Flexible Broadcast System Using Beacon Signals for Dynamic Spectrum Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terrestrial broadcast technologies lack return channels, leading to inefficient spectrum use and limited interactive capabilities, and are constrained by fixed receiver designs that cannot adapt to changing spectrum usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a broadcast technique that includes transmitting data indicative of return channels, using time windows, and employing beacon signals with metadata to enable flexible and dynamic spectrum use, allowing receivers to adapt and communicate effectively with transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed receiver designs are used, then receiver cost is reduced, but spectrum adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic receiver design where receivers can adapt to changing spectrum conditions in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts receiver parameters such as center frequency, bandwidth, and modulation mode based on current spectrum availability and broadcast requirements, transforming fixed receivers into flexible, adaptive devices that can respond to dynamic spectrum changes without requiring complete redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key receiver parameters including center frequency, bandwidth, and modulation mode based on broadcast signal characteristics and spectrum conditions. By allowing these parameters to vary dynamically rather than being fixed during manufacturing, the system achieves spectrum adaptability while maintaining relatively simple receiver hardware architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If software defined radio is implemented, then spectrum flexibility is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio reception function into separate modular components: a simple fixed receiver for basic signal reception and a separate signal processing system that handles adaptation and demodulation. This segmentation allows the receiver hardware to remain simple while achieving flexibility through software-based processing, avoiding the need for expensive very-wideband analog-to-digital conversion in every receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing layer between the simple receiver and the final demodulation process. This intermediary system receives signals from simple receivers, analyzes spectrum conditions, and applies appropriate demodulation codes, thereby achieving flexibility without requiring every receiver to be a complex software-defined radio device
3Measurement precision
If spectrum scanning and analysis is performed frequently, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring receivers with multiple possible center frequencies and bandwidth settings based on predicted spectrum conditions. Instead of scanning the entire spectrum when a channel change is needed, the system only needs to switch between pre-configured settings, dramatically reducing channel change time while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of receiver parameters based on real-time spectrum conditions. The system continuously monitors spectrum availability and dynamically adjusts the receiver's center frequency and bandwidth to match current conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming full spectrum scans while maintaining optimal signal detection
Data Source
AI summary
Broadcasts over designated bands of the radiofrequency spectrum allow for flexible use of the spectrum as well as for the receipt of return signals from receivers. To obtain return signals, information indicating one or more return channels and/or one or more return time windows may be sent with the broadcast transmission. The broadcast transmission may be made over UHF bands, with the return signals being made over VHF bands. Spectrum may be utilized more efficiently by transmitting one or more beacon signals that define parameters for the broadcast transmission. Receivers may be adapted to decode the data of the beacon signals and rapidly tune to the broadcast transmission.