External Tuner Low Power Mode Control for Local Content Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite television systems lack access to local sub-channels, which are important for users seeking local news and weather information, due to customer interest, business, and regulatory challenges.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for an external device to be placed into a low power mode, allowing either a tuner in the receiving device or an external tuner to be powered down when unused, optimizing power usage and enabling access to local content through over-the-air reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external tuner is added to access local sub-channels, then access to local content is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to local contentVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the external tuner to transition between active and low-power states based on usage conditions. The receiving device controller monitors tuner usage and automatically places the external tuner in low-power mode when unused, while maintaining the capability to quickly activate it when needed for receiving local sub-channel content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different operational states to different components based on their usage needs. The external tuner can be independently controlled to enter low-power mode while the receiving device remains operational, allowing selective power management of specific components rather than the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple tuners are used to ensure content availability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent availabilityVSAvoidtuner management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tuners (internal and external) into a unified system managed by a single receiving device controller. The controller intelligently selects which tuner to use based on availability and usage conditions, simplifying the user experience while maintaining the reliability benefits of having multiple tuners available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic tuner selection and power management without requiring user intervention. The controller monitors tuner usage patterns and automatically determines when to activate or deactivate external tuners, allowing the system to self-manage its own complexity while ensuring content availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11330224B2Method and system for controlling a low power mode for external devices

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 DIRECTV LLC

AI summary

A system and method of entering a low power mode includes an external tuner module having a first external tuner and a receiving device having a first receiving tuner. The receiving device has a controller determining an unused tuner from one of the first external tuner or first receiving tuner and controls entering a low power mode at the unused tuner.