule of BB frame selection, a BB frame
to be selected next is estimated and the BB frames are correctly rearranged according
to a previously-defined rule, thereby minimizing the influence of an error during
transmission.
[0167] Additionally, the way to define a rule is exemplary, and a rule may be calculated
in other calculation method, for example, a conditional probability that series C
is likely to be next to series B is applied to define a rule.
(Exemplary functional configuration of control unit)
[0168] Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit 211 (Fig. 5) when BB frame estimation is made by use of a rule of BB frame selection.
Additionally, the components of the control unit 211 of Fig. 25 corresponding to those
of the control unit 211 of Fig. 22 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and
the description thereof will be omitted as needed.
[0169] In Fig. 25, the control unit 211 is configured of the BB header analysis unit 251,
the BB frame selection control unit 252, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253,
and a rule calculation unit 261. That is, the control unit 211 of Fig. 25 is different
from the control unit 211 of Fig. 22 in that the rule calculation unit 261 is provided
instead of the SYNCD expected value calculation unit 254.
[0170] The rule calculation unit 261 monitors selection of BB frames by the BB frame selection
unit 215, and calculates a rule of series of BB frames selected by the BB frame selection
unit 215. The rule calculation unit 261 supplies the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 with the calculated rule of series of BB frames in response to a request
from the selected BB frame estimation unit 253.
[0171] When a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is present among the selectable BB
frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 acquires the rule of series of BB frames from the rule calculation unit 261.
The selected BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates a BB frame to be selected next
from among the selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N
on the basis of the rule of series of BB frames from the rule calculation unit 261,
and supplies the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
[0172] The BB frame selection control unit 252 controls the BB frame selection unit 215
on the basis of the estimation result supplied from the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 thereby to select a BB frame to be selected next depending on the estimation
result from among the selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1
to 214-N.
(Flow of second BB frame selection processing)
[0173] A flow of a second BB frame selection processing corresponding to the processing
in step S220 in Fig. 6 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of
Fig. 26.
[0174] In step S251, the BB header analysis unit 251 determines whether an erroneous BB
frame (a BB header with CRC error) is present among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
[0175] In step S251, when it is determined that an erroneous BB frame is not present, the
processing proceeds to step S252. In step S252, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects
a BB frame with a minimum value of ISCR from among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB frame selection
control unit 252.
[0176] In step S253, the rule calculation unit 261 monitors selection of BB frames by the
BB frame selection unit 215, and calculates and holds a rule of series of BB frames
selected by the BB frame selection unit 215. In this way, a rule of BB frame selection
is defined during normal reception.
[0177] Further, in step S251, when it is determined that an erroneous BB frame is present,
the processing proceeds to step S254. In step S254, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 estimates a BB frame to be selected next on the basis of the rule of series
of BB frames previously defined in the processing in step S253, and supplies the BB
frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
[0178] In step S255, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects a BB frame according to the
rule depending on the estimation result in the processing in step S254 from among
the selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control
of the BB frame selection control unit 252.
[0179] When the processing in step S253 or S255 ends, the processing returns to the processing
in step S220 in Fig. 6, and the processing in step S220 and its subsequent processing
is performed.
[0180] The second BB frame selection processing has been described above. In the second
BB frame selection processing, when ISCR cannot be acquired due to the influence of
an error during transmission, a BB frame to be selected next is estimated according
to a previously-defined rule so that the BB frames are correctly rearranged, thereby
minimizing the influence of an error during transmission.
(3) BB frame estimation using next ISCRpredictive result
[0181] At last, a method for selecting a BB frame depending on a BB frame estimation result
using a next ISCR predictive result will be described as one method for selecting
a BB frame when an error occurs in PLP bundling with reference to Fig. 27 to Fig.
29.
(Method for selecting BB frame depending on BB frame estimation result using next
ISCR predictive result)
[0182] Fig. 27 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting a BB frame depending on
a BB frame estimation result using a next ISCR predictive result.
[0183] In Fig. 27, the RF signal from the transmission apparatus 10 is received by the reception
apparatus 20, the data slices DS#1 to DS#4 are processed by the data slice processing
units 213-1 to 213-4, and the BB frames constructing the divided streams to be recovered
are sequentially stored in the corresponding buffers 214-1 to 214-4. Then, when ISCR
of all the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4 can be referred
to, the BB frame selection unit 215 specifies and selects a BB frame with a minimum
value of ISCR. Thereby, in the example on the left side of Fig. 27, the BB frames
with ISCR of "10" to "50" are sequentially selected.
[0184] In this way, when an erroneous BB frame is not present among the selectable BB frames,
the BB frame selection unit 215 sequentially selects a BB frame with a minimum value
of ISCR, and herein predicts next ISCR on BB frame selection during the normal reception.
[0185] For example, in the example on the left side of Fig. 27, the value of ISCR increases
by "10" from the BB frame with ISCR of "10" to its subsequently-selected BB frame
with ISCR of "20" among the BB frames selected by the BB frame selection unit 215.
Similarly, the value of ISCR increases by "10" from the BB frame with ISCR of "20"
to the BB frame with ISCR of "30, " from the BB frame with ISCR of "30" to the BB
frame with ISCR of "40," and from the BB frame with ISCR of "40" to the BB frame with
ISCR of "50, " respectively. Therefore, the value of ISCR is in increments of "10"
in the BB frames with ISCR of "10" to "50" selected by the BB frame selection unit
215.
[0186] Further, in the example on the left side of Fig. 27, when the BB frame with ISCR
of "50" stored in the buffer 214-1 is selected by the BB frame selection unit 215,
a BB frame input next to the BB frame with ISCR of "50" is stored at the head of the
buffer 214-1 but the value of ISCR of the BB frame (shaded square describing "XX"
therein in the Figure) is unknown due to the influence of the error.
[0187] In this case, since ISCR of the BB frame stored at the head of the buffer 214-1 cannot
be referred to, a BB frame with a minimum value of ISCR cannot be specified from among
the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4, and the BB frame
selection unit 215 cannot select a BB frame next to the BB frame with ISCR of "50."
[0188] Herein, since an increment of the value of ISCR of each BB frame is previously found
as next ISCR predictive result during normal reception before an erroneous BB frame
is stored at the head of the buffer 214-1, a BB frame to be selected next is estimated
by use of the incremental value of ISCR. That is, when an incremental value of "10"
is calculated as incremental value of ISCR of a BB frame, the BB frame selection unit
215 selects a BB frame with ISCR of "60," which is increased by "10" from the value
of ISCR of "50, " as BB frame to be selected next to the BB frame with ISCR of "50"
from the buffer 214-2 according to the incremental value.
[0189] Similarly, a BB frame with ISCR which is increased by the incremental value of ISCR
("10" in this case) from the value of ISCR of the selected BB frame is selected thereby
to sequentially select the BB frame with ISCR of "70" from the buffer 214-3 and the
BB frame with ISCR of "80" from the buffer 214-4 as illustrated in the example on
the right side of Fig. 27.
[0190] Further, since a BB frame with ISCR of "90" which is increased by "10" from the value
of ISCR of "80" is not present, in this case, a BB frame with an unknown value of
ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is selected from the buffer
214-1. Then, after the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is selected, ISCR of
all the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4 can be referred
to, and thus the BB frame selection unit 215 selects a BB frame with a minimum value
of ISCR from among the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4
from the BB frame with ISCR of "100."
[0191] In this way, with BB frame estimation using a next ISCR predictive result, when ISCR
cannot be acquired due to the influence of an error during transmission, an incremental
value of ISCR is found as predictive value of ISCR so that a BB frame to be selected
next is estimated depending on whether a value of ISCR close to the predictive value
of ISCR is present, and the BB frames are correctly rearranged, thereby minimizing
the influence of an error during transmission.
[0192] Additionally, a calculation method using an ISCR actually-measured value has been
described above as a method for calculating a predictive value of ISCR (incremental
value of ISCR) of a BB frame, but a predictive value may be calculated by use of a
transmission parameter.
[0193] In a calculation method using a transmission parameter, the number of bits per BB
frame is first calculated on the basis of a code length and a coding rate. Herein,
51568-bit is found assuming a code length of 64k and a coding rate of 4/5, for example.
[0194] The number of packets per BB frame is then calculated. Herein, for example, when
the Null packet deletion (NPD) is OFF, the number of bits per BB frame is divided
by 1496 thereby to calculate the number of packets. For example, 34-packet or 35-packet
is found assuming 51568/1496 = 34. 29. Further, when the Null packet deletion is ON,
all the values of the deleted Null packets (DNP) of previous BB frames are added to
the number of packets (rounded up) after the start of the first packet included in
a previous BB frame. For example, 34 + ∑DNP = 65 is assumed when the value of ∑DNP
is 31, thereby finding 65 packets.
[0196] Additionally, the calculation method using an ISCR actually-measured value is performed
only when the Null packet deletion is OFF, and thus a differential value between consecutive
BB frames is calculated during normal reception so that two incremental values of
ISCR are found when the number of packets per BB frame is 34 packets and when the
number of packets per BB frame is 35 packets, for example.
(Exemplary functional configuration of control unit)
[0197] Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit 211 (Fig. 5) when BB frame estimation using a next ISCR predictive result is
made. Additionally, the components of the control unit 211 of Fig. 28 corresponding
to those of the control unit 211 of Fig. 22 are denoted with the same reference numerals,
and the description thereof will be omitted as needed.
[0198] In Fig. 28, the control unit 211 is configured of the BB header analysis unit 251,
the BB frame selection control unit 252, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253,
and an ISCR predictive value calculation unit 271. That is, the control unit 211 of
Fig. 28 is different from the control unit 211 of Fig. 22 in that the ISCR predictive
value calculation unit 271 is provided instead of the SYNCD expected value calculation
unit 254.
[0199] The ISCR predictive value calculation unit 271 monitors selection of BB frames by
the BB frame selection unit 215 and calculates an increment of the values of ISCR
of BB frames selected by the BB frame selection unit 215 thereby to predict a value
of ISCR of a BB frame to be selected next. The ISCR predictive value calculation unit
271 supplies the selected BB frame estimation unit 253 with the calculated predictive
value of ISCR (incremental value of ISCR) in response to a request from the selected
BB frame estimation unit 253.
[0200] When a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is present among the selectable BB
frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 acquires the predictive value of ISCR (incremental value of ISCR) from the
ISCR predictive value calculation unit 271. The selected BB frame estimation unit
253 compares the predictive value of ISCR from the ISCR predictive value calculation
unit 271 with the values (setting values) of ISCR of the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N thereby to determine whether a value of
ISCR which is the same as or close to the predictive value of ISCR is present.
[0201] When a value of ISCR which is the same as or close to the predictive value of ISCR
is present, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates the BB frame of (the
BB header including the value of) ISCR as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies
the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result. Further, when
a value of ISCR which is the same as or close to the predictive value of ISCR is not
present, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates the erroneous BB frame
as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies the BB frame selection control unit
252 with the estimation result.
[0202] The BB frame selection control unit 252 controls the BB frame selection unit 215
on the basis of the estimation result supplied from the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253, and selects a BB frame to be selected next depending on the estimation result
from among the selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
(Flow of third BB frame selection processing)
[0203] A flow of a third BB frame selection processing corresponding to the processing in
step S220 in Fig. 6 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig.
29.
[0204] In step S261, the BB header analysis unit 251 determines whether an erroneous BB
frame (a BB header with CRC error) is present among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
[0205] In step S261, when it is determined that an erroneous BB frame is not present, the
processing proceeds to step S262. In step S262, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects
a BB frame with a minimum value of ISCR from among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB frame selection
control unit 252.
[0206] In step S263, the ISCR predictive value calculation unit 271 monitors selection of
BB frames by the BB frame selection unit 215 and calculates an increment of the values
of ISCR of BB frames selected by the BB frame selection unit 215 thereby to predict
a value of ISCR of a BB frame to be selected next. In this way, a next ISCR predictive
result is found during normal reception.
[0207] Further in step S261, when it is determined that an erroneous BB frame is present,
the processing proceeds to step S264. In step S264, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 compares the predictive value of ISCR previously found in the processing
in step S263 with the values of ISCR of the selectable BB frames stored at the heads
of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N, and determines whether a value of ISCR which is the
same as or close to the predictive value of ISCR is present.
[0208] In step S264, when it is determined that a value of ISCR which is the same as or
close to the predictive value of ISCR is present, the processing proceeds to step
S265. In step S265, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates the BB frame
with the value of ISCR which is the same as or close to the predictive value of ISCR
as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies the BB frame selection control unit
252 with the estimation result.
[0209] In step S266, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects the BB frame (BB frame with
the value of ISCR which is the same as or close to the predictive value of ISCR) depending
on the estimation result in the processing in step S265 from among the selectable
BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB
frame selection control unit 252.
[0210] Further, in step S264, when it is determined that ISCR which is the same as or close
to the predictive value of ISCR is not present, the processing proceeds to step S267.
In step S267, the BB header analysis unit 251 determines whether a plurality of erroneous
BB frames (BB headers with CRC error) are present among the selectable BB frames stored
at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N.
[0211] In step S267, when it is determined that a plurality of erroneous BB frames are not
present among the selectable BB frames or only one erroneous BB frame is present,
the processing proceeds to step S268. In step S268, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 estimates the erroneous BB frame as BB frame to be selected next, and supplies
the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
[0212] In step S269, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects the erroneous BB frame depending
on the estimation result in the processing in step S268 from among the selectable
BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control of the BB
frame selection control unit 252.
[0213] Further, in step S267, when it is determined that a plurality of erroneous BB frames
are present among the selectable BB frames, the processing proceeds to step S270.
In step S270, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects a BB frame in a series (path)
for which the longest time has passed since the previous selection from among the
selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N under control
of the BB frame selection control unit 252. For example, when a time after a BB frame
stored in the buffer 214-1 is previously selected is longer than the times after the
BB frames stored in other buffers 214-2 to 214-N are previously selected, a BB frame
stored in the buffer 214-1 is selected.
[0214] When the processing in step S263, S266, S269, or S270 ends, the processing returns
to the processing in step S220 in Fig. 6, and the processing in step S220 and its
subsequent processing is performed.
[0215] The third BB frame selection processing has been described above. In the third BB
frame selection processing, when ISCR cannot be acquired due to the influence of an
error during transmission, an incremental value of ISCR is found as predictive value
of ISCR and a BB frame to be selected next is estimated depending on whether a value
of ISCR close to the predictive value of ISCR is present so that the BB frames are
correctly rearranged, thereby minimizing the influence of an error during transmission.
<4. Localization of error during BB frame estimation>
[0216] Incidentally, as described above, when ISCR included in a BB header added to a BB
frame cannot be acquired due to the influence of an error during transmission (such
as error in a BB frame) in the reception apparatus 20, a BB frame to be selected next
is estimated from among the selectable BB frames on the basis of the information arranged
in the BB headers such as SYNCD or ISCR. A BB frame to be selected next can be estimated
with sufficient accuracy with the BB frame estimation, but the BB frame is just estimated
and not perfect, and BB frames may be rearranged in a wrong order.
[0217] From the above, when the BB frame processing unit 216 performs processing in the
reception apparatus 20 while an order of rearrangement of BB frames selected by the
BB frame selection unit 215 is wrong, the influence of the wrong order spreads. In
particular, if an order of rearrangement of BB frames is wrong, SYNCD arranged in
the BB headers does not mean anything.
[0218] Thus, there will be described below, with reference to Fig. 30 to Fig. 39, a method
for localizing the influence of an erroneous BB frame in a limited part and minimizing
the influence of a wrong order of rearrangement of BB frames even if the BB frame
is erroneously estimated when BB frame estimation is made while an error occurs in
the BB frame and ISCR included in the BB header cannot be acquired.
(Method for localizing error during BB frame estimation)
[0219] Fig. 30 is a diagram for explaining a method for selecting a BB frame depending on
a BB frame estimation result.
[0220] In Fig. 30, the RF signal from the transmission apparatus 10 is received by the reception
apparatus 20, the data slices DS#1 to DS#4 are processed by the data slice processing
units 213-1 to 213-4, and the BB frames constructing the divided streams to be recovered
are sequentially stored in the corresponding buffers 214-1 to 214-4. Then, when ISCR
of all the BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4 can be referred
to, the BB frame selection unit 215 specifies and selects a BB frame with a minimum
value of ISCR. Thereby, the BB frames with ISCRof "10" to "20" are sequentially selected
in the example of Fig. 30.
[0221] In this way, when an erroneous BB frame is not present among the selectable BB frames,
the BB frame selection unit 215 sequentially selects the BB frames with a minimum
value of ISCR, and when the BB frame with ISCR of "20" stored in the buffer 214-2
is selected by the BB frame selection unit 215, a BB frame input next to the BB frame
with ISCR of "20" is stored at the head of the buffer 214-2, but the value of ISCR
of the BB frame (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is unknown due
to the influence of the error.
[0222] In this case, as described above, a BB frame to be selected next is estimated from
among the selectable BB frames on the basis of the information arranged in the BB
headers such as SYNCD or ISCR. The BB frame selection unit 215 then selects a BB frame
to be selected next on the basis of the BB frame estimation result.
[0223] Herein, when the BB frame estimation result is correct, the BB frames are rearranged
in a correct order as illustrated on the upper side of Fig. 31, but when the BB frame
estimation result is wrong, the BB frames are rearranged in a wrong order as illustrated
on the lower side of Fig. 31. In this case, the position of the BB frame with an unknown
value of ISCR is wrong due to the influence of the error, and additionally even the
BB frames selected after the BB frame (the BB frames with ISCR of "30" to "50" in
Fig. 31) are rearranged in a wrong order due to the influence. In this way, when a
BB frame estimation result is wrong, its influence spreads in units of BB frame.
[0224] In particular, when an order of rearrangement of BB frames is wrong, SYNCD included
in the BB headers does not mean anything. For example, when a BB frame estimation
result is wrong and the BB frames are rearranged in a wrong order as illustrated in
Fig. 32, a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR due to the influence of the error
(shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) takes over information on the
start position of a TS packet of the previous BB frame (which will be denoted as "packet
start position information" below).
[0225] Therefore, when using the values of SYNCD included in the BB headers of the BB frames
(the BB frames with ISCR of "30" to "50" in Fig. 32) rearranged in a wrong order after
the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR, the BB frame processing unit 216 discards
the data (actual data) stored in the BB frames, and consequently a discontinuous point
is caused in the actual data to be recovered (target data such as TS, for example).
[0226] Herein, in order to avoid such a discontinuous point from occurring, the BB frame
processing unit 216 does not use the values of SYNCD included in the BB headers in
a period in which an order of rearrangement of BB frames can be wrong (which will
be denoted as "influence period" below), and takes over the packet start position
information of a BB frame immediately before the influence period.
[0227] For example, when a BB frame estimation result is wrong and the BB frames are rearranged
in a wrong order as illustrated in Fig. 33, not only the BB frame with an unknown
value of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) but also the BB
frames in the influence period take over the packet start position information of
the BB frame immediately before the influence period. Additionally, the packet start
position information may use bit information acquired from SYNCD included in the BB
header of the BB frame immediately before the influence period, for example.
[0228] Specifically, the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR (shaded square describing
"XX" therein in the Figure) and the BB frames with ISCR of "30" to "50" are in the
influence period in Fig. 33, and thus the packet start position information of the
BB frame with ISCR of "20" immediately before the influence period is taken over.
Thereby, SYNCD is not used in the influence period in which an order of BB frames
can be wrong, data (actual data) stored in the BB frames is not uselessly discarded,
and consequently a discontinuous point is not caused in the actual data to be recovered
(target data such as TS, for example). Additionally, in the example, the BB frames
with ISCR of "10, " "20," "70," and "80" outside the influence period use the values
of SYNCD included in the BB headers.
[0229] Additionally, an influence period depends on a BB frame estimation algorithm, and
its maximum value is assumed as period between immediately after a BB frame input
immediately before an erroneous BB frame is selected from a buffer 214 inputting the
erroneous BB frame therein and immediately before a BB frame input immediately after
the erroneous BB frame is selected.
[0230] For example, the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR due to the influence of an
error (shaded square describing "XX" therein in the Figure) and the BB frame with
ISCR of "100" are sequentially input in the buffer 214-2 next to the BB frame with
ISCR of "20" in Fig. 34. Then, when the BB frame with ISCR of "20" stored at the head
of the buffer 214-2 is selected, a BB frame input next to the BB frame with ISCR of
"20" is stored at the head but the value of ISCR of the BB frame (shaded square describing
"XX" therein in the Figure) is unknown due to the influence of the error.
[0231] In this case, BB frame estimation using SYNCD or the like is made until the BB frame
with an unknown value of ISCR stored at the head of the buffer 214-2 (shaded square
describing "XX" therein in the Figure) is selected from among the selectable BB frames
stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-4 and the BB frame with ISCR of "100"
is stored at the head of the buffer 214-2. For example, Fig. 35 illustrates a case
in which BB frames are arranged in a correct order and a case in which BB frames are
arranged in a wrong order.
[0232] That is, the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR (shaded square describing "XX"
therein in the Figure) can be selected as BB frame between the BB frame selected immediately
after the BB frame with ISCR of "20" and the BB frame selected immediately before
the BB frame with ISCR of "100" and a period therebetween is assumed as maximum influence
period. That is, it is found that a value "XX" of ISCR is higher than "20" and lower
than "100," and thus the BB frames for which the value of ISCR exceeds "20" and is
less than "100" are assumed as BB frames in the influence period, and the values of
SYNCD included in the BB headers added to the BB frames are not used.
[0233] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 36, since when the BB frame processing unit 216
uses the values of SYNCD included in the BB headers of the BB frames (the BB frames
with ISCR of "30" to "50" in Fig. 36) rearranged in a wrong order after the BB frame
with an unknown value of ISCR, a discontinuous point is caused in actual data to be
recovered, the values of SYNCD included in the BB headers are not used in the influence
period and the packet start position information of the BB frame immediately before
the influence period is taken over as illustrated in Fig. 37.
[0234] Specifically, the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR (shaded square describing
"XX" therein in the Figure) and the BB frames with ISCR of "30" to "90" are in the
influence period (maximum influence period) in Fig. 37, and thus the packet start
position information of the BB frame with ISCR of "20" immediately before the influence
period is taken over. Thereby, SYNCD is not used in the influence period in which
an order of the BB frames can be wrong, and thus the data (actual data) stored in
the BB frames is not uselessly discarded, and consequently a discontinuous point is
not caused in the actual data to be recovered. Additionally, in the example, the BB
frames with ISCR of "10, " "20, " and "100" outside the influence period use the values
of SYNCD included in the BB headers.
[0235] In this way, the values of SYNCD included in the BB headers are not used for localizing
an error during BB frame estimation in BB frames in an influence period in which an
order of rearrangement of the BB frames can be wrong, and the packet start position
information of a BB frame immediately before the influence period is taken over thereby
to avoid a discontinuous point caused by discarding data (actual data) stored in the
BB frame, thereby minimizing the influence of an error during transmission.
(Exemplary functional configuration of control unit)
[0236] Fig. 38 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the control
unit 211 (Fig. 5) when an error is localized during BB frame estimation. Additionally,
the components of the control unit 211 of Fig. 38 corresponding to those of the control
unit 211 of Fig. 22 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description
thereof will be omitted as needed.
[0237] In Fig. 38, the control unit 211 is configured of the BB header analysis unit 251,
the BB frame selection control unit 252, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253,
the SYNCD expected value calculation unit 254, and a BB frame processing control unit
281. That is, the control unit 211 of Fig. 38 is different from the control unit 211
of Fig. 22 in that the BB frame processing control unit 281 is newly added.
[0238] When a BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR is present among the selectable BB
frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1 to 214-N, the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 compares the expected value of SYNCD with the values of SYNCD, and determines
whether a value of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD is present.
[0239] When a value of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD is present, the selected
BB frame estimation unit 253 estimates the BB frame with SYNCD as BB frame to be selected
next, and supplies the BB frame selection control unit 252 with the estimation result.
Thereby, the BB frame selection unit 215 selects the BB frame depending on the estimation
result from among the selectable BB frames stored at the heads of the buffers 214-1
to 214-N.
[0240] Herein, when making BB frame estimation, the selected BB frame estimation unit 253
generates a 1-bit flag (which will be denoted as "influence period flag" below) indicating
a BB frame in an influence period in which an order of rearrangement of BB frames
can be wrong when the BB frame estimation result is wrong, and supplies it to the
BB frame processing control unit 281 at a timing to select a BB frame by the BB frame
selection unit 215.
[0241] The BB frame processing control unit 281 is supplied with an influence period flag
of "1," for example, from the selected BB frame estimation unit 253 when a BB frame
processed in the BB frame processing unit 216 is a BB frame in the influence period,
and is supplied with an influence period flag of "0," for example, when the BB frame
is outside the influence period. The BB frame processing control unit 281 controls
processing of reconstructing (recovering) the original BB stream performed in the
BB frame processing unit 216 on the basis of an influence period flag supplied from
the selected BB frame estimation unit 253.
[0242] Specifically, when the influence period flag from the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 is "0" or the BB frame is outside the influence period, the BB frame processing
control unit 281 uses the value of SYNCD included in the BB header of the BB frame.
On the other hand, when the influence period flag from the selected BB frame estimation
unit 253 is "1" or the BB frame is in the influence period, the BB frame processing
control unit 281 takes over the packet start position information of a BB frame immediately
before the influence period.
[0243] Additionally, the configuration of the control unit 211 of Fig. 38 has been described
assuming an exemplary configuration when BB frame estimation using SYNCD is employed
as a BB frame estimation method, but the configuration may be similarly employed also
when BB frame estimation using a rule of BB frame selection or BB frame estimation
using a next ISCR predictive result is employed.
(Flow of stream reconstruction processing)
[0244] A flow of a stream reconstruction processing corresponding to the processing in step
S221 in Fig. 6 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 39.
[0245] In step S281, the BB frame processing control unit 281 determines whether a BB frame
to be processed by the BB frame processing unit 216 is a BB frame in the influence
period on the basis of an influence period flag supplied from the selected BB frame
estimation unit 253.
[0246] In step S281, when it is determined that the target BB frame is a BB frame outside
the influence period, the processing proceeds to step S282. In step S282, the BB frame
processing control unit 281 controls the BB frame processing unit 216 to convert the
BB frame to be processed in step S281 to a TS packet by use of SYNCD included in the
BB header.
[0247] Further in step S281, when it is determined that the target BB frame is a BB frame
in the influence period, the processing proceeds to step S283. In step S283, the BB
frame processing control unit 281 controls the BB frame processing unit 216 to convert
the BB frame to be processed in step S281 to a TS packet by use of the packet start
position information of a BB frame immediately before the influence period.
[0248] The processing in step S282 or S283 is performed, and thus the original BB stream
is reconstructed (recovered) from the rearranged BB frames. Additionally, when the
processing in step S282 or S283 ends, the processing returns to the processing in
step S221 in Fig. 6 and the processing in step S221 and its subsequent processing
is performed.
[0249] The stream reconstruction processing has been described above. In the stream reconstruction
processing, the packet start position information of a BB frame immediately before
an influence period is taken over without the use of the values of SYNCD included
in the BB headers of BB frames in the influence period in which an order of rearrangement
of the BB frames can be wrong, and thus a discontinuous point caused by discarding
data (actual data) stored in the BB frame is avoided, thereby minimizing the influence
of an error during transmission.
<5. Configuration of computer>
[0250] A series of processing described above can be performed in hardware or in software.
When the series of processing is performed in software, the programs configuring the
software are installed in a computer. Fig. 40 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary
hardware configuration of a computer for performing the series of processing by the
programs.
[0251] In a computer 900, a central processing unit (CPU) 901, a read only memory (ROM)
902, and a random access memory (RAM) 903 are mutually connected via a bus 904. The
bus 904 is further connected with an I/O interface 905. The I/O interface 905 is connected
with an input unit 906, an output unit 907, a recording unit 908, a communication
unit 909, and a drive 910.
[0252] The input unit 906 is configured of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or the like. The
output unit 907 is configured of a display, speaker, or the like. The recording unit
908 is configured of a hard disc, nonvolatile memory, or the like. The communication
unit 909 is configured of a network interface or the like. The drive 910 drives a
removable medium 911 such as magnetic disc, optical disc, magnetooptical disc or semiconductor
memory.
[0253] In the thus-configured computer 900, the CPU 901 loads and executes the programs
stored in the ROM 902 or the recording unit 908 into the RAM 903 via the I/O interface
905 and the bus 904 so that the series of processing is performed.
[0254] The programs executed by the computer 900 (the CPU 901) can be recorded in the removable
medium 911 as package medium or the like to be provided, for example. Further, the
programs can be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as local
area network, Internet or digital satellite broadcasting.
[0255] In the computer 900, the removable medium 911 is mounted on the drive 910 so that
the programs can be installed in the recording unit 908 via the I/O interface 905.
Further, the programs can be received by the communication unit 909 and installed
in the recording unit 908 via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Additionally,
the programs can be previously installed in the ROM 902 or the recording unit 908.
[0256] Herein, in the specification, the processing performed by the computer according
to the programs does not necessarily need to be performed in time series in an order
described in the flowcharts. That is, the processing performed by the computer according
to the programs includes the processing performed in parallel or independently (such
as parallel processing or processing by objects). Further, the programs may be processed
in one computer (processor) or may be distributed and processed in a plurality of
computers.
[0257] Note that an exemplary embodiment of the present technology is not limited to the
above exemplary embodiment, and can be variously changed within the scope without
departing from the spirit of the present technology.
[0258] Further, the present technology can take the following configurations.
[0259]
- (1) A reception apparatus including:
a reception unit for receiving a plurality of divided streams acquired by distributing
baseband (BB) frames of a BB stream which is a stream of BB frames to a plurality
of data slices;
an estimation unit for, when an error occurs during transmission and time information
on an order of selection of the BB frames when the plurality of the divided streams
are reconstructed cannot be acquired, estimating the BB frame to be selected next
from among the selectable BB frames for each of the plurality of the divided streams
on the basis of information on the BB frames; and
a selection unit for selecting the next BB frame from among the selectable BB frames
on the basis of an estimation result of the BB frame by the estimation unit.
- (2) The reception apparatus according to (1),
wherein the time information is input stream time reference (ISCR) of input stream
synchronizer (ISSY) defined in the digital video broadcasting-cable second generation
(DVB-C2) standard.
- (3) The reception apparatus according to (2),
wherein the estimation unit compares an expected value of SYNCD predicted by the previously-selected
BB frame with the values of SYNCD included in BB headers on the basis of SYNCD as
information on the number of remaining bits required for constructing packets storing
the BB headers added to the frames when the BB frames are stored in the packets, thereby
estimating the BB frame to be selected next.
- (4) The reception apparatus according to (3),
wherein the selection unit selects the BB frame added with a BB header including a
value of SYNCD matching with the expected value of SYNCD as the BB frame to be selected
next when the expected value of SYNCD matches with the value of SYNCD, and
selects the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR due to the influence of an error
as the BB frame to be selected next when a value of SYNCD matching with the expected
value of SYNCD is not present.
- (5) The reception apparatus according to (2),
wherein the estimation unit estimates the BB frame to be selected next on the basis
of a predictive result of a rule of selection of the BB frames.
- (6) The reception apparatus according to (5),
wherein when the BB frames are normally received, a rule of selection of the BB frames
is predicted on the basis of a selection result of the next BB frame selected from
among the selectable BB frames.
- (7) The reception apparatus according to (2),
wherein the estimation unit estimates the BB frame to be selected next on the basis
of a predictive result of ISCR of the BB frame.
- (8) The reception apparatus according to (7),
wherein the selection unit selects a BB frame as the BB frame to be selected next
when the BB frame with a value of ISCR which is the same as or close to the predictive
result of ISCR is present, and
selects the BB frame with an unknown value of ISCR due to the influence of an error
as the BB frame to be selected next when the BB frame with a value of ISCR which is
the same as or close to the predictive result of ISCR is not present.
- (9) The reception apparatus according to (7) or (8),
wherein a predictive result of ISCR is calculated from an actually-measured value
of ISCR or on the basis of a transmission parameter.
- (10) The reception apparatus according to any of (1) to (9), further including:
a reconstruction unit for processing the BB frames in a selection order by the selection
unit thereby to reconstruct the original BB stream from the plurality of the divided
streams.
- (11) A reception method for a reception apparatus,
wherein the reception apparatus receives a plurality of divided streams acquired by
distributing BB frames of a BB stream which is a stream of BB frames to a plurality
of data slices,
when an error occurs during transmission and time information on an order of selection
of the BB frames when the plurality of the divided streams are reconstructed cannot
be acquired, estimates the BB frame to be selected next from among the selectable
BB frames for each of the plurality of the divided streams on the basis of information
on the BB frames, and
selects the next BB frame from among the selectable BB frames on the basis of an estimation
result of the BB frame.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0260]
- 1
- Transmission system
- 10
- Transmission apparatus
- 20
- Reception apparatus
- 30
- Transmission path
- 111
- Control unit
- 112
- BB frame generation unit
- 113
- BB frame distribution unit
- 114
- Data slice processing unit
- 115
- Frame construction unit
- 116
- Transmission unit
- 211
- Control unit
- 212
- Reception unit
- 213
- Data slice processing unit
- 214
- Buffer
- 215
- BB frame selection unit
- 216
- BB frame processing unit
- 251
- BB header analysis unit
- 252
- BB frame selection control unit
- 253
- Selected BB frame estimation unit
- 254
- SYNCD expected value calculation unit
- 261
- Rule calculation unit
- 271
- ISCR predictive value calculation unit
- 281
- BB frame processing control unit
- 900
- Computer
- 901
- CPU