Channel Tuning Method for Receiver Display During Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current channel tuning methods in receivers result in user discomfort due to a 1-2 second delay, leading to black screens, which is addressed by increasing costs with multiple tuners.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines properties of the target channel, such as content class from an Electronic Program Guide, to prioritize and output visual or acoustic content before switching, using deep learning algorithms and external data sources like internet services to fill the delay period with relevant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple tuners are used to eliminate black screens during channel tuning, then user comfort is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining properties of the target channel before the channel switching is completed. It prepares and outputs additional content during the transition period, so that when the new channel is fully displayed, the user has already been provided with relevant information, eliminating the black screen effect and improving user comfort without requiring multiple tuners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary content display mechanism that acts as a mediator during channel transitions. Instead of showing a black screen or waiting for the new channel to load, the system displays additional content (such as program information, advertisements, or related media) during the transition period, maintaining visual output and improving user experience without additional hardware
2Ease of operation
If additional content is displayed during channel tuning, then user discomfort is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by dynamically determining properties of the target channel (such as content type, priority, or category) and adjusting what additional content is displayed accordingly. Based on these parameter changes, the system selectively outputs different types of additional content during channel transitions, reducing user discomfort while managing system complexity through intelligent parameter-based decision making
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In order to reduce user discomfort during change of channel a channel tuning method is disclosed which preferably comprises at least the steps: Causing a channel tuning event to tune a receiver from a first channel to a second channel, Determining (10) at least one property of the second channel or of the program provided on the second channel, determining predefined data and/or signals representing content to be visually and/or acoustically outputted in dependency of the determined property, Routing the predefined data and/or signals from at least one source to a display means for transferring the data and/or signals into visual and/or acoustic content, Outputting (13) the visual and/or acoustic content by means of the display means after the channel tuning event was caused and before the program of the second channel is displayed.