Satellite Decoder Three-State Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite decoders face limitations in performance and user experience due to nocturnal power-down modes required by energy consumption regulations, which prevent the download of 'push' events and Entertainment Management Messages, limiting content availability and device functionality.

Innovation Solution

A satellite decoder with three operating states: low-consumption off, intermediate stand-by, and active stand-by, allowing selective power supply management and wake-up signals via satellite for uninterrupted interaction with broadcasters, enabling content updates and user commands without violating energy consumption parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the decoder enters low-consumption off state during night hours, then energy consumption parameters are complied with, but push events and EMMs cannot be downloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpush events and EMMs download
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The decoder is divided into multiple operational states (full operation, reduced functionality, and low-consumption off) with distinct capabilities. Each state segment provides specific functions appropriate to the operational level, allowing the system to balance energy consumption with content download requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder dynamically transitions between different operational states based on real-time conditions such as presence of internet connection, user preferences, and time of day. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between energy savings and content availability rather than operating in fixed modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the decoder switches to low-consumption off state after 5 minutes of active stand-by, then energy consumption is reduced, but user experience is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on multiple factors including user activity patterns, presence of pending downloads, internet connection status, and time of day. This prevents premature transition to low-consumption mode that would disrupt user experience while still achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder continuously monitors system state and external conditions, using this feedback to determine appropriate operational modes. User preferences and system performance metrics feed into the decision-making process, ensuring energy management actions align with user expectations and needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the decoder remains in active stand-by to download push events continuously, then content availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepush events availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the decoder employs periodic checks for internet connection and push events at strategically chosen intervals. This allows the system to stay informed about available content while remaining in low-power states for extended periods, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous active standby.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder dynamically transitions between sleep and active states based on real-time conditions such as detected internet availability, user presence, and time of day. This dynamic approach ensures push events are downloaded when conditions favor it while minimizing energy consumption during periods when downloads are less critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If the decoder downloads push events during night hours when bandwidth is available, then content updates are improved, but energy consumption during off state increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepush events updateVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks for internet connection and push event availability before transitioning to low-consumption mode. If updates are available and user preferences allow, downloads are initiated before entering sleep state, ensuring content is updated without requiring extended active periods that would increase energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder adapts its operational behavior based on time of day, user preferences, and system conditions. During night hours, it may extend active periods or perform batch downloads when bandwidth is available and user activity is low, optimizing the balance between content updates and energy consumption for off-peak periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2991360B1Satellite television receiver
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SKY ITALIA SRL
  • EP2991360B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Low-consumption device for receiving and decoding television signals, in particular signals being broadcast via satellite, comprising: a tuner for receiving television signals being broadcast via satellite by a broadcaster; a processing unit for processing said television signals; an audio/video interface for providing contents to an external apparatus based on said television signals; a reception module allowing said device to be activated upon receiving an external command from a user; a management module for managing the power supply of said device with predefined on/off time conditions; at least one predefined element selected from: a hard drive for storing audio/video contents, a USB interface, a DVB-T reception module. The device can be switched between the following states: a low-consumption off state, an intermediate stand-by state, and an active stand-by state.