Broadcast Receiver Dynamic RDS Tuner for DAB Signal Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Broadcast receivers installed in mobile devices face challenges in quickly switching from digital DAB signals to RDS simulcast when reception quality deteriorates, as the RDS tuner is fixed to the simulcast frequency, preventing operations that require reception of RDS signals on different frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A broadcast receiver system that stores reception quality information and location data, estimates potential signal degradation, and sets the RDS tuner operation to allow reception of RDS signals on different frequencies, enabling prompt switching to RDS simulcast when DAB signal quality drops below a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the RDS tuner is fixed to the simulcast frequency for continuous reception, then the switching speed from DAB to RDS is improved, but the ability to perform operations requiring reception of RDS signals on different frequencies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timeVSAvoidfrequency reception capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RDS tuner's frequency is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system switches between fixed frequency mode (for quick DAB-RDS switching) and frequency scanning mode (for updating broadcaster lists). The tuner can change frequency based on whether it needs to maintain simulcast reception or perform background operations to receive RDS signals on different frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency scanning and broadcaster list updates during periods when the DAB signal quality is good and before DAB-RDS switching is needed. This allows the RDS tuner to be ready for quick switching while maintaining the ability to update frequency information in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the RDS tuner continuously receives the simulcast signal, then the readiness for DAB-RDS link is improved, but the ability to update broadcaster lists and perform other RDS operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching reliabilityVSAvoidbroadcaster list update capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic frequency scanning and broadcaster list updates at predetermined intervals, rather than continuous operation. During these periodic intervals, the RDS tuner temporarily switches from fixed simulcast reception to scan through different frequencies, update the broadcaster list, and then return to the simulcast frequency. This periodic action maintains both switching reliability and update capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the RDS tuner scans through multiple frequencies to update broadcaster lists, then the adaptability to different frequencies is improved, but the response time for DAB-RDS switching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidswitching response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Frequency scanning and broadcaster list updates are performed in advance during periods when DAB signal quality is good and before DAB-RDS switching is needed. The system proactively updates frequency information rather than waiting for switching to be required, ensuring that when switching is needed, the tuner can respond immediately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the RDS tuner's operation mode based on current conditions. When DAB signal quality is good, the tuner performs frequency scanning and updates. When switching may be needed soon, the tuner maintains fixed frequency reception. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both frequency coverage and switching response time based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3968549A1Broadcast receiver
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 FAURECIA CLARION ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3968549A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3968549A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3968549A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A broadcast receiver includes a storing means for storing information on a reception quality of a digital broadcasting signal detected at each of a plurality of points and location information of each of the plurality of points in an associated manner, a current position obtaining means for obtaining a current position, an estimating means for estimating, using the current position and the information stored in the storing means, whether reception quality of the digital broadcasting signal is expected to drop to or below the predetermined threshold, and a setting means for setting a reception operation for the analog broadcasting signal to an operation that requires reception of an analog broadcasting signal of a frequency different from a frequency of the analog broadcasting signal of simulcast according to a result of estimation by the estimating means.