Set-Top Box Location Determination via Signal Triangulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadcast technologies are not designed to support secondary transmission locations or widely distributed signals within a designated market area, making precise location determination for viewers challenging, especially with the advent of ATSC 3.0 which allows for secondary broadcast sites and scattered signal strengths.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that measures signal strength from multiple communication sources, estimates propagation loss, and triangulates location using a set-top box with a communication interface, processor, and memory to determine the premises' coordinates, leveraging ATSC 3.0 functionality for precise location identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional broadcast technologies are used with co-located transmission towers, then broadcast coverage is provided, but precise location determination for viewers is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination precisionVSAvoidsupport for secondary transmission locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the broadcast signal into multiple components including location determination data embedded within the ATSC 3.0 signal structure. This allows the signal to carry both traditional broadcast content and location information simultaneously, enabling precise viewer location determination while maintaining compatibility with existing broadcast infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ATSC 3.0 broadcast signal is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional television broadcasting, location determination, and support for secondary transmission locations. By embedding location determination data within the standard signal structure, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If ATSC 3.0 with secondary broadcast sites is implemented, then location determination capability is enabled, but signal strength distribution becomes scattered and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewer location identificationVSAvoidsignal distribution pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives signals from multiple scattered transmission sites and secondary broadcast locations, then processes the location determination data to calculate viewer position. This intermediary computation simplifies the complex scattered signal pattern into actionable location information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The broadcast signal itself carries the location determination data needed to identify viewer location. The system uses the embedded location data within the ATSC 3.0 signal to perform self-determination of viewer position, eliminating the need for separate dedicated location tracking infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If multiple transmission locations are deployed, then broadcast coverage area is expanded, but determining which transmitter serves which viewer becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadcast coverage areaVSAvoidtransmitter-to-viewer mapping information

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system embeds feedback mechanisms within the ATSC 3.0 signal that provide information about which transmission site is currently serving the viewer. This feedback loop allows the system to track and identify the relationship between multiple transmission locations and their corresponding viewers, preventing information loss in the transmitter-to-viewer mapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise location determination of viewer premises, facilitating targeted advertising and improving broadcast service planning by accurately determining distances and directions to transmission sites, thereby enhancing user experience and broadcast efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a signal strength of a plurality of communication signals received at the premises

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength measurement:

Implementation Method 2

estimating a propagation loss for the received signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPropagation loss estimation:

Implementation Method 3

determining a distance between a source of each of the signals and the premises based on the estimated propagation loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistance determination via propagation loss:

Implementation Method 4

triangulating the location of the premises

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11477526B2Method and system for location determination

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 CGPS VENTURES LLC

AI summary

A method for determining location of a premises is disclosed. The method includes measuring a signal strength of a plurality of communication signals received at the premises, obtaining data associated with a source of the signals, estimating a propagation loss for the received signal, determining a distance between a source of each of the signals and the premises based on the estimated propagation loss, and triangulating the location of the premises.