Patent ID: 6122660
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method for distributing a digital multimedia broadcast stream including a main data stream and one or more alternative data streams each providing timely data relating to said main data stream in a single broadcast, said method comprising steps of:a. merging said main data stream into a combined broadcast stream at a present time marker;b. merging at least one alternative data stream into a combined broadcast stream at said present time marker;c. maintaining a remaining transmission transport capacity by subtracting a transmission transport capacity consumed in merging of said alternative data streams at said present time marker from said remaining transmission transport capacity at said present time marker;d. if said remaining transmission transport capacity at said present time marker is not available, using an earlier time marker where said remaining transport capacity is available;e. scheduling the meraina of each said alternative data stream by repeating steps (b) through (d) until all possible alternative data streams have been merged into a combined broadcast stream; andf. communicating said combined broadcast stream to a user device, whereby timely delivery of each said alternative data stream is guaranteed by said scheduling.