Two-Step Frequency Tuning for TV Program Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating all viewable television programs in a given frequency band is a time-consuming task, as existing methods require scanning through signals without prior recording, making it inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a central processor that searches for television programs based on horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, audio signals, and frequency control signals, employing a two-step tuning process (rough and fine tuning) to efficiently identify and record available programs, with user interface selection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional program searching method is used to locate all viewable television programs in a given frequency band, then complete program detection is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first performing rough tuning to identify potential program frequencies before conducting fine tuning. This preliminary screening step filters out frequencies that definitely do not contain programs, reducing the total search space and time required for complete program detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency band search into two distinct phases: rough tuning phase and fine tuning phase. Each phase uses different search strategies and criteria, allowing the system to efficiently handle the large frequency range while maintaining detection accuracy through systematic division of the search task.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive frequency band scanning is performed to ensure all programs are located, then detection completeness is improved, but the complexity of the searching process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The searching process is divided into two separate modules: rough tuning module and fine tuning module. Each module has specific functions and criteria, reducing the complexity of individual modules while maintaining overall detection completeness through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the results from rough tuning inform the fine tuning process. Frequencies identified during rough tuning are fed back as target frequencies for fine tuning, creating a feedback loop that optimizes the search process and reduces unnecessary scanning of frequencies that have already been assessed.
3Productivity
If fast scanning method is used to reduce search time, then productivity is improved, but the ability to distinguish between actual and ghost signals decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal verification process into two stages: initial detection during rough tuning and verification during fine tuning. This segmentation allows fast initial scanning while maintaining accurate signal discrimination through the subsequent verification phase, where ghost signals can be distinguished from actual programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning with a two-step electronic tuning process that uses different step sizes and verification methods. This substitution enables faster searching while maintaining signal discrimination accuracy through the use of synchronization signal detection and frequency verification in the fine tuning phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for searching a frequency band to locate a program. The method includes the steps of setting an initial frequency and a first crequeney step; determining a frequency point based on the initial frequency and the first frequency step; determining whether the frequency point satisfies a first condition, which is continuously detecting a horizontal signal a predetermined number of times. When the first condition is satisfied, the frequency point is recorded as an entrance point. A second frequency step based on the entrance point determines a second frequency point, wherein the second frequency step is less than the first frequency step. It is then determined if a program exists at the second frequency point. The entrance point is recorded as the updated initial frequency for the next search. The described steps are repeated for the entire frequency band.