U.S. patent application number 14/990587 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for transmission apparatus and method for transmission of data in a multi-carrier broadcast system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Samuel Asangbeng ATUNGSIRI, Nabil LOGHIN, Joerg ROBERT, Lothar STADELMEIER.
Application Number | 20160197663 14/990587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44021870 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160197663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STADELMEIER; Lothar ; et
al. |
July 7, 2016 |
TRANSMISSION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSMISSION OF DATA IN A
MULTI-CARRIER BROADCAST SYSTEM
Abstract
A transmission apparatus and method, respectively, mapping
payload data of mapping input data streams onto a mapping output
data stream having a channel bandwidth for transmission in a
multi-carrier broadcast system. To enable selection of robustness
for transmission of data, the apparatus includes a frame forming
mechanism mapping data blocks of at least two mapping input data
streams onto frames of the mapping output data stream covering the
channel bandwidth, each frame including a payload portion, the
payload portion including plural data symbols and being segmented
into data segments each covering a bandwidth portion of the channel
bandwidth. The frame forming mechanism is configured to map the
data blocks of the at least two mapping input data streams onto
data symbols of the payload portion and includes a MIMO mode
selector selecting a MIMO mode of the data blocks per data segment
and/or per mapping input data stream.
Inventors: |
STADELMEIER; Lothar;
(Stuttgart, DE) ; LOGHIN; Nabil; (Stuttgart,
DE) ; ROBERT; Joerg; (Vreden, DE) ; ATUNGSIRI;
Samuel Asangbeng; (Basingstoke, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sony Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44021870 |
Appl. No.: |
14/990587 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13579727 |
Sep 17, 2012 |
9236927 |
|
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PCT/EP2011/052222 |
Feb 15, 2011 |
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14990587 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 5/005 20130101;
H04L 5/0023 20130101; H04L 1/0048 20130101; H04L 5/0048 20130101;
H04L 1/0041 20130101; H04L 5/0042 20130101; H04L 1/0057 20130101;
H04B 7/0689 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/06 20060101
H04B007/06; H04L 5/00 20060101 H04L005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 25, 2010 |
EP |
10 154 717.2 |
Nov 22, 2010 |
EP |
10 192 096.5 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A transmission apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to map
multiple input data streams representing physical data pipes (PLPs)
onto a transmission frame, the transmission frame having a channel
bandwidth and including OFDM symbols following each other in a time
direction and being arranged into groups of OFDM symbols, each
group of OFDM symbols being assigned a MIMO mode, the MIMO modes
being selected from a SISO scheme, a MISO scheme and a MIMO scheme,
wherein a first group of OFDM symbols in the frame is assigned a
different MIMO mode from a second group of OFDM symbols in the
frame; and output circuitry configured to convey output data
streams including one or more frames including the transmission
frame to transmission circuitry.
3. The transmission apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a group
of OFDM symbols is segmented into slices, and the circuitry is
configured to map a single PLP to a slice.
4. The transmission apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
circuitry is configured to assign a different MIMO mode from one
group of OFDM symbols to a next group of OFDM symbols in the time
direction.
5. The transmission apparatus according to claim 4, wherein one
group of OFDM symbols of the groups of OFDM symbols is segmented
into slices.
6. The transmission apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of
the groups of OFDM symbols is a payload data portion.
7. The transmission apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a
payload data portion includes a payload portion signaling block
including detailed signaling information.
8. The transmission apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
detailed signaling information includes the MIMO mode.
9. The transmission apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
circuitry is configured to map a preamble to the frame, the
preamble including high level signaling.
10. The transmission apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising pilot insertion circuitry configured to insert pilots
according to different pilot patterns for the MIMO mode assigned to
a group of OFDM symbols.
11. A method of transmitting data comprising: mapping, by
circuitry, multiple input data streams representing physical data
pipes (PLPs) onto a transmission frame, the transmission frame
having a channel bandwidth and including OFDM symbols following
each other in a time direction and being arranged into groups of
OFDM symbols, each group of OFDM symbols being assigned MIMO a
mode, the MIMO modes being selected from a SISO scheme, a MISO
scheme and a MIMO scheme, wherein a first group of OFDM symbols in
the frame is assigned a different MIMO mode from a second group of
OFDM symbols in the frame; and conveying an output data stream
comprising one or more frames including the transmission frame to
transmission circuitry.
12. A receiver apparatus comprising: receiver circuitry configured
to receive input data streams having a transmission frame structure
and representing physical data pipes (PLPs); demapping circuitry
configured to demap the input data streams from a transmission
frame, the transmission frame having a channel bandwidth and
including OFDM symbols following each other in a time direction and
being arranged into groups of OFDM symbols, each group of OFDM
symbols having associated thereto an indication of a MIMO mode, the
MIMO modes being selected from a SISO scheme, a MISO scheme and a
MIMO scheme, wherein a first group of OFDM symbols in the frame has
associated thereto a different MIMO mode from a second group of
OFDM symbols in the frame; and output circuitry configured to
convey output data streams demapped from one or more frames
including the transmission frame to post processing circuitry.
13. The receiver apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a group
of OFDM symbols is segmented into slices, and the circuitry is
configured to demap a single PLP from a slice.
14. The receiver apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the
circuitry is configured to derive a different MIMO mode from one
group of OFDM symbols to a next group of OFDM symbols in the time
direction.
15. The receiver apparatus according to claim 14, wherein one group
of OFDM symbols of the groups of OFDM symbols is segmented into
slices.
16. The receiver apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of
the groups of OFDM symbols is a payload data portion.
17. The receiver apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a payload
data portion includes a payload portion signaling block including
detailed signaling information.
18. The receiver apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the
detailed signaling information includes the MIMO mode.
19. The receiver apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the
demapping circuitry is configured to demap a preamble to the frame,
the preamble including high level signaling.
20. The receiver apparatus according to claim 12, further
comprising pilot detection circuitry configured to detect pilots,
the pilots having different pilot patterns for the MIMO mode
associated with a group of OFDM symbols.
21. A method of receiving data comprising: receiving, by circuitry,
input data streams having a transmission frame structure and
representing physical data pipes (PLPs); demapping the input data
streams from the transmission frame, the transmission frame having
a channel bandwidth and including OFDM symbols following each other
in a time direction and being arranged into groups of OFDM symbols,
each group of OFDM symbols having associated thereto an indication
of a MIMO mode, the MIMO modes being selected from a SISO scheme, a
MISO scheme and a MIMO scheme, wherein a first group of OFDM
symbols in the frame has associated thereto a different MIMO mode
from a second group of OFDM symbols in the frame; and conveying
output data streams demapped from one or more frames including the
transmission frame to post processing circuitry.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/579,727 filed on Sep. 17, 2012, which
claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of 10154717.2 filed
in the European Patent Office on Feb. 25, 2010 and 10192096.5 filed
in the European Patent Office on Nov. 22, 2010 and is a national
stage application of the international application PCT/EP
2011/052222 filed on Feb. 15, 2011, the entire contents of each of
which applications is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus
comprising an apparatus for mapping payload data of mapping input
data streams onto a mapping output data stream having a channel
bandwidth for transmission in a multi-carrier broadcast system.
Further, the present invention relates to a receiving apparatus for
receiving data within a multi-carrier broadcast system. Still
further, the present invention relates to corresponding methods and
a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.
[0003] The present invention relates, for instance, to the field of
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) utilizing Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing (OFDM). Further, the present invention can
generally be applied in other broadcast systems, such as DAB
(Digital Audio Broadcasting), DRM (Digital Radio Mondial),
MediaFlo, ISDB systems or a future ATSC system. However, it should
be noted that the invention is not limited to the use of OFDM, but
can generally be applied in all multi-carrier broadcast systems and
their components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The transmission parameters of known broadcast systems, such
as the broadcast systems in accordance with the DVB-T2 standard
(second generation digital terrestrial television broadcast systems
standard as defined in ETSI EN 302 755 V1.1.1 (2009-09) "Digital
Video Broadcasting (DVB); Framing structure Channel Coding and
Modulation for a Second Generation Digital Terrestrial Television
Broadcast system (DVB-T2)"), are generally optimized for fixed
reception with stationary receivers, e.g. with roof-top antennas,
for which low power consumption is not a main issue. Further,
according to this standard a fixed channel bandwidth is generally
used. In future broadcast systems, such as the upcoming DVB-NGH
(DVB Next Generation Handheld; in the following also referred to as
NGH) standard, a mobile receiver (which is the main focus of this
upcoming standard) shall support a variety of different channel
bandwidths, e.g. ranging from 1.7 MHz to 20 MHz wide channels.
Further, such a mobile receiver has to account for specific needs
of mobile and handheld reception, i.e. low power consumption and
high robustness.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
transmission apparatus and method comprising an apparatus and a
corresponding method, respectively, for mapping payload data of
mapping input data streams onto a mapping output data stream having
a channel bandwidth for transmission in a multi-carrier broadcast
system, which selectively provide a high robustness of the data
transmission and which enable the use of narrow-band receivers
having a low power consumption. It is a further object of the
present invention to provide a corresponding receiving apparatus
and method and a non-transitory computer-readable recording
medium.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention there is
provided a transmission apparatus for transmitting data within a
multi-carrier broadcast system, comprising a transmitter unit for
transmitting said mapping output data stream, an apparatus for
mapping payload data of mapping input data streams onto a mapping
output data stream having a channel bandwidth for transmission in a
multi-carrier broadcast system, and wherein said apparatus for
mapping comprises [0007] a data input for receiving said at least
two mapping input data streams each being subdivided into data
blocks carrying payload data, [0008] a frame forming means for
mapping the data blocks of said at least two mapping input data
streams onto frames of said mapping output data stream covering
said channel bandwidth, each frame comprising a payload portion,
said payload portion comprising a plurality of data symbols and
being segmented into data segments each covering a bandwidth
portion of said channel bandwidth, wherein the frame forming means
is adapted for mapping the data blocks of said at least two mapping
input data streams onto the data symbols of said payload portion
and comprises a MIMO mode selection means for selecting the MIMO
mode of the data blocks per data segment and/or per mapping input
data stream, and [0009] a data output for outputting said mapping
output data stream.
[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a receiving apparatus for transmitting data within a
multi-carrier broadcast system.
[0011] According to further aspects of the present invention there
is provided a transmission method, a receiving method and a
non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores
therein a computer program product, which, when executed by a
processor, causes the method disclosed herein to be performed.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the
dependent claims. It shall be understood that the claimed apparatus
and methods and the claimed medium have similar and/or identical
preferred embodiments as the claimed transmission apparatus and as
defined in the dependent claims.
[0013] One of the ideas of the present invention is to apply the
concept of band segmentation in the frames in order to enable the
use of narrow-band receivers for receiving and processing the
frames. Such a segmentation of the payload portion (which carries
the actual payload data) of the frames, according to which the
payload portion is segmented into (two or more) data segments each
covering a bandwidth portion of the total channel bandwidth, the
power consumption of the used narrow-band receiver can be kept low.
Additionally, one fixed receiver tuner bandwidth is sufficient for
the reception of all available transmission bandwidths.
[0014] The frame structure applied for the frames thus uses the
band segmentation concept as, for instance, described in the DVB-C2
standard (DVB BlueBook A138 "Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB);
frame structure channel coding and modulation for a second
generation digital transmission system for cable systems (DVB-C2)")
according to which the total channel bandwidth is divided into data
slices (generally referred to herein as "data segments"). Further,
quite similar as described in the DVB-C2 standard, the frames may
in an embodiment comprise a preamble portion in addition to the
payload portion, wherein the preamble portion comprises at least
one preamble symbol carrying at least one preamble signalling block
including signalling data. The data segments of the payload portion
may have flexible bandwidths and are generally not aligned to a
frequency raster. All data of a mapping input data stream may be
transmitted within one data segment, but this is not an essential
requirement as will be explained below. Further, while the preamble
signalling blocks are aligned to a frequency raster, the data
segments typically do not follow any channel raster and can even
have flexible bandwidths. Data segments may also be combined in
frequency direction to an overall broader data pipe having a
broader bandwidth, and may also contain data of more than one
mapping input data stream.
[0015] Further, the concept of absolute OFDM may be applied for the
frame structure of the frames, according to which all OFDM
subcarriers are seen relative to the absolute frequency 0 MHz
instead of a signal center frequency. Reason for the application of
absolute OFDM and unique pilot pattern across the medium spectrum,
as applied in DVB-C2, is to avoid in the preamble symbols repeating
OFDM subcarrier allocations in the frequency domain that result in
an increased PAPR (Peak to Average Power Ratio). Furthermore, the
recognition of signals provided for particular receivers (e.g.
mobile receivers, for instance according to the upcoming DVB-NGH
standard) during initial acquisition gets faster and more reliable
with the help of the frequency specific pilot patterns.
[0016] Another idea of the present invention is to provide the
ability to the mapping apparatus to select the MIMO mode of the
data blocks (also referred to as "bursts" or "data patterns") per
data segment (also referred to as "data slice") and/or per mapping
input data stream (also referred to as "PLP" or "physical layer
pipe"), i.e. for each particular data segment and/or for each
particular mapping input data stream it is possible to determine
the MIMO mode of the data blocks so that the data blocks are
transmitted by use of a respective antenna configuration of the
transmitter. Selection of the MEMO mode here means that it is
possible during the mapping of the data blocks onto the frames to
select by which antenna configuration the data blocks of a
particular mapping input data stream (which may be mapped onto a
single or several data segments) and/or the data blocks that shall
be mapped onto a data segment (which may belong to a single or
several mapping input data streams) shall be transmitted. Hence,
for instance, the service provider of a particular service may
determine that his service (i.e. his mapping input data stream
shall be transmitted with a high robustness compared to another
service that shall be transmitted with a lower robustness, but with
a higher throughput rate. The antenna configuration (i.e. the MIMO
mode) used for transmitting the data blocks of said services may
thus be selected accordingly.
[0017] Generally, all possible MIMO modes are available for
selection, i.e. the term MIMO mode shall not be construed as being
limited to selecting a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output)
antenna configuration, using at least two antennas for transmission
in the transmitter and at least two antennas for reception in the
receiver. In contrast, other modes and, thus, other antenna
configurations shall also be available for selection, and the term
MIMO mode selection shall thus be understood broadly in this broad
sense. In an embodiment, the MIMO mode selection means is adapted
for selecting one of a SISO (Single Input Single Output) scheme,
MISO (Multiple Input Single Output) scheme or MIMO scheme, which
represent the most common schemes, i.e. the MEMO mode available for
selection can be MIMO, MISO or SISO scheme (often also called
"mode" or "antenna configuration") in this embodiment. In the
selection of the used MIMO mode a trade-off can be made between
high robustness but increased mapping and processing capacity
versus lower robustness and lower mapping and processing capacity.
As an example, a certain service (e.g. news broadcast) can be
transmitted using MISO scheme, such that even fast moving receivers
(e.g. in cars or trains) can receive this service, while at a later
time, the next service might target only stationary or portable
receivers and thus uses a MIMO scheme, which results in a higher
data rate but requires a higher reception quality. Finally, in the
given example, a low bit rate radio service can be transmitted
using SISO such that decoding becomes simple. Furthermore, SISO
offers the advantage that the number of pilots for channel
estimation can be reduced compared to MISO or MIMO
transmission.
[0018] It should be noted here that there are generally two
different basic antenna arrangements available in MIMO and MISO
schemes. In one antenna arrangement two or more transmission
antennas are arranged spatially distinct (so-called distributed
MIMO/MISO). In another antenna arrangement the two or more antennas
are located close together, but the transmitted signals are
differently polarized (so-called co-located MIMO/MISO).
[0019] In an embodiment said MIMO mode selection means is adapted
for changing the MIMO mode from frame to frame or from a group of
frames to a next group of frames. Hence, some flexibility in the
MIMO mode selection is provided, which allows e.g. targeting
different receiver types, or transmitting data in MIMO scheme only
in a specific part of a mapping output data stream, while data in
SISO scheme is transmitted in the remaining parts. Further, this
embodiment can be used to change the MIMO mode for a new service
that is mapped onto a new frame or a new group of frames.
[0020] Further, in an embodiment said MIMO mode selection means is
adapted for mapping the data blocks onto the data symbols of the
data segments such that the MIMO mode changes from data symbol to
data symbol or from a group of data symbols to a next group of data
symbols, which allows e.g. targeting different receiver types, or
transmitting data in MIMO mode only in a specific part of a mapping
output data stream, while data in SISO scheme is transmitted in the
remaining parts. Furthermore, this scheme allows e.g. for the
application of scalable video coding, where the robust layer is
transmitted in SISO scheme, while the enhancement layer is
transmitted in MIMO scheme. Thus, decoding of the robust layer is
also possible in channel conditions where MIMO decoding fails (e.g.
correlated channels).
[0021] In another aspect of the present invention an apparatus for
mapping payload data of mapping input data streams onto a mapping
output data stream having a channel bandwidth for transmission in a
multi-carrier broadcast system is provided, said apparatus
comprising [0022] a data input for receiving said at least two
mapping input data streams each being subdivided into data blocks
carrying payload data, [0023] a frame forming means for mapping the
data blocks of said at least two mapping input data streams onto
frames of said mapping output data stream covering said channel
bandwidth, each frame comprising a payload portion, said payload
portion comprising a plurality of data symbols and being segmented
into data segments each covering a bandwidth portion of said
channel bandwidth, wherein the frame forming means is adapted for
mapping the data blocks of said at least two mapping input data
streams onto the data symbols of said payload portion and comprises
a pilot, pattern selection means for selecting the pilot pattern
per data segment and/or per mapping input data stream, and [0024] a
data output for outputting said mapping output data stream.
[0025] This aspect provides another option for selecting the
robustness (especially for reliable channel estimation at the
receiver) of data blocks of data segments and/or mapping input data
streams. This option can be provided as an alternative or in
addition to the MIMO mode selection means of the MIMO mode per data
segment and/or per mapping input data stream, but can also be
provided in addition thereto.
[0026] In particular, in a further embodiment said pilot pattern
selection means is adapted for increasing the pilot density in time
and/or frequency direction, in particular depending on the number
of transmission antennas and/or the desired robustness level, since
by selecting a higher pilot density a higher robustness can be
achieved.
[0027] Preferably, said pilot pattern selection means is adapted
for providing edge pilots for one or more neighbouring data
segments, said edge pilots fitting with the pilot patterns of said
one or more neighbouring data segments. Said fitting can, for
instance, be achieved by selecting edge pilots such that they are a
multiple of the pilot patterns of the two neighbouring data
segments, between which the (common) edge pilots are provided, or
of a single neighbouring data segment (if the edge pilots are
provided at the beginning or end in frequency direction of a data
symbol). Hence, both segments can employ these edge pilots, and no
frequency gap is required between data segments. Furthermore, the
required pilot overhead is limited to a minimum, as both data
segments employ the same (common) edge pilots.
[0028] Preferably, said pilot pattern selection means is adapted
for changing the pilot pattern from frame to frame or from a group
of frames to a next group of frames. Hence, some flexibility in the
pilot pattern selection is provided. If e.g. a SISO signal is
transmitted in a frame, only the SISO pilots have to be
transmitted, which require significantly less overhead compared to
MIMO pilots. Furthermore, also the density of the pilots can be
adjusted to different scenarios, e.g. different receiver
velocities. As an example, a certain service (e.g. news broadcast)
can be transmitted with a high pilot density, such that even fast
moving receivers (e.g. in cars or trains) can receive this service,
while at a later time, the next service might target only
stationary or portable receivers and thus uses a smaller pilot
density, which results in a higher data rate.
[0029] In an embodiment, said frame forming means further comprises
a buffer unit per mapping input data stream for storing
preprocessed data blocks of an associated mapping input data stream
therein until they are mapped onto a frame, wherein said frame
forming means, in particular a scheduler thereof, is adapted for
retrieving data blocks from a buffer and mapping them onto a data
segment of a frame, if sufficient data blocks are stored therein
for filling a complete data symbol. This provides an efficient way
of filling the data segments of the frames with the data
blocks.
[0030] In an embodiment said frame forming means is adapted for
mapping the data blocks of said at least two mapping input data
streams onto the data segments of a frame such that into a data
segment only data blocks having the same MIMO mode and/or pilot
pattern are mapped. This facilitates the transmission of the data
and the signalling to the receiver since within a data segment only
a single MIMO mode and/or pilot pattern is applied so that per data
segment only one single piece of signalling information must be
provided to the receiver.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment said frame forming means is
adapted for mapping signalling information into said frame, said
signalling information including MIMO mode information indicating
the selected MIMO mode of the data blocks per data segment and/or
per mapping input data stream and/or pilot pattern information
indicating the selected pilot pattern per data segment and/or per
mapping input data stream. The receiver thus easily knows which
MIMO mode and/or pilot pattern is applied and can thus correctly
receive and decode the received data blocks. Further, this enables
the receiver to switch off particular receiving antennas or
complete receiving paths, if the signalling information signals
that only a single receiving antenna (and also further elements,
like tuner, demodulator, etc.) is generally required as is, for
instance, the case in SISO or MISO scheme. In this way, processing
capacity and power can be significantly saved in the receiver in
certain MIMO modes. Alternatively, mechanisms like maximum ratio
combining can be used to increase the decoding probability.
[0032] To enable the receiver to obtain all the required signalling
information for receiving all the data blocks of the desired data
stream, which is particular important if the data blocks are
multiplexed in time and frequency direction and/or if they are
irregularly mapped onto the frame, various embodiments exist for
informing the receivers accordingly.
[0033] Optionally, said frame forming means is adapted for
including said signalling information into one or more preamble
signalling blocks mapped onto preamble symbols of a preamble
portion of said frames, into one or more payload portion signalling
blocks mapped onto data symbols of said payload portion or in-band
into one or more data blocks mapped onto data symbols of said
payload portion. Hence, according to one embodiment all the
required signalling information could be put into the preamble
signalling blocks. This, however, would require quite large
preamble signalling blocks forcing the receiver to receive and
process quite a lot of information which is not all required if
only one particular data stream shall be received, i.e. the
signalling data for the other data streams is not required and thus
superfluous in such situation. This would also lead to time delays
of the processing of the actual data to be received. On the other
hand, one advantage would be that zapping could be faster, as all
signalling information is already known.
[0034] Hence, according to a preferred embodiment the at least one
preamble signalling block comprises only high level, rough
signalling information about the mapping of the data blocks onto
the data segments of the frames and the frame forming means is
adapted for mapping payload portion signalling blocks comprising
low level, more detailed signalling information about the mapping
of the data blocks onto the data symbols of the frames. According
to this embodiment the main information for enabling the receiver
to receive and process a particular data stream is provided in said
payload portion signalling blocks, which can generally be regarded
and processed by the frame forming means as an own mapping input
stream and which can thus be mapped onto the frames in the same way
as the other mapping input data streams. The information contained
in the payload portion signalling blocks thus, for instance,
contains the information about the code rate, modulation, number of
subsequently arranged FEC-frames, the number of data blocks within
a frame and the information about the location of the data blocks
within the frame. This information for a particular mapping input
data stream can either be put into one payload portion signalling
block and can be cyclically repeated, or it can be divided into
several pieces of information distributed over multiple payload
portion signalling blocks. The use of such payload portion
signalling blocks mapped onto the payload portion provides the
additional advantage that a time diversity of said payload portion
signalling blocks can be provided resulting in a higher robustness
of the signalling information. This signalling is similar to the L1
signalling as done according to the DVB-T2 standard, whereby
further or other parameters are included as needed.
[0035] To enable the receiver to find at least one payload portion
signalling block the at least one preamble signalling block
preferably comprises at least one pointer to a payload portion
signalling block. Hence, the receiver first obtains said pointer
from the preamble signalling block and then uses the pointer to
find the payload portion signalling block by use of said pointer,
obtains the signalling information contained therein which then
enables the receiver to find the data blocks of the desired data
stream. Hence, the preamble signalling blocks can be short since
basically pointers and only some other general signalling
information needs to be provided therein.
[0036] The provision and use of a pointer in the preamble portion
is, however, not mandatory. For instance, according to an
alternative embodiment, the position of the payload portion
signalling block(s) is predefined and known a priori in the
receiver, e.g. predefined in a standard or pre-programmed in the
transmitter and all receivers.
[0037] In an even more elaborate embodiment it is proposed that the
frame forming means is adapted for mapping in-band signalling
information comprising low level, more detailed signalling
information about the mapping of data blocks of a particular
mapping input data stream onto the data segments of the frames into
one or more of said data symbols, in particular into all data
symbols carrying data blocks of said particular mapping input data
stream. Hence, the concept of in-band signalling may additionally
be used in the frames. Said in-band signalling information may, for
instance comprise the information where the next data block of the
same mapping input data stream can be found. Thus, all this
signalling information needs not to be decoded from the preamble
signalling blocks and/or the payload portion signalling blocks,
which thus only need to enable the receiver to find the first data
block. If the receiver has decoded said data blocks it can also
read the in-band signalling information contained therein enabling
the receiver to find the next data block. This concept is
preferably provided in the data blocks of all mapping input data
streams mapped onto the frames.
[0038] According to still another embodiment the frame forming
means is adapted for mapping payload portion signalling blocks onto
data symbols of one or more particular frames, wherein signalling
information, in particular pointers, about the mapping of the data
blocks onto the data symbols of one or more subsequent frames, in
particular the next superframe, is included into said payload
portion signalling blocks. Hence, in a frame all the required
signalling information can be found by the receiver in the payload
portion signalling blocks that are required to find all data blocks
mapped onto one or more subsequent frames, i.e. a group of frames
or the frames of a superframe. This requires for the receiver a bit
more time for obtaining all the signalling information, but allows
instant zapping of the receiver between all data streams without
any waiting time for first obtaining the required signalling
information. In other words, the signalling information is obtained
in advance and without knowing if and which parts thereof all are
really required by the receiver.
[0039] According to a further refinement the frame forming means is
adapted for including offset signalling information indicating
changes of the mapping of the data blocks between said one or more
particular frames and said one or more subsequent frames into
in-band signalling information of a data block or into one or more
payload portion signalling blocks mapped onto data symbols of said
one or more particular frames. Hence, at the end of a frame said
offset signalling information can be mapped as in-band signalling
information into one or more data blocks. Alternatively, said
offset signalling information can be mapped into one or more
payload portion signalling blocks. Said offset signalling
information indicates how the signalling information changes from
this (group(s) of) frame(s) to the next (group(s) of) frame(s) (or
any other subsequent frame(s)) so that in the next (or subsequent)
(group(s) of) frame(s) all the signalling information must not
necessarily be mapped into payload portion signalling blocks or
must at least not be obtained by the receiver. In other words,
mainly some offset information is mapped into the frames to save
mapping space and time (in the receiver, which can be continuously
tuned to the desired data stream and needs not access the payload
portion signalling blocks again).
[0040] In another embodiment said frame forming means further
comprises one or more mapping units per transmission path of a
transmitter into which said apparatus is included, wherein said one
or more mapping units are adapted for individually mapping
substantially the same data blocks of the provided mapping input
data stream onto individual frames. Hence, in the various MIMO
modes the required mapping can be applied by the various frame
forming units. For instance, in SISO scheme the data can either be
transmitted by only a single antenna, but can also be
transmitted--in identical form--by two or more antennas. On the
receiver side, for instance, in SISO scheme the data can either be
received by only a single antenna, but can also be received--in
identical form--by two or more antennas (single input, multiple
output, SIMO scheme). Also in MIMO all reception paths are
generally active. In MISO scheme the data of one transmission path
can be subjected to an additional coding, e.g. Alamouti coding as
defined in the DVB-T2 standard, whereas the data on the other
transmission path are not further coded. Therefore, in another
embodiment at least one mapping unit comprises encoding means for
encoding the data blocks provided to said at least one mapping
unit.
[0041] Still further, in an embodiment said frame forming means is
adapted for mapping the data blocks of a mapping input data stream
onto a frame such that they are spread in time and frequency over
various data symbols and various data segments of said frame.
Hence, according to this embodiment, the data blocks of a mapping
input data stream are not only mapped onto a single data segment or
onto two or more data segments, but are mapped onto various, e.g.
all, data segments of the frame. In other words, time and frequency
multiplexing is applied to the data blocks of a mapping input data
stream providing time and frequency diversity increasing the
overall robustness against different kinds of disturbances that
might appear on the transmission channel, which is particularly
important when considering the reception by mobile receivers. In
addition, the data contained in the data blocks may be interleaved
in advance, and generally the data are also protected by a forward
error correction code, such as an LDPC code.
[0042] According to a preferred embodiment the frame forming means
is adapted for mapping the data blocks of a mapping input data
stream onto a frame such that they are mapped onto a single data
segment or onto two or more, in particular neighbouring, data
segments of said frame. Hence, as mentioned above, data segments
can be combined to obtain a broader "data segment", which is also
referred to as a "data pipe". The same concept of a segmented
payload portion of the frames can be used, even if mapping input
data streams having a higher data density shall be mapped onto a
frame. According to a more general scenario the data blocks of a
particular mapping input data stream are mapped onto two or more
data segments, which are not neighbouring in frequency direction.
In all these embodiments the receiver needs to have a broader
bandwidth.
[0043] According to further embodiments the frame forming means is
adapted for selecting the bandwidth of said data segments of the
payload portion of the frames. Hence, the bandwidth may be variable
and selected as needed, for instance according to the amount of
data of a mapping input data stream to be mapped on the frames.
Alternatively, as proposed according to another embodiment, the
data segments of the payload portion of the frames may have a
predetermined bandwidth, in particular an equal bandwidth, in all
frames. The latter embodiment requires less signalling since the
receivers can be appropriately adapted in advance for reception of
the known predetermined bandwidth.
[0044] Further, according to an embodiment the frame forming means
is adapted for mapping the data blocks of a mapping input data
stream onto a frame such that at each time at most one data symbol
comprises a data block of a particular mapping input data stream.
Hence, according to this embodiment a further improvement of time
diversity is obtained further increasing robustness and a
narrow-band receiver can detect this service.
[0045] Further, in an embodiment the frame forming means is adapted
for mapping the data blocks of a mapping input data stream onto a
frame such that the data blocks are irregularly mapped onto data
symbols of the frame. This embodiment also contributes to an
increase of the robustness, in particular against regular
disturbances. Irregular particularly means that there is no
predefined or any regular mapping, e.g. that is periodic in time
and/or frequency direction, of the data blocks of a mapping input
data stream onto the data symbols both in time and frequency
direction, e.g. a sequential sorted arrangement that could be
susceptible to periodic disturbances.
[0046] Still further, in an embodiment the frame forming means is
adapted for mapping the data blocks of a mapping input data stream
onto a frame such that between data symbols carrying a data block
of a particular mapping input data stream there is one or more data
symbol in time direction carrying no data block of the same
particular mapping input data stream. This embodiment also
contributes to an increase of the robustness, but provides the
further advantage that the receiver may fall into sleep mode and,
thus, save power in between data symbols carrying data blocks of
the mapping input data stream that shall be received, i.e. data
symbols carrying no data blocks of the mapping input data stream
that shall be received are not received or at least not completely
processed in the receiver. Further, this provides the ability to
the receiver to estimate the channel prior of fully waking up.
[0047] According to a preferred embodiment the frame forming means
is adapted for segmenting the preamble portion of the frames into
preamble segments all having an identical fixed bandwidth. This
solution corresponds, as mentioned above, to the segmentation of
the preamble portion as, for instance, described in the DVB-C2
standard according to which L1 blocks are provided in the preamble
portion. In an embodiment the bandwidth of the preamble segments is
equal to or larger than the bandwidth of the data segments.
Alternatively, the bandwidth can also be smaller, e.g. if less
signalling information must be put into the preamble segments.
Generally, the bandwidth of both the preamble segments and the data
segments is smaller than the receiver bandwidth.
[0048] In a further embodiment the frame forming means is adapted
for mapping substantially the same signalling data onto all
preamble segments of the preamble portion of a frame. Thus, the
same signalling data is continuously provided in the preamble
signalling blocks (which might slightly differ from each other,
e.g. have different pilots and/or are differently scrambled), but
enable a receiver always to be able to receive signalling data,
irrespective to which data segment it is tuned. Hence, even if the
tuning position of a receiver is not aligned to the frequency
raster of the preamble segments, the receiver is able to obtain the
signalling data by sorting the signalling data out of two adjacent
preamble signalling blocks since the signalling data is preferably
cyclically repeated within the preamble portion.
[0049] In an embodiment the mapping apparatus further comprises
[0050] a second frame forming means for mapping the data blocks of
a first group of received mapping input data streams onto first
frames having a first frame structure covering said channel
bandwidth for use by receivers of a first type, wherein said frame
forming means is adapted for mapping the data blocks of a second
group of received mapping input data streams onto second frames
having a second frame structure covering said channel bandwidth for
use by receivers of a second type, which second frame structure is
different from the first frame structure, and [0051] a stream
forming means for forming said mapping output data stream by
alternately arranging one or more first and one or more second
frames.
[0052] This embodiment is based on the idea to construct the
mapping output data stream such that it comprises two different
types of frames, each having its own frame structure. These two
types of frames are alternately arranged in the mapping output data
stream such that alternately one or more second frames follow one
or more first frames and so on as, for instance, defined in the
superframe structure according to the DVB-T2 standard, according to
which T2-frames and FEF frames (Future Extension Frames) are
alternately arranged. The first frames are designed for reception
by a first type of receiver, e.g. a stationary receiver such as a
DVB-T2 receiver, while the second frames (i.e. the "frames" as
explained above in detail) are designed for reception by a second
type of receiver, e.g. a mobile receiver such as a DVB-NGH
receiver.
[0053] The frame structure applied for the first frames may, as
proposed according to a preferred embodiment, be the frame
structure as described in the DVB-T2 standard for the T2-frames,
and the second frames may be the FEF frames as described in the
DVB-T2 standard. Both frames may thus be arranged alternately to
obtain a superframe structure as generally described in the DVB-T2
standard. Further, both frames may carry data from the same mapping
input data streams but with a different robustness level and
different data throughput (i.e. different data density) if designed
for reception by different kinds of receivers. For instance, the
first frames may carry the data with a high density for reception
by stationary receivers, while the second frames may carry the same
data with low density for reception by mobile receivers. In other
embodiments, however, the two different types of frames may carry
data from different (or only partly the same) mapping input data
streams, for instance if different services or data shall be
provided to the different kinds of receivers.
[0054] As mentioned above, the first frames may be formed in
accordance with the DVB-T2 standard and the second frames may be
formed in accordance with the DVB-C2 standard. The mapping input
data streams can thus be regarded as physical layer pipes, wherein
each physical layer pipe is segmented into subslices or bursts
representing the above-mentioned data blocks, which carry error
correction code encoded, interleaved data. The invention, however,
is not limited to such embodiments and applications, but other
frame structures and other kinds of mapping input data streams in
other applications (using other standards or no particular
standard) may be used as well.
[0055] It has been found that generally for changing from the
transmission of data in a SISO scheme (requiring only a single
transmission antenna) to the transmission of data in a MIMO or MISO
scheme (requiring at least two transmission antennas) in time
domain it is needed to quickly switch the one or more further
transmission antennas on and off Due to the high power used for
transmission in the field of broadcasting, other solutions are
needed.
[0056] For solving this problem, in an embodiment the transmission
apparatus as proposed according to the present invention is adapted
for transmitting a mapping output data stream in which the MIMO
mode of the data blocks is selected per data segment, wherein said
transmitter unit comprises at least two transmission antennas,
wherein a first transmission antenna is adapted for transmission of
data blocks mapped onto data segments in any MIMO mode and wherein
the further transmission antennas are adapted for transmission of
data blocks mapped onto data segments in the MISO scheme or MIMO
scheme. Hence, no quick on and off switching of transmission
antennas in time domain is required, but the transmission antennas
are generally switched on all the time but are generally using
different numbers of subcarriers.
[0057] Preferably, said further transmission antennas are adapted
to use differently polarized subcarriers than the first antenna.
For instance, in an embodiment of a transmission apparatus a first
transmission antenna uses vertically polarized subcarriers, while a
second transmission antenna uses horizontally polarized
subcarriers. Alternatively, the various antennas may use different
circular polarizations. In still another alternative embodiment of
a transmission apparatus the various transmission antennas deploy
spatial diversity, i.e. they may be located at considerable
distances from each other, i.e. not at substantially the same
place, but rather separated by about 5-10 times the wavelength, and
may then use the same polarization. Further, combinations of all
schemes are also possible (spatially separated and (circular)
polarized, . . . )
[0058] Advantageously, said frame forming means is adapted for
generating OFDM symbols for transmission by said further
transmission antennas over the complete channel bandwidth. Thus, a
single wide-band OFDM symbol is used in this embodiment by said
further transmission antennas.
[0059] In this embodiment said frame forming means is preferably
adapted for setting subcarriers used by said further transmission
antennas to zero in bandwidth portions of said channel bandwidth
covered by data segments onto which data blocks are mapped in the
SISO scheme. Thus, only a single OFDM symbol has to be generated
and synchronization in time and frequency is eased.
[0060] Alternatively, said frame forming means is adapted for
generating OFDM symbols for transmission by said further
transmission antennas, an OFDM symbol comprising two or more
partial OFDM symbols, each partial OFDM symbol comprising only
directly adjacent, non-zero subcarriers. Thus, two or more
narrow-band OFDM symbols are used in this embodiment by said
further transmission antennas. This approach yields smaller PAPR
values for each partial OFDM and further allows the construction of
very broadband OFDM signals of smaller building blocks. However,
the partial OFDM signals have to be shifted (mixed) to the
corresponding data segments with perfect time and frequency
synchronization.
[0061] Further, in an embodiment said further transmission antennas
are adapted for each substantially using the same total
transmission power as the first transmission antenna and for each
substantially equally distributing the total transmission power to
the non-zero subcarriers. This ensures that each transmission
antenna can transmit with the same total power which is generally
desired in case of several transmission antennas in a MIMO or MISO
transmission system. This helps to avoid power imbalances at the
receiver for the detection of the different transmission antennas
prior to OFDM demodulation, thereby achieving the best possible
average SNR values for the different reception antennas. This
provides an advantage, since many MIMO schemes suffer from power
imbalances, e.g., spatial multiplexing MIMO.
[0062] Preferably, said transmission antennas are adapted for each
substantially using the same transmission power per non-zero
subcarrier. This helps to avoid power imbalances at the receivers
for the detection of the different transmission antennas after OFDM
demodulation.
[0063] Finally, in an embodiment said frame forming means is
adapted for inserting PAPR reducing methods (e.g. pilots, tone
reservation carriers, etc.) for use by said further transmission
antennas in bandwidth portions of said channel bandwidth covered by
data segments onto which data blocks are mapped only in the SISO
scheme. This provides for an improvement of the PAPR
(peak-to-average power ratio) reduction of the transmissions of the
further transmission antennas.
[0064] In a further aspect of the present invention a transmission
apparatus is provided, in particular as described above, comprising
at least two transmission antennas, wherein a first transmission
antenna is adapted for transmission of data blocks mapped onto data
frames in any MIMO mode and wherein the further transmission
antennas are adapted for transmission of data blocks mapped onto
data frames in the MISO scheme or MIMO scheme, wherein the one or
more further antennas are adapted for also transmitting data during
times where the first transmission antenna is transmitting data
blocks mapped onto data frames in the SISO scheme, and wherein said
further transmission antennas are adapted for each substantially
using the same transmission power as the first transmission
antenna.
[0065] This transmission apparatus is generally provided for use in
any kind of transmission system, including broadcast systems, using
at least two transmission antennas in which different MIMO modes
are alternately used from time to time, i.e. where it is needed to
quickly switch the one or more further transmission antennas on and
off. Such quick switching operations are thus avoided according to
this aspect of the present invention.
[0066] Preferably, said one or more further antennas are adapted
for transmitting, during times when the first transmission antenna
is transmitting data blocks mapped onto data frames in the SISO
scheme, the same data as the first antenna. This contributes to
avoid undesired power variation among said one or more further
antennas.
[0067] Also in such a transmission apparatus the further
transmission antennas may be adapted to use differently polarized
subcarriers than the first antenna. Further, in an embodiment the
first and second transmission antennas (in case of two transmission
antennas may be inclined by +45.degree. and -45.degree.,
respectively, to a vertical axis resulting in good reception
results by a common rooftop antenna.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0068] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
apparent from and explained in more detail below with reference to
the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following
drawings
[0069] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a mapping apparatus
according to the present invention,
[0070] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a transmitter according
to the present invention,
[0071] FIG. 3 shows the structure of a complete T2-frame,
[0072] FIG. 4 shows more details of the structure of a complete
T2-frame,
[0073] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a frame forming unit in
accordance with the DVB-T2 standard,
[0074] FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of a
frame forming unit in accordance with the present invention,
[0075] FIG. 6B shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of a
frame forming unit in accordance with the present invention,
[0076] FIG. 6C shows a block diagram of a third embodiment of a
frame forming unit in accordance with the present invention,
[0077] FIG. 6D shows a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a
frame forming unit in accordance with the present invention,
[0078] FIG. 7 shows a first embodiment of the frame structure of a
second frame,
[0079] FIG. 8 shows more details of the first embodiment of the
frame structure of a second frame,
[0080] FIG. 9 shows the structure of a superframe,
[0081] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the frame structure of
the second frame,
[0082] FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment for mapping signalling
information into the second frames,
[0083] FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment for mapping signalling
information into the second frames,
[0084] FIG. 13 illustrates the steps of the method performed by a
receiver for obtaining signalling information,
[0085] FIG. 14 shows a second embodiment of a mapping apparatus
according to the present invention,
[0086] FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of a transmitter according
to the present invention,
[0087] FIG. 16 shows a first embodiment of a broadcast system
according to the present invention,
[0088] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a receiver of a first type
used in said broadcast system shown in FIG. 16,
[0089] FIG. 18 shows a demapping apparatus of the receiver shown in
FIG. 17,
[0090] FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a receiver of second type
according to the present invention used in said broadcast system
shown in FIG. 16,
[0091] FIG. 20 shows a demapping apparatus of the receiver shown in
FIG. 19,
[0092] FIG. 21 shows a second embodiment of a broadcast system
according to the present invention,
[0093] FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of a receiver according to
the present invention used in said broadcast system shown in FIG.
21,
[0094] FIG. 23 shows a demapping apparatus of the receiver shown in
FIG. 22,
[0095] FIG. 24 shows a third embodiment for mapping signalling
information into the second frames,
[0096] FIG. 25A shows a simplified diagram of a first embodiment of
a transmitter according to the present invention,
[0097] FIG. 25B shows a simplified diagram of a second embodiment
of a transmitter according to the present invention,
[0098] FIG. 26A shows a first example of a possible pilot pattern
that may be used according to the present invention,
[0099] FIG. 26B shows a second example of a possible pilot pattern
that may be used according to the present invention,
[0100] FIG. 26C shows a third example of a possible pilot pattern
that may be used according to the present invention,
[0101] FIG. 27 shows a diagram illustrating a first embodiment how
subcarriers are transmitted by two transmission antennas,
[0102] FIG. 28 shows a diagram illustrating a second embodiment how
subcarriers are transmitted by two transmission antennas,
[0103] FIG. 29A shows a first embodiment of a broadcast system
according to the present invention using different types of
antennas in the transmission apparatus,
[0104] FIG. 29B shows a second embodiment of a broadcast system
according to the present invention using different types of
antennas in the transmission apparatus,
[0105] FIG. 30A illustrates a transmission apparatus and the
assignment of transmission power to its transmission antennas,
and
[0106] FIG. 30B illustrates a transmission apparatus and the
assignment of transmission power to its transmission antennas with
constant power allocation.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0107] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a mapping apparatus 10
according to the present invention. The apparatus 10 is provided
for mapping payload data of mapping input data streams S1, S2, . .
. , Sn onto a mapping output data stream Q having a (predetermined)
channel bandwidth for transmission in a multi-carrier broadcast
system. The mapping input data streams S1, S2, . . . , Sn are each
subdivided into data blocks (also called bursts, sub-slices or data
patterns) carrying payload data, which are pre-processed by other
elements of a transmitter as will be explained below. A data input
12 receives said mapping input data streams S1, S2, . . . , Sn.
Further, signalling data Si are received by said data input 12.
[0108] For frame forming and mapping the data blocks of received
mapping input data streams onto frames two different frame forming
units 14 and 16 are provided. A first frame forming unit 14 maps
the data blocks of a first group of mapping input data streams,
e.g. of mapping input data streams S1, S2 and S3, onto first frames
F1 having a first frame structure also covering the total channel
bandwidth. In addition, the signalling data Si are incorporated
into said first frames F1 for signalling the required data to
receivers of a first type that are adapted for receiving and
processing said first frames F1.
[0109] A second group of mapping input data streams, e.g. the
mapping input data streams S1, S4 and S5, are provided to the
second frame forming unit 16 which maps them onto second frames F2
having a second frame structure covering the total channel
bandwidth. The second frame structure is generally different from
the first frame structure, and the second frames F2 are generally
provided for reception and processing by different types of
receivers. Also the second frame forming unit 16 uses signalling
data Si for incorporation into the second frames F2 for use by the
receivers, wherein the signalling data incorporated into the first
frames F1 are generally different from the signalling data
incorporated into the second frames F2, which shall, however, not
exclude that the same structure of the signalling data and the
signalling concept is used in both types of frames. Those frames
F1, F2, in particular both sequences of first frames F1 and second
frames F2 generated by the first frame forming unit 14 and the
second frame forming unit 16, are then further processed by a
stream forming unit 18 which alternately arranges one or more first
frames F1 and one or more second frames F2, thus forming the
mapping output data stream Q. Said mapping output data stream is
then outputted by a data output 20 for further processing and/or
transmission.
[0110] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a transmitter 30 according
to the present invention, in which a mapping apparatus 10 as
explained above is used. FIG. 2 particularly shows an exemplary
embodiment of a transmitter 30 which, however, shall not be
understood as limiting the application of the present
invention.
[0111] The transmitter 30 comprises a first pre-processing unit 32
and a second pre-processing unit 34. The first pre-processing unit
32 receives transmitter input data streams I1, I2 . . . , Im and
pre-processes them to obtain the mapping input data streams S1, S2,
. . . , Sm. The transmitter input data streams I1, I2, . . . , Im
may, for instance, be one or more (e.g. MPEG-2) transport stream(s)
and/or one or more generic stream(s), and the data may be carried
therein in individual Physical Layer Pipes PLPs.
[0112] The first pre-processing unit 32 is, in this exemplary
embodiment, adapted in accordance with the DVB-T2 standard and
comprises elements for input processing and Bit Interleaved Coding
& Modulation (BICM). Such means may include means for CRC
encoding, header insertion, padding insertion, scrambling, FEC
encoding (LDPC/BCH) bit interleaving, bit to cell demultiplexing,
cell to constellation mapping, constellation rotation and cyclic
Q-delaying, cell interleaving and time interleaving, just to name a
few elements that are generally provided as explained in detail in
the DVB-T2 standard. Those elements are commonly known and
described in detail in the DVB-T2 standard so that no further
explanations are provided here.
[0113] The second pre-processing unit 34 is, in this exemplary
embodiment, adapted for pre-processing the received transmitter
input data streams I1, I2, . . . , Ip, which may be different from,
partly equal or completely equal to the transmitter input data
streams I1, I2, . . . , Im (which depends mainly on the kinds of
services provided to the different types of receivers). In an
embodiment, said pre-processing may be performed in the same or in
a similar way as described in the DVB-T2 standard (or,
alternatively, in the DVB-C2 standard), possibly with additional
adaptions according to the needs of the desired application. Hence,
said pre-processing unit 34 comprises, in this exemplary
embodiment, means for input processing and Bit Interleaved Coding
& Modulation (BICM). Said means may particularly comprise means
for input stream synchronization, null packet detection,
CRC-encoding, header insertion, scrambling, FEC (BCH/LDPC)
encoding, bit interleaving, bit to cell demultiplexing, cell to
constellation mapping and frame header insertion. Again, these
means are generally known and described in detail in the DVB-T2
standard and the DVB-C2 standard so that no further explanations
are provided here.
[0114] It shall be noted that any time reference is made to any
standard herein, the various explanations provided in the cited
standard, particularly in the DVB-T2 standard and the DVB-C2
standard, to which reference has been made above and will be made
below, are herein incorporated by reference herewith.
[0115] The output of the first and second pre-processing units 32,
34 are then provided as mapping input data streams S1, S2, . . . ,
Sm and S1, S2, . . . , Sp to the mapping apparatus 10, which is
generally adapted as explained above with respect to FIG. 1. In the
particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, however, the data input 12
is split-up into two data input subunits 12a, 12b for respectively
receiving the mapping input data streams from the first
pre-processing unit 32 and the second pre-processing unit 34. The
mapping output data stream Q is then provided to a transmitter unit
36 for transmission, in particular by a broadcast, after further
processing, where necessary.
[0116] Next, frame forming in the first frame forming unit 14 shall
be explained. If applied in transmitter 30 as depicted in FIG. 2,
the first frame forming unit 14 is also adapted to process the
received mapping input data streams S1, S2, . . . Sm in accordance
with the DVB-T2 standard. Hence, generally the first frame forming
unit 14 comprises a cell mapper, which assembles modulated cells of
PLPs and signalling information into arrays corresponding to OFDM
symbols. Hence, frames are formed (generally called "T2-frames") as
schematically depicted in FIG. 3 and in more detail in FIG. 4. Such
a T2-frame comprises one P1 preamble symbol, followed by one or
more P2 preamble symbols, followed by a configurable number of data
symbols. Thereby, PLPs are classified into three types, in
particular common PLP, data PLP type 1 and data PLP type 2. An
exemplary embodiment of the first frame forming unit 14 is depicted
in FIG. 5. More details about the T2-frame structure and the
mapping of PLPs (generally referred to herein as mapping input data
streams) can be found in the DVB-T2 standard and shall thus not be
provided here.
[0117] Block diagrams of various embodiments of the second frame
forming unit 16 are schematically depicted in FIGS. 6A to 6D. A
first embodiment of the second frame forming unit 16a is shown in
FIG. 6A. For each of the p mapping input data streams (PLPs) S1,
S2, . . . , Sp received by the second frame forming unit 16a a
separate PLP processing unit 161 is provided, each generally
comprising a FEC-encoder 1611, an interleaver 1612, a QAM-modulator
1613 (optionally with rotated constellations), and a MIMO mode
selection unit 1614. Further, a signalling processing unit 162 is
provided for processing of signalling information, which signalling
processing unit 162 generally comprises the same elements as the
PLP processing units 161. The processed PLPs and the processed
signalling data are then provided to one or more mapping units
163a, 163b, whose task is the mapping of the time interleaving
blocks of the several PLPs onto the frame structure. Therefore,
each mapping unit 163a, 163b divides the time interleaving blocks
into bursts (generally called data blocks). These bursts are then
mapped onto the OFDM symbols (generally called data symbols) in the
different data slices (generally called data segments). The length
of each burst is preferably a multiple of the number of useful OFDM
subcarriers per data slice.
[0118] The data slices, more precisely the bursts of the data
slices, are then subjected to data slice processing including
frequency interleaving and a pilot insertion, so that the complete
OFDM symbol for the corresponding data slice is generated.
Preferably, a pairwise frequency interleaving is performed and all
pilots are added, i.e. the scattered and continual pilots for
channel estimation and synchronization. Preferably, the bandwidth
of the data slices is a multiple of 24, which ensures a constant
number of payload OFDM subcarriers (generally per four (temporally)
consecutive segments). Generally, only after some (e.g. four) data
symbols the pilot pattern is repeated, but not after each data
symbol. This allows channel estimation in frequency and time
direction with reduced overhead.
[0119] The output from the data slice processing, the preamble,
edge pilots and scrambling sequences, are then further processed.
In particular, the different data slices and the preamble are
assembled to the complete framing structure to be used for the
second frames F2. Furthermore, the edge pilot next to the highest
OFDM subcarrier is added. Additionally, scrambling of the data is
preferably performed. Finally, one or more OFDM modulators 164a,
164b may be provided for OFDM modulation in each processing
path.
[0120] The MIMO mode selection unit 1614 provides the ability to
select for each mapping input data stream S1, S2, . . . , Sp
individually the MIMO mode to be used for the data blocks of the
respective mapping input data stream S1, S2, . . . , Sp. Hence, it
can be determined for each mapping input data stream S1, S2, . . .
, Sp by which antenna configuration the data blocks of the mapping
input data stream S1, S2, . . . , Sp shall be transmitted. For
instance, it may be determined that for the data blocks of the
first mapping input data stream S1 the SISO scheme is selected,
that for the data blocks of the second mapping input data stream S2
the MISO scheme is selected, and that for the data blocks of the
third mapping input data stream S3 a MIMO scheme with spatial
multiplexing is selected. For this purpose, more than one mapping
unit 163a, 163b is provided, which allows splitting the signal
outputted from a PLP processing unit 161 onto various paths for
individual processing, which various paths are then provided to
different transmission antennas. For instance, two transmission
antennas (and, hence, two mapping units 163a, 163b and two OFDM
modulators 164a, 164b) may be provided, e.g. to allow the data to
be split between the two transmission antennas on the same
frequency in such a way that the two transmission antennas will not
much interfere with each other. In particular, e.g. in MISO scheme
the preprocessing of the signals is such that the receiver can
separate the signals, and in MIMO scheme both the receiver and the
transmitter may have multiple antennas for reception and
transmission, respectively, which numbers can be equal or
different. This enables that even interfering signals can be
reconstructed. More details as well as further examples will be
explained below.
[0121] In another embodiment of the second frame forming unit 16b
illustrated in FIG. 6B for each mapping input data stream S1, S2, .
. . , Sp a separate buffer 165 is provided. These buffers 165 are
filled with the data blocks of the respective mapping input data
stream. The mapping unit(s) 163a, 163b accesses the buffers 165,
and when sufficient data blocks are stored in a buffer, e.g. for
completely filling a data symbol of a data segment, these data
blocks are taken from the buffer and provided to the mapping
unit(s) 163a, 163b for further processing and mapping onto said
data symbol.
[0122] Further, according to this embodiment, a time and frequency
interleaver 1615 (e.g. implemented as separate units for time
interleaving and frequency interleaving) is provided in each PLP
processing unit 161, and the MIMO selection unit 1614 is further
adapted for selecting the pilot pattern individually for each
mapping input data stream S1, S2, . . . , Sp. In this way,
preferably the pilot density in time and/or frequency direction can
be selected, in particular depending on the number of transmission
antennas, to select the robustness of the data transmission with
respect to reliable channel estimation at the receiver.
[0123] In still another embodiment of the second frame forming unit
16c illustrated in FIG. 6C, which is quite similar to the
embodiment of the second frame forming unit 16b illustrated in FIG.
6B, a coding unit 166 is provided in at least one (preferably all)
mapping unit(s) 163a, 163b. This coding unit 166 enables to encode
the data blocks (e.g. all data blocks or selected data blocks), as
is, for instance, regularly performed in MISO processing (for
instance according to the DVB-T2 standard). In an example an
Alamouti code can be applied by the coding unit 166 on the data
blocks outputted from the PLP processing unit 161 to produce two
similar sets of data blocks at the output, each of which being
directed to a separate transmission antenna.
[0124] Further, in this embodiment, for each mapping input data
stream S1, S2, . . . , Sp a separate pilot pattern selection unit
1616 is provided for selecting the pilot pattern individually for
each mapping input data stream S1, S2, . . . , Sp.
[0125] FIG. 6D shows still another embodiment of the second frame
forming unit 16d. According to this embodiment the MIMO selection
is not performed per mapping input data stream, but per data
segment (also called data slice). The output of the PLP processing
units 161 is provided to a scheduler 167, whose task is the mapping
of the time interleaving blocks of the several PLPs onto the frame
structure. Therefore, the scheduler 167 divides the time
interleaving blocks into bursts. These bursts are then mapped onto
the OFDM symbols in the different data slices. The length of each
burst is preferably a multiple of the number of useful OFDM
subcarriers per data slice. The data slices, more precisely the
bursts of the data slices, are then provided to data slice
processing units 168, each comprising a frequency interleaver 1681
a MIMO mode selection unit 1682 and a pilot pattern selection unit
1683. The data slice processing uses the data received from the
scheduler 167, creates the complete OFDM symbol for the
corresponding data slice, and performs a pairwise frequency
interleaving. Further, in the MIMO mode selection unit 1682 the
MIMO mode can be selected for all data blocks of the respective
data stream, and in the pilot pattern selection unit 1683 the pilot
pattern can be selected for all data blocks of the data stream.
Preferably, the scheduler 167 is adapted such that it schedules
only data blocks onto a particular data segment that shall be
transmitted with the same MIMO mode (and/or pilot pattern) of this
particular data segment.
[0126] The output from the data slice processing units 168, the
preamble, edge pilots and scrambling sequences, are then provided
to one or more framing units 169, which assembles the different
data slices and the preamble to the complete framing structure to
be used for the second frames F2. Furthermore, it adds the edge
pilot next to the highest OFDM subcarrier. Additionally, it
performs the scrambling of the data. Finally, one or more OFDM
modulators 164a, 164b are provided for OFDM modulation.
[0127] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D show that
according to the present invention it is possible to select the
MIMO mode and/or the pilot pattern individually for each mapping
input data stream and/or each data segment. It shall be understood
that all possible combinations of respective means for such a
selection are possible.
[0128] According to embodiments of the present invention the
selection of the MIMO mode and/or the pilot pattern and the mapping
of the data blocks onto data symbols of the frame is performed such
that the MIMO mode and/or the pilot pattern changes from data
symbol to data symbol, from a group of data symbols to a next group
of data symbols (in time direction), from frame to frame, from a
group of frames to a next group of frames, from data segment to
data segment and/or from a group of data segments to a next group
of data segments.
[0129] The frame structure of the second frames F2 as generated by
such embodiments of the second frame forming unit 16 is
schematically depicted in FIG. 7 and in more detail in FIG. 8.
[0130] These figures show the frame structure of the second frame
F2 as defined in the DVB-C2 standard. This frame structure uses the
concept of absolute OFDM, according to which all frequencies are
aligned to the absolute frequency 0 MHz, which is identical to the
OFDM subcarrier index k=0. The OFDM subcarrier frequencies of the
following OFDM subcarriers are given by f=(1/T.sub.u)k, where
T.sub.u is the duration of the useful OFDM symbol part. Hence, the
start and stop frequencies of the signal can also be given in OFDM
subcarrier indices instead of a middle frequency of the signal. The
start and the stop frequency are given by K.sub.min and K.sub.max,
respectively. It shall be noted, however, that the used of absolute
OFDM is not essential for the present invention.
[0131] It is important to note that the concept of absolute OFDM
can be used, but must not necessarily be used. For instance, in an
embodiment, both the first and second frames F1, F2 are aligned to
a frequency raster and use the concept of absolute OFDM, whereas in
another embodiment both the first and second frames F1, F2 are not
aligned to a frequency raster and do not use the concept of
absolute OFDM. The second frames F2, however, make use of the
concept of segmented OFDM as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, while
the first frames F1 generally do not make use of this concept (but
could also use it in certain embodiments).
[0132] The frame F2 has a preamble portion 40 and a payload portion
50. The signalling data are mapped on the preamble portion 40,
which comprises (in time direction) one or more preamble symbols 41
(e.g. L.sub.p preamble symbols 41 as shown in FIG. 8). Each
preamble symbol 41 carries (in frequency direction) one or more
preamble signalling blocks 42 (also called L1 block symbol) which
carry the signalling data, i.e. the same signalling data are
included therein and are thus periodically repeated, although the
signalling blocks 42 are not completely identical, e.g. due to the
use of different pilots therein.
[0133] The payload portion 50 is segmented into data segments 51
(also called data slices, e.g. 5 data slices as shown in FIG. 7 or
k data slices as shown in FIG. 8. Each data segment 51 carriers a
number of data symbols 52, e.g. L.sub.Data data symbols as shown in
FIG. 8). Onto these data symbols the data blocks of the various
mapping input data streams S1, S2, . . . , Sp are mapped. Various
embodiments of said mapping will be explained in more detail
below.
[0134] As can also be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8 the preamble segments
43, into which the preamble portion is segmented in frequency
direction, all have an equal bandwidth which is equal to or larger
than the bandwidth of the data segments 51. This shall be
understood as an example only, the bandwidth of the preamble
segments 43 can also be smaller than the bandwidth of the data
segments 51, e.g. if less signalling information must be put into
the preamble segments. Generally, the bandwidth of both the
preamble segments and the data segments is smaller than or equal to
the receiver bandwidth. There is also no necessity of any alignment
of the beginning of the preamble segments 43 with the beginning of
the data segments in a frequency domain. Hence, a transmitter may
also only transmit two partial preamble signalling blocks 42, for
which the receiver can create a complete preamble signalling block
if it knows where these preamble signalling blocks begin.
[0135] FIG. 9 shows a superframe structure that is formed by the
stream forming unit 18 from the first and second frames, F1, F2. In
particular, by alternately arranging one or more first frames F1
and one or more second frames F2 said superframe structure is
formed. The sequence of said superframes F3 then represents the
mapping output data stream Q outputted by the stream forming unit
18 via the data output 20.
[0136] Adopting the superframe structure as defined in the DVB-T2
standard the first frames F1 represent the T2-frames, and the
second frames F2 are placed into the parts reserved for the FEF
frames. For instance, in a practical embodiment the F1 frames
(formed in accordance with the DVB-T2 standard) are provided for
reception by stationary receivers (e.g. in accordance with the
DVB-T2 standard), and the second frames F2 (e.g. formed in
accordance with a DVB-C2 standard or according to any new rules)
are provided for reception by mobile receivers (e.g. according to
the upcoming DVB-NGH standard).
[0137] Next, embodiments for mapping the data blocks of a mapping
input data stream onto the second frame F2 shall be explained. In a
first embodiment, which is generally in consistence with the frame
structure defined in the DVB-C2 standard, the data blocks of a
particular mapping input data stream are mapped onto a single data
segment or two or more (neighbouring or not neighbouring) data
segments. For instance, referring to FIG. 7, all data blocks of a
particular mapping input data stream are thus mapped on (for
instance) data slice 1 or data slices 1 and 2. This has the
advantage that the receiver tuning position can be kept fixed once
the receiver has tuned to the data segment it wants to receive.
[0138] According to another embodiment as schematically depicted in
FIG. 10, the data blocks of a particular mapping input data stream
are spread in time and frequency over various data symbols and
various data segments. For instance, the data symbols 52a-52e
indicated in FIG. 10 carry data blocks of a particular mapping
input data stream and are spread in frequency over the five data
segments 51a-51e and in addition in time so that at each time only
one data segment carries a data symbol containing data of said
particular mapping input data stream. This provides the advantage
of an increased robustness due to increased time and frequency
diversity. Of course, the tuner of the receiver has to wake up
slightly earlier for channel estimation if the data blocks of the
data stream it wants to receive are spread over various data
segments. If time-slicing (as in DVB-H or DVB-T2) is applied, this
problem always occurs. However, the retuning to new frequencies
should only induce a small overhead in processing and power
consumption (compared to always-on and full-bandwidth tuning).
[0139] In a single data segment data blocks belonging to various
mapping input data streams can thus be transmitted according to
this embodiment of the present invention. These data blocks may be
pre-processed in the same manner, but also in different manner
(e.g. with different MODCODs) to provide different levels of
robustness to the different mapping input data streams. For
instance, as proposed according to an embodiment of the present
invention, different MIMO modes and/or different pilot patterns may
be applied to the data blocks of the individual mapping input data
streams. Further, in an alternative or in addition, different MIMO
modes and/or different pilot patterns may be applied to the data
blocks mapped onto the individual data segments.
[0140] While it is generally possible, that at a particular time
also more than one data symbol (i.e. from different data segments)
carry a data block of the same mapping input data stream, the
embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is preferred since in this case
receivers with smaller bandwidths can be used.
[0141] The mapping structure of the data blocks of a particular
mapping input data stream can be kept regular, as shown in FIG. 10,
but is preferably selected irregular, i.e. the data blocks are
preferably spread irregularly over the data symbols of the second
frame F2 and not according to any regular (e.g. periodic) pattern
in time and/or frequency. This also contributes to an increased
robustness, particularly against regular disturbances. This
requires an increased amount of signalling information needed for
the receiver to find the data symbols of the mapping input data
stream to be received. For this problem, however, several solutions
exist as will be explained below.
[0142] Further, time gaps are preferably introduced between data
blocks of a mapping input data stream, during which no data symbol
of any data segment carries a data block of said particular mapping
input data stream. For instance, as shown in FIG. 10, there is a
time gap .DELTA.t between the data symbols 52c and 52d, during
which other data symbols are provided, which, however, do not carry
data blocks of the mapping input data stream whose data blocks are
carried in the data symbols 52a-52e. This provides the advantage
that a receiver might fall into sleep mode during this time gap
.DELTA.t to save power. Generally, said time gap .DELTA.t is
preferably large enough to allow the receiver to fall into sleep
mode, wake up timely and re-tune, but it might differ from data
symbol to data symbol. It is at least large enough to allow the
receiver to re-tune.
[0143] The bandwidth of the data segments 51 may be kept equal and
predetermined, as shown in FIG. 10. However, in other embodiments
the bandwidth of the individual data segments 51 may be variable or
may be determined as needed. For instance, if a mapping input data
stream has only a low amount of data compared to other mapping
input data streams a data segment might be used having a smaller
bandwidth for said mapping input data stream.
[0144] According to still another embodiment of the mapping, the
mapping of data blocks of a particular mapping input data stream
may be kept constant within a particular frame F2, but may be
changed from frame F2 to the next frame F2, i.e. a frequency
hopping may be provided from frame to frame (or from a first group
of frames to the next group of frames), but not within frames.
[0145] According to still another embodiment a data block can be
split up in frequency direction for use by data symbols from
different mapping input data streams. This is illustrated in FIG.
10 by use of data symbol 54. In this example, the data symbol is
split up into a first partial data symbol 54a, onto which a first
(possibly partial) data block from a first mapping input data
stream is mapped, and a second partial data symbol 54b, onto which
a second (possibly partial) data block from a second mapping input
data stream is mapped. This, for instance, makes sense if the total
data symbol 54 cannot be filled by a complete data block from the
first mapping input data stream (e.g. because not enough data are
currently available).
[0146] Next, various embodiments for signalling the required
signalling information about the mapping of the data blocks onto
the data segments and the data symbols of the second frames shall
be explained. In a first embodiment only the preamble signalling
blocks comprise all the signalling information required for a
transmitter to receive and demap all the intended data blocks. This
embodiment would, however, require that the preamble signalling
blocks are quite large (in frequency and/or time), since the
preamble has typically a high pilot density for robust channel
estimation and synchronization leading to the result that less
signalling capacity is available in the preamble. Hence, putting a
lot of signalling information into the preamble signalling blocks
would further increase their size, which is generally not
preferred.
[0147] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 11, where a
second frame F2 is shown having a preamble portion 40 and a another
preamble portion 45 (often also referred to as "postamble";
generally contains the same information as the preamble portion 40,
but indicating that it is another preamble portion, i.e. a
"postamble portion"), the signalling principle is based on two
steps. The preamble signalling blocks according to this embodiment
comprise only high level, rough signalling information about the
mapping of the data blocks onto the data segments. This high level
signalling information may correspond to the signalling parameters
that are generally transmitted in the initial layer 1 blocks, as
commonly done according to the DVB-T2 or DVB-C2 standard. This high
level information may, for instance, comprise information about the
bandwidth of the data segments in the payload portion, the used
pilot patterns, the guard interval etc. In addition, it comprises
preferably a pointer block 44 including at least one pointer to at
least one payload portion signalling block 53, which is provided in
the payload portion 50 and which comprises low level, more detailed
signalling information about the mapping of the data blocks onto
the data symbols of the second frame. This payload portion
signalling block 53a shown in FIG. 11 thus requires sufficient
information for the receiver to find and decode the data symbols
carrying data blocks of the desired data stream. Further, a pointer
to the next payload portion signalling block 53b may be included
which comprises further information, particularly regarding the
location of subsequent data symbols carrying payload data.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 11 each payload portion signalling block
53a-53f points to the next payload portion signalling block, which
payload portion signalling blocks can thus be mapped and decoded
basically in the same way as the data blocks carrying actual
payload data. The pointer from one payload portion signalling block
to the next payload portion signalling block may also point across
other frames F1 located in between two second frames F2.
[0149] According to another embodiment multiple pointers are
included in the pointer block 44, which point to several payload
portion signalling blocks, e.g. to the payload portion signalling
blocks 53a-53c. After deinterleaving and decoding said payload
portion signalling blocks 53a-53c sufficient low level signalling
information and location information (e.g. pointers) for finding
the next set of payload portion signalling blocks 53d-53f as well
as the next group of data blocks. Thus, according to such an
embodiment, a set of pointers is transmitted during several bursts
(i.e. payload portion signalling blocks) and provides information
on the next bursts (i.e. payload portion signalling blocks) of the
following set as well as the next data blocks.
[0150] Another embodiment for signalling shall be explained with
reference to FIG. 12 showing a single second frame F2. According to
this embodiment the signalling principle is based on three steps.
Firstly, as mentioned above, the preamble signals the position of
at least the first payload portion signalling block 53a provided in
the payload portion 50. For this purpose, again, the preamble may
comprise a pointer 44. The receiver is then able to decode the (one
or more) payload portion signalling block(s) 53a (53b, 53c), which
carries the data required for decoding the data blocks of the
mapping input data streams. Preferably, the payload portion
signalling blocks are mapped onto the frame F2 and transmitted
similar to the data blocks carrying payload data, which allows for
long time interleaving and robustness.
[0151] Still further, according to this embodiment, at least one of
said payload portion signalling blocks 53a-53c (or the whole set
together, in particular after deinterleaving and decoding) provides
information, in particular a pointer, by which the receiver finds
at least the first data block 52a (or the group of next data
blocks) of the desired data stream. Said data block 52a does not
only contain the actual payload data, but also contains in-band
signalling information comprising low level, more detail signalling
information about the mapping of the data blocks of said particular
mapping input data stream onto the data segments of the frames.
This in-band signalling information thus enables the receiver to
find the next data block 52b of the same data stream. Hence, from
this moment on the receiver is no longer obliged to receive and
decode the signalling information comprised in the preamble and/or
in the payload portion signalling blocks, but the in-band
signalling information contained in the data blocks 52a, 52b, . . .
is sufficient for finding all data blocks of the desired data
stream and maybe also of other "related" data streams (for enabling
faster zapping to related services).
[0152] According to a modification of said embodiment, not each
single data block contains sufficient information for finding the
next data block, but several data blocks 52a, 52b are treated as a
unit. Only after deinterleaving and decoding all of them, the
in-band signalling information is available including information
about the next "unit" (i.e. group of data blocks).
[0153] Hence, generally the receiver is not obligated to receive
the preamble or the payload portion signalling blocks, which may
again be considered as a separate signalling data stream mapped
onto the payload portion of the frame. However, if the position of
the data blocks is not known at the time the current mapping input
data stream was encoded, it can also point to the position of the
next payload portion signalling block. It shall be noted that the
payload portion signalling blocks do generally not only comprise
signalling information for a single mapping input data stream, but
for all mapping input data streams.
[0154] Hence, according to this embodiment the signalling
information specific to a particular mapping input data stream is
provided in-band in the data blocks of said mapping input data
streams, e.g. attached at the beginning or at the end of the data
blocks. It is also possible to interleave said signalling
information together with the FEC-encoded data blocks by a common
interleaver, or the signalling information may be combined with the
uncoded payload data (either completely at the beginning or end or
sub-divided into several portions), and then a common FEC-encoding
followed by interleaving is performed, preferably by use of a
common interleaver, i.e. over multiple FEC-coded blocks. This
provides the advantage of longer time diversity and, after the
separation into various data segments, also more frequency
diversity.
[0155] According to the present invention, further information is
preferably included in the signalling information, in particular in
the payload portion signalling blocks, which informs the receiver
about the selected MIMO mode per mapping input data stream and/or
per data segment and, if required, about the selected pilot pattern
per mapping input data stream and/or per data segment.
[0156] A simple block diagram illustrating the steps for retrieving
of the signalling information in the receiver, if the signalling
information is mapped onto the frame F2 as illustrated in FIG. 12,
is shown in FIG. 13. In a first step 80 the preamble is detected,
which is mainly used for initial synchronization to the data stream
to be received. A pointer in the preamble points to the next
payload portion signalling block, whose position is obtained in
step 81 by decoding the preamble, at least the pointer included
therein. In this embodiment the payload portion signalling blocks
are mapped onto the frame F2 like a normal mapping input data
stream and are also called "signalling PLP". In step 82 this
payload portion signalling block of the signalling PLP is received
and decoded. Afterwards, the complete signalling is done in-band,
i.e. within the mapping input data stream itself. Hence, in step
83, the service and the position of the next data block (also
called payload burst) is obtained and decoded.
[0157] It shall be noted that the same principles and the same
embodiments for signalling information can be used if the pointer
unit 44 is included in the other preamble 45 (i.e. the postamble)
of a frame.
[0158] The preferred embodiment of a receiver only needs to obtain
the signalling information stored in a preamble portion, then
accesses a payload portion signalling block a single time, and from
then on uses only the in-band signalling information. The in-band
signalling information preferably includes a pointer to the next
data block of the data stream and to the next payload portion
signalling block (which is useful if a payload portion signalling
block is provided in every frame of the same type, but is otherwise
not needed since then enough preamble symbols are in between from
which the signalling information can also be provided in some
embodiments). Only, if the receiver wants to switch to another
service, a payload portion signalling block has to be accessed
again a single time to obtain the required signalling information
related to the new service.
[0159] An example of the signalling information that can be
included in the payload portion signalling blocks is illustrated in
the following table, where the entries are either self-explaining,
or as defined in the T2 standard, or as described below:
FRAME_NUMBER: This 8-bit field indicates the frame number of the
last burst of the time interleaving frame. NUM_PLP: This 8-bit
field signals the number of PLPs present in the current DVB-NGH
signal. The following fields appear for every signalled PLP: [0160]
PLP_ID: 8-bit identifier of the PLP. [0161] PLP_IDENTIFICATION:
This 16-bit field uniquely identifies a PLP within a network.
[0162] PLP_QAM_MODE: This 4-bit field signals the QAM mode of the
PLP (including rotated constellations). [0163] PLP_FEC_MODE: This
4-bit field signals the FEC mode of the PLP (including FEC code
length). [0164] PLP_MIMO_MODE: This 2-bit field signals the MIMO
mode of the PLP according to the following table:
TABLE-US-00001 [0164] TABLE 1 PLP_MIMO_MODE field PLP_MIMO_MODE 00
01 10 11 mode SISO MISO MIMO reserved
[0165] PLP_PILOT_PATTERN: This 3-bit field identifies the pilot
pattern in which the PLP is transmitted. [0166] PLP_TYPE: This
8-bit field indicates the PLP type. [0167] PLP_PAYLOAD_TYPE: This
8-bit field signals the payload type, e.g. TS, GSE. [0168]
NUM_ASSOCIATED_PLP: This 3-bit field indicates the number of PLPs
that are associated with this PLP.
[0169] The following two fields appear for each associated PLP:
[0170] ASSOCIATED_PLP_ID: This 8-bit field indicated the PLP ID of
the associated PLP. [0171] ASSOCIATION_TYPE: This 2-bit field
signals the association type, e.g. local service or incremental
redundancy. [0172] INTERLEAVING_TYPE: This 2-bit field indicates
the time interleaver type. [0173] NUM_SIGNALLED_TI_FRAMES: This
2-bit field indicates the number of signalled time interleaving
frames for the given PLP minus 1, so NUM_SIGNALLED_TI_FRAMES=0
corresponds to one TI frame.
[0174] The following fields appear for each signalled time
interleaving frame: [0175] TI_NUM.sub.-- BURSTS: This 3-bit field
signals the number of bursts for the given time interleaving frame.
[0176] TI_FRAME_NUMBER: This 8-bit field indicates the frame number
in which the time interleaving frame starts. If the number is
smaller than the frame number of the current frame, the
TIFRAME_NUMBER refers to the following super frame. [0177]
INTRASYMBOL POINTER: This 11-bit field points to the start of the
time interleaving frame within an OFDM symbol.
[0178] The following fields appear for each time interleaving
burst: [0179] DATA_SLICED_ID: This 4-bit field indicates the Data
Slice number containing the burst. [0180] PILOT_PATTERN: This 3-bit
field indicates the pilot pattern used in the given data slice. In
case of a postamble, this signalling gets valid for the next frame.
[0181] OFDM_SYMBOL_NUMBER: This 8-bit field indicates the OFDM
symbol number of the next given burst. If the number is lower than
the number of the previous burst, this burst is transmitted within
the next frame.
[0182] The following field only appears if there are associated
PLPs: [0183] ASSOCIATED_PLP_IDX: This 3-bit field indicates the
index of the associated PLP in the NUM_ASSOICATED_PLP loop. A value
of 0 means that no PLP is currently associated. [0184]
TIME_INTERLEAVER_SIZE: This 8-bit field indicates the length of the
time interleaving frame in multiples of LDPC codewords. [0185]
NUM_HANDOVER_PLP: This 8-bit field indicates the number of PLPs
that will be signalled in the handover signalling.
[0186] The following fields appear for every signalled handover
PLP. [0187] PLP_IDENTIFICATION: This 16-bit field uniquely
identifies the PLP within a network. [0188] NUM_ALTERNATIVE_CELLS:
This 8-bit field indicates the number of alternative cells within
the given network that also carry the PLP.
[0189] The following fields appear for every alternative cell:
[0190] START FREQUENCY: This 24-bit field indicates the start
frequency of the alternative cell. [0191] CELL_ID: This 16-bit
field indicates the cell ID of the alternative cell. [0192] CRC32:
This 32-bit cyclic redundancy check ensured correctness of the
data.
TABLE-US-00002 [0192] FIELD SIZE FRAME_NUMBER 8 bit NUM_PLP 8 bit
for i = 1 ... NUM_PLP { PLP_ID 8 bit PLP_IDENTIFICATION 16 bit
PLP_QAM_MODE 3 bit PLP_FEC_MODE 4 bit PLP_MIMO_MODE 2 bit
PLP_PILOT_PATTERN 3 bit PLP_TYPE 8 bit PLP_PAYLOAD_TYPE 8 bit
NUM_ASSOCIATED_PLPs 3 bit For NUM_ASSOCIATED_PLPs {
ASSOCIATED_PLP_ID 8 bit ASSOCIATION_TYPE 2 bit } INTERLEAVING_TYPE
2 bit NUM_SIGNALLED_TI_FRAMES 2 bit for i = 1 ... TI_NUM_BURSTS 3
bit TI_FRAME_NUMBER 8 bit INTRASYMBOL_POINTER 11 bit for i = 1 ...
NUM_BURSTS { DATA_SLICE_ID 4 bit OFDM_SYMBOL_NUMBER 8 bit
PILOT_PATTERN 3 bit if (NUM_ASSOCIATED_PLP > 0) {
ASSOCIATED_PLP_IDX 3 bit } } TIME_INTERLEAVER_SIZE 8 bit } }
NUM_HANDOVER_PLPs 8 bit for i = 1 ... NUM_HANDOVER_PLPs {
PLP_IDENTIFICATION 16 bit NUM_ALTERNATIVE_CELLS 8 bit for j = 1 ...
NUM_ALTERNATIVE_CELLS { START_FREQUENCY 24 bit CELL_ID 16 bit } }
CRC32 32 bit
[0193] A further embodiment for signalling information is
illustrated with reference to FIG. 24. According to this embodiment
payload portion signalling blocks 53a-53c are mapped onto data
symbols of the second frame 50a. Into these payload portion
signalling blocks 53a-53c signalling information, in particular
pointers, about the mapping of the data blocks 55d-55f, 56d-56f of
the various data streams (55a-55f being data blocks of a first data
stream, and 56a-56f being data blocks of another data stream) onto
the data symbols of a subsequent group of second frames (or only a
single second frame), here the next second frame 50b, have been
included. Hence, in a group of one or more second frames (e.g. the
frame 50a) all the required signalling information can be found by
the receiver in one or more of the payload portion signalling
blocks 53a-53c, that are required to find all data blocks 55d-55f,
56d-56f carrying payload data mapped onto the subsequent group of
(one or more) second frames 50b. Instant zapping of the receiver
between all data streams is thus possible within the subsequent
group of (one or more) second frames 50b without any waiting time
for first obtaining the required signalling information.
[0194] Additionally, some offset signalling information 57a, 57b
indicating changes of the mapping of the data blocks 55a-55f,
56a-56f between said particular group of second frames 50a and said
subsequent group of second frames 50b can be included into in-band
signalling information or into one or more payload portion
signalling blocks mapped onto data symbols of said particular
second frame. Hence, at the end of a group of (one or more) second
frames said offset signalling information 57a can be mapped as
in-band signalling information into one or more data blocks 55c,
56c. Alternatively, said offset signalling information 57b can be
mapped into one or more payload portion signalling blocks 53c. Said
offset signalling information 57a, 57b indicates how the signalling
information changes from this group of second frames 50a to the
next group of second frames 50b (or any other subsequent frame) so
that in the next (or subsequent) group(s) of second frames 50b all
the signalling information must not necessarily be mapped into
payload portion signalling blocks or must at least not be obtained
by the receiver. In other words, mainly some offset information is
mapped into the frames, particularly to save time (in the
receiver).
[0195] Another embodiment of a mapping apparatus 60 according to
the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 14. A
corresponding transmission apparatus 70 comprising such a mapping
apparatus 60 is depicted in FIG. 15. The main difference between
the mapping apparatus 60 shown in FIG. 14 and the mapping apparatus
shown in FIG. 1 is that according to the embodiment of the mapping
apparatus 60 shown in FIG. 14 only a single frame forming unit 64
is provided following the data input 62 and that no stream forming
unit 18 is provided. Said frame forming unit 64 basically
corresponds to the second frame forming unit 16 as shown in FIG. 1,
but is adapted for mapping the data blocks of the mapping input
data streams S1, S2, . . . , Sn onto frames F having a frame
structure as shown in FIG. 10 for the second frames F2.
[0196] In other words, the data blocks are mapped onto said frame F
such that they are spread in time and frequency over various data
symbols and various data segments of the frame F2 as shown in FIG.
10 or as further explained above regarding further variations of
the frame structure for the frame F2. Thus, said frame structure
applied by the frame forming unit 64 provides a time and frequency
diversity enabling the use of a narrow-band receiver and providing
the desired low power consumption of the receiver. The generated
frames F are generally arranged sequentially and are then outputted
by the data output 66 as mapping output data stream Q for further
processing and/or transmission.
[0197] The transmitter 70 shown in FIG. 15 differs from the
transmitter 30 shown in FIG. 2 in that it only comprises a single
pre-processing unit 72 which basically corresponds to the
pre-processing unit 34, according to which the input data streams
I1, I2, . . . , In are processed as defined in the DVB-T2 or DVB-C2
standard. Of course, the pre-processing may also be employed in a
different way and must not necessarily be consistent with the
DVT-T2 or DVB-C2 standard (or any standard). For transmission of
the mapping output data stream Q a transmitter unit 74 is provided
which generally corresponds to the transmitter unit 36 shown in
FIG. 2.
[0198] It shall be noted that the frame forming unit 64 shown in
FIG. 14 generally corresponds to the second frame forming unit 16
shown in FIG. 1. In particular, for the frame forming unit 64 the
same embodiments exist as have been explained above for the second
frame forming unit 16 and as have been shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D.
Further, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D are to be
understood only as examples of possible implementations. Further
embodiments exist including other combinations of the preferred
elements, in particular the MIMO mode selection units, the pilot
pattern selection units, the coding unit and the buffer units.
[0199] FIGS. 25A and 25B schematically illustrate two preferred
embodiments of the transmitter according to the present invention
in a simplified diagram and by use of two simple examples showing
only a few elements of the transmitter.
[0200] In the first embodiment of the transmitter 70a shown in FIG.
25A three mapping input data streams S1, S2, S3, e.g. representing
three different services that shall be available to mobile
receivers, are illustrated. The first mapping input data stream S1,
e.g. a movie service, is provided to a first MIMO mode selection
unit 1614a, which selects that MIMO processing shall be applied to
the data blocks of this first mapping input data stream S1.
Accordingly, the data stream Si is split off into (at least) two
output streams S11, S12, which may be coded differently (e.g. by
spatial multiplexing, e.g., according to the D-/H- or V-BLAST (Bell
Labs Layered Space Time scheme) architecture; not shown) and which
are provided to different mapping units 163a, 163b. Therein, the
data blocks of said output streams S11, S12 are mapped onto
different mapping output data streams Qa, Qb, which are provided to
different transmission antennas 76a, 76b for broadcasting. For
receiving these data blocks the receiver uses two reception
antennas and two reception paths to individually process the
received mapping output data streams Qa, Qb until they are combined
to obtain the information contained in the received service (i.e.
in the data stream S1). Since MIMO processing is applied to this
service, a high throughput of the data transmission can be
obtained. Generally, this depends on the MIMO scheme: spatial
multiplexing is for higher throughput, while other space-time (or
space-frequency) MIMO schemes aim for higher robustness.
[0201] The second mapping input data stream S2, e.g. a news
service, is provided to a second MIMO mode selection unit 1614b,
which selects that MISO processing shall be applied to the data
blocks of this second mapping input data stream S2. Accordingly,
the data stream S2 is split off into (at least) two output streams
S21, S22, which may be coded differently (e.g. by an Alamouti
encoder; not shown) and which are provided to different mapping
units 163a, 163b. Therein, the data blocks of said output streams
S21, S22 are mapped onto the different mapping output data streams
Qa, Qb, which are provided to the different transmission antennas
76a, 76b for broadcasting. For receiving these data blocks the
receiver generally only requires a single reception antenna and a
single reception path to process the received mapping output data
streams Qa, Qb until they are combined to obtain the information
contained in the received service (i.e. in the data stream S2).
Thus, this news service can be detected by any receiver
(independent of the number of deployed receive antennas) and the
transmission is reliable, because of the MISO scheme.
[0202] The advantages of MISO vs. MIMO are the high robustness and
simple detection (1 reception antenna is sufficient). The
robustness of MISO can be further increased if MIMO is used with
the same data rate as with a single transmission antenna. On the
other hand, the performance of spatial multiplexing MIMO drops
rapidly if the spatial distribution coefficients (channel
coefficients) are correlated. This is, for instance, the case if
the antennas are located close to each other, as is e.g. the case
in a small handheld device having two antennas. In contrast, a MISO
method has in worst case (completely correlated channel
coefficients) the same performance as a SISO method.
[0203] The third mapping input data stream S3, e.g. a music
service, is provided to a third MIMO mode selection unit 1614c,
which selects that SISO processing shall be applied to the data
blocks of this second mapping input data stream S3. Accordingly,
the data stream S3 is processed into a single output stream S31,
which is provided to at least one of said mapping units 163a, 163b.
Generally, mapping of the data blocks of said output stream S31
onto one mapping output data stream Qa or Qb and transmission over
one transmission channel is sufficient. Preferably, however, the
identical data blocks are mapped onto both mapping output data
streams Qa, Qb and are thus also broadcast by all different
transmission antennas 76a, 76b as is typically done in single
frequency networks. Again, for receiving these data blocks the
receiver generally only requires a single reception antenna and a
single reception path to process the received mapping output data
streams Qa, Qb until they are combined to obtain the information
contained in the received service (i.e. in the data stream S3).
Compared to MIMO and MISO the described SISO method has the
advantages of simple detection, in particular with respect to
channel estimation, and less energy consumption.
[0204] While in the embodiment of the transmitter 70a the selection
of the MIMO mode is available per mapping input data stream, in the
embodiment of the transmitter 70b shown in FIG. 25B the selection
of the MIMO mode is available per data segment. Accordingly, after
preprocessing the mapping input data streams S1, S2, S3 by PLP
processing units 161a, 161b, 161c (see also FIG. 6D) and scheduling
by the scheduler 167, MIMO mode selection is performed per data
segment 51a, 51b, 51c by MIMO mode selection units 1682a, 1682b,
1683c. Therein, generally the same function is performed as
explained above with respect to the MIMO mode selection units
1614a, 1614b, 1614c, but now on the level of data segments.
Thereafter the data blocks of the various obtained data segments
51aa, 51ab, 51ba, 51bb, 51ca are provided to the mapping unit
163as, 163b, wherein they are mapped accordingly on the mapping
output data streams Qa, Qb and then transmitted by the transmission
antennas 76a, 76b.
[0205] Further embodiments of the transmitter include pilot pattern
selection means in addition or instead of MEMO mode selection
means. For instance, the MIMO mode selection means shown in FIGS.
25A, 25B can be replaced or complemented with such pilot pattern
selection means for selecting the pilot pattern per mapping input
data stream and/or per data segment.
[0206] For allowing channel estimation scattered pilots are added
to the data slices. The addition of these scattered pilots is
already done within individual data slices, as it is possible to
have different pilot densities within different data slices of the
same signal.
[0207] The equalisation of SISO signals requires the estimation of
a single channel transfer function, only. However, as the
neighbouring data slices may use MIMO or MISO signals, the edge
pilots and the preamble pilots carry MIMO or MISO pilots. Though,
edge pilots and preamble pilots are not part of the data slice
pilots. Different pilot densities can be supported. The pilot
patterns PP0 and PP1 are intended for large Single Frequency
Networks, while the pilot schemes PP2 and PP3 have reduced
overhead. Furthermore, PP0 and PP2 are optimized for high speed
reception, as they have an increased pilot density in the time
direction. In another embodiment the edge pilot density is selected
with the highest possible density of a complete data segment, a
complete frame or the complete data transmission.
[0208] Within a data slice a given cell is a scattered pilot if
k.sub.DS mod(D.sub.XD.sub.Y)=D.sub.X(l mod D.sub.Y) k=1, . . . ,
N.sub.DS-1,
where k.sub.DS is the subcarrier number within the data slice, and
l is the symbol number within the frame, respectively. Further, Dx
indicates the difference in carrier index between adjacent
scattered-pilot-bearing carriers and Dy indicates the difference in
symbol number between successive scattered pilots on a given
carrier. The values for D.sub.X and D.sub.Y are given in the
following table:
TABLE-US-00003 Pilot Pattern D.sub.X D.sub.Y PP0 4 2 PP1 4 4 PP2 8
2 PP3 8 4
[0209] FIG. 26A shows an example pilot arrangement for pilot
pattern PP0.
[0210] The modulation sequence of the pilots is
Re{c'.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=A.sub.SP and Im{c'.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=0,
where A.sub.SP is the boosting level of the scattered pilots as
defined in the following table.
TABLE-US-00004 Pilot Pattern A.sub.SP PP0 4/3 PP1 4/3 PP2 4/3 PP3
7/4
Furthermore, no scrambling is applied at this point as the complete
scrambling is performed in the framing section.
[0211] The transmission of MIMO or MISO services requires
additional pilots, as two different channel transfer functions have
to be estimated by the receiver. However, in contrast to DVB-T2,
the possibility to support also large Single Frequency Networks
shall be provided. Hence, an additional pilot pattern is overlaid
to the SISO pilots, i.e. the inverted pilots. Hence, a cell is a
non-inverted pilot if
k.sub.DS mod(D.sub.XD.sub.Y)=D.sub.X(l mod D.sub.Y) k=1, . . . ,
N.sub.DS-1,
and an inverted pilot if
k.sub.DS mod(D.sub.XD.sub.Y)=D.sub.X[(l+D.sub.Y/2)mod D.sub.Y] k=1,
. . . , N.sub.DS-1,
where the values D.sub.X and D.sub.Y are again defined in the above
table. The modulation sequence for the transmitters of MIMO OR MISO
group 0 is:
Re{c.sup.0,.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=A.sub.SP and
Im{c.sup.0,.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=0.
[0212] The modulation sequence for the non-inverted pilots of MIMO
or MISO group 1 is:
Re{c.sup.1,.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=A.sub.SP and
Im{c.sup.l,.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=0,
while the modulation sequence for the inverted pilots of MIMO or
MISO group 1 is:
Re{c.sup.l,.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=-A.sub.SP and
Im{c.sup.l,.sub.m,l,k.sub.DS}=0.
[0213] The values for A.sub.SP are again given in the above table.
Furthermore, FIG. 26B depicts an arrangement of the MIMO or MISO
pilots for pilot pattern PP0.
[0214] The edge pilots are generally selected such that they are
fitting with the pilot patterns of one or more neighbouring data
segments. For instance, a multiple of the pilot patterns of the two
neighbouring data segments, between which the (common) edge pilots
are provided, can be selected. If there is only a single
neighbouring data segment (if the edge pilots are provided at the
beginning or end (in frequency direction) of a frame), the pilot
pattern is fitted to the pilot pattern of the single neighbouring
data segment. In other words, the single edge pilots, that are
common to the one or more neighbouring data segments, must be
compatible and fit with the pilot patterns of these one or more
neighbouring data segments.
[0215] FIG. 16 shows a schematic block diagram of a broadcast
system according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a
transmitter (Tx) 30 as schematically depicted in FIG. 2 and a
plurality of various receivers (Rx) 100, 120 are provided for
receiving data broadcast by said transmitter 30. The receivers 100
may, for instance, be stationary receivers, e.g. in accordance with
the DVB-T2 standard, and the receivers 120 may, for instance, be
mobile receivers, e.g. in accordance with the upcoming DVB-NGH
standard. The transmission signals of the transmitter 30 are
constructed as explained above, i.e. may have a superframe
structure as depicted in FIG. 9, and are not particularly adapted
only for reception by a single type of receivers, but by both types
of receivers 100, 120.
[0216] An embodiment of a (stationary) receiver 100 is
schematically depicted in FIG. 17. It comprises a receiving unit
102 for receiving a demapping input data stream Q', which basically
corresponds to the mapping output data stream Q transmitted by the
transmitter 30, but possibly disturbed due to disturbances
introduced by the transmission channel between the transmitter 30
and the receiver 100. The received demapping input data stream Q'
is provided to a demapping apparatus 104 which then demaps the
desired data stream (i.e. the desired service) Sx' therefrom. Said
demapping will be explained in more detail below. Thereafter, the
demapped data stream Sx' is further processed in a post-processing
unit 106. Said post-processing may include cell/time
deinterleaving, constellation demapping, bit deinterleaving,
LDPC/BCH decoding, BBFRAME processing, dejittering and null packet
reinserting as, for instance, commonly provided in a receiver
according to the DVB-T2 standard. After said post-processing, the
desired data stream Ix', which corresponds to one of the
transmitter input data streams I1, I2, . . . , Im, is
outputted.
[0217] An embodiment of the demapping apparatus 104 is
schematically depicted in FIG. 18. Said demapping apparatus 104
comprises a data input 110, at which the demapping input data
stream Q' is received. Said demapping input data stream Q' is
constructed as explained above for the mapping output data stream
Q. It comprises one or more first frames F1 and one or more second
frames F2, which are alternately arranged. The frame structures of
the first frames F1 and the second frames F2 are generally
different, and for each frame structure various embodiments exist,
as explained above in detail.
[0218] The received demapping input data stream Q' is then provided
to a stream demapping unit 112, in which the first frames F1 are
demapped from the demapping input data stream Q'. These first
frames F1 are then provided to a frame demapping unit 114, in which
they are further demapped for obtaining a desired mapping output
data stream Sx', which is then outputted by the data output 116 for
post-processing by the post-processing unit 106.
[0219] The stream demapping and frame demapping performed in this
embodiment of the demapping apparatus 104 is commonly known and,
for instance, be performed in accordance with the DVB-T2 standard,
if the demappping apparatus 104 is part of a stationary receiver
100 in accordance with the DVB-T2 standard, as is the case in this
embodiment. Hence, no further details need to be explained here, as
all these details are generally known in the art. The F1 frames
may, for instance, be the T2 frames of a superframe structure shown
in FIG. 9, having a frame structure as, for instance, shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4. Of course, however, other frame structures and other
stream structures may be used as well, in which case the demapping
apparatus 104 and its elements are adapted accordingly.
[0220] An embodiment of a receiver 120 in accordance with the
present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 19. The general
layout of the receiver 120 is, to some extent, similar (or even the
same) as the layout of the receiver 100 as depicted in FIG. 17.
However, the layout and function of the separate units of the
receivers 100, 120 are different.
[0221] In an example at two reception antennas 121a, 121b and two
receiving units 122a, 122b (the reception antennas may also be part
of the receiving units 122) the receiver input data stream Qa', Qb'
are received. These are provided to a demapping apparatus 124,
which includes MIMO mode detection units 123a, 123b, which detect
the MIMO mode applied to the data blocks of the mapping input data
streams and/or the data segments in the transmitter, e.g. by
evaluating the respective signalling information indicating said
MIMO mode and/or by evaluating the received signals (e.g. by
detection of the respective pilot pattern). Depending thereon, a
corresponding processing is performed. For instance, if to the
service that shall be received by the receiver, a MIMO mode is
applied, the corresponding MIMO decoding (e.g. an Alamouti
decoding) is applied that corresponds to the encoding performed in
the encoder.
[0222] Further, in an embodiment it is possible, in particular for
a MIMO receiver, to switch off one or more reception paths (e.g. by
a control unit 125 via a feedback from the MIMO mode detection
units 123a, 123b to the respective reception antenna 121a, 121b
and/or the respective receiving unit 122a, 122b), e.g. if SISO or
MISO scheme is applied to the desired service, since then over all
transmission paths substantially identical data are transmitted. In
this way power can be saved. Still further, in an embodiment the
data received over the different reception paths may be combined to
improve the quality of the received data.
[0223] In other broadcast systems, e.g. according to DVB-T2, the
complete frame is either transmitted in SISO scheme or in MISO
scheme. In the latter case the receiver must always equalize
spatially. If also MIMO scheme is available so that per frame MIMO
scheme is selected or not, the receiver must always have multiple
reception antennas and apply spatial equalization. According to the
present invention, however, different classes of receivers can be
used in the same broadcast system and by use of the same broadcast
signals. In particular, receivers that can receive MIMO signals,
but also receivers that can at least receive MEMO or SISO signals
can be used according to the present invention. Thus, the present
invention enables also the use of a receiver having only a single
reception antenna, which may receive and decode MISO and SISO
signals, but ignores MIMO signals.
[0224] The output of the MEMO mode detection units 123a, 123b is
provided to demapping units 124a, 124b, which may also be a
combined demapping unit in an embodiment (e.g. if spatial
equalization has to be performed). Therein, the desired data stream
is demapped (and, if necessary, decoded in separate or a combined
decoding unit(s) 127 provided in one or both of said demapping
units 124a, 124b, or generally in the demapping apparatus 124),
which is thereafter subjected to post-processing in the
post-processing unit 126, to obtain the desired receiver output
data stream Iy'. The post-processing in the post-processing 126 may
generally be similar or identical to the post-processing performed
in the post-processing unit 106 of the receiver 100, however is
adapted such that it interrelates with the pre-processing performed
in the pre-processing unit 34 of the transmitter 30. Hence, if the
pre-processing in the pre-processing unit 34 of the transmitter 30
is, for instance, performed in accordance with the DVB-T2 or DVB-C2
standard, the post-processing in the post-processing unit 126 is
adapted accordingly in accordance with the respective standard.
[0225] Similarly, in another embodiment of the transmitter, in
addition to or instead of the MIMO mode detection units 123a, 123b
respective pilot pattern detection units may be provided for
detection of the pilot patterns. Based on the detected pilot
pattern, the receiver may decide to perform channel estimation
either in time and/or frequency direction (interpolation) and
decide what kind of further processing of the received data is
required.
[0226] It shall be noted that multiple services multiplexing is
also possible according to the present invention, according to
which different PLPs are transmitted over the different transmit
antennas in case of MIMO. For example, two different PLPs might be
mapped onto the different transmission paths of a MIMO encoded data
symbols, while the receiver might e.g. process one PLP
instantaneously, and store another PLP for later use or combine
both PLPs (as in case of scalable video coding).
[0227] An embodiment of one path of the demapping apparatus 124 is
schematically depicted in FIG. 20. Again, the demapping apparatus
124 generally comprises the same layout as the demapping apparatus
104 of the receiver 100. However, the layout and functions of the
separate units of the demapping apparatus 124 are different.
[0228] At the data input 130 the demapping input data stream Q' is
received, which is provided for stream demapping in a stream
demapping unit 132. Here, the frames F2 are demapped from the
demapping input data stream Q'. These frames F2 may, for instance,
be incorporated into the superframe structure as provided according
to the DVB-T2 standard as FEF frames as shown in FIG. 9. These
frames F2 are then provided to a MIMO mode detection unit 123a
(and/or a pilot pattern detection unit) and then to a frame
demapping unit 134, which demaps a demapping output data stream Sy'
from said second frames. Said second frames F2 generally have a
frame structure, which is different from the frame structure of the
first frames F1, which second frame structure has been explained
above with various modifications in FIGS. 7, 8, 10 to 12.
[0229] In particular, said frame demapping unit 134 is adapted for
demapping said second frames F2 comprising a preamble portion 40
and a payload portion 50 into said demapping output data stream
Sy'. Said frame demapping unit 134 is particularly adapted for
demapping the signalling data Si from the preamble portion 40 and
for demapping the data blocks of the demapping output data stream
Sy' from the payload portion 50 by use of said signalling
information Si. The derived demapping output data stream Sy' is
then provided to a data output 136 for output to the
post-processing unit 126.
[0230] Since the frame structure of the second frames F2 uses, as
explained above, a segmented concept, according to which the
payload portion is segmented into data segments, a narrow-band
receiver 120 can be used, which, in some embodiments, must not be
able to be tuned to and receive the complete channel bandwidth of
the complete frame F2, but must only be able to be tuned to and
receive a bandwidth portion of said total channel bandwidth. This
is possible, despite the frame structures of both the first and
second frames F1, F2 use the total channel bandwidth, which,
however, can slightly vary for the two types of frames (e.g. 7.61
MHz for a first type, and 7.62 MHz for the second type of frames),
i.e. the channel bandwidth of both types is in the same order.
[0231] The size of the bandwidth portion of the receiver 120
depends on the bandwidth portion covered by data blocks of the
desired demapping output data stream Sy'. If, for instance, all the
data blocks of the desired demapping output data stream Sy' are
stored in a single data segment only, it is sufficient if the
receiver can be tuned to and receive the bandwidth covered by said
data segment. If, as provided in another embodiment, the data
blocks of the desired demapping output data stream Sy' (in
frequency direction) cover two or more (neighbouring or not
neighbouring) data segments at a particular moment in time, the
receiver must be able to be tuned to and receive a larger bandwidth
portion. Further, the invention also enables the use of receivers
that are able to receive the complete channel bandwidth and not
only a portion thereof, as is the case in preferred receivers of
the present invention.
[0232] The information about the bandwidth portion, in particular
its size and its frequencies, are generally signalled from the
transmitter to the receiver within the signalling information. This
signalling information also contains information about the
locations of the data blocks of the various data streams, to enable
the receiver to change its tuning accordingly. As explained above,
particularly with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, for signalling of
the required information, various embodiments exist. Hence, the
frame demapping unit 134 is adapted accordingly to find, collect,
deinterleave, decode and make use of said signalling information
for demapping the desired data blocks from the frames F2.
[0233] FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a broadcast system in
accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the
transmitter 70 is used as depicted in FIG. 15. According to said
embodiment, only a single type of frames F is used (i.e. no
superframe structure of superframes F3 containing first and second
frames F1, F2 is used, but another superframe structure containing
only frames F), onto which the data blocks of the various data
streams are mapped. The mapping is provided such that the data
blocks are spread in time and frequency over various data symbols
and various data segments of the frames F, such as, for instance,
depicted in FIG. 10. Accordingly, only a single type of receivers
140 (preferably a mobile receiver) is provided in the broadcast
system, which is designed to enable reception and decoding of data
streams transmitted by said type of transmitter 70.
[0234] The layout of such a receiver 140 is schematically shown in
FIG. 22, which corresponds to the layout of the receivers 100, 120.
The receiver 140 also comprises a receiving unit 142, a demapping
apparatus 144 including a MIMO mode (and/or pilot pattern)
detection unit 143, and a post-processing unit 146. However,
particularly the demapping apparatus 144 is different as shown in
FIG. 23. In particular, said demapping apparatus 144 does not
comprise any stream demapping unit as provided in the demapping
apparatus 104, 124 of the receivers 100, 120, since no superframe
structure is used, but the demapping input data stream Q' only
comprises a single type of frames. From the data input 150, said
demapping input data stream Q' is provided to the MIMO mode (and/or
pilot pattern) detection unit 143 and then to the frame demapping
unit 152, by which the demapping output data stream Sy' is
demapped, which is then outputted via the data output 154 for
post-processing. The frame demapping unit 152 generally has the
same layout and function as the frame demapping unit 134 of the
demapping apparatus 124 of the second type (mobile) receiver 120,
since the frame structure of the frames F used by the transmitter
70 is generally the same as the frame structure of the second
frames F2 used by the transmitter 30. Of course, the same various
embodiments exist also for the frame mapping unit 152 that have
been explained above for the frame demapping unit 134.
[0235] For reception of the receiver input data stream Q', a single
antenna and a single tuner is generally sufficient in the receiver.
Receivers (e.g. mobile receivers) may, however, also be provided
with two or more antennas and/or two or more tuner, which can
particularly be used to advantage if the data blocks of the data
stream that shall be received are spread (in time and/or frequency)
over more than one data segment and/or data symbol. For instance,
in case of spreading in time, a first antenna (and/or tuner) can be
controlled to receive a first data block mapped onto a first data
segment and the second antenna (and/or tuner) can be controlled to
"look ahead" in time (e.g. be tuned to another frequency) for
reception of the next data block mapped onto another data segment
at the appropriate time. In another embodiment, in particular in
case of spreading in frequency, both antennas (and/or tuners) can
be controlled to receive the data blocks mapped onto the two data
segments at the same time. In this way, tuning time in the receiver
can be saved and more sleeping times for the receivers can possibly
be provided. Further, in an embodiment, a receiver having two
reception antennas can use the second reception antenna to "look
ahead" and receive a second service (that is e.g. stored in the
receiver) while the first reception antenna receives a first
service, for whose reception the second reception antenna is not
needed, i.e., for SISO or MISO scheme.
[0236] Preferably, at least two reception antennas are provided in
a mobile receiver to make use of the various MIMO modes explained
above. However, MIMO and MISO can also be used with transmitters
and receivers having more than two antennas, and also Alamouti
coding is just one example of a coding scheme used in MISO. Other
space/time as well as space/frequency coding schemes can be used as
well.
[0237] As explained above, it is one target of state of upcoming
mobile broadcast standards such as NGH to provide mixed MIMO (or
MISO) and SISO operation. This allows a higher level of
flexibility, e.g. different services can be received with different
robustness, decoding complexity or even receiver types (handheld,
in-car, single or double reception antenna).
[0238] MIMO or MISO transmission schemes (both schemes are
sometimes commonly denoted by the term MIXO) can be beneficial,
because they exploit the spatial dimension (more robustness/higher
data rates). However, SISO is still the more proven technique and
requires only one transmission antenna. Introduction of MIXO for
future broadcasting could be achieved by two approaches:
[0239] A) Introducing MIXO transmission could be done in a "hard
cut" manner: change the complete network from SISO to MIMO and
transmit from thereon with several (e.g., two) transmission
antennas exclusively. It is to be noted that a typical MIXO scheme
for broadcasting applies dual-polarized MIXO, i.e., one antenna
element transmits with a vertically polarized component, the other
element uses horizontally polarized radio waves
[0240] B) For graceful introduction of MIXO schemes, it is possible
to use SISO for some time, then change to MIXO, back to SISO and so
on. In DVB-T2, the standard even allows to subsequently transmit a
T2 Frame in SISO operation, while the next T2 Frame could use
MISO.
[0241] Changing from MIXO to SISO transmission induces that during
SISO transmission the second transmission antenna is switched off.
This is however hardly possible, if the transmit towers radiate
large transmission powers (as is typically done in terrestrial
broadcasting).
[0242] Thus, having pure MIXO and SISO in subsequent (and rather
short) time intervals is impossible, if the transmit antennas
require a constant transmit power.
[0243] As explained above in segmented OFDM it is possible to use
certain data segments (data slices) for SISO transmission, while
others are used for MIXO providing in particular the advantage of
reduced pilot overhead for channel estimation. Receivers for MIXO
generally estimate twice the number of channels as two transmit
antennas are used.
[0244] The general separation in frequency direction is depicted in
FIG. 26C indicating the doubled amount of MIXO pilots. In
principal, each segment might carry a different scheme (SISO, MISO
or MIMO), e.g. five data segments carrying the schemes:
SISO-MIXO-SISO-MIXO-MIXO.
[0245] Assuming in an example that a first transmission antenna
transmits data during SISO operation (e.g., the vertically
polarized antenna), for MIXO further transmission antennas are
used. In this example, only one further transmission antenna (i.e.
a second antenna), which e.g. might be the horizontally polarized
transmission antenna, is provided. Thus, in this example, all
subcarriers of the segmented OFDM use the vertical component, while
the subcarriers used in the MIXO segments further use the
horizontal subcarriers (at the corresponding frequencies), as can
be seen in FIG. 27.
[0246] While the vertically polarized OFDM signal can be generated
by a normal OFDM modulation, the horizontal signal can be generated
with two approaches.
[0247] In a first approach all subcarriers are set to zero, where
no horizontal component is to be transmitted (i.e. in the SISO
segments). Then, OFDM coding is performed using the complete
bandwidth (of all data segments, including the SISO segments with
the inserted zeros in frequency domain), i.e. single OFDM symbols
are formed for the horizontally polarized subcarriers.
[0248] In a second approach a narrowband OFDM coding is performed
for each MIXO data segment in the equivalent complex baseband and
the individual signals are mixed to the center frequencies of each
corresponding data segment. In the example, two OFDM signals are
generated, one with 1/5 and another one with of the complete
bandwidth. The first one OFDM signal is shifted to the second data
segment, the other OFDM signal is shifted to the last two data
segments. However, frequency and time synchronization generally
need to be rather accurate.
[0249] Both approaches generally yield the same result, which can
be interpreted as using zero-padding for SISO subcarriers, i.e.
those subcarriers which are not transmitted over a particular
transmission antenna.
[0250] A further possible solution would be that the horizontal
subcarriers in the SISO data segments are not filled with zeros,
but rather are replaced by the same symbols as used in the SISO
part, which are transmitted over the vertical antenna. However,
typically, there is a rather large cross-polar discrimination (XPD,
about 10 dB), which means that the horizontally SISO segments are
received by a pure SISO receiver with smaller power (up to 3 dB
loss, if two antennas are used in the MIMO or MISO scheme).
[0251] As typically both transmission antennas should radiate the
same power, the subcarriers of the MIXO data segments are
preferably be boosted by an appropriate scaling factor (indicated
by larger arrays in FIG. 27). As discussed above, each component
may use half of the overall transmission power. Since the
horizontally polarized subcarriers occur in only 3/5 of the
complete bandwidth, the power of these subcarriers can be boosted
by a factor of 5/3 compared to the subcarriers of the vertical
component (which occur in the complete bandwidth). In summary, this
approach splits the overall transmit power (that would be used for
SISO-only transmission) into two equal parts. However, the second
(MIXO) part is distributed over just some of the data segments,
while on other data segments no power is radiated. Thus, the power
of the MIXO data segments is boosted. More precisely, the power
inside the MIXO data segments of the additional antennas, which are
used for MIXO, is boosted compared to the power of the antenna,
which is used for both SISO and MIXO.
[0252] However, there could be practical problems, as the receiver
would typically detect the power imbalances between the different
transmitted signals. For most MIXO schemes, this impedes decoding.
Thus, power imbalances between the transmitter components should
preferably be avoided in some cases. The following approach enables
this.
[0253] For the following example the overall transmission power
(which would be used for SISO-only transmission and which would be
transmitted over all N_seg segments) is denoted as P_SISO, the
number of MIXO data segments is denoted by N_MIXO and the number of
transmission antennas used for MIXO is denoted by N_ant. Then all
subcarriers of both transmission antennas are downscaled (compared
to the SISO-only case) by a factor such that the overall radiated
power is still P_SISO.
[0254] More precisely, the downscaling of the power for all
subcarriers is, for instance, computed by the factor
D=P_SISO/(N_seg-N_MIXO+N_ant*N_MIXO). The downscaling of the
magnitudes of all subcarriers is done appropriately with D).
[0255] FIG. 28 depicts the scenario: the transmission antennas
radiate in general different powers in total; however, the sum of
those powers equals P_SISO. Further, it is ensured that all
subcarriers use the same transmission power such that there is no
power imbalance.
[0256] The second antenna (horizontal) in this example could in
addition be used to further reduce the peak-to-average power ratio
(PAPR--typical problem for OFDM). Moreover, in an embodiment some
non-zero symbols are inserted, e.g. tone reservation carriers at
the positions of the pilots. Newly inserted pilots however still
need to be orthogonal to the original SISO pilots, i.e. all related
channel estimation functionalities need to be maintained.
Preferably, the boosting factor explained above should then be
reduced accordingly. Thus, these newly inserted pilots do not
disturb the original pilots, if the receiver treats them as MIXO
pilots, thereby eliminating the new pilots. This could be exploited
to further reduce the PARP by selecting the pilots appropriately.
For instance, in a brute force approach all permutations are tried
and the one is selected, which minimizes the PAPR.
[0257] As mentioned above, the further transmission antennas use
differently polarized subcarriers than the first antenna. For
instance, in an embodiment of a transmission apparatus 30' as
depicted in FIG. 29A a first transmission antenna 30a uses
vertically polarized subcarriers, while a second transmission
antenna 30b (and still further transmission antennas, if available
and used) uses horizontally polarized subcarriers. Alternatively,
the various antennas may use different circular polarizations. In
still another alternative embodiment of a transmission apparatus
30'' as shown in FIG. 29B the various transmission antennas 30c,
30d may be located at considerable distances from each other, i.e.
not at substantially the same place, and use the same
polarization.
[0258] Next, a further embodiment of a transmission apparatus for
use in various broadcast systems is described.
[0259] Generally, SISO transmissions use only one transmission
antenna, while MIXO transmissions take advantage of several
transmission antennas (wherein two transmission antennas is the
most likely case in the upcoming DVB-NGH systems).
[0260] If MIMO and SISO services are mixed in time, e.g.
partitioned by the help of frames, it occurs that one transmission
antenna operates constantly, while the second (and further)
transmission antenna only transmits during the MIXO transmission
periods as schematically shown in FIG. 30A for mixed MIMO/SISO
operation.
[0261] In order to achieve the same overall transmission power
level on the channel the SISO power level of the single
transmission antenna generally should be 3 dB higher compared to
the power level on each of the two MIXO transmission antennas, i.e.
during MIXO operation the same power has to be radiated as in SISO
operation, thus splitting the power onto two transmission antennas
(3 dB loss).
[0262] Having different power levels on different transmission
antennas is generally no problem for transmission systems with
limited transmission power levels (WLAN, WIMAX, LTE, . . . ). These
systems can easily switch between different MIMO and SISO schemes.
This is different for large scale transmission systems, e.g.
nationwide terrestrial broadcast systems such as DVB-T2 or the
upcoming NGH standard systems. The transmission apparatus of these
broadcast networks typically covers very large areas, therefore the
transmission power level needs to very high. It is quite difficult
to switch on and off frequently blocks of a high power level signal
chain, which would be needed on the second transmission path of the
NGH MIMO scheme (during SISO transmission periods).
[0263] It is therefore proposed to allocate the power level in a
way that it is kept constant over the different transmission
periods (i.e. SISO and MIXO frames). This means that the SISO
transmission power (being so far fed to a single transmit antenna)
is split up to the two (or more) transmission paths. Logically the
two transmission paths build therefore a kind of SFN (Single
Frequency Network).
[0264] FIG. 30B shows the now constant power allocation across the
different MIMO and SISO operation periods. Each transmission
antenna radiates the same power. Preferably, the additional MIXO
antennas (here only the second antenna) duplicate the data from the
original SISO antenna, i.e., during the SISO frames, both
transmission antennas transmit the same data.
[0265] For fixed reception conditions (i.e. where the polarization
of the reception is aligned to the transmission polarization) the
received signal strength might be decreased by 3 dB. On the other
hand, portable and mobile receivers gain from the increased
polarization diversity, as different reception angles can always
deploy the overlaid (or combined) reception field strengths of both
transmission polarizations. Mobile receivers will in average have
therefore better reception conditions. This is even more true if
reception diversity with different receiver paths (e.g. orthogonal
reception antennas) is applied.
[0266] In summary, the present invention enables the use of
narrow-band receivers having a low power consumption even if the
frame structure used by the transmitter of the multi-carrier
broadcast system has a much broader channel bandwidth. Further,
various embodiments are provided, which enable further savings in
power consumption of receivers, which is particularly important for
mobile receivers. Still further, an increased or at least
selectable robustness for selected services due to the use of time
and/or frequency diversity in the mapping of data blocks of the
services onto frames having a segmented frame structure can be
achieved.
[0267] A data segment of the payload portion can be used only for a
single data stream or can be split up in time and/or frequency
direction for use by data blocks of two or more data streams. The
respective use of the data segment, i.e. the mapping of the data
blocks of the various data streams on the data segments of the
frames, can be static (i.e. continuously fixed) for the whole
transmission of a data stream, can be quasi-static (i.e. fixed for
a group of frames or only a single frame, i.e. can be changed from
frame to frame) or can be continuously changed (i.e. also with
frames). In the latter embodiments more signalling is required
compared to the first (static) embodiment.
[0268] Further, according to the present invention various levels
of robustness and various data rates can be selected by the
transmitter and can be received by the receiver through the ability
to select the MIMO mode and/or the pilot pattern per PLP and/or per
data slice. For instance, a low resolution data stream can be
transmitted using SISO or MISO and a corresponding high resolution
data stream can be transmitted in MIMO.
[0269] The invention also enables the application of scalable video
coding, according to which the same data are transmitted as a high
resolution data stream (with lower robustness) and as a low
resolution data stream (with higher robustness). If the receiver
is, e.g. due to bad reception conditions, not able to receive the
high resolution data stream it can switch to the corresponding
("associated") low resolution data stream.
[0270] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail
in the drawings and foregoing description, but such illustration
and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and
not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be
understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing
the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the
disclosure, and the appended claims.
[0271] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other
elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not
exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfil the
functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact
that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent
claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures
cannot be used to advantage.
[0272] A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable
medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium
supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also
be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other
wired or wireless telecommunication systems.
[0273] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as
limiting the scope.
[0274] In an embodiment of the receiver said MIMO mode detection
means is adapted for detecting one of a SISO scheme, MISO scheme or
MIMO scheme.
[0275] In an embodiment of the receiver said MIMO mode detection
means is adapted for detecting the MIMO mode from frame to frame or
from a group of frames to a next group of frames.
[0276] In an embodiment of the receiver said MIMO mode detection
means is adapted for detecting the MIMO mode from data symbol to
data symbol or from a group of data symbols to a next group of data
symbols.
[0277] In an embodiment of the receiver said pilot pattern
detection means is adapted for detecting edge pilots between
neighboring data segments, said edge pilots fitting with the pilot
patterns of both neighboring data segments.
[0278] In an embodiment of the receiver said pilot pattern
detection means is adapted for detecting the pilot pattern from
frame to frame or from a group of frames to a next group of
frames.
[0279] In an embodiment of the receiver said pilot pattern
detection means is adapted for detecting the pilot pattern from
data symbol to data symbol or from a group of data symbols to a
next group of data symbols.
[0280] In an embodiment of the receiver said MIMO mode detection
means and/or said pilot pattern detection means is adapted for
demapping signalling information from said frame, said signalling
information including MIMO mode information indicating the selected
MIMO mode of the data blocks per data segment and/or per mapping
input data stream and/or pilot pattern information indicating the
selected pilot pattern per data segment and/or per mapping input
data stream.
[0281] In an embodiment of the receiver said frame demapping means
is adapted for demapping said signalling information from one or
more preamble signalling blocks mapped onto preamble symbols of a
preamble portion of said frames, from one or more payload portion
signalling blocks mapped onto data symbols of said payload portion
or in-band from one or more data blocks mapped onto data symbols of
said payload portion.
[0282] In an embodiment of the receiver it comprises one or more
demapping units per reception path of a receiver, into which said
apparatus is included, wherein said one or more demapping units are
adapted for individually demapping the data blocks from the
provided demapping input data stream.
[0283] In an embodiment of the receiver at least one demapping unit
comprises decoding means for decoding the data blocks provided to
said at least one demapping unit.
[0284] In an embodiment of the receiver said frame demapping means
is adapted for demapping the data blocks of a demapping output data
stream from various data symbols and various data segments of said
frame, over which said data blocks are spread in time and
frequency.
[0285] In an embodiment of the receiver said receiving unit
comprises at least two receiving sub-units for receiving different
demapping input data streams, and said receiver apparatus further
comprises a control unit for switching off at least one receiving
sub-units or for combining the reception signal received by said
receiving sub-unit, if the MIMO mode detection unit has detected
that the demapping input data stream currently received uses SISO
scheme or MISO scheme.
* * * * *