Broadcast Tuning by Key Press Duration for Direct Digital Channel Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital TV remote controllers require inconvenient multiple key inputs for tuning to specific digital broadcast channels, making it difficult for users to quickly access desired channels, especially with a large number of channels, and increasing the size and complexity of the remote controller.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for direct broadcast tuning using a simple key input, where the length of key input determines the type of broadcast, with prolonged key input tuning to digital channels and shorter input tuning to analog channels, allowing users to input major channels followed by minor channels with reduced key presses and optional timeout for single-channel HD programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple key inputs are required to input digital broadcast channels, then channel input precision is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the key input method adaptive based on the type of broadcast channel. The system dynamically adjusts whether single-key or multi-key input is used depending on whether the target is an analog or digital channel, eliminating the need for fixed multi-key input procedures and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of key input duration to distinguish between different broadcast types. By detecting whether a key is pressed for a short or prolonged period, the system determines whether to switch to analog or digital channel mode, thereby simplifying the input process while maintaining accurate channel selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional keys are added to remote controller for digital channel input, then channel input capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing keys on the remote controller serve multiple functions. The number keys can input both analog channel numbers and digital channel numbers, and the determination of channel type is made through the duration of key press rather than requiring separate dedicated keys. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional DTV keys while maintaining full channel input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the function of determining broadcast type from the physical remote controller and relocates it to the receiver system. Instead of requiring separate keys on the remote, the system extracts the channel type determination logic and implements it through key press duration detection processed by the receiver, thereby simplifying the remote controller design.
3Ease of operation
If sequential channel increasing method is used, then operation simplicity is improved, but channel access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the user to input the complete channel number in advance through single-key presses, rather than sequentially increasing channels. The system waits for the complete input and then directly tunes to the desired channel, combining the simplicity of single-key input with the speed of direct channel access.
4Measurement precision
If prolonged key input is required for digital channels, then channel input accuracy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of key press duration to encode channel type information. Instead of requiring multiple separate key presses that consume time, the system uses the duration of a single key press (short for analog, prolonged for digital) to determine channel type, thereby maintaining input accuracy while significantly reducing operation time.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a tuning method according to a variable key input length and a broadcast receiving apparatus using the tuning method. The tuning method includes: if it is determined that an input length of one of at least one or more key inputs is more than or equal to a predetermined time, tuning to a first type broadcast; and if it is determined that the input length is less than the predetermined time, tuning to a second type broadcast different from the first type broadcast. Thus, different types of broadcasts can be tuned according to a length of a key input performed by a user. As a result, a digital broadcast channel can be directly input using only a number key.