Configurable Modal OTA Antenna for Dynamic Signal Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers switching from cable television to internet-based streaming services face the inability to watch local programming, prompting a need for over-the-air (OTA) antennas to receive local broadcast signals, but existing solutions lack efficient methods for configuring and optimizing OTA antenna systems for improved signal reception and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for an OTA antenna system that includes a modal antenna configurable in multiple modes with distinct radiation patterns, connected to a network access point via a removable connection, allowing for dynamic configuration based on channel quality indicators to optimize signal reception and distribution to client devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional OTA antenna is used to receive local broadcast signals, then local programming can be received, but the system lacks dynamic configuration capability to optimize signal reception for different channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna configuration by allowing the OTA antenna system to switch between multiple radiation patterns based on the selected channel. The network access point sends control signals to reconfigure the antenna's radiation pattern dynamically, enabling optimal signal reception for different broadcast channels while maintaining adaptability to varying signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the antenna by switching between different radiation patterns. Each radiation pattern represents a different configuration state of the antenna elements, allowing optimization of signal reception characteristics for specific channel frequencies and directions without physical repositioning of the antenna.
2Reliability
If the antenna is configured for one channel, then signal quality for that channel is optimized, but the system cannot simultaneously optimize reception for multiple channels
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic reconfiguration of the antenna radiation pattern as channels are selected. When a user switches channels, the network access point receives the channel selection, determines the appropriate radiation pattern, and reconfigures the antenna accordingly. This periodic adaptation enables optimal reception for the currently selected channel while maintaining the ability to quickly switch to other channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna system includes multiple fixed radiation patterns, then adaptability to different channels is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service configuration by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate radiation pattern based on the selected channel. The network access point contains a database mapping channels to radiation patterns and automatically performs the configuration without user intervention, reducing the perceived complexity for end users while maintaining multiple radiation pattern capabilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual configuration of antenna patterns is required, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic channel scanning and radiation pattern selection without requiring manual user configuration. The network access point automatically scans for available broadcast channels, determines the optimal radiation pattern for each channel, and configures the antenna system accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust antenna settings while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distributing over the air (OTA) content is provided. The method includes detecting connection of an OTA antenna system capable of receiving an OTA signal including media content at a plurality of channels to a network access point via the removable connection. The method includes communicating a control signal from a network access point to the OTA antenna system via a removable connection to configure a modal antenna of the OTA antenna system in a selected mode of a plurality of antenna modes for a selected channel of the plurality of channels. The method includes receiving a signal associated with media content of the selected channel from the OTA antenna system via the removable connection. The method includes communicating the media content of the selected channel via a network communication link to a client device.