Buffer Read Rate Control for Mobile TV Signal Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile satellite television applications experience signal interruptions due to obstructions, leading to immediate display disruptions and a diminished viewer experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a buffer to store digital television signals, allowing retrieval at a reduced rate during signal interruptions, thereby minimizing playback disruptions by controlling the buffer speed and maintaining a higher quality display output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the buffer reads at the input rate during signal interruption, then the buffer empties quickly, but the display shows a blank screen immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing video frames in the buffer before the signal interruption occurs. When interruption is detected, the buffer already contains ready-to-display frames, allowing the system to continue displaying content without immediate blank screen, thus resolving the contradiction between quick buffer emptying and display continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs the impact of signal interruptions. By storing multiple frames in advance, the buffer cushions the display against the harmful effect of signal loss, maintaining visual continuity and preventing immediate blank screen display during interruption periods
2Reliability
If the buffer reads at a reduced rate during signal interruption, then the display continues with stored content, but the buffer empties more slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the buffer read rate based on signal availability. During normal operation, the buffer reads at the input rate to maintain continuity. During signal interruption, the system dynamically reduces the read rate to extend the duration of stored content playback, thereby maintaining display continuity while adapting to the changed conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buffer read rate parameter in response to signal interruption detection. By reducing the read rate parameter during interruption, the system extends the time stored content can be displayed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining display continuity and the natural emptying of the buffer
3Duration of action of moving object
If a larger buffer is used to extend interruption tolerance, then the display continues longer during outages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing buffer size, the system changes the read rate parameter dynamically to extend interruption tolerance. This parameter-based approach allows the same buffer to provide longer interruption coverage by controlling how fast it consumes stored content, avoiding the complexity of larger hardware buffers
Data Source
AI summary
A system for playing a digital signal is set forth that includes a receiver receiving a digital signal. System further includes a buffer storing the digital signal in a buffer. A controller determines a read rate and when the signal is interrupted. When the buffer is full, the buffer is read at about the input rate of the buffer. When the buffer is less than full, the buffer is read at a rate less than the input rate when the digital television signal is interrupted.