Multi-Channel Tuning Device for Digital Broadcast Receiver Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital broadcasting receivers experience perceivable latency during channel switching due to the need for repeated frequency locking and de-multiplexing operations, which disrupt the seamless viewing experience for users.
Innovation Solution
A digital broadcast receiver architecture featuring a multi-channel tuning device that simultaneously locks multiple frequency points, including current and predicted channels, and utilizes multiple de-multiplexing units to pre-filter and buffer data units, allowing for immediate decoding upon channel switching without re-locking or re-buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single frequency locking and de-multiplexing process is used for each channel switch, then the receiver structure remains simple, but channel switching latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-locking multiple frequency points corresponding to different channels before the user actually switches channels. The system maintains multiple locked frequency points in advance, so when channel switching is requested, the tuned signal is already available without requiring re-locking. This significantly reduces channel switching latency while managing device complexity through efficient frequency point management.
2Loss of time
If multiple frequency points are locked simultaneously, then channel switching latency is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the de-multiplexing function into multiple independent de-multiplexing units, each corresponding to a specific frequency point or channel. This allows parallel processing of different channels without requiring a completely separate processing path for each channel, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple frequency points simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a universal de-multiplexing architecture where multiple de-multiplexing units share common resources such as the main processor and memory. The system can dynamically allocate resources among different channels based on current needs, allowing a single device structure to efficiently handle multiple frequency points without requiring dedicated hardware for each channel.
3Speed
If data units are pre-buffered for multiple channels, then channel switching becomes faster, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by buffering only the essential data units corresponding to video and audio information for predicted channels, rather than buffering all possible data for all channels. The system uses prediction algorithms to determine which channels are likely to be switched to next and buffers data units only for those channels, significantly reducing memory requirements while maintaining fast channel switching performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital broadcast receiving device includes a multi-channel tuning device, a first de-multiplexing device, a second de-multiplexing device. The multi-channel tuning device includes a plurality of locking devices, wherein the locking devices are arranged to lock a broadcast signal at a plurality of frequency points, and respectively output a plurality of data streams that correspond to the frequency points. The first de-multiplexing device includes a plurality of first de-multiplexing units, wherein the first de-multiplexing units are respectively associated with one of the locking devices and arranged to respectively buffer data units in the data streams that correspond to specific types. The second de-multiplexing device is coupled to the first de-multiplexing device and includes a plurality of second de-multiplexing units, wherein the second de-multiplexing units are arranged to respectively buffer data units that are buffered by the first de-multiplexing units and correspond to specific channels.