Patent Publication Number: US-11653070-B2

Title: 5G with ATSC 3.0 network extender

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to digital message communications and, more particularly, to extending broadcast capabilities of ATSC 3.0 compliant content. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Smart phones are being used more and more by more and more people. As the use of smart phones has increased, so too has the desire for more reliable transmission of audiovisual content. In an effort to improve the transmission reliability of audiovisual content, networks continue to improve with faster speeds with increased bandwidth. Some locations and situations, however, can result coverage outages, slower speeds, or locations lacking in coverage. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the embodiments described herein have been made. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Briefly described, embodiments are directed toward systems and methods of providing extended Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 compliant content. An ATSC 3.0 extension device receives ATSC 3.0 compliant content and other data via a broadband communication. The ATSC 3.0 extension device broadcasts the ATSC 3.0 compliant content via ATSC 3.0 data signals and broadcasts the other data via 5G data signals. A user device receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content via the ATSC 3.0 data signals and receives the other data via the 5G data signals. The user device combines and outputs the ATSC 3.0 compliant content with the other data for presentation to a user. 
     In this way, the ATSC 3.0 extension device can operate as a network extender, range extender, or network repeater for ATSC 3.0 compliant content. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified. 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a context diagram of an environment for providing extended coverage ATSC 3.0 compliant content in accordance with embodiments described herein; 
         FIG.  2    is a context diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of systems that provide functionality to extend coverage of ATSC 3.0 compliant content in accordance with embodiments described herein; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process for an ATSC 3.0 extension device to provide extended coverage for ATSC 3.0 compliant content to other devices in accordance with embodiments described herein; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process for a user device to receive extended coverage ATSC 3.0 compliant content in accordance with embodiments described herein; and 
         FIG.  5    shows a system diagram that describe various implementations of computing systems for implementing embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description, along with the accompanying drawings, sets forth certain specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced in various combinations, without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, devices, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components that are associated with the environment of the present disclosure, including but not limited to the communication systems and networks, have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Additionally, the various embodiments may be methods, systems, media, or devices. Accordingly, the various embodiments may be entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. 
     Throughout the specification, claims, and drawings, the following terms take the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “herein” refers to the specification, claims, and drawings associated with the current application. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” and other variations thereof refer to one or more features, structures, functions, limitations, or characteristics of the present disclosure, and are not limited to the same or different embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the phrases “A or B, or both” or “A or B or C, or any combination thereof,” and lists with additional elements are similarly treated. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional features, functions, aspects, or limitations not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include singular and plural references. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a context diagram of an environment for providing extended coverage for ATSC 3.0 compliant content in accordance with embodiments described herein. Environment  100  includes content providers  104 , information providers  106 , content distributor  102 , communication network  110 , and user premises  120 . 
     User premises  120  includes an ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  and a user device  124 . The user premises  120  may be defined by or referred to as the broadcast range of ATSC 3.0 wireless signals or 5G wireless signals from the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  to the user device  124 . 
     The ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  is a computing device that receives ATSC 3.0 compatible audiovisual content from content distributor  102  and broadcasts that content to the user device  124  using ATSC 3.0 compatible communication signals. The ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  can also receive other data or content that is 5G compatible, which it then broadcasts to the user device  124  using 5G compatible wireless communication signals. 
     In various embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the content distributor  102  via wired broadband signals via link  111 . In some embodiments, the broadband signals may be received via Fixed Wireless Access instead of or in addition to wired signals. In at least one embodiment, the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is converted to or encapsulated in Internet Protocol communication protocols. In other embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the content distributor  102  using an ATSC 3.0 over-the-air antenna  126  to receive over-the-air communication protocols via broadcast signals  112 . In some embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 over-the-air antenna  126  may be embedded in the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 . In other embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 over-the-air antenna  126  may be positioned somewhere else on the user premises  120  that is external, separate, or remote to the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 , such as outside the home, and connected to the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  via a wired connection. In this way, ATSC 3.0 signals for a local broadcast that can be clearly received outside the home can be rebroadcast inside the home, which can enable a TV to pick up local broadcast. 
     In some embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  may be a network extender that receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content and the other (5G compatible) data and provides it to the user device  124 . In other embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  may be a range extender such that the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content via over-the-air transmission, modifies the signal (e.g., by changing the transmission frequency or channel) and broadcasts the ATSC 3.0 compliant content using the modified signal. In some other embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  may be a network repeater that receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content and re-broadcasts the content without modification. In this way, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  can provide ATSC 3.0 access during a loss of coverage, to areas that do not have coverage, or boost an existing over-the-air signal. 
     The user device  124  is a computing device that receives content for presentation on a display device (not illustrated) to a user or viewer on user premises  120 . In particular, the user device  124  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content via ATSC 3.0 signals, other data or content via 5G signals, or some combination thereof. In general, the ATSC 3.0 compliant content includes video content, audio content, or some combination thereof. The other data or content may include metadata, advertisements, informational banners or tickers, or other data that could be used in the presentation of the ATSC 3.0 compliant content to the user. Examples of user device  124  may include, but are not limited to, a set-top box, a cable connection box, a computer, television receiver, radio receiver, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, smart watch, or other content receivers. 
     In various embodiments, the content distributor  102  provides content to the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  via communication network  110 —by wired broadband connection or over-the-air broadcast, or both. The content distributor  102  may receive a plurality of different content from one or more content providers  104 , one or more information providers  106 , or a combination thereof. 
     The following briefly discusses additional components in example environment  100 . The content distributor  102  provides content, whether obtained from content provider  104  or data received from information provider  106 , to a user or viewer through a variety of different distribution mechanisms. For example, in some embodiments, content distributor  102  may provide the content and data to an ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  through communication network  110  or over-the-air broadcast signals  112 . 
     In at least one embodiment, communication network  110  is configured to couple various computing devices to transmit content/data from one or more devices to one or more other devices. For example, communication network  110  may be the Internet, X.25 networks, or a series of smaller or private connected networks that carry the content. Communication network  110  may include one or more wired or wireless networks. 
     Typically, content providers  104  generate, aggregate, and/or otherwise provide content that is provided to one or more users or viewers. Sometimes, content providers are referred to as “channels” or “stations.” Examples of content providers  104  may include, but are not limited to: film studios; television studios; network broadcasting companies; independent content producers, such as AMC, HBO, Showtime, or the like; radio stations; or other entities that provide content for viewer consumption. A content provider may also include individuals that capture personal or home videos and distribute these videos to others over various online media-sharing websites or other distribution mechanisms. The content provided by content providers  104  may be referred to as the program content, which may include movies, sitcoms, reality shows, talk shows, game shows, documentaries, infomercials, news programs, sports programs, songs, audio tracks, albums, or the like. In this context, program content may also include commercials or other television or radio advertisements. It should be noted that the commercials may be added to the program content by the content providers  104  or the content distributor  102 . Embodiments described herein generally refer to content, which includes visual content, audio content, or audiovisual content that includes a video and audio component. 
     In at least one embodiment, information provider  106  creates and distributes data or other information that describes or supports content. Generally, this data is related to the program content provided by content provider  104 . For example, this data may include metadata, program name, closed-caption authoring and placement within the program content, timeslot data, pay-per-view and related data, or other information that is associated with the program content. In some embodiments, a content distributor  102  may combine or otherwise associate the data from information provider  106  and the program content from content provider  104 , which may be referred to as the distributed content or more generally as content. However, other entities may also combine or otherwise associate the program content and other data together. Moreover, in some embodiments, the content provider  106  may provide the data to the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  separate from or independent of content distributor  102 . In various embodiments, this additional data may be included with the content as metadata, which may be in embedded with the content or provided as a data stream that is separate from the data stream of the content. 
       FIG.  2    is a context diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of systems that provide functionality to extend coverage of ATSC 3.0 compliant content in accordance with embodiments described herein. Example system  200  includes ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  and user device  124 , such as described in  FIG.  1   . 
     The ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  is a computing device that includes a broadband reception module  204 , 5G broadcast module  206 , and ATSC 3.0 broadcast module  208 . Additional details of the computing components of the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  are described in conjunction with  FIG.  5   . 
     The broadband reception module  204  receives ATSC 3.0 compliant content via a broadband connection. As noted herein, the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is audio, video, or audiovisual content that can be broadcast from the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 . The broadband reception module  204  extracts or obtains the ATSC 3.0 compliant content and any other data from the signals received via the broadband connection. In some embodiments, the broadband reception module  204  may also obtain the ATSC 3.0 compliant content via an ATSC 3.0 over-the-air transmission. 
     The ATSC 3.0 broadcast module  208  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the broadband reception module  204 . The ATSC 3.0 broadcast module  208  enables or otherwise prepares the ATSC 3.0 compliant content for broadcast to the user device  124  via ATSC data signals and protocols. 
     The 5G broadcast module  206  receives other, non-ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the broadband reception module  204 . The 5G broadcast module  206  enables or otherwise prepares the other data for broadcast to the user device  124  via 5G data signals and protocols. 
     The user device  212  is a computing device that includes a 5G reception module  212 , an ATSC 3.0 reception module  214 , and an output module  216 . Additional details of the computing components of the user device  124  are described in conjunction with  FIG.  5   . 
     The ATSC 3.0 reception module  208  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 . The ATSC 3.0 reception module  208  provides the ATSC 3.0 compliant content to the output module  216  for presentation to a user. 
     The 5G reception module  212  receives the other, non-ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 . The 5G reception module  212  provides the other data to the output module  216  to be combined with or to control presentation of the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 . 
     The output module  216  combines, modifies, or augments the ATSC 3.0 compliant content with the other content. For example, the ATSC 3.0 compliant content may be an individual-generated video, such as a home video, that is received from a video sharing website. The other content may be a number of likes or comments associated with the video. Likewise, the other content may be an advertisement that can be overlaid on the video. The output module  216  may then facilitate the presentation of the video and the other content to a user. 
     In some embodiments, the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  may have an ATSC 3.0 reception module (not illustrated) to receive ATSC 3.0 signals locally broadcast from a content distributor (not illustrated). This ATSC 3.0 reception module can provide the received signals to the ATSC 3.0 broadcast module  208  to provide the ATSC 3.0 compliant content to the user device  124 . 
     The operation of certain aspects will now be described with respect to  FIGS.  3  and  4   . In at least one of various embodiments, process  300  described in conjunction with  FIG.  3    may be implemented by or executed via circuitry or on one or more computing devices, such as ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  in  FIG.  1   ; and process  400  described in conjunction with  FIG.  4    may be implemented by or executed via circuitry or on one or more other computing devices, such as user device  124  in  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process  300  for an ATSC 3.0 extension device to provide extended coverage for ATSC 3.0 compliant content to other devices in accordance with embodiments described herein. 
     Process  300  begins, after a start block, at block  302 , where a broadband data stream is received. In various embodiments, the broadband data stream may include ATSC 3.0 compliant content, other data or content, or some combination thereof. 
     Process  300  proceeds to block  304 , where the broadband data stream is analyzed for ATSC 3.0 compliant content. In some embodiments, the broadband data stream may include header packets, flags, or other information or metadata to indicate that the broadband data stream includes ATSC 3.0 compliant content. 
     Process  300  continues at decision block  306 , where a determination is made whether the broadband data stream includes ATSC 3.0 compliant content. If the broadband data stream includes ATSC 3.0 compliant content, then process  300  flows to block  312 ; otherwise, process  300  flows to decision block  308 . 
     At block  312 , the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is extracted from the broadband data stream. After block  312 , process  300  flows to block  314 . 
     If, at decision block  306 , the broadband data stream does not include ATSC 3.0 compliant content, then process  300  flows from decision block  306  to decision block  308 . At decision block  308 , a determination is made whether the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is available via over-the-air transmission. In at least one embodiment, the ATSC 3.0 extension device checks signals received from an antenna connected to the ATSC 3.0 extension device to determine if ATSC 3.0 compliant content is being broadcast and received. If the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is available via over-the-air transmission, process  300  flows to block  310 ; otherwise, process  300  flows to decision block  316 . 
     At block  310 , ATSC 3.0 compliant content is obtained from over-the-air transmission. After block  310 , process  300  flows to block  314 . 
     At block  314 , the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is broadcast using ATSC 3.0 data signals. 
     Process  300  proceeds next to decision block  316 , where a determination is made whether the broadband data stream includes other data or content. In some embodiments, the broadband data stream may include header packets, flags, or other information or metadata to indicate that the broadband data stream includes other or non-ATSC 3.0 compliant data or content. As noted above, the other data may include advertisements, informational banners, tickers, metadata, or other information that can be presented to a user or used to present the ATSC 3.0 compliant content to the user. If the broadband data stream includes other data, then process  300  flows to block  318 ; otherwise, process  300  loops to block  302  to continue to receive the broadband data stream. 
     At block  318 , the other data is extracted from the broadband data stream. 
     Process  300  continues next at block  320 , where the other data is broadcast using wireless 5G data signals. After block  320 , process  300  loops to block  302  to continue to receive the broadband data stream. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process  400  for a user device to receive extended coverage ATSC 3.0 compliant content in accordance with embodiments described herein 
     Process  400  begins, after a start block, at decision block  402 , where a determination is made whether ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received via the wireless ATSC 3.0 data signals. As described above, the ATSC 3.0 extension device broadcasts ATSC 3.0 compliant content via wireless ATSC 3.0 data signals. If ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received, then process  400  flows to decision block  406 ; otherwise, process  400  flows to decision block  416 . 
     At decision block  406 , a determination is made whether other data is received via 5G data signals. As described above, the ATSC 3.0 extension device may broadcast other content via 5G data signals. If other data is received via 5G data signals, then process  400  flows to block  410 ; otherwise, process  400  flows to block  414 . 
     At block  410 , the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is combined with the other data. In some embodiments, the other data may contain visual content, audio content, or audiovisual content that is separate from the ATSC 3.0 compliant content. The user device can combine, augment, or modify the ATSC 3.0 compliant content with the other content. For example, if the other content includes an advertisement informational banner, then the advertisement may be overlaid on the ATSC 3.0 compliant content. In other embodiments, the other data may modify or control the presentation of the ATSC 3.0 compliant content. For example, the other data may indicate that a particular language of audio is to be played with the video content. 
     Process  400  proceeds next to block  412 , where the combined content is output. In some embodiments, the combined content is displayed or presented to a user. In other embodiments, the combined content is transmitted or provided to another device, such as a television or other display device, for presentation to the user. After block  412 , process  400  loops to decision block  402  to determine if additional ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received. 
     If, at decision block  406 , other data is not received via 5G data signals, along with the ATSC 3.0 compliant content, then process  400  flows from decision block  406  to block  414 . At block  414 , the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is output to the user. In various embodiments, block  414  may employ embodiments of block  412  to output content. After block  414 , process  400  loops to decision block  402  to determine if additional ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received. 
     If, at decision block  402 , ATSC 3.0 compliant content is not received, then process  400  flows from decision block  402  to decision block  416 . At decision block  416 , a determination is made whether other data is received via 5G data signals. If other data is received, process  400  flows to block  418 ; otherwise, process  400  loops to decision block  402  to determine if ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received. 
     At block  418 , the other content is output to a user, such as via a display device. After block  418 , process  400  loops to decision block  402  to determine if ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received. 
     The various blocks illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4    may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or in other orders than what is illustrated. For example, block  314  and block  320  in  FIG.  3    may be performed in parallel such that the broadcast of the ATSC 3.0 compliant content is performed substantially parallel to the broadcast of the other data via 5G data signals. As another example, decision block  402  and decision block  406  (or decision block  416 ) in  FIG.  4    may be performed in parallel such that the user device determines if ATSC 3.0 compliant content is received substantially parallel to determining if other data is received via 5G data signals. 
       FIG.  5    shows a system diagram that describes one implementation of computing systems for implementing embodiments described herein. System  500  includes an ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  and a user device  124 . 
     ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  receives ATSC 3.0 compliant content via a broadband connection and broadcasts the content via ATSC 3.0 wireless protocols. One or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement ATSC 3.0 extension device  122 . Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  may include memory  502 , one or more central processing units (CPUs)  514 , I/O interfaces  518 , other computer-readable media  520 , and network connections  522 . 
     Memory  502  may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of memory  502  may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. Memory  502  may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by CPU  514  to perform actions, including embodiments described herein. 
     Memory  502  may have stored thereon broadband reception module  204 , 5G broadcast module  206 , and ATSC 3.0 broadcast module  208 . The broadband reception module  204  is configured to receive ATSC 3.0 compliant content, and optionally other data, via a broadband connection and extract the content for transmission. The 5G broadcast module  206  broadcasts or transmits the other data via 5G data signals. The ATSC 3.0 broadcast module  208  broadcasts or transmits the ATSC 3.0 compliant content via ATSC 3.0 communication protocols. Memory  502  may also store other programs and data  510 , which may include ATSC 3.0 compliant data, non-ATSC 3.0 compliant data, operating systems, etc. 
     Network connections  522  are configured to communicate with other computing devices to facilitate the reception of content or data via broadband connection and to facilitate the broadcast of ATSC 3.0 signals, 5G signals, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the network connections  522  include transmitters and receivers (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein. I/O interfaces  518  may include a keyboard, audio interfaces, video interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media  520  may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like. 
     User device  124  receives ATSC 3.0 compliant content via ATSC 3.0 signals, and optionally other data via 5G signals from the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  for output or presentation to a user. One or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement user device  124 . Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. User  124  may include memory  530 , one or more central processing units (CPUs)  544 , I/O interfaces  548 , other computer-readable media  550 , and network connections  552 . 
     Memory  530  may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies similar to memory  502 . Memory  530  may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by CPU  544  to perform actions, including embodiments described herein. 
     Memory  530  may have stored thereon 5G reception module  212 , ATSC 3.0 reception module  214 , and output module  216 . The 5G reception module  212  receives the other data from the ATSC 3.0 extension device  122  via 5G data signals. The ATSC 3.0 reception module  214  receives the ATSC 3.0 compliant content from the ATSC 3.0 extension decision  122  via ATSC 3.0 communication protocols. The output module  126  combines or prepares the ATSC 3.0 compliant content, and optionally the other data, for output to a user, such as via a display device using I/O interfaces  548 . Memory  530  may also store other programs and data  538 , which may include ATSC 3.0 compliant data, non-ATSC 3.0 compliant data, operating systems, etc. 
     Network connections  552  are configured to communicate with other computing devices to facilitate the reception of the ATSC 3.0 signals and the 5G signals. In various embodiments, the network connections  552  include transmitters and receivers (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein. I/O interfaces  548  may include a keyboard, audio interfaces, video interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media  550  may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.