RF Channel Scanner With Auto Memory Check at Power-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency signal processing devices for distributing VHF or UHF signals, such as terrestrial television or Digital Video Broadcast signals, are often difficult to install and require technical knowledge, as they need manual intervention for triggering automatic scan routines, which can be inefficient and prone to wear, especially when mounted in remote or harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency signal processing device that automatically triggers a channel memory check routine upon power-up, detecting the presence of channel configuration data and initiating an automatic scan routine if none is found, allowing for seamless detection and configuration of radio frequency channels without user input, and can be remotely powered, enhancing installation simplicity and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input elements (buttons, switches) are provided for triggering automatic scan routines, then the device can be controlled to perform channel detection, but the device becomes more complex, prone to wear, and less user-friendly especially when mounted in remote or harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes manual input elements (buttons, switches, displays) from the device entirely. The automatic scan routine is triggered automatically upon power-up without requiring any user interaction through physical input elements. This extraction of input elements simplifies the device structure while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is configured to automatically trigger the channel memory check routine and subsequent automatic scan routine upon power-up. The system serves itself by automatically detecting whether channel configuration data is present and initiating the scan process without external intervention, eliminating the need for manual input elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is mounted in remote or harsh environments, then signal distribution coverage is improved, but manual access for triggering scan routines becomes difficult and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs the channel detection process upon power-up without requiring manual intervention. The controller triggers the channel memory check routine and subsequent automatic scan routine autonomously, allowing the device to be installed in remote locations where physical access is difficult while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If input elements are provided for triggering automatic scan routines, then user control is enabled, but the input elements are prone to wear and create weak points in the protective cover against humidity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completely removes input elements from the device structure. By extracting buttons, switches, and other manual input components, the protective cover becomes intact without weak points, eliminating susceptibility to humidity ingress while maintaining full adaptability through automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If automatic scan routine is triggered manually, then the process can be controlled, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires technical knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is pre-configured to automatically trigger the channel memory check routine and subsequent automatic scan routine upon power-up. This preliminary automation of the scan trigger action eliminates the need for manual intervention during installation, reducing both time loss and the need for technical knowledge while maintaining full control over the detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3849109A1A radio frequency signal processing device
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 UNITRON NV
  • EP3849109A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3849109A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3849109A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5D

AI summary

There is described a radio frequency signal processing device (10) and corresponding method (300) which automatically triggers an automatic scan routine (70) at power up when the channel configuration memory (100) is clear of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data (80).