Radio Broadcast Frequency Detection with Adaptive Threshold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio broadcast receiving apparatuses inaccurately detect frequencies due to high noise levels, leading to incorrect identification of receivable broadcasts.

Innovation Solution

A radio broadcast receiving apparatus with a broadcast frequency detection unit that sets a criterion value increasing with reception strength, ensuring the detected frequency has greater strength than adjacent frequencies, thereby accurately identifying receivable broadcasts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed threshold value is used for frequency detection, then the detection process is simple, but the accuracy is low and incorrect frequencies are detected in noisy bands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the criterion value dynamic rather than fixed. The criterion value is adjusted based on the reception strength at each frequency being detected, allowing the detection threshold to adapt to varying signal conditions. This resolves the contradiction by improving detection accuracy through adaptive thresholds while managing complexity through a systematic adjustment mechanism based on reception strength comparisons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of the criterion value based on reception strength. By adjusting the criterion value according to the reception strength at the current frequency and comparing it with adjacent frequencies, the system adapts to different signal conditions. This parameter change approach improves frequency detection accuracy in noisy environments while maintaining a structured detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a simple threshold comparison is used, then the detection process is fast, but reliability is low due to noise-induced false detections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcast frequency detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the detection criterion local to each frequency being evaluated. Instead of using a global fixed threshold, the criterion value is determined locally based on the reception strength at that specific frequency and its comparison with adjacent frequencies. This local adaptation improves reliability by accounting for local noise conditions while maintaining detection efficiency through a systematic local evaluation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the criterion value is fixed, then the detection method is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to varying noise levels across different frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to noise levelsVSAvoidcriterion value management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the criterion value based on reception strength measurements. The criterion value is not fixed but is dynamically determined by comparing the reception strength at the current frequency with adjacent frequencies. This approach provides adaptability to varying noise levels across different frequency bands while managing complexity through a systematic parameter adjustment based on local signal characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2928093B1Radio broadcast receiving apparatus and broadcast frequency detection method
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 ALPINE ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2928093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2928093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2928093B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

In a radio broadcast receiving apparatus and a broadcast frequency detection method according to an embodiment the present invention, a frequency fm at which a reception strength (an S meter value) that is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th0 and is greater than reception strengths at frequencies (fm - 1) and (fm + 1) adjacent to the frequency fm by one step by X or more is detected as a broadcast reception frequency that is a frequency at which a receivable broadcast is performed. The value of X is set so that it increases with the increase in the reception strength (S meter value) at the frequency fm. As a result, a frequency at which a broadcast is performed can be more accurately detected.