Digital Set Top Box Zapping Time Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital television decoders experience prolonged zapping times due to the implementation of advanced error correction systems, even when the communication link quality is satisfactory, leading to increased zapping times and potential image quality degradation.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the quality of the communication link and deactivates transmission integrity control functions, such as FEC or CRC systems, if the link quality is satisfactory, thereby optimizing zapping time without compromising image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If advanced error correction systems (FEC, CRC) are implemented in digital television decoders, then transmission reliability is improved, but zapping time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidzapping time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the error correction system configurable and adaptable based on link quality conditions. The integrity control function is dynamically enabled or disabled according to the determined quality of the communication link, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and speed based on real-time conditions rather than being statically configured

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the error correction system based on link quality assessment. When link quality is determined to be satisfactory, the system modifies its behavior by disabling integrity control functions, effectively changing parameters from high-protection mode to high-speed mode without physical hardware changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If integrity control functions are always active, then image quality is maintained, but zapping time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidzapping time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by applying different levels of error correction processing to different situations based on link quality. When the communication link is of high quality, the system reduces or disables integrity control processing, applying quality appropriate to the local condition rather than uniformly high processing everywhere

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by selectively applying integrity control functions only when necessary based on link quality assessment. Instead of always applying full error correction processing, the system applies partial or no processing when the communication link is already reliable, eliminating excessive action that would only waste time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2319239B1Method for optimizing the zapping time of a television digital set top box
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP2319239B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2319239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the invention, a method for optimizing a service changing time observed on a television digital set top box (308) is essentially provided, said television digital set top box being linked, via a modem element (305), to a television operator portal (400) by a communication link (401) conveying data packets, characterized in that the method comprises the different steps of: - determining (410) the quality of the link (401) linked to the set top box (308); - if the quality determined by the link in question is satisfactory, deactivating (361), at the television set top box (308), at least one transmission integrity monitoring function (360).