Reception Circuit Interference Detection Using Unused Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reception apparatuses face challenges in effectively detecting and mitigating interference waves from outside sources, particularly with the rise of high-frequency communication devices, which can deteriorate television broadcast signal reception performance.

Innovation Solution

A reception apparatus with multiple reception circuits and local oscillation circuits, where a control unit searches for and identifies interference waves using unused reception circuits, allowing for a simple configuration that avoids the need for a dedicated interference wave detection circuit, and adjusts tuning algorithms to avoid interference frequencies during channel tuning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reception circuits are used to receive multiple channels simultaneously, then the reception capability and channel selection flexibility are improved, but the probability of interference wave occurrence and reception performance deterioration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel reception capabilityVSAvoidinterference wave impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The unused reception circuit performs self-service by automatically searching for interference waves without requiring a dedicated detection circuit. The reception circuit that is not currently receiving a channel uses its local oscillation circuit to generate signals and detect interference in the frequency range, thereby serving the interference detection function while maintaining its primary reception capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reception circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a reception circuit for receiving broadcast signals and as an interference wave search circuit when not in use. This universal design allows the same hardware to perform multiple functions: receiving channels when assigned and detecting interference when idle, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated interference wave detection circuit is added, then the interference detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference wave detection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of leaving the unused reception circuit idle or discarding its functionality, the system recovers and utilizes its local oscillation circuit and signal processing capabilities for interference wave search. The unused circuit's resources are recovered and put to productive use in detecting interference, maximizing resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shield cases are used to protect reception circuits, then the protection against interference waves is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference wave protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by using the interference wave search function to detect interference frequencies, then feeding this information back to the tuning control to adjust channel selection and avoid interference. This active feedback mechanism provides dynamic protection against interference without requiring physical shielding modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of shield cases with an electronic/software-based approach. Instead of physically blocking interference waves through shielding, the system electronically identifies interference frequencies through search circuits and avoids them through algorithmic tuning control, substituting mechanical protection with electronic intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables effective detection and mitigation of interference waves, improving reception performance by utilizing unused reception circuits for interference wave search and adjusting tuning algorithms to avoid interference frequencies, thus enhancing the overall reception quality.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency signal (local oscillation frequency signal) is necessary which is mixed with the reception signal in a mixer (not shown) in the reception circuits 2a and 3a

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentUS9215013B2Reception apparatus and electronic equipment

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A reception apparatus includes a plurality of reception circuits that receive transmission signals, a plurality of local oscillation circuits that respectively supply the plurality of reception circuits with local oscillation signals, and a control unit that controls tunings in the plurality of reception circuits. When at least one reception circuit among the plurality of reception circuits is not used to receive the transmission signals, the control unit searches for an interference wave using the unused reception circuit.