DTV Receiver Channel Scan Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital television (DTV) receivers face inefficiencies in channel scanning due to the need to cycle through numerous antenna configurations for each channel, leading to lengthy setup processes, especially in areas with poor signal reception, where smart antennas must adjust parameters for each of the 68 RF channels to find a usable signal.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses unique identifiers from terrestrial broadcast signals to identify local RF channels and antenna locations, allowing DTV receivers to skip unnecessary channel scans and reuse antenna configuration parameters for signals from the same location, thereby reducing the number of configurations needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DTV receiver cycles through all 128 antenna configuration commands for each of the 68 broadcast channels to ensure complete channel scanning, then the channel scan is thorough and reliable, but the setup process takes over an hour to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using stored location information and database lookups to pre-identify which channels are likely to be available in the local market before actually scanning them. This allows the receiver to skip channels that are known to be unavailable in the geographic area, performing the channel scan only on channels that have a reasonable chance of being received, thus significantly reducing setup time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a DTV receiver performs a complete channel scan of all 68 RF channels every time the antenna is moved, then the channel list is updated accurately, but the process must be repeated lengthy each time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary portion of the channel scan after antenna movement. Instead of scanning all 68 channels completely, the system uses the database of local channels to identify which channels are worth scanning, and only performs scans on those specific channels. This partial scanning approach maintains channel list accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required after antenna relocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a DTV receiver scans all 68 RF channels including channels not available in the local terrestrial broadcast region, then the scan is comprehensive, but it includes unnecessary channels that waste scanning time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing unnecessary channels from the scan list using a database lookup based on the receiver's location. The system extracts only the channels that are actually available in the local terrestrial broadcast region and excludes channels that are not served in that area. This maintains the comprehensiveness of scanning all relevant channels while eliminating wasteful scans of channels that cannot be received locally.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique that allows a DTV receiver to perform a channel scan in a manner that is faster and more efficient than conventional channel scanning techniques. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the technique allows a DTV receiver to perform a scan of only those channels that are known to be available within a local terrestrial broadcast region. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the technique allows a DTV receiver that operates in conjunction with an antenna, such as a smart antenna designed to comply with EIA/CEA 909, to use the same antenna configuration parameters for different terrestrial broadcast signals in an instance where such signals are known to originate from the same antenna location.