Satellite Broadcast Bit Rate Allocation Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of generating and managing bit rate allocation charts for satellite television broadcast systems is prone to errors, leading to channel outages and incorrect content, which reduces customer satisfaction and increases the risk of misconfiguration due to the potential for overlooked or incorrectly entered data.

Innovation Solution

A centralized and automated system for managing bit rate allocation charts, which generates and communicates allocation charts to broadcast system components based on effective times, ensuring accurate and timely configuration and operation of the broadcast system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual procedures are used to generate and manage bit rate allocation charts, then flexibility in configuring broadcast systems is maintained, but errors and misconfigurations increase due to human oversight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of bit rate allocationVSAvoidmanual configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates bit rate allocation charts by retrieving channel information from a database and computing bandwidth allocations based on predefined criteria. The system self-updates allocation charts when channel information changes, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing human errors in configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of creating and updating allocation charts with an automated computer-based system. The system uses software algorithms to calculate bandwidth allocations and communicate changes to broadcast system components, substituting human manual operations with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual updates to allocation charts are performed frequently, then system adaptability to changing broadcast requirements is maintained, but the risk of incorrect data entry and configuration errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to update allocation chartsVSAvoiddata entry accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors changes in channel information from the database and automatically generates updated allocation charts when modifications occur. This feedback mechanism ensures that allocation charts are always current and accurate, eliminating the risk of outdated or incorrect manual entries while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing broadcast requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures the automated update process by establishing database connections, retrieval criteria, and allocation calculations in advance. When channel information changes, the system automatically executes pre-programmed procedures to generate updated allocation charts, ensuring accurate and timely updates without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If centralized automated system is implemented, then error reduction and data accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidautomation system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system serves multiple functions within a unified structure: it retrieves channel information from the database, calculates bandwidth allocations, generates allocation charts, communicates updates to broadcast components, and monitors for changes. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9723276B2Method and system for changing allocation charts in a satellite broadcasting system

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 DIRECTV LLC

AI summary

A broadcast system and method of changing allocations therein include a plurality of broadcast system components and a broadcast operation channel management system having a database. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a first allocation chart for the broadcast system with a first effective time and communicates at least a portion of the first allocation chart to the plurality of broadcast system components. The plurality of broadcast system components determines a local time and when the local time is equal to or greater than the effective time, operates with the first allocation chart. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a second allocation chart for the broadcast system with a second effective time. The broadcast operation channel management system communicates at least a portion of the second allocation chart to the plurality of broadcast system components. The plurality of broadcast system components operates with the second allocation chart when the local time is equal to or greater than the second effective time.