Multi-Channel Radio System Local Decoding Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for internet radio broadcasts are resource-intensive, require access to remote servers, and provide limited, outdated information about channel content, making it difficult for users to efficiently select and customize their radio experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based multi-channel radio system with a graphical user interface that allows users to selectively display and control multiple channels without relying on remote servers, using a radio receiver and channel decoder to stream and decode audio/video, and update channel data in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current user interfaces for internet radio broadcasts are used, then users can access radio channels, but the system requires extensive CPU resources and remote server access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the channel decoding and data processing functions from the remote server and relocates them to the receiver unit. The receiver independently decodes satellite signals and processes channel data locally, eliminating the need for continuous server access and reducing CPU resource consumption on the user's computer while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local buffer memory as an intermediary between the receiver and the computer. This buffer stores channel data and program information locally, allowing the computer to access and display information without continuously querying the remote server, thereby reducing CPU workload and enabling offline operation.
2Loss of information
If current user interfaces for internet radio broadcasts are used, then users can view channel information, but the information is outdated and not updated frequently enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring and updating of channel information through the receiver unit. The receiver continuously decodes satellite signals and updates program guides, song information, and channel data without interruption, ensuring that the computer always displays the most current information available from the satellite broadcast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary decoding and processing of satellite signals at the receiver unit before the data reaches the computer. The receiver pre-processes program guides, tracks current programming, and buffers updated information locally, so that when the computer requests channel information, it receives already-updated data rather than outdated cached information.
3Ease of operation
If current user interfaces for internet radio broadcasts are used, then users can access radio channels, but the system requires connection to remote servers and downloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dependency on remote servers from the system architecture by implementing local signal decoding and data processing capabilities in the receiver unit. The receiver independently handles satellite signal reception, decoding, and channel data processing, eliminating the need for continuous server connections and downloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the receiver unit to serve itself by performing all necessary signal decoding, program guide processing, and channel data retrieval operations locally. The receiver autonomously manages its own operations without requiring continuous intervention from or connection to remote servers, reducing system complexity and enabling standalone functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer based multi-channel radio system (200) can include a computer (214) coupled to a display (215) and having a graphical user interface (500) and a radio receiver (100) coupled to the computer for receiving a plurality of channels and data associated with the plurality of channels. The graphic user interface can selectively display at least a portion of the data associated with the plurality of channels. The data associated with the plurality of channels can be simultaneously updated. The radio receiver can include an output port (207) that enables the system to stream data or audio or video from a selected channel among the plurality of channels.