WO2016098302A1

WO2016098302A1 - Reception apparatus, receiving method, transmission apparatus, and transmitting method

Info

Publication number: WO2016098302A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/006012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lachlan Bruce Michael; Naoki Yoshimochi
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 2014-12-17
Filing date: 2015-12-03
Publication date: 2016-06-23
Also published as: JP2016116165A; JP6579748B2; KR20170098792A; EP3235249A1; KR102438485B1

Abstract

A reception apparatus includes a plurality of receivers and processing circuitry. The plurality of receivers is configured to receive a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices. The processing circuitry is configured to reconstruct the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams based on connected channel information. The plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other. The present technology is applied to, for example, a channel bonding defined by the DVB-C2 standard and the ATSC3.0 standard.

Description

RECEPTION APPARATUS, RECEIVING METHOD, TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, AND TRANSMITTING METHOD

The present technology relates to a reception apparatus, a receiving method, a transmission apparatus, and a transmitting method, and specifically, to a reception apparatus, a receiving method, a transmission apparatus, and a transmitting method which can effectively use a frequency band in a channel bonding while increase in a cost of a receiving side is reduced.

<CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS>
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2014-255295 filed on December 17, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In digital broadcasting, a channel bonding has been known in which a stream with a high data rate is transmitted by being divided into a plurality (channel) of divided streams, and the plurality of divided streams is reconstructed to a stream with the original data rate in the receiving side.

In the digital video broadcasting - cable second generation (DVB-C2) standard, physical layer pipe bundling (PLP bundling) is defined as one of the channel bonding (for example, refer to Non Patent Literature 1). Also, in the next generation advanced television systems committee standards (ATSC) called ATSC3.0, the channel bonding is expected to be employed.

DVB-C2: ETSI EN 302 769 V1.2.1 (2011-04)

In the channel bonding, a bandwidth of an available frequency can be increased by connecting channels to transmit the plurality of divided streams. However, it is necessary for the reception apparatus on the receiving side to separately provide an RF tuner and a demodulator to receive the frequency band which has been increased by connecting the channels. Therefore, in the channel bonding, there has been a need to effectively use the frequency band while the increase in the cost on the receiving side is reduced.

The present technology has been made in consideration of the above situation. The present technology enables the frequency band to be effectively used in the channel bonding while the increase in the cost on the receiving side is reduced.

A reception apparatus according to a first aspect of the present technology is a reception apparatus including a plurality of receivers configured to receive a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices. The reception apparatus further includes processing circuitry configured to reconstruct the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams based on connected channel information. The plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other.

The reception apparatus according to the first aspect of the present technology may be an independent apparatus and an inner block forming a single apparatus. Also, a receiving method according to the first aspect of the present technology is a receiving method corresponding to the reception apparatus according to the first aspect of the present technology described above. The receiving method of the reception apparatus including receiving, by a plurality of receivers of the reception apparatus, a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices. The method further including reconstructing the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams, by processing circuitry of the reception apparatus, based on connected channel information. The plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other.

In the reception apparatus and the receiving method according to the first aspect of the present technology, when the channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices are connected to each other, the BB stream is reconstructed from the plurality of divided streams based on the connected channel information which enables the plurality of receivers to receive the plurality of divided streams including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels.

A transmission apparatus according to the second aspect of the present technology is a transmission apparatus including processing circuitry configured to generate transmission control information including connected channel information to enable a reception apparatus to receive a plurality of divided streams, which includes data to be transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices. The transmission apparatus further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the transmission control information together with the plurality of divided streams.

The transmission apparatus according to the second aspect of the present technology may be an independent apparatus and an inner block forming a single apparatus. Also, a transmitting method according to the second aspect of the present technology is a transmitting method corresponding to the transmission apparatus according to the second aspect of the present technology described above. The transmitting method for the transmission apparatus including generating, by processing circuitry, transmission control information including connected channel information to enable a reception apparatus to receive a plurality of divided streams, which includes data to be transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices. The method further includes transmitting, by a transmitter, the transmission control information together with the plurality of divided streams.

In the transmission apparatus and the transmitting method according to the second aspect of the present technology, when the channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing the BB frame of the BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame to the plurality of data slices are connected to each other, the transmission control information is generated which includes the connected channel information which enables the plurality of divided streams including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels to be received. Also, the transmission control information is transmitted together with the plurality of divided streams.

According to the first and second aspects of the present technology, in the channel bonding, the frequency band can be effectively used while the increase in the cost on the receiving side is reduced.

The effects described herein are not limited, and the effect may be any effects described in the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a structure of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present technology has been applied. Fig. 2 is a diagram to describe a general channel bonding. Fig. 3 is a diagram to describe a structure of a receiving side in the general channel bonding. Fig. 4 is a diagram to describe a simple extension connection channel bonding. Fig. 5 is a diagram to describe a structure of a receiving side in the simple extension connection channel bonding. Fig. 6 is a diagram to describe a connection channel bonding of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system). Fig. 7 is a diagram to describe a structure of a receiving side in the connection channel bonding of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system). Fig. 8 is a diagram to describe a structure of a receiving side in a case where a broadband tuner is used in the connection channel bonding of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system). Fig. 9 is a diagram to describe an operation example 1 which complies with the DVB-C2 standard. Fig. 10 is a table of a data field of L1 signaling information used in the operation example 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary structure of a transmission apparatus. Fig. 12 is a flowchart to describe transmission processing which complies with the operation example 1. Fig. 13 is a flowchart to describe channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 1. Fig. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary structure of a reception apparatus. Fig. 15 is a flowchart to describe reception processing which complies with the operation example 1. Fig. 16 is a flowchart to describe channel bonding reception processing which complies with the operation example 1. Fig. 17 is a diagram to describe a channel bonding of the ATSC3.0 standard. Fig. 18 is a diagram to describe a normal mode which complies with the channel bonding of different channels. Fig. 19 is a diagram of an exemplary arrangement of L1 signaling information used in an operation example 2. Fig. 20 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 1 which complies with a connected two-channel channel bonding. Fig. 21 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 2 which complies with a connected three-channel channel bonding. Fig. 22 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 3 which complies with a connected four-channel channel bonding. Fig. 23 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 7 which complies with a connected eight-channel channel bonding. Fig. 24 is a diagram of an exemplary bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE). Fig. 25 is a flowchart to describe channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 2. Fig. 26 is a flowchart to describe channel bonding reception processing which meets the operation example 2. Fig. 27 is a diagram of an exemplary structure of a computer.

Embodiments according to the present technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order.

1. Structure of system
2. Outline of channel bonding
3. Description on channel bonding to which the present technology is applied
(1) Operation example 1: complying with DVB-C2 standard
(2) Operation example 2: complying with ATSC3.0 standard
4. Structure of computer

<1. Structure of system>

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a structure of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present technology has been applied. The system indicates a plurality of apparatuses which is logically collected.

In Fig. 1, a transmission system 1 includes a transmission apparatus 10 and a reception apparatus 20.

For example, the transmission apparatus 10 transmits a TV program and the like. That is, the transmission apparatus 10 transmits a stream of data to be transmitted such as video data and audio data as the TV program via a transmission path 30 as a digital broadcasting signal. For example, the transmission path 30 is a cable television network, a ground wave, and a satellite channel.

The reception apparatus 20 receives the digital broadcasting signal transmitted from the transmission apparatus 10 via the transmission path 30 and restores it to the original stream, and then, outputs it. For example, the reception apparatus 20 outputs the video data and the audio data as the TV program.

The transmission system 1 in Fig. 1 can be applied to a digital broadcasting conforming to a standard such as the DVB-T2 standard, the DVB-S2 standard, the integrated services digital broadcasting (ISDB), and the like and other digital broadcasting in addition to the digital broadcasting (data transmission) conforming to the DVB-C2 standard and the ATSC3.0 standard.

<2. Outline of channel bonding>

(General channel bonding)
Fig. 2 is a diagram to describe a general channel bonding.

In Fig. 2, in the general channel bonding, a channel having a bandwidth of 6 MHz transmits a divided stream 1 divided from a single stream (digital broadcasting signal (RF1) including the same), and a different channel having the bandwidth of 6 MHz transmits a divided stream 2 divided from the above-mentioned single stream (digital broadcasting signal (RF2) including the same). However, in each channel, a bandwidth of 5.71 MHz in the bandwidth of 6 MHz is used for data transmission. Also, it is not necessary for the channels used in the channel bonding to be adjacent to each other. A channel between the channels used in the channel bonding can be used to transmit a different digital broadcasting signal which has no connection with the channel bonding.

Here, when the transmission apparatus 10 transmits the digital broadcasting signals (RF1 and RF2) including the divided stream by the general channel bonding, the reception apparatus 20 has, for example, a structure illustrated in Fig. 3. That is, the reception apparatus 20 includes RF tuner units 212 and demodulators 213 provided therein. The number of the RF tuner units 212 and demodulators 213 is according to the number of the channels in which the divided stream divided from the single stream is transmitted. The RF tuner units 212 and demodulators 213 perform processing relative to the plurality of divided streams. In Fig. 3, since the digital broadcasting signals (RF1 and RF2) including the divided streams are transmitted in two channels, the reception apparatus 20 has RF tuner units 212-1 and 212-2 and demodulators 213-1 and 213-2 provided therein. The RF tuner unit 212 can set a receivable frequency band from among frequency bands of 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz, and 8 MHz, for example.

In the reception apparatus 20 in Fig. 3, the divided stream 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (RF1) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1. Also, the divided stream 2 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (RF2) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. The synthesis unit 214 synthesizes the extracted divided

streams

1 and 2, and the original stream is restored (reconstructed).

(Simple extension connection channel bonding)
Fig. 4 is a diagram to describe a simple extension connection channel bonding.

In Fig. 4, in the simple extension connection channel bonding, the divided stream 1 (digital broadcasting signal (RF1) including the same) and the divided stream 2 (digital broadcasting signal (RF2) including the same) divided from the single stream are transmitted by the channels including the bandwidth of 6 MHz adjacent to each other. Also, in the channels adjacent to each other, the bandwidth of 5.71 MHz in the bandwidth of 6 MHz is used for the data transmission. However, there is a need to effectively use a bandwidth of a part of a guard band in a connection part between the channels.

Here, when the transmission apparatus 10 transmits the digital broadcasting signals (RF1 and RF2) including the divided stream by the simple extension connection channel bonding, the reception apparatus 20 has, for example, a structure illustrated in Fig. 5. That is, similarly to the structure in Fig. 3, in the reception apparatus 20 illustrated in Fig. 5, the divided stream 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (RF1) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1. Also, the divided stream 2 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (RF2) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. The synthesis unit 214 synthesizes the extracted divided

streams

1 and 2, and the original stream is restored (reconstructed).

(Connection channel bonding of DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system))
Fig. 6 is a diagram to describe a connection channel bonding of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system). The J.382 system is one of next generation cable TV transmission systems.

In the above-mentioned simple extension connection channel bonding, it has been described that there is a need to effectively use the bandwidth of a part of the guard band in the connection part between the channels. However, in the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), it is standardized so that data is transmitted in the connection part between the channels. That is, as illustrated in Fig. 6, in the connection channel bonding (connection PLP bundling) of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), data slices 0 and 1(digital broadcasting signals (DS0 and DS1) including the same) which are divided from a single stream (physical layer pipe: PLP) as a divided stream are transmitted. In the respective channels adjacent to each other, the bandwidth of 5.71 MHz in the bandwidth of 6 MHz is used for the data transmission. In the bandwidth of 0.295 MHz in the connection part between the channels, a data slice 2 which is divided from the single stream (PLP) as a divided stream (digital broadcasting signal (DS2) including the same) is transmitted.

Here, when the transmission apparatus 10 transmits the digital broadcasting signals (DS0, DS1, and DS2) including the data slices by the connection channel bonding of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), the reception apparatus 20 has, for example, a structure illustrated in Fig. 7. That is, the reception apparatus 20 in Fig. 7 includes the RF tuner units 212 and the demodulators 213 provided therein. The number of the RF tuner units 212 and the demodulators 213 is according to the number of the data slices as the divided streams divided from the single stream. The RF tuner units 212 and the demodulators 213 perform processing relative to the plurality of data slices. In Fig. 7, since the digital broadcasting signals (DS0, DS1, and DS2) including three data slices are transmitted, the RF tuner units 212-1, 212-2, and 212-3 and the demodulators 213-1, 213-2, and 213-3 are provided in the reception apparatus 20.

In the reception apparatus 20 in Fig. 7, the data slice 0 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS0) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1, and the data slice 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS1) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. Also, the data slice 2 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS2) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3. The synthesis unit 214 synthesizes the extracted data slices 0 to 2, and the original stream is restored (reconstructed).

As described above, in the connection channel bonding of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), the data slice can be transmitted by effectively using a frequency band which has been increased by connecting the channels (for example, bandwidth of connection part of channel which becomes available by connecting channels). However, it is necessary for the reception apparatus 20 (Fig. 7) to have the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3 provided therein to perform the processing to the data slice transmitted in the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels. The reason of this is as follows. It is necessary to transmit the data transmitted in the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels as the other data slice since the width of the frequency band of the data slice transmitted in each channel is limited in the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), and it is difficult for RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1, and the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2 to perform the processing. The maximum value (width) of the data slice is defined in “9.4.1.2 Maximum width of Data Slices” which is the above-mentioned Non Patent Literature 1.

In this way, in a case where the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3 are added in the reception apparatus 20 even when the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels can be effectively used, it is effective for a transmission side. However, this causes the increase in cost for the receiving side. Accordingly, it is preferable that the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels be effectively used while reducing the increase in the cost of the receiving side. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 8, it can be considered that a RF broadband tuner unit 212 corresponding to a wide-band frequency is provided in the reception apparatus 20. However, it is necessary to provide the demodulator 213-3 to perform the processing relative to the data slice transmitted in the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels at all. Therefore, that does not become a fundamental solution.

Therefore, in the channel bonding to which the present technology has been applied, the channel bonding in which the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels is effectively used can be realized while the increase in the cost of the receiving side is reduced. The channel bonding to which the present technology has been applied will be particularly described below as the operation example 1 which complies with the DVB-C2 standard and the operation example 2 which complies with the ATSC3.0 standard are exemplified.

<3. Description on channel bonding to which the present technology is applied>

(1) Operation example 1

(Outline of PLP bundling)
In recent years, there has been a need for a digital broadcasting for transmitting an image with high resolution such as so-called 8 K. However, regarding the image with 8 K resolution, when encoding is performed by using a high efficiency video coding (HEVC) system, necessary throughput to transmit high data rate data obtained by the encoding is about 100 Mbps. It is difficult for the PLP corresponding to this high data rate data to be transmitted in a single data slice (Data Slice).

Therefore, in the DVB-C2 standard, actual data as a single PLP is divided by a BaseBand (BB) frame unit by the PLP bundling which is one kind of the channel bonding, and it is standardized so that the actual data is transmitted in the plurality of data slices. In the reception apparatus 20, the actual data as the single PLP is reconstructed by receiving the plurality of data slices transmitted from the transmission apparatus 10 and performing the processing relative to the plurality of data slices.

In the DVB-C2 standard, a transmission band (frequency band) for transmitting an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal is, for example, divided into (about) 6 MHz units. Now, it is assumed that a single transmission band which is divided into 6 MHz units be a unit transmission band. In the reception apparatus 20, the OFDM signal in the unit transmission band in which the data slice including the PLP of the actual data of the desired TV program is received, and the processing is performed to the data slice included in the OFDM signal.

(Outline of operation example 1)
Fig. 9 is a diagram to describe an operation example 1 which complies with the DVB-C2 standard. In Fig. 9, a frequency band on the left side expresses a channel to be a target of the PLP bundling which complies with the current DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), and a frequency band on the right side expresses a channel to be a target of the PLP bundling which complies with the operation example 1 to which the present technology has been applied.

As indicated by the frequency band on the left side in Fig. 9, in the connection channel bonding of the current DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), the data slice can be transmitted by effectively using the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels as described in Figs. 6 and 8. However, it has been necessary to provide the demodulator 213-3 (and RF tuner unit 212-3), which is to perform the processing relative to the data slice 2 (digital broadcasting signal (DS2) including the same) transmitted in the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels, in the reception apparatus 20. Therefore, it is effective for a transmission side. However, this causes the increase in cost for the receiving side as described above.

On the other hand, in the operation example 1 to which the present technology has been applied, the limitation of the frequency band width of the data slice transmitted in each channel is released so that the maximum value (width) becomes variable. According to this, the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels can be effectively used, and also, the increase in the cost of the receiving side can be reduced. That is, in the connection channel bonding (connection PLP bundling) of the current DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system), since the bandwidth of 5.71 MHz in the bandwidth of 6 MHz has been used for the data transmission in each channel, the bandwidth of 0.295 MHz has become available by connecting the channels. However, in the operation example 1 to which the present technology has been applied, the maximum value (width) of the data slice becomes variable so that a bandwidth of 5.86 MHz (5.71 MHz + 0.15 MHz (0.295/2 MHz)) can be used for the data transmission in each channel.

In other words, in the operation example 1 to which the present technology has been applied, it can be said that the maximum value (width) of the data slice transmitted in each channel becomes variable and the maximum value of the data which can be transmitted in each data slice can be set so that the data transmitted by the data slice 2 in the connection channel bonding of the current DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system) (Figs. 6 and 8) is distributed to the data slices 0 and 1.

In the operation example 1 to which the present technology has been applied, in order to release (slightly relax) the limitation of the frequency band width of the data slice transmitted in each channel and make the maximum value (width) be variable, at least one of version information and the extension mode is defined. That is, the version information to manage the maximum value (width) of the data slice transmitted in each channel is defined. For example, when a version indicated by the version information has been updated, the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels is distributed to the data slices 0 and 1 by changing the maximum value (width) of the data slice from 3408 (OFDM carriers) to 3496 (OFDM carriers) and releasing the limitation of the maximum value (width).

Also, the extension mode indicating whether the maximum value (width) of the data slice is changed is defined. For example, when the extension mode has not been set, that is, in a case of the normal mode, the maximum value (width) of the data slice is 3408 (OFDM carriers). On the other hand, when the extension mode has been set, the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels is distributed to the data slices 0 and 1 by releasing the limitation of the maximum value (width) of the data slice (3408 (OFDM carriers)).

Here, the version information and the extension mode can be defined as the L1 signaling information which is transmission control information including information relating to, for example, an OFDM parameter, the data slice, the PLP, and a notch band. That is, the version information and the extension mode can be defined as the L1 signaling information used for the current DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system).

(Structure of L1 signaling information)
Fig. 10 is a table of a data field of L1 signaling information used in the operation example 1.

16-bit NETWORK_ID indicates a network ID which uniquely identifies the current network. 16-bit C2_SYSTEM_ID indicates a C2 system ID which uniquely identifies a C2 system in the network identified according to the network ID.

24-bit START_FREQUENCY indicates a start frequency of the current C2 system as a distance from 0 Hz and has a value of unsigned int as an integer multiple of a carrier interval of the current C2 system. 16-bit C2_BANDWIDTH indicates a bandwidth of the current C2 system.

Two-bit GUARD_INTERVAL indicates a guard interval of a current C2 frame. 10-bit C2_FRAME_LENGTH indicates the number of data symbols in each C2 frame. Eight-bit L1_PART2_CHANGE_COUNTER indicates the number of the C2 frames in front of a place where the structure changes.

Eight-bit NUM_DSLICE indicates the number of the data slices transmitted in the current C2 frame. Four-bit NUM_NOTCH indicates the number of the notch bands.

A field below is arranged in a data slice loop according to the number of the data slices. Eight-bit DSLICE_ID indicates a data slice ID which uniquely identifies the data slice in the C2 system. 13-bit or 14-bit DSLICE_TUNE_POS indicates a tuning position of the data slice as a relative value of the START_FREQUENCY.

Eight-bit or nine-bit DSLICE_OFFSET_LEFT indicates a starting position of the related data slice as a distance from the tuning position to the left. Eight-bit or nine-bit DSLICE_OFFSET_RIGHT indicates the starting position of the related data slice as a distance from the tuning position to the right. When the extension mode is set to a reserved region 2 to be described as EXTENDED_DS, the maximum value (width) of the data slice is set according to the DSLICE_OFFSET_LEFT and DSLICE_OFFSET_RIGHT.

Two-bit DSLICE_TI_DEPTH indicates a depth of time interleaving in the related data slice. One-bit DSLICE_TYPE indicates a type of the related data slice. When the DSLICE_TYPE is “1”, an one-bit FEC_HEADER_TYPE is arranged. FEC_HEADER_TYPE indicates a type of an FEC frame header in the related data slice.

One-bit DSLICE_CONST_CONF indicates whether the structure of the related data slice is variable or fixed. When a value of this field is set to “1”, the structure of the related data slice does not change. When the value of this field is not set to “1”, the value is set to “0”.

One-bit DSLICE_LEFT_NOTCH indicates the existence of the notch band adjacent to the left of the related data field. When the notch band adjacent to the starting position of the related data slice exists, a value of this field is set to “1”. When the notch band does not exist, the value is set to “0”.

Eight-bit DSLICE_NUM_PLP indicates the number of the PLPs transmitted in the related data slice. A field below is arranged in a PLP loop according to the number of the PLPs. Eight-bit PLP_ID indicates a PLP ID which identifies the PLP in the C2 system. One-bit PLP_BUNDLED is PLP bundle information and indicates whether the related PLP is bundled in the current C2 system. When the related PLP is bundled, a value of this field is set to “1”. When the related PLP is not bundled, the value is set to “0”.

Two-bit PLP_TYPE indicates a type of the related PLP. Five-bit PLP_PAYLOAD_TYPE indicates a type of payload data transmitted by the related PLP. When the PLP_TYPE is “00” or “01”, an eight-bit PLP_GROUP_ID is arranged. The PLP_GROUP_ID indicates a PLP group ID which identifies a PLP group with which the current PLP is associated in the C2 system.

When the DSLICE_TYPE is “0”, 14-bit PLP_START, one-bit PLP_FEC_TYPE, three-bit PLP_MOD, and three-bit PLP_COD are arranged. The PLP_START indicates a starting position of a first and complete XFEC frame of the related PLP in the current C2 frame. The PLP_FEC_TYPE indicates an FEC type used in the related PLP. The PLP_MOD indicates a modulation system used in the related PLP. The PLP_COD indicates an encoding rate used in the related PLP.

One-bit PSI/SI_REPROCESSING indicates whether PSI/SI reprocessing is performed. When the PSI/SI_REPROCESSING is “0”, 16-bit transport_stream_id and 16-bit original_network_id are arranged. The transport_stream_id indicates a transport stream ID which functions as a label to identify the transport stream (TS) from other multiplexing in the distribution system. The original_network_id indicates an original network ID which functions as a label to identify a network ID of an original distribution system.

Eight-bit RESERVED_1 is arranged in the PLP loop. The RESERVED_1 is a reserved region 1 reserved for future use. Also, eight-bit RESERVED_2 is arranged in the data slice loop. The RESERVED_2 is a reserved region 2 reserved for future use. However, the extension mode can be defined by arranging one-bit EXTENDED_DS in the eight-bit RESERVED_2 and making the remaining seven bits be the reserved region 2. For example, when it is indicated that the maximum value (width) of the data slice is changed, a value of this field is set to be “1”. When the maximum value is not changed, the value is set to “0”.

A field below is arranged in a notch loop according to the number of the notch bands. 13-bit or 14-bit NOTCH_START indicates a starting position of the related notch band as unsigned int and as the relative value of the START_FREQUENCY. Eight-bit or nine-bit NOTCH_WIDTH indicates a width of the related notch band as unsigned int. Eight-bit RESERVED_3 is arranged in the notch loop. The RESERVED_3 is a reserved region 3 reserved for future use.

One-bit RESERVED_TONE indicates whether a part of a carrier is reserved. When the reserved carrier exists in the current C2 frame, “1” is set in this bit. When the reserved carrier does not exist, the value is set to “0”. 16-bit RESERVED_4 is a reserved region 4 reserved for future use. However, the version information can be defined by arranging four-bit C2_VERSION in the 16-bit RESERVED_4 and making the remaining 12 bits be the reserved region 4. For example, when the maximum value (width) of the data slice can be changed, a version corresponding to the value of the field is updated.

Next, when the operation example 1 is employed, detailed contents of processing performed by the transmission apparatus 10 and the reception apparatus 20 included in the transmission system 1 will be described. Here, the transmission side will be described first, and after that, the receiving side will be described.

(Structure of transmission apparatus)
Fig. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary structure of the transmission apparatus 10 in Fig. 1.

The transmission apparatus 10 can divide the actual data as a single PLP (PLP to which the same PLP ID is given) into BB frame units and can transmit it in the plurality of data slices by the PLP bundling which is one kind of the channel bonding. In Fig. 11, the transmission apparatus 10 includes a control unit 111, an input processing unit 112, data slice processing units 113-1 to 113-N (N is an integer of one or more), a frame configuration unit 114, and a transmission unit 115.

The control unit 111 controls an operation of each unit of the transmission apparatus 10.

The actual data as a PLP having the same PLP ID (a target data such as transport stream (TS)) is supplied to the input processing unit 112. The input processing unit 112 configures the BB frame by adding a BaseBand (BB) header to the actual data supplied thereto. The BB header includes an input stream time reference (ISCR) as an input stream synchronizer (ISSY).

The input processing unit 112 has the BB stream including the BB frame to be divided and repeats distributing each BB frame included in the BB stream to a single data slice in the plurality of data slices. Accordingly, the input processing unit 112 divides the BB stream into a plurality of divided streams by BB frame units. Also, the input processing unit 112 distributes the plurality of divided streams which is obtained by dividing the BB stream to either one of the data slice processing units 113-1 to 113-N.

The data slice processing unit 113-1 performs processing relative to the divided stream distributed by the input processing unit 112. For example, the data slice processing unit 113-1 performs error correction encoding to the BB frame included in the divided frame and maps an FEC frame obtained as a result of the error correction encoding to a signal point on a predetermined constellation by a predetermined bits unit as a symbol. The data slice processing unit 113-1 forms a data slice packet by adding the FEC frame header relative to the FEC frame obtained by extracting a symbol as the result of mapping by FEC frame units.

Also, the data slice processing unit 113-1 forms the data slice from one or more data slice packets and interleaves it in a time direction and a frequency direction. Then, the data slice processing unit 113-1 supplies the interleaved data slice to the frame configuration unit 114. Also, similarly to the data slice processing unit 113-1, the data slice processing units 113-2 to 113-N performs the processing to the divided streams distributed by the input processing unit 112 and supplies the obtained data slice to the frame configuration unit 114.

One or more data slices are supplied from the data slice processing units 113-1 to 113-N to the frame configuration unit 114. The frame configuration unit 114 configures the C2 frame including the one or more data slices from the data slice processing units 113-1 to 113-N and supplies it to the transmission unit 115. The transmission unit 115 performs inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to the C2 frame supplied from the frame configuration unit 114 and performs digital to analog conversion (DA conversion) to the OFDM signal obtained by the inverse fast Fourier transform. The transmission unit 115 modulates the OFDM signal which has been converted from a digital signal to an analog signal to a radio frequency (RF) signal and transmits it as a digital broadcasting signal via the transmission path 30.

Also, the control unit 111 includes a channel bonding setting unit 151 and a transmission control information generating unit 152. When the operation example 1 is employed as an operation mode of the channel bonding (PLP bundling), the channel bonding setting unit 151 sets information (version information and extension mode) to release the limitation of the frequency band width of the data slice transmitted in each channel and make the maximum value (width) be variable. Then, the channel bonding setting unit 151 supplies the set content to the transmission control information generating unit 152.

The transmission control information generating unit 152 generates the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information based on the set content supplied from the channel bonding setting unit 151 and supplies it to the frame configuration unit 114 and the like. Accordingly, for example, when configuring the C2 frame, the frame configuration unit 114 can add the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information.

In the structure of the transmission apparatus 10 in Fig. 11, for convenience of description, blocks which have no connection with the channel bonding such as the PLP bundling are appropriately omitted.

(Transmission processing)
Next, a procedure of transmission processing which complies with the operation example 1 performed by the transmission apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 12.

In step S101, the control unit 111 performs channel bonding transmission processing. In the channel bonding transmission processing, the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information is generated according to the operation mode (for example, operation example 1) of the channel bonding (PLP bundling). A detailed content of the channel bonding transmission processing will be described below with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 13.

In step S102, the input processing unit 112 to the transmission unit 115 perform the transmission processing according to the control from the control unit 111. In the transmission processing, for example, the plurality of data slices obtained by dividing the single PLP and the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information are transmitted as a digital broadcasting signal via the transmission path 30. When the processing in step S102 is completed, the transmission processing in Fig. 12 is terminated.

The transmission processing has been described above.

(Channel bonding transmission processing)
Here, the detailed content of the channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 1 in the processing in step S101 of Fig. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13.

It is determined in step S111 whether the operation mode of the channel bonding (PLP bundling) is the operation example 1. When it has been determined in step S111 that the operation mode is the operation example 1, the procedure proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the channel bonding setting unit 151 sets the version information and the extension mode which allow the change of the maximum value (width) of the data slice which is a target of the PLP bundling. Here, for example, at least one information of the version information and the extension mode is set so that the limitation of the frequency band width of the data slice is released, and then, the maximum value (width) can be changed.

In step S113, the transmission control information generating unit 152 generates the L1 signaling information based on the set content of the processing in step S112.

On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S111 that the operation mode is not the operation example 1, the procedure proceeds to step S114. In step S114, for example, the channel bonding setting unit 151 performs setting processing of normal PLP bundling in which the data slice with a normal maximum value (width) (for example, 3408 (OFDM carriers)) is transmitted. Accordingly, the L1 signaling information corresponding to the normal PLP bundling is generated (S113).

When the processing in step S113 is terminated, the procedure returns to the processing in step S101 in Fig. 12, and the procedure after that is performed.

The channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 1 has been described above.

(Structure of reception apparatus)
Fig. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary structure of the reception apparatus 20 in Fig. 1.

The reception apparatus 20 can reconstruct (restore) the actual data in which the single PLP is distributed into the plurality of data slices and transmitted by the PLP bundling. In Fig. 14, the reception apparatus 20 includes a control unit 211, RF tuner units 212-1 to 212-N (N is an integer of one or more), demodulators 213-1 to 213-N (N is an integer of one or more), and a synthesis unit 214.

The control unit 211 controls an operation of each unit of the reception apparatus 20.

The RF tuner unit 212-1 receives an RF signal in a predetermined band transmitted from the transmission apparatus 10 as the digital broadcasting signal via the transmission path 30 and supplies it to the demodulator 213-1. The demodulator 213-1 demodulates the RF signal from the RF tuner unit 212-1 and performs analog to digital conversion (AD conversion) to a demodulated signal (OFDM signal) which is obtained by the demodulation. The demodulator 213-1 performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) to the demodulated signal which has been converted from the analog signal to the digital signal and extracts a data slice obtained by the FFT.

Also, the demodulator 213-1 decomposes the data slice into data slice packets and removes the FEC frame header from the data slice packets. Accordingly, the data slice packet is decomposed into the FEC frames. A modulation system, a code length, and the like of the FEC frame are recognized based on the removed FEC frame header, and demapping, error correction decoding, and the like in the poststage are performed. The demodulator 213-1 performs the demapping to the FEC frame (symbol of the same) and performs the decoding of the error correction code relative to the FEC frame to which the demapping has been performed so that the divided stream including the BB frame is restored.

The demodulator 213-1 supplies the divided stream (BB frame included therein) restored from the data slice to a buffer (not shown) provided in the synthesis unit 214. The buffer includes, for example, a first in first out (FIFO) memory and sequentially stores the divided stream (BB frame included therein) supplied from the demodulator 213-1. Also, in the demodulators 213-2 to 213-N, similarly to the demodulator 213-1, the processing to restore the divided stream by extracting the data slice is performed based on the RF signals supplied from the RF tuner units 212-2 to 212-N, and the divided stream (BB frame included therein) restored from the data slice is sequentially stored in the buffer provided in the synthesis unit 214.

The synthesis unit 214 reconstructs (restore) the original BB stream by reading the BB frames from the buffer in an order of the BB frames included in the original BB stream and rearranging the BB frames based on the ISSY (ISCR) included in the BB header added to the BB frames included in the plurality of divided streams stored in the buffer provided in the synthesis unit 214. Also, the synthesis unit 214 decomposes the BB frames included in the original BB stream and restores the actual data (target data such as TS) and outputs it.

Also, the control unit 211 includes a transmission control information obtaining unit 251 and a channel bonding control unit 252. The transmission control information obtaining unit 251 obtains the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information obtained by performing channel scan by the RF tuner unit 212, the demodulator 213, and the like and supplies it to the channel bonding control unit 252.

The channel bonding control unit 252 controls an operation of each unit configured to perform processing regarding the channel bonding (PLP bundling) of the demodulator 213, the synthesis unit 214, and the like based on the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information supplied from the transmission control information obtaining unit 251.

(Reception processing)
Next, a procedure of reception processing which complies with the operation example 1 performed by the reception apparatus 20 in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 15.

In step S201, the RF tuner unit 212 and the demodulator 213 perform the reception processing according to the control from the control unit 211. In the reception processing, the digital broadcasting signal is received from the transmission apparatus 10 via the transmission path 30, and processing such as channel scan is performed.

In step S202, the demodulator 213 and the synthesis unit 214 perform channel bonding reception processing according to the control from the control unit 211. In the channel bonding reception processing, processing according to the operation mode (for example, operation example 1) of the channel bonding (PLP bundling) is performed based on the transmission control information of the L1 signaling information and the like, and a single PLP is reconstructed from the plurality of data slices. A detailed content of the channel bonding reception processing will be described below with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 16. When the processing in step S202 is completed, the reception processing in Fig. 15 is terminated.

The reception processing has been described above.

(Channel bonding reception processing)
Here, the detailed content of the channel bonding reception processing which complies with the operation example 1 in the processing in step S202 of Fig. 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 16.

In step S211, the transmission control information obtaining unit 251 obtains the L1 signaling information obtained by performing the channel scan by the RF tuner unit 212 and the demodulator 213. Here, for example, the channel scan is performed to all the frequency bands, and the L1 signaling information is obtained for each channel.

In step S212, the channel bonding control unit 252 determines whether the version information and the extension mode which allow the change of the maximum value (width) of the data slice which is a target of the PLP bundling have been set based on the L1 signaling information obtained by the processing in step S211.

When it has been determined that the condition in step S212 has been satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S213. In step S213, the channel bonding control unit 252 controls the demodulator 213, the synthesis unit 214, and the like and performs the PLP bundling processing according to the change of the maximum value (width) of the data slice. Here, for example, at least one information of the version information and the extension mode is set so that the limitation of the frequency band width of the data slice is released and the maximum value (width) is changed (for example, changed from 3408 (OFDM carriers) to 3496 (OFDM carriers)). Therefore, the single PLP is reconstructed from the data slices 0 and 1 including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels.

On the other hand, when it has been determined that the condition in step S212 has not been satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S214. In step S214, the channel bonding control unit 252 controls the demodulator 213, the synthesis unit 214, and the like and, for example, performs normal PLP bundling processing to the data slice with a normal maximum value (width) (for example, 3408 (OFDM carriers.))

When the processing in step S213 or S214 is terminated, the procedure returns to the processing in step S202 in Fig. 15, and the procedure after that is performed.

The channel bonding reception processing which complies with the operation example 1 has been described above.

As described above, in the operation example 1 which complies with the DVB-C2 standard, the limitation of the frequency band width of the data slice transmitted in each channel is released (slightly relax), and the maximum value (width) can be changed by defining the version information (C2_VERSION) and the extension mode (EXTENDED_DS) as the connected channel information. Accordingly, the data can be transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels without separately providing the RF tuner units 212, the demodulators 213, and the like in the reception apparatus 20. Therefore, the frequency band can be effectively used while the increase in the cost of the reception apparatus 20 is reduced.

(2) Operation example 2

(Outline of channel bonding of ATSC3.0 standard)
Fig. 17 is a diagram to describe a channel bonding of the ATSC3.0 standard.

In the ATSC3.0 standard which is currently prepared, the channel bonding is expected to be employed. In the channel bonding of the ATSC3.0 standard, the actual data as the single PLP can be divided into the BB frame units and can be transmitted in the plurality of data slices. In the reception apparatus 20, the actual data as the single PLP is reconstructed by receiving the plurality of data slices transmitted from the transmission apparatus 10 and performing the processing relative to the plurality of data slices.

In Fig. 17, in the channel bonding of the ATSC3.0 standard, a channel having a bandwidth of 6 MHz transmits the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same) divided from the single PLP (PLP1), and a different channel having the bandwidth of 6 MHz transmits the data slice 1 (digital broadcasting signal (DS1) including the same). However, in each channel, a bandwidth of 5.71 MHz in the bandwidth of 6 MHz is used for data transmission. Also, it is not necessary for the channels used for the channel bonding to be adjacent to each other. A channel between the channels used for the channel bonding can be used to transmit a different digital broadcasting signal which has no connection with the channel bonding. In Fig. 17, the digital broadcasting signals which comply with the current ATSC1.0 standard are transmitted in three channels between the channels in which the data slice is transmitted.

Here, when the transmission apparatus 10 transmits the digital broadcasting signals (DS0 and DS1) including the plurality of data slices, the RF tuner units 212 and the demodulators 213 are provided in the reception apparatus 20, and the processing relative to the plurality of data slices is performed. The number of the RF tuner units 212 and the demodulators 213 is according to the number of the channels in which the data slices divided from the single PLP (PLP1) are transmitted. In Fig. 17, since the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same) and the data slice 1 (digital broadcasting signal (DS1) including the same) are transmitted in two channels, the RF tuner units 212-1 and 212-2 and the demodulators 213-1 and 213-2 are provided in the reception apparatus 20. The RF tuner unit 212 can set a receivable frequency band from among the frequency bands of 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz, and 8 MHz, for example.

In the reception apparatus 20, the data slice 0 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS0) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1. Also, the data slice 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS1) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. The synthesis unit 214 synthesizes the extracted

data slices

0 and 1 and restores (reconstruct) the original PLP (PLP1).

Also, as illustrated in Fig. 18, there is a case where the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same) and the data slice 1 (digital broadcasting signal (DS1) including the same) divided from the single PLP (PLP1) are transmitted by the channels having the bandwidths of 6 MHz which are adjacent to each other. In this case, in the adjacent channels, the bandwidth of 5.71 MHz is used for the data transmission. However, the bandwidth of the connection part between the channels is not effectively used. Therefore, in the ATSC3.0 standard, similarly to the case of the DVB-C2 standard (J.382 system) described above, there is a need to connect the channels for transmitting the data slices and to effectively use the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels without providing the RF tuner unit 212 and the demodulator 213 to perform the processing to the data slice transmitted with the frequency band (for example, bandwidth of connection part between channels) which has been increased by connecting the channels.

In the operation example 2 to which the present technology has been applied, the frequency band which has been increased by connecting the channels can be effectively used without providing the RF tuner unit 212 and the demodulator 213 to perform the processing to the data slice transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels by defining a bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE). That is, in the operation example 2 to which the present technology has been applied, the bandwidth which becomes available by connecting the channels can be effectively used by operating the reception apparatus 20 with the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) according to the structures of the RF tuner unit 212, the demodulator 213, and the like without setting the frequency band width of the data slice transmitted in each channel to a fixed value.

Here, for example, the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) can be defined as the L1 signaling information which is the transmission control information. As illustrated in Fig. 19, a physical layer frame ((ATSC Physical) Frame) of a layer 1 includes a preamble (Preamble) and data (Data (Payload)). For example, the bandwidth mode can be defined by arranging a three-bit BANDWIDTH_MODE in the L1 signaling information arranged in the preamble.

Here, similarly to the case of the operation example 1 described above, the frequency band width of the data slice transmitted in each channel may be set. Also, finally, the number of the available data slices is changed according to the structures of the RF tuner unit 212, the demodulator 213, and the like in the reception apparatus 20. Accordingly, the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) is included in the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information, and it is not necessary to transmit it from the transmission apparatus 10 to the reception apparatus 20. That is, the reception apparatus 20 determines the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) according to the structures of the RF tuner unit 212, the demodulator 213, and the like and may be operated with the bandwidth mode.

As the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE), there are a normal mode (regular mode) in which the channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18 described above are not connected to each other and an extension mode (extended mode) in which the channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices are connected to each other. A plurality of extension modes can be set as the extension mode according to the number of the channels which are connected to each other. Therefore, the extension mode according to the number of the connections of the channels will be described below.

(Extension mode 1)
Fig. 20 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 1 which complies with a connected two-channel channel bonding.

In Fig. 20, the RF tuner units 212-1 and 212-2 and the demodulators 213-1 and 213-2 are provided in the reception apparatus 20. In this case, the reception apparatus 20 can receive the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same) and the data slice 1 (digital broadcasting signal (DS1) including the same) which are transmitted in two channels from the transmission apparatus 10.

When the two channels are connected, in order to make the frequency band which has been increased by the connected two channels be available, the bandwidth of 5.86 MHz is used for the data transmission in the adjacent channels by setting the extension mode 1 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “1”). That is, in the connected two channels with the bandwidth of 12 MHz, the frequency band which has been increased by the connected two channels can be effectively used by using the bandwidth of 11.72 MHz (2 × 5.86 MHz) for the data transmission compared with a case of the normal mode (11.42 MHz (2 × 5.71 MHz)).

In the reception apparatus 20, the data slice 0 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS0) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1. Also, the data slice 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS1) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. In this case, since the extension mode 1 is set in the reception apparatus 20, for example, the data according to the frequency band which has been increased by the connected two channels can be processed without providing the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3 to comply with the frequency band which has been increased by the connected two channels.

(Extension mode 2)
Fig. 21 is a diagram to describe the extension mode 2 which complies with a connected three-channel channel bonding.

In Fig. 21, the RF tuner units 212-1 to 212-3 and the demodulators 213-1 to 213-3 are provided in the reception apparatus 20. In this case, the reception apparatus 20 can receive the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same), the data slice 1 (digital broadcasting signal (DS1) including the same), and the data slice 2 (digital broadcasting signal (DS2) including the same) transmitted in three channels from the transmission apparatus 10.

When the three channel are connected to each other, in order to make the frequency band which has been increased by the connected three channels be available, the bandwidth of 5.90 MHz is used for the data transmission in each channel by setting the extension mode 2 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “2”). That is, in the connected three channels with the bandwidth of 18 MHz, the frequency band which has been increased by the connected three channels can be effectively used by using the bandwidth of 17.70 MHz (3 × 5.90 MHz) for the data transmission compared with a case of the normal mode (17.13 MHz (3 × 5.71 MHz)).

In the reception apparatus 20, the data slice 0 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS0) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1, and the data slice 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS1) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. Also, the data slice 2 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS2) by performing the processing by the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3. In this case, since the extension mode 2 is set in the reception apparatus 20, for example, the data according to the frequency band which has been increased by the connected three channels can be processed without providing the RF tuner unit 212-4 and the demodulator 213-4 to comply with the frequency band which has been increased by the connected three channels.

(Extension mode 3)
Fig. 22 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 3 which complies with a connected four-channel channel bonding.

In Fig. 22, the RF tuner units 212-1 to 212-4 and the demodulators 213-1 to 213-4 are provided in the reception apparatus 20. In this case, the reception apparatus 20 can receive the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same), the data slice 1 (digital broadcasting signal (DS1) including the same), the data slice 2 (digital broadcasting signal (DS2) including the same), and the data slice 3 (digital broadcasting signal (DS3) including the same) transmitted in four channels from the transmission apparatus 10.

When the four channels are connected to each other, in order to make the frequency band which has been increased by the connected four channels be available, the bandwidth of 5.93 MHz is used for the data transmission in each channel by setting the extension mode 3 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “3”). That is, in the connected four channels with the bandwidth of 24 MHz, the frequency band which has been increased by the connected four channels can be effectively used by using the bandwidth of 23.72 MHz (4 × 5.93 MHz) for the data transmission compared with a case of the normal mode (22.84 MHz (4 × 5.71 MHz)).

In the reception apparatus 20, the data slice 0 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS0) by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1, and the data slice 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS1) by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. Also, the data slice 2 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS2) by the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3, and the data slice 3 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS3) by the RF tuner unit 212-4 and the modulator 213-4. In this case, since the extension mode 3 is set in the reception apparatus 20, for example, the data according to the frequency band which has been increased by the connected four channels can be processed without providing the RF tuner unit 212-5 and the demodulator 213-5 to comply with the frequency band which has been increased by the connected four channels.

(Extension mode 7)
Fig. 23 is a diagram to describe an extension mode 7 which complies with a connected eight channels channel bonding.

Regarding the extension modes 4 to 7, the number of pairs of the RF tuner units 212 and the demodulators 213 provided in the reception apparatus 20 is increased from five to eight, and the number of the data slices which can be handled is increased. Basically, the extension modes 4 to 7 are similar to the above-mentioned extension modes 1 to 3. Therefore, here, the extension mode 7 will be described on behalf of the extension modes 4 to 7.

In Fig. 23, RF tuner units 212-1 to 212-8 and demodulators 213-1 to 213-8 are provided in the reception apparatus 20. In this case, the reception apparatus 20 can receive the data slice 0 (digital broadcasting signal (DS0) including the same) to a data slice 7 (digital broadcasting signal (DS7) including the same) transmitted in eight channels from the transmission apparatus 10.

When the eight channels are connected to each other, in order to make the frequency band which has been increased by the connected eight channels be available, the bandwidth of 5.96 MHz is used for the data transmission in each channel by setting the extension mode 7 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “7”). That is, in the connected eight channels with the bandwidth of 48 MHz, the frequency band which has been increased by the connected eight channels can be effectively used by using the bandwidth of 47.68 MHz (8 × 5.96 MHz) for the data transmission compared with a case of the normal mode (45.68 MHz (8 × 5.71 MHz)).

In the reception apparatus 20, the data slice 0 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS0) by the RF tuner unit 212-1 and the demodulator 213-1, and the data slice 1 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS1) by the RF tuner unit 212-2 and the demodulator 213-2. Also, the data slice 2 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS2) by the RF tuner unit 212-3 and the demodulator 213-3, and the data slice 3 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS3) by the RF tuner unit 212-4 and the demodulator 213-4.

Also, in the reception apparatus 20, the data slice 4 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS4) by the RF tuner unit 212-5 and the demodulator 213-5, and the data slice 5 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS5) by the RF tuner unit 212-6 and the demodulator 213-6. The data slice 6 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS6) by the RF tuner unit 212-7 and the demodulator 213-7, and the data slice 7 is extracted from the digital broadcasting signal (DS7) by the RF tuner unit 212-8 and the demodulator 213-8.

In this case, since the extension mode 7 is set in the reception apparatus 20, for example, the data according to the frequency band which has been increased by the connected eight channels can be processed without providing a RF tuner unit 212-9 and a demodulator 213-9 to comply with the frequency band which has been increased by the connected eight channels.

As described above, the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) is set according to the structure (the number of pairs of RF tuner units 212 and demodulators 213) of the reception apparatus 20. However, when the frequency band of each channel exceeds 6 MHz, it is necessary to use, for example, the RF tuner unit 212 which complies with the frequency band of 7 MHz. Therefore, in this example, the extension modes 1 to 7 are defined as the extension mode of the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE), and the reception apparatus 20 can cope with the connected eight channels at the maximum. In Fig. 24, the above-mentioned bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) is summarized.

The bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) may be transmitted together with the data slice by the transmission control information such as the L1 signaling information. Also, the reception apparatus 20 may determine the bandwidth mode according to the structures of the RF tuner unit 212, the demodulator 213, and the like and may operate with the bandwidth mode. Also, in the operation example 2, similarly to a case of the above-mentioned operation example 1, the processing according to the frequency band which has been increased by connecting the channels may be managed by using not only the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) but also the version information.

Next, when the operation example 2 is employed, detailed contents of processing performed by the transmission apparatus 10 and the reception apparatus 20 included in the transmission system 1 will be described. Since the structures of the transmission apparatus 10 and the reception apparatus 20 in the operation example 2 are similar to those in the above-mentioned operation example 1, the description will be omitted.

(Transmission processing)
First, a procedure of transmission processing which complies with the operation example 2 performed by the transmission apparatus 10 will be described. The transmission processing which complies with the operation example 2 includes the content of the channel bonding transmission processing in step S101 different from that of the transmission processing which complies with the operation example 1 in Fig. 12. Therefore, the channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 25.

(Channel bonding transmission processing)
Fig. 25 is the flowchart to describe the channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 2.

In step S131, it is determined whether the operation mode of the channel bonding is the operation example 2 (extension mode of the same). When it has been determined in step S131 that the operation mode is the operation example 2 (extension mode of the same), the procedure proceeds to step S132.

In step S132, the channel bonding setting unit 151 sets the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) according to the number of the connected channels in the channel bonding. Here, for example, in a case of the connected two channels, the extension mode 1 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “1”) is set. In a case of the connected three channels, the extension mode 2 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “2”) is set.

In step S133, the transmission control information generating unit 152 generates the L1 signaling information based on the set content of the processing in step S132.

On the other hand, in step S131, when it is determined that the operation mode is not the operation example 2 (extension mode of the same), the procedure proceeds to step S134. In step S134, for example, the channel bonding setting unit 151 performs the normal channel bonding setting processing and the like for transmitting the data slice with the normal mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “0”) as the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE). Accordingly, the L1 signaling information which complies with the normal channel bonding is generated (S133).

When the processing in step S133 is terminated, the procedure returns to the processing in step S101 in Fig. 12, and the procedure after that is performed.

The channel bonding transmission processing which complies with the operation example 2 has been described above.

(Reception processing)
Next, a procedure of reception processing which complies with the operation example 2 performed by the reception apparatus 20 will be described. The reception processing which complies with the operation example 2 has a content of the channel bonding reception processing in step S202 different from that of the reception processing which complies with the operation example 1 in Fig. 15. Therefore, the PLP bundling reception processing which complies with the operation example 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart in Fig. 26.

(Channel bonding reception processing)
Fig. 26 is the flowchart to describe the channel bonding reception processing which complies with the operation example 2.

In step S231, the transmission control information obtaining unit 251 obtains the L1 signaling information obtained by performing the channel scan by the RF tuner unit 212 and the demodulator 213. Here, for example, the channel scan is performed to all the frequency bands, and the L1 signaling information is obtained for each channel.

In step S232, the channel bonding control unit 252 determines whether the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) (extension mode as the same) according to the number of the connected channels in the channel bonding has been set based on the L1 signaling information obtained by the processing in step S231.

When it has been determined in step S232 that the bandwidth mode (extension mode as the same) according to the number of the connected channels has been set, the procedure proceeds to step S233. In step S233, the channel bonding control unit 252 controls the demodulator 213, the synthesis unit 214, and the like and performs channel bonding processing according to the number of the connected channels in accordance with the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE).

Here, for example, when the extension mode 1 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “1”) has been set in a case where the reception apparatus 20 includes the RF tuner units 212-1 and 212-2 and the demodulators 213-1 and 213-2, in each channel of the connected two channels, the bandwidth of 5.86 MHz is used for the data transmission, and the single PLP (PLP1) is reconstructed from the data slices 0 and 1. Also, for example, when the extension mode 2 (BANDWIDTH_MODE = “2”) has been set in a case where the reception apparatus 20 includes the RF tuner units 212-1 to 212-3 and the demodulators 213-1 to 213-3, in each channel of the connected three channels, the bandwidth of 5.90 MHz is used for the data transmission, and the single PLP (PLP1) is reconstructed from the data slices 0 to 2.

On the other hand, when it has been determined in step S232 that the bandwidth mode (extension mode as the same) according to the number of the connected channels has not been set, the procedure proceeds to step S234. In this case, the normal mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE =”0”) is set as the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE). In step S234, the channel bonding control unit 252 controls the demodulator 213, the synthesis unit 214, and the like and performs normal channel bonding processing and the like relative to the data slices respectively transmitted in different channels.

When the processing in steps S233 and S234 is terminated, the procedure returns to the processing in step S202 in Fig. 15, and the procedure after that is performed.

The channel bonding reception processing which complies with the operation example 2 has been described above.

As described above, in the operation example 2 which complies with the ATSC3.0 standard, the data can be transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available according to the number of the connected channels determined in accordance with the structure of the reception apparatus 20 (the number of pairs of RF tuner unit 212 and demodulator 213) by defining the bandwidth mode (BANDWIDTH_MODE) as the connected channel information. Accordingly, the data can be transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available by connecting the channels without separately providing the RF tuner units 212, the demodulators 213, and the like in the reception apparatus 20. Therefore, the frequency band can be effectively used while the increase in the cost of the reception apparatus 20 is reduced.

<4. Structure of computer>

The above-mentioned series of processing can be performed by hardware and software. When the series of the processing is performed by the software, a program included in the software is installed in a computer. Fig. 27 is a diagram of an exemplary structure of hardware of the computer for performing the above-mentioned series of the processing by the program.

In a computer 900, a central processing unit (CPU) 901, a read only memory (ROM) 902, and a random access memory (RAM) 903 are connected to each other with a bus 904. In addition, an input/output interface 905 is connected to the bus 904. An input unit 906, an output unit 907, a recording unit 908, a communication unit 909, and a drive 910 are connected to the input/output interface 905.

The input unit 906 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like. The output unit 907 includes a display, a speaker, and the like. The recording unit 908 includes a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The communication unit 909 includes a network interface and the like. The drive 910 drives a removable media 911 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an optical magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory.

In the computer 900 configured as above, the CPU 901 executes the program stored in the ROM 902 and the recording unit 908 by loading it to the RAM 903 via the input/output interface 905 and the bus 904. According to this, the above-mentioned series of processing is performed.

The program executed by the computer 900 (CPU 901) is, for example, can be provided by recording it to the removable media 911 as a package media and the like. Also, the program can be provided through wireless or wired transmission media such as a local area network, the Internet, and a digital satellite broadcast.

In the computer 900, the program can be installed to the recording unit 908 via the input/output interface 905 by mounting the removable media 911 in the drive 910. Also, the program can be received by the communication unit 909 via the wired or wireless transmission media and can be installed to the recording unit 908. In addition, the program can be previously installed to the ROM 902 and the recording unit 908.

Here, in the present specification, it is not necessary to perform the processing, which is performed by the computer according to the program, in an order described in the flowchart in time series. That is, the processing performed by the computer according to the program includes processing performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or processing by object). Also, the program may be performed by a single computer (processor), and distributed processing of the program may be performed by a plurality of computers.

The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present technique.

Also, the present technology can have a structure below.

(1)
A reception apparatus including:
a plurality of receivers configured to receive a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices; and
processing circuitry configured to reconstruct the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams based on connected channel information,
wherein the plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other.
(2)
The reception apparatus according to (1), wherein
the connected channel information indicates a bandwidth mode according to a number of the channels to be connected.
(3)
The reception apparatus according to (2), wherein
the plurality of receivers is configured to receive the plurality of divided streams according to the bandwidth mode, the plurality of divided streams including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available when the channels are connected.
(4)
The reception apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein
the connected channel information is included in transmission control information which is received with the plurality of divided streams.
(5)
The reception apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein
the connected channel information includes at least one of information of version information to manage a maximum value of transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel or extension mode information indicating whether the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel is changed.
(6)
The reception apparatus according to (5), wherein
the connected channel information is included in the transmission control information received with the plurality of divided streams, and
when the extension mode information indicates that the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice has been changed, the changed maximum value for the data transmittable by the data slice is set in the transmission control information.
(7)
A receiving method of a reception apparatus including:
receiving, by a plurality of receivers of the reception apparatus, a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices;
reconstructing the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams, by processing circuitry of the reception apparatus, based on connected channel information,
wherein the plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other.
(8)
A transmission apparatus including:
processing circuitry configured to generate transmission control information including connected channel information to enable a reception apparatus to receive a plurality of divided streams, which includes data to be transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels, the channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices; and
a transmitter configured to transmit the transmission control information together with the plurality of divided streams.
(9)
The transmission apparatus according to (8), wherein
the connected channel information indicates a bandwidth mode according to a number of the channels to be connected.
(10)
The transmission apparatus according to (9), wherein
the connected channel information indicates the bandwidth mode to enable the reception apparatus to receive the plurality of divided streams including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available when the channels are connected.
(11)
The transmission apparatus according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein
the connected channel information includes at least one of information of version information to manage a maximum value of transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel or extension mode information indicating whether the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel is changed.
(12)
The transmission apparatus according to (11), wherein
the changed maximum value for the transmittable data by the data slice is set in the transmission control information when the extension mode information indicates that the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice has been changed.
(13)
A transmitting method for a transmission apparatus, including:
generating, by processing circuitry, transmission control information including connected channel information to enable a reception apparatus to receive a plurality of divided streams, which includes data to be transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels, the channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices; and
transmitting, by a transmitter, the transmission control information together with the plurality of divided streams.

1 transmission system
10 transmission apparatus
20 reception apparatus
111 control unit
112 input processing unit
113 data slice processing unit
114 frame configuration unit
115 transmission unit
151 channel bonding setting unit
152 transmission control information generating unit
211 control unit
212 RF tuner unit
213 demodulator
214 synthesis unit
251 transmission control information obtaining unit
252 channel bonding control unit
900 computer
901 CPU

Claims

A reception apparatus comprising:
a plurality of receivers configured to receive a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices; and
processing circuitry configured to reconstruct the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams based on connected channel information,
wherein the plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other.
The reception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the connected channel information indicates a bandwidth mode according to a number of the channels to be connected.
The reception apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the plurality of receivers is configured to receive the plurality of divided streams according to the bandwidth mode, the plurality of divided streams including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available when the channels are connected.
The reception apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the connected channel information is included in transmission control information which is received with the plurality of divided streams.
The reception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the connected channel information includes at least one of information of version information to manage a maximum value of transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel or extension mode information indicating whether the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel is changed.
The reception apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
the connected channel information is included in the transmission control information received with the plurality of divided streams, and
when the extension mode information indicates that the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice has been changed, the changed maximum value for the data transmittable by the data slice is set in the transmission control information.
A receiving method of a reception apparatus, comprising:
receiving, by a plurality of receivers of the reception apparatus, a plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices;
reconstructing the BB stream from the plurality of divided streams, by processing circuitry of the reception apparatus, based on connected channel information,
wherein the plurality of divided streams includes data transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels for transmitting the plurality of data slices to each other.
A transmission apparatus comprising:
processing circuitry configured to generate transmission control information including connected channel information to enable a reception apparatus to receive a plurality of divided streams, which includes data to be transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels, the channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices; and
a transmitter configured to transmit the transmission control information together with the plurality of divided streams.
The transmission apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the connected channel information indicates a bandwidth mode according to a number of the channels to be connected.
The transmission apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the connected channel information indicates the bandwidth mode to enable the reception apparatus to receive the plurality of divided streams including the data transmitted in the frequency band which becomes available when the channels are connected.
The transmission apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the connected channel information includes at least one of information of version information to manage a maximum value of transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel or extension mode information indicating whether the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice transmitted in each channel is changed.
The transmission apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the changed maximum value for the transmittable data by the data slice is set in the transmission control information when the extension mode information indicates that the maximum value of the transmittable data by the data slice has been changed.
A transmitting method for a transmission apparatus, comprising
generating, by processing circuitry, transmission control information including connected channel information to enable a reception apparatus to receive a plurality of divided streams, which includes data to be transmitted in a frequency band which becomes available by connecting channels, the channels for transmitting the plurality of divided streams obtained by distributing a BaseBand (BB) frame of a BB stream which is a stream of the BB frame into a plurality of data slices; and
transmitting, by a transmitter, the transmission control information together with the plurality of divided streams.