Automatic IRD Signal Path Switching via Microprocessor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite distribution systems require user intervention to manually switch between IRDs, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially in large installations where multiple devices share a single RF feed line.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically manage signal transmission by detecting requests from devices, changing the operating state of signal sources, and providing signal paths, using communication protocols like DiSEqC 1.1, voltage detection, inactivity detection, and digital communication methods to enable seamless sharing of transmission lines between multiple IRDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual switching method is used to share RF feed line between multiple IRDs, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiduser operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service switching between IRDs through microprocessor control. When one IRD is turned off, the system automatically detects this state and switches the RF feed line connection to another active IRD without requiring manual user intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with electronic automated switching controlled by microprocessors. The mechanical act of physically switching devices is substituted by electronic detection of device states and automated signal path routing, significantly improving operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual switching method is used to share RF feed line between multiple IRDs, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of device states continuously. When an IRD is turned off, the microprocessor detects this state change immediately and pre-prepares the switching action, eliminating the time delay associated with manual switching operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual switching operations are replaced by automated electronic switching controlled by microprocessors. This substitution reduces switching time from manual traversal and physical switching to automated electronic state detection and signal path reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated signal transmission control is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser operation convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Microprocessors are introduced as intermediary control elements between the IRDs and the RF feed line switching mechanism. These microprocessors automatically detect device states and control the switching, providing intelligent automation while encapsulating the complexity within dedicated control units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service automation where microprocessors autonomously detect when IRDs are turned off and automatically switch signal paths without user intervention. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while concentrating system complexity within the automated control logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of time

If automated signal transmission control is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor system continuously monitors device states and performs preliminary detection of when IRDs are turned off. This preliminary action enables immediate automated switching response, reducing switching time while containing complexity within the monitoring and control logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Microprocessors serve as intermediary controllers that automate the switching process. By introducing this intelligent intermediary layer, the system achieves rapid automated switching to reduce time loss while encapsulating the computational complexity within dedicated control units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8903306B2Method for controlling signal transmission for multiple devices

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

AI summary

A method is capable of controlling signal transmission for multiple electronic devices in a system such as a satellite distribution system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of receiving a signal indicating a request from a device, changing an operating state of a signal source to be compatible with an operation of the device in response to the signal, and providing a signal path between the device and the signal source in response to the signal.