Television Receiver with Integrated Modulator for Broadcast Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face a cumbersome experience when switching between satellite and terrestrial broadcasts, requiring manual channel changes on separate devices and lacking a seamless viewing experience.

Innovation Solution

A television receiver with multiple inputs capable of switching between local broadcasts and satellite transmissions, using a modulator to pass through signals in their original form and frequency, and providing an integrated electronic programming guide (EPG) for both sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user employs separate devices (television receiver and antenna) to receive satellite and terrestrial broadcasts, then both types of programming can be received, but the user experience becomes cumbersome requiring manual switching between devices and inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to receive multiple broadcast typesVSAvoiduser interaction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines satellite receiver and terrestrial antenna inputs into a single television receiver device. The receiver integrates multiple input interfaces and a unified tuning mechanism that can process both satellite and terrestrial signals through a single device, eliminating the need for separate equipment and manual switching between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The television receiver is designed with multi-functionality to handle both satellite and terrestrial broadcast inputs. The device incorporates a universal tuning mechanism and integrated processing circuitry that can adaptively process different signal types through a single interface, allowing one device to perform multiple functions previously requiring separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a television receiver processes and outputs signals through a modulator, then signal compatibility is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal compatibilityVSAvoidmodulator integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a modulator as an intermediary component within the television receiver that converts and adapts different input signals (satellite and terrestrial) into a unified output format. This intermediary device facilitates signal compatibility between different input sources and the display interface, enabling seamless processing of multiple broadcast types through a single receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9596428B2Multiple input television receiver

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Disclosure is generally directed to a television receiver with multiple inputs, some accepting a local broadcast and some accepting satellite transmissions or transmissions across another network. The television receiver may pass local transmissions through to a display in their original form and at their original frequency, while retuning the display to receive the transmission at its original frequency. The television receiver may also receive, process and provide satellite or other types of programming to the television as necessary. The output of the receiver's modulator may switch back and forth as a user changes between local broadcast and satellite channels. Further, an EPG may be provided that includes information for both programming sources in an integrated fashion.