Receiving Circuit Module Encoding MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite broadcasting systems face increased costs due to the need for separate equipment and labor to handle different encoding formats like MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, which requires multiple encoders and uplink facilities, leading to higher operational expenses and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A receiving circuit module capable of encoding signals into both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 formats simultaneously, allowing these encoded signals to be routed to separate multiplexers at different uplink facilities, thereby reducing the need for multiple equipment setups and labor costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is provided for each encoding format (MPEG-2 and MPEG-4), then compatibility with different customer set top boxes is improved, but device complexity and floor space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different customer set top boxesVSAvoidseparate equipment for each encoding format

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving circuit module is designed to perform multiple encoding functions (MPEG-2 and MPEG-4) within a single device. The module includes multiple encoders that can process the same input signal and output different encoding formats, allowing one universal device to replace multiple separate encoding equipment while maintaining compatibility with both legacy and modern set top boxes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is provided for each encoding format, then encoding capability for different formats is improved, but floor space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding capability for different formatsVSAvoidfloor space at uplink facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple encoding functions (MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 encoders) into a single receiving circuit module. This consolidation merges what would traditionally require separate physical equipment into one integrated unit, reducing the floor space required at uplink facilities while preserving the ability to generate multiple encoding formats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manned stations are used to collect local channels, then signal collection capability is improved, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal collection capabilityVSAvoidlabor costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving circuit module automatically receives, decodes, and encodes signals without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the collection and re-encoding of local channel signals, eliminating the need for manned stations and reducing labor costs while maintaining full signal collection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9831971B1Method and system for operating a communication system encoded into multiple independently communicated encoding formats

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 DIRECTV LLC

AI summary

A system and method for operating the same includes a receiving circuit module having a housing having an input for a first signal, a first encoder disposed within the housing encoding the first signal to form a first encoded signal and a second encoder disposed within the housing encoding the first signal to form a second encoded signal having a different format than the first signal. A first multiplexer receives the first encoded signal. A second multiplexer different than the first multiplexer receives the second encoded signal.