Radio Receiver EPG Generation via Single Tuner Multi-Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio receivers for ground-wave radio broadcasting face challenges in displaying electronic program guides (EPGs) that include only receivable programs, especially in mobile environments where signal reception conditions change frequently, and in updating program information efficiently without disrupting power supply.
Innovation Solution
A radio receiver configuration that includes a reception unit, A/D converter, mixer function units, radio dial selector, audio controller, data extractor, electronic program guide generator, and display, which allows for real-time extraction and display of program information associated with receivable carrier frequencies, ensuring only current programs are listed, regardless of power status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tuner specialized for EPG is added to the receiver to display electronic program guide information independently, then the EPG display capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing tuner is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both program reception and EPG information extraction simultaneously. The controller manages the tuner to receive program signals while also extracting EPG data from the same received signal, eliminating the need for a separate EPG tuner.
Solution Approach 2:
The EPG reception function is merged with the existing program reception function. The controller coordinates the tuner to receive both program data and EPG information through the same receiving path, combining multiple functions into a single tuner unit.
2Loss of information
If the receiver updates EPG information by sequentially acquiring program information from all broadcast stations while power is off, then the EPG data is updated, but the update time is long and may miss recent program changes
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver continuously extracts and updates EPG information in the background while the power supply is on and programs are being received. The controller continuously monitors the received signals and updates the EPG data without interruption, ensuring the information remains current without requiring long update cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver performs preliminary EPG information extraction and storage during normal operation, so that when a user requests EPG display, the information is already prepared and available immediately, eliminating the need for long update waits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver displays EPG information from all broadcast stations including unreceivable programs, then the EPG is comprehensive, but the user experience deteriorates due to selecting unreceivable programs
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG information is differentiated by reception status, with distinct visual indicators showing which programs are currently receivable and which are not. The controller analyzes the actual reception condition of each broadcast station and marks the EPG entries accordingly, allowing users to identify receivable programs at a glance.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver continuously monitors the reception status of each broadcast station and provides feedback by updating the EPG display to reflect current receivability. When reception conditions change, the system automatically updates the EPG information to show only currently receivable programs or marks them appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio receiver converts received RF signals in a predetermined frequency band into digital RF signals, converts the digital RF signals into IF signals corresponding to RF signals whose carrier frequencies are different from one another, converts one of the digital RF signals into an IF signal corresponding to an RF signal whose carrier frequency matches a selection input made by a user, outputs audio data included in the converted IF signal corresponding to the RF signal whose carrier frequency meets the selection input made by the user, extracts sets of program information, respectively, from the converted IF signals corresponding to the RF signals, generates an electronic program guide by listing the extracted sets of program information in association with the carrier frequencies of the RF signals from which the sets of program information are extracted, and displays an image representing the electronic program guide.