Digital Broadcast Tuner Switching Block for Flexible Circuit Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital broadcast receiving apparatuses face limitations in circuit arrangement flexibility and signal interference due to fixed terminal configurations, which restrict the wiring of control signals and lead to increased size and cost.

Innovation Solution

A digital broadcast receiving apparatus with a terrestrial digital tuner, satellite digital tuner, and demodulating block that allows switching of control signal terminals within the demodulating block, enabling flexible circuit arrangement and minimizing signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed terminal configurations are used in the demodulating block, then the wiring of control signals is simplified, but the freedom in arranging circuits is reduced and signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring simplicityVSAvoidcircuit arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the terminal configuration dynamic rather than fixed. The demodulating block is designed with switchable terminals that can change their connection states based on whether a terrestrial digital tuner or satellite digital tuner is present. This allows the system to adapt its internal wiring configuration dynamically, providing both wiring simplicity when matched and circuit arrangement flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed terminal configurations are used in the demodulating block, then the circuit design is simplified, but the system size increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit design simplicityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the demodulating block to serve multiple functions through a single unified structure. The block can accommodate either a terrestrial digital tuner or a satellite digital tuner by switching terminal connections, eliminating the need for separate dedicated demodulating blocks for each tuner type. This multi-functionality reduces overall system size while maintaining design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If fixed terminal configurations are used in the demodulating block, then the signal routing is straightforward, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal routing simplicityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing switching mechanisms as mediators between the tuners and the demodulating circuitry. These switches act as intelligent intermediaries that route control signals and reception signals through appropriate paths based on the active tuner type, preventing signal interference while maintaining straightforward routing logic within each configuration state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8634026B2Digital broadcast receiving apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.01.21 SATURN LICENSING LLC
  • US8634026B2 patent drawing
  • US8634026B2 patent drawing
  • US8634026B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a digital broadcast receiving apparatus configured to receive terrestrial digital television broadcasting and satellite digital broadcasting, including: a terrestrial digital tuner; a satellite digital tuner; a demodulating block configured to demodulate a reception signal of the terrestrial digital television broadcasting with an output supplied from the terrestrial digital tuner, and, at the same time, demodulate a reception signal of the satellite digital broadcasting with an output supplied from the satellite digital tuner; a terrestrial digital tuner control block; a satellite digital tuner control block; and a switching block configured to switch output terminals of the demodulating block in accordance with a positional arrangement of the terrestrial digital tuner and the satellite digital tuner relative to the demodulating block.