DAB Receiver Dynamic Search Ratio for Station Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadcast receivers face inefficiencies in updating the radio station list and receiving data services, particularly due to the complexity of field intensity scanning and inconsistent timing, which affects the reception of RDS data like TMC.

Innovation Solution

A broadcast receiver with a first tuner for receiving broadcast programs and a second tuner for searching and receiving data services, featuring a searching unit, search result storage, and an operation ratio setting unit that compares search results to allocate time periods for searching and data service reception, allowing for quick updates and efficient data service reception without complex scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If field intensity scanning is performed to update the radio station list, then the radio station list can be updated, but the processing becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio station list update accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of detecting radio station changes from the complex field intensity scanning process. Instead of performing full field intensity scanning, the system only extracts and compares station list information to detect changes, thereby simplifying the processing while maintaining update accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified copying approach by comparing station list data structures rather than performing physical field measurements. The searching unit generates a current station list and compares it with the stored previous station list, creating a lightweight copy-based detection mechanism that avoids complex scanning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If field intensity scanning is performed to update the radio station list, then the radio station list can be updated, but the time for receiving RDS data remains unchanged and cannot be efficiently received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio station list update accuracyVSAvoiddata service reception efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic time allocation between searching operations and data service reception based on whether station list changes are detected. When changes are detected, the system performs another searching operation; when no changes are detected, it switches to receiving data services, thereby dynamically optimizing the use of time intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a periodic alternating pattern between searching operations and data service reception. The system periodically switches between these two modes based on the detection results, creating a rhythmic operation cycle that efficiently utilizes time intervals while ensuring both station list updates and data service reception are performed as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the timing to update the radio station list is changed depending on the radio wave environment, then the radio station list can be updated appropriately, but the timing to receive RDS data changes and cannot be efficiently received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio wave environment adaptationVSAvoiddata service reception efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the result of each searching operation (whether station list changes are detected) determines the next action. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt its behavior based on actual conditions while maintaining a consistent operational framework that preserves data service reception efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2884680B1Broadcast receiver
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 ALPINE ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2884680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2884680B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2884680B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

A DAB receiver a first tuner (10) that receives a broadcast program, and a second tuner (20) that selectively performs searching operation including searching for a receivable radio station and data service receiving operation including receiving EPG data of the radio station. The DAB receiver also includes a searching unit (42) that performs the searching operation, a search result storage unit (44) that stores therein a search result each time the searching unit (42) performs the searching operation, and an operation ratio setting unit (48) that compares between a latest search result acquired by the searching unit (42) and the search result stored in the search result storage unit (44) and, in the case where there has been a change of the receivable radio station, increases a ratio of the searching operation and decreases a ratio of the data service receiving operation.