RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE

专利摘要:
A radio frequency signal processing apparatus (10) and associated method (300) is disclosed that automatically triggers an automatic scan routine (70) upon power-up when the channel configuration memory (100) is cleared of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data (80) .
公开号:BE1027817B1
申请号:E20215014
申请日:2021-01-08
公开日:2021-06-25
发明作者:Ladislav Jarkovský；Roman Dalecký；Joris Goemaere；Gilles Vanbossel；Stephen Deleu
申请人:Unitron；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

; BE2021/5014 RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the technical field of radio frequency signal processing devices and methods of operating such radio frequency signal processing devices. More specifically on the processing and distribution of VHF or UHF signals, such as signals for terrestrial television or Digital Video Broadcast signals. Specifically in the field of processing and distribution of such radio frequency signals received by two or more terrestrial receiving antennas receiving two or more terrestrial radio frequency signals received via air transmission from two or more different terrestrial transmitting antennas at different geographic locations.
BACKGROUND ART A known radio frequency processing device for the distribution of television channels is described in EP2393291, which comprises an arrangement for automatic identification and distribution of useful television channels by means of suitable programmable filters and equalization of the output levels. It is enough to press a start button of the device to carry out the entire process automatically. However, such devices are usually mounted in hard-to-reach places, remote from the devices receiving the signals they distribute. Even during installation, for example, when the device is installed and then all the receiver devices are coupled to it, it is not efficient and user-friendly to have to access the device again at a location remote from the receiver devices to trigger this automatic process. . In addition, this use of such buttons or other input elements to trigger such an automatic scan routine requires sufficient technical knowledge of the user, e.g. to press the appropriate button or issue the appropriate input commands to trigger the auto scan routine. Such input elements are also usually subject to wear and thus are weak points in the housing of the device to protect the device, for example against moisture, especially when mounted outdoors or in a technical room without air conditioning.
* BE2021/5014 There is therefore a need for a simpler, more user-friendly, more efficient and more robust radio frequency signal processing device comprising such an automatic scanning routine to detect radio frequency signals.
SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a radio frequency signal processing device configured to: receive at least one radio frequency signal comprising at least one radio frequency channel; and - producing at least one output signal by processing at least one of the radio frequency channels of at least one of the received radio frequency signals by means of channel configuration data, the apparatus comprising: - a controller configured to trigger an automatic scan routine, during which: - the radio frequency channels of the at least one radio frequency signal are automatically detected; and - associated channel configuration data is automatically generated for the - detected radio frequency channels, and - a channel configuration memory operatively connected to the controller and configured to store the channel configuration data generated during the channel scan routine,
CHARACTERIZED BY THAT, the controller is further configured such that: a channel memory check routine is automatically triggered when the device is turned on; the channel memory check routine is configured to: detect whether the channel configuration memory is clear of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data; and - trigger the automatic scan routine if it is detected that the channel configuration memory is cleared of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data.
° BE2021/5014 In this way a simpler, more robust and user-friendly device is realized as the automatic scan routine is automatically triggered when the device is turned on, without the need to manipulate any input elements at the location where the device is installed, as the channel memory control routine is triggered automatically.
According to one embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device or system is provided, configured to: receive at least one radio frequency signal comprising at least one radio frequency channel via at least one input connector; - produce at least one output signal comprising a set of radio frequency channels from the at least one radio frequency signal via at least one output connector; and - receive power through at least one output connector; the device or system, comprising: - a controller configured to trigger an automatic scan routine, during which: - the radio frequency channels of the at least one radio frequency signal are automatically detected; and - automatically generate corresponding channel configuration data for the detected radio frequency channels to generate the output signal; - a channel configuration memory operatively associated with the controller and configured to store the channel configuration data generated during the channel scan routine, the controller further being configured to: - automatically trigger a channel memory check routine when the device or system is turned on switched on; - the channel memory check routine is configured to: - detect whether: - the channel configuration memory contains channel configuration data generated during a previous automatic scan routine; and/or - the channel configuration memory is cleared of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data; and
* BE2021/5014 - trigger the automatic scan routine if it is detected that: - the channel configuration memory does not contain channel configuration data generated during a previous automatic scan routine; and/or - the channel configuration memory is cleared of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data. Such an embodiment is advantageous since such a signal processing device or signal processing system is configured as a suitable signal distribution system which appropriately selects and distributes the channels of the received radio frequency signal to the output signal. Such a signal distribution system is usually coupled to the system in a location that is difficult to reach and/or close to the antenna, for example on the roof of a building. According to a specific embodiment, the radio frequency signals are received from the antennas at the input connectors by means of a suitable coaxial cable, and the output signal is also provided via an output connector to a suitable coaxial cable for further distribution. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, such as, for example, one or more output connectors 42 to provide optical signals, wired network signals, wireless network signals, etc. It is clear that according to such an embodiment, the device can also be designed as a system of one or more suitably interconnected devices.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, the radio frequency signal processing device further comprising at least one output connector and further configured to: - produce said at least one output signal, as determined by means of the channel configuration data, via said at least one output connector; and - receive power through at least one of said at least one output connectors.
In this way, for example, the device can be powered remotely via power provided by a receiver device coupled to an output connector of the device, without the need to provide a power source at the hard-to-reach and/or remote location where the device is located. installed. In conjunction with the channel memory check routine that is triggered at power on,
> BE2021/5014 this further increases the simplicity and efficiency of the installation of the signal processing device, because once the output connector is suitably coupled to a suitable receiver device which then powers the signal processing device through the output connector, this will turn on the signal processing device and the automatic channel memory control routine will trigger without the need for any manipulation or intervention at the remote or hard-to-reach location of the signal processing device. According to a further embodiment, the radio frequency signal processing device is further configured to: - produce at least one output signal comprising a set of the radio frequency channels derived from the at least one radio frequency signal via at least one output connector.
Such an embodiment of the signal processing device, which functions as a signal distribution device that automatically detects and distributes a set of radio frequency channels of the received radio frequency signal, is user-friendly and can be installed efficiently since it does not require manipulation by the user before the first use. Turning on the signal processing device is enough to trigger the channel memory check routine to arrive at a fully functional device that produces one or more desired output signals based on the detected radio frequency channels in the received radio frequency signals.
According to one embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, the controller being further configured such that: the channel memory check routine is further configured not to trigger the automatic scan routine if it is detected that the channel configuration memory is not cleared of and/or has not been set to be released from channel configuration data.
In this way, the device still works efficiently since the automatic scan routine is not performed every time the device is turned on, but only when necessary. According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the controller is further configured such that:
° BE2021/5014 - the channel memory check routine is further configured not to trigger the automatic scan routine if it is detected that the channel configuration memory is not cleared of and/or is not set to be cleared of channel configuration data; and/or is not free of and/or is not configured to be freed from channel configuration data and/or does include channel configuration data generated during a previous automatic scan routine. According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency signals and wherein the controller is configured to generate at least one output signal comprising a set of radio frequency channels from two or more radio frequency signals .
In this way, the device automatically makes available the channels of a plurality of RF signals in a simplified and automatic manner.
According to a further embodiment and/or aspect of the invention there is provided a radio frequency signal processing device, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is configured to: - adjust the bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels of one or more of the radio frequency signals detect during the automatic scan routine; and - determine the channel spacing and/or the associated frequency plan and/or the associated ITU region based on the detected bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels. According to a further embodiment and/or further aspect of the invention there is provided a radio frequency signal processing method comprising the steps of: - detecting the bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels of one or more of the radio frequency signals during the automatic scan routine; and - determining the channel spacing and/or the associated frequency plan and/or the associated ITU region based on the detected bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels.
/ BE2021/5014 Since different geographic regions are covered by different frequency plans, prior art radio signal processing devices had to be preconfigured or manually set to work according to the frequency plan of the specific geographic region concerned. In addition, when such frequency plans are modified over time, all devices already manufactured are configured with an outdated frequency plan. This limits the flexibility of use of such devices when, for example, they are distributed through a worldwide sales channel. To overcome this drawback, the proposed solution to detect the bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of radio frequency channels makes it possible to check the compatibility of the detected bandwidth and/or center frequencies of a plurality of radio frequency channels; the channel spacing or a multiple of this channel spacing between such a plurality of radio frequency channels can be determined, and further agreement with a specific frequency plan or specific ITU region can be determined.
According to a preferred embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is configured to generate an output signal whose channel spacing and/or frequency plan is equal to and/or compatible with said determined channel spacing and/or the associated frequency plan and/or or the corresponding ITU region. This allows the device to automatically and flexibly detect the frequency plan and/or the geographic region of the place of use, which can, for example, help to produce an output signal that is compatible with receiver devices configured to work with such a frequency plan and or in a such geographic region. According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing apparatus is provided, wherein the controller is further configured to trigger a channel memory erase routine, during which the channel configuration data is deleted from the channel configuration memory upon receipt of a channel memory erase signal.
° BE2021/5014 In this way, a subsequent new execution of the automatic scan routine can be triggered flexibly, for example at the next switch-on of the device.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, the radio frequency signal processing device comprising the following, operatively connected to the controller: - non-volatile storage memory comprising the channel configuration memory; working memory configured to store a copy of the channel configuration memory for use by the controller during output signal generation. In this way, the channel configuration memory can be advantageously adjusted without affecting the operation of the controller during output signal generation.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the controller is configured to trigger, upon receipt of a channel memory erase signal, a channel memory erase routine configured to: - delete the channel configuration data from the channel configuration memory in the non-volatile storage memory; and - maintain the copy of the channel configuration memory in the working memory so that the controller can continue to generate the output signal. In this way, a new automatic scan routine can be prepared for the next power up of the device, while the controller is able to continue using the previous channel configuration data. According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing apparatus is provided, wherein the controller is further configured to trigger, upon receipt of a forced channel memory erase signal, a forced channel memory erase routine configured to: - trigger the automatic scan routine so as to generate new channel configuration data generate and store in the channel configuration memory;
° BE2021/5014 - replace the copy of the channel configuration memory in the working memory with the new channel configuration data from the channel configuration memory, so that the controller can generate the output signal with the new channel configuration data.
In this way, a new automatic scanning routine can also be performed in a flexible manner, without having to wait for the next switch-on of the device. According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, the controller being further configured to receive the channel memory clear signal and/or the forced channel memory clear signal from one or more of the following: one or more input elements of the radio frequency signal processing device ; - one or more signals received from a receiver device when coupled to the radio frequency signal processing device; - one or more signals received from a suitable remote device over a network, preferably a low power WAN (Wide Area Network). In this way, the automatic scan routine can be triggered flexibly, for example from a remote location.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is configured to generate the channel memory erase signal and/or the forced channel memory erase signal by means of a predetermined pattern of power cycles, also known as an on or off pattern. turn-off cycles comprising a predetermined pattern of a plurality of predetermined turn-on and/or turn-off cycles of the radio frequency signal processing device. In this way the automatic scan routine can be triggered without the need for any input elements.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, the radio frequency signal processing device comprising: - the at least one input connector; and
- the at least one output connector configured to output the at least one associated output signal, and wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is configured to receive power from a device through the at least one output connector when coupled to said output connector.
In this way, the device can be powered remotely, thereby simplifying installation and further enabling the switch-on and/or power cycle of the device to be performed remotely to the device that powers the output connector.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing apparatus is provided, wherein the automatic scan routine is further configured to trigger a conflict resolution routine when a plurality of conflicting channels, also called coincident channels, are detected at a same channel location in a plurality of radio frequency signals, wherein the conflict resolution routine is configured to generate channel configuration data such that at least two of the conflicting channels present at a single channel location in the radio frequency signals are provided at different channel locations of the set of radio frequency channels of the output signal.
In this way, conflicting channels can be handled in a simple, efficient and flexible manner, without losing any of the conflicting channels in the output signal.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing apparatus is provided, wherein the conflict resolution routine is further configured to provide at least one of the conflicting channels at an unused channel location and/or a channel location that is no longer in use from the set of radio frequency channels of the output signal.
In this way, conflicting channels can be reassigned efficiently.
According to a further embodiment, there is provided a radio frequency signal processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is further configured to produce at least one antenna alignment feedback signal, and wherein the controller is further configured to perform an antenna alignment routine. trigger alignment feedback during which at least one antenna alignment feedback signal is produced configured to adjust the power level and/or signal quality of at least one detected radio frequency channel of at least one of the received radio frequency signals and/or changes to said power level and/or indicated signal quality.
In this way, especially during installation of the radio frequency signal processing device in the vicinity of the receiving antenna, the orientation of the receiving antenna can be adjusted efficiently and reliably.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device does not include any input element configured to be operated manually.
In this way, a simple and robust device is realized, which can be installed in an efficient manner.
According to a further embodiment, a radio frequency signal processing device is provided, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device is configured to receive from two or more terrestrial antennas two or more terrestrial radio frequency signals comprising a UHF frequency range comprising a plurality of UHF channels of different power levels transmitted over the air through various terrestrial broadcasting stations.
Particularly in such terrestrial UHF signals, there are great differences in power levels, and such a simplified and robust arrangement is advantageous to make all these UHF channels from different RF sources available in an output signal of a desired power level.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a radio frequency signal processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to receive power through at least one of said output connectors, the method comprising the following steps: - receiving at least one radio frequency signal comprising at least one radio frequency channel; - triggering an automatic channel scan routine, during which: - the radio frequency channels of the at least one radio frequency signal are automatically detected; and - for the detected radio frequency channels, automatically generating associated channel configuration data to generate at least one output signal; - storing the channel configuration data generated during the automatic channel scan routine in a channel configuration memory; and - producing at least one output signal by processing at least one of the radio frequency channels of at least one of the received radio frequency signals by means of channel configuration data,
CHARACTERIZED THEREFORE, the method comprises the following further steps: automatically triggering a channel memory check routine when the device is turned on; - the channel memory check routine comprising the steps of: - detecting whether the channel configuration memory is clear of and/or is set to be cleared of any generated channel configuration data; and - triggering the automatic scan routine if it is detected that the channel configuration memory is free of and/or is set to be cleared of any channel configuration data. It is clear that further embodiments of the method are possible, comprising steps similar to the associated functional features of the embodiments of the device described above and/or in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a radio frequency signal processing device according to the invention; Figure 2 is the embodiment of Figure 1 in more detail; Figure 3 is an embodiment of a method for operating an embodiment of the device according to Figure 1 or Figure 2; Figure 4 is an embodiment of a terrestrial RF signal comprising a plurality of UHF channels received over air transmission; Figures 5A to Figure 5D are embodiments of the RF signals received and produced by the apparatus of Figure 1 or Figure 2; Figure 6 is an embodiment of channel configuration data; Figures 7 and 8 are alternative embodiments of the radio frequency signal processing device; and Figure 9 is an embodiment of a computer device suitable for performing the method of Figure 3 .
DESCRIPTION An embodiment of a radio frequency signal processing device 10 is shown, for example, in Figure 1. According to the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 is mounted, for example, on or near the roof of a house 1, which may be generally referred to as a house type referred to as a single family home or SFU (Single Family Unit). However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible where the device 10 is used in the context of housing types referred to as a multi-family home or MDU (Multiple Dwelling Unit), e.g. condominiums comprising a plurality of apartments, or any other suitable housing type comprising shared services. for a variety of housing units.
According to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 is configured to receive three radio frequency signals 20, or RF signals 20. It is clear that alternative embodiments are possible, wherein the device receives a different number of RF signals 20, for example one, two, four, five or more, ..., as long as the device 10 generally receives at least one RF signal.
As will be discussed in more detail below, the device 10 is particularly advantageous when it receives a plurality of RF signals 20 .
According to the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 is configured to receive these three RF signals 20 from three terrestrial antennas 12. As shown, the RF signals 20 received by the three antennas 12 are received from five different terrestrial broadcasting stations 14 by means of Thus, it is understood that each terrestrial antenna 12 receives an RF signal 20 transmitted over the air transmission from at least one terrestrial transmitting station 14. Thus, these terrestrial transmitting stations 14 are configured to transmit the RF signal by means of a suitable transmitting antenna for air transmission from the location of the transmitting station 14. Thus, it is apparent that a plurality of these transmitting stations 14 may be located in different geographic locations.
Furthermore, these transmitting stations 14 may each use a different set of RF frequency ranges and/or modulation standards and/or transmission techniques for the airborne transmission of the terrestrial RF signals 20. To receive the RF signals transmitted by such a plurality of different transmitting stations 14, therefore, as shown, it may be necessary to use a plurality of different terrestrial receiving antennas 12, which are optimized, for example, to receive RF signals transmitted from a specific geographic location, for example a directional antenna, etc. or in one or more specific frequency ranges, e.g. UHF, VHF, etc, or according to a specific transmission standard or technique, e.g. DVB-T, analog transmission techniques, etc.
According to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, and as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 through Figure 6, the device 10 is configured to receive three RF signals 20 including at least one radio frequency channel 30 or RF channel 30 and to produce an output signal 40 comprising a set 52 of radio frequency channels 50 originating from these three RF signals 20. According to a specific embodiment, the terrestrial RF signals 20 input into the device 10 comprise, for example, a UHF frequency range. comprising a plurality of UHF channels 30. As will be described in further detail below, a plurality of these RF channels 30 of such a terrestrial RF signal 20 will arrive from the terrestrial antennas 12 at different power levels, particularly when these RF channels 30 over the air are transmitted by various terrestrial broadcasting stations 14. Preferably, as here zoals As will be described in more detail, the device 10 is configured to rearrange and adjust the RF channels 30 of the RF signals 20 such that all desired RF channels 50 are present in the output signal 40 at a desired signal level, even when, for example, a plurality of conflicting RF channels 30 are present in two or more RF signals 20. It is understood that according to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the device 10 is configured as a single(ed) or unitary( e) product, unit, module, ... It is clear, however, that alternative embodiments are possible wherein the device or system 10 comprises any suitable plurality of products, units, modules, ... and/or consists of a plurality of different components appropriately linked. As further depicted in more detail in Figure 2, wherein the embodiment of the device 10 of Figure 1 is depicted in more detail, the device 10 includes a suitable controller 60. Such a controller 60 may, for example, be part of, coupled to and/ or at least partially integrated in a suitable signal processing circuit 62, which includes suitable elements for the analog and/or digital processing of the received RF signals 20 to generate the output signal 40 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the RF signals 20 received from an antenna 12 are provided to a single input connector 22 for input into the signal processing circuit 62. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, three input connectors 22 are provided for the input of three associated RF signals 20. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible with at least one, a plurality of, e.g. one, two, three, four or more input connectors 22 for a corresponding number of RF signals 20. According to the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, it is further apparent that the output signal 40 generated by the signal processing circuit 62 is output through a single output connector 42. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are also possible here, wherein a plurality of output signals 40 are generated, e.g. two, three , four or more output signals 40 d for the signal processing circuit 62.
As further depicted in Figure 2, the controller 60 is configured to automatically trigger an automatic scan routine 70 . During such a scan routine 70, the radio frequency channels 30 of the RF signals 20 are automatically detected. The automatic scan routine 70 then proceeds to automatically generate channel configuration data 80 for the detected corresponding radio frequency channels
30. As will be explained in more detail below, this channel configuration data 80 will then be used to generate the output signal 40 . As further shown, the device 10 further includes a channel configuration memory 100, which according to the illustrated embodiment is, for example, part of, coupled to and/or at least partially integrated into the signal processing circuit 62. As shown, the channel configuration memory 100 is operatively connected to the controller 60. The channel configuration memory 100 is configured to store the channel configuration data 80 generated during the channel scan routine 70 . Obviously, once the channel configuration data 80 has been generated by the automatic scan routine 70 and then stored in the channel configuration memory 100, this stored channel configuration data 80 can then be used by the controller 60 and/or other elements of the signal processing circuit 62 to generate the output 40 comprising the desired set of appropriately processed RF channels
50. As further illustrated, according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the device 10 is configured to provide the output signal 40 to a suitable receiver device 200 which, according to the illustrated embodiment, is suitably coupled to the output connector 42 of the device 10. e.g. by means of a suitable cable, such as, for example, a coaxial cable, a suitable network cable, such as, for example, an Ethernet cable, etc. Such a receiver device, commonly referred to as integrated receiver device 200 or IRD (Integrated Receiver Device), receives the output signal 40 to provide the RF channels 50 contained in the output 40 to an end user device 202, such as, for example, a television, etc. According to the illustrated embodiment, the receiver device 200 is suitably coupled to a single end user device 202, although it is understood that alternate out embodiments are possible in which the receiver device 200 can be coupled to a plurality of end user devices, and/or a plurality of such receiver devices 200 can be coupled to an output connector 42 of the device 10. The receiver device 200 can be, for example, a device that is suitably manner coupled to an end user device, as in the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, but it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, wherein the receiver device 200 is, for example, part of, coupled to and/or at least partially integrated into the end user device 202. It is understood, however, that alternative embodiments are possible, wherein, for example, the device 10 is suitably coupled to any other suitable device 200 for the reception and/or further distribution of the output signal 40 received from the output connector 42, such as a suitable device 200 to receive the output signal 40 from the output connector 42 and then distribute it to one or more, a suitable plurality of, etc. further devices, such as receiver devices, end user devices, further distribution devices, etc. configured to receive the output signal 40. As will be explained in more detail below, the device 200 coupled to the output connector 42 is, for example, coupled to said output connector 42 by means of a suitable cable, such as, for example, a coaxial cable, also referred to as a coaxial cable, or any other another suitable cable for distribution of the output signal comprising a set of radio frequency channels 50 from the at least one radio frequency signal 20 via at least one output connector 42.
It is further apparent, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, that the device 10 is configured to receive power through the output connector 42. As shown, according to this single connector embodiment 42, the device 10 is configured to receive power through the output connector 42. receive power from the device 200 via the output connector 42, which is suitably connected to the output connector 42. It is known to those skilled in the art that, for example, in addition to the exchange of RF signals, e.g. via the output connector 42 to the device 200, also power can be received from the device 200 via the output connector 42, e.g. by means of a suitable DC voltage level and/or suitable current provided to the output connector 42 by the device 200 when coupled to this output connector 42 by means of a suitable cable , for example a coaxial cable. As illustrated, the device 200, which is, for example, a suitable receiver device 200, is for example powered 206 from a suitable power supply 204. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, for example, the device comprising a plurality of output connectors 42 and/or wherein each output connector 42 is suitably coupled to one or more devices 200. In general, according to such alternative embodiments, it is sufficient that the device is configured to receive power through at least one of the output connectors 42, and/or that the device is configured to receive power 206 from at least one of the devices 200 via said at least one output connector 42 when coupled to said at least one output connector 42. This is advantageous because in this way the device 10 can be powered remotely by the device associated with the u output connector 42, eliminating the need for the device 10 to be self-powered at the location where the device 10 is installed.
This increases the flexibility for installation of the device 10, which may be installed, for example, in a remote location different from the location of the devices 200 receiving the output signal 40, for example, as shown in Figure 1, in a different location or space. of the housing unit, e.g. a technical room close to the antennas 12, without the need to have an available power socket at this remote location.
As illustrated, however, according to the embodiment of Figure 2, the device 10 may optionally and/or additionally be provided with a further power connector or interface 44, separate from the output connector 42, and configured to receive power from a power supply when coupled to this power connector 44 According to such an embodiment, in addition to and/or instead of receiving power via the output connector 40, the device can also be powered, for example by means of the dedicated power supply, via the power connector 44. In this way, the device 10 can be supplied with power, for example in case the receiver devices coupled to the output connector 42 are not suitable to supply the device 10 with power through the output connector 42 and/or where the installation of a power supply at the location of the device 10 is possible and /or desirable.
It is clear that still further embodiments are possible, wherein for example the power connector 44 to provide power to the device 10 is not a dedicated power connector or interface, but for example a connector, interface or any other suitable element to receive suitable signals and/or similar to, for example, connector or interface 26, which is also suitable for powering the device, such as, for example, a suitable Power over Ethernet device, a battery, etc.
According to a still further alternative embodiment, in addition to or in lieu of the above options for powering the device 10, it is apparent that still further options are possible, such as, for example, via a suitable connector or interface or other suitable element configured to receive power from a wired or wireless power system and/or wired or wireless charging system.
Advantageously, according to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 to Figure 3, the controller 60 is further configured such that a channel memory check routine 72 is automatically triggered when the device 10 is turned on, as shown, for example, in step 304 of the embodiment of Figure 3 This means, as shown schematically for example in the embodiment of the method 300 for operating device 10 in Figure 3, that when the device 10 is turned on in step 302, for example, the device 10 transitions from an unpowered state, in which it is not supplied with power, and/or wherein the controller 60 is placed in an unpowered mode, deactivated mode, reset mode, sleep mode, etc. such that the device 10 does not produce, at least temporarily, the output signal 40, to a powered mode in which it is powered and/or in which the controller 60 is in a powered mode, activated mode us, is brought into operating mode in which it is functionally operable to produce an output signal 40 .
If turned on in step 302 and after automatically triggering the channel memory check routine 72 in step 304, as shown, the embodiment of the channel memory check routine 72 is executed by proceeding to step 306. Although in some embodiments, the channel memory check routine 72 can be executed immediately after being automatically triggered in step 304, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible in which after the automatic triggering of the channel memory check routine 72 in step 304 a predetermined set of other steps and/or operations are performed by the controller 60, e.g., with respect to a predetermined set of operations performed after a power-up of the device 10, before the controller 60 proceeds to execute the channel memory check routine 72, e.g., proceeding to step 306. It is further clear that in the context of this description The triggering of a routine, such as the channel memory check routine, etc., should be understood as triggering such a routine automatically, in other words without requiring an operator to provide an appropriate input signal, e.g. through a suitable manual input element such as manipulate a button, etc., unless otherwise noted.
When the channel memory check routine 72 is triggered and then executed, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, it will detect in step 306 whether the channel configuration memory 100 is free of channel configuration data 80. For example, according to a specific embodiment, it is detected whether the channel configuration memory 100 is free. For example, according to a further specific embodiment, it is detected whether the channel configuration memory is free of e.g. channel configuration data 80 generated during a previous automatic scan routine 70. It is understood that according to specific embodiments, the channel configuration memory 100 is free of channel configuration data 80 when the channel configuration data 80 have been deleted, deleted, released, … from the channel configuration memory 100, or when the channel configuration memory 100 no longer contains such channel configuration data 80 includes. According to such embodiments, additionally and/or alternatively, it is detected at step 306 whether the channel configuration memory 100 is set to be cleared of channel configuration data 80. This may mean, for example, that an appropriate flag, signal, trigger, status register, ... to to clear the memory, or any other value that acts as a signal to an appropriate function or process which, if set, loaded, activated, …, then triggers an appropriate memory clear function or process configured to delete the channel configuration data 80 from the channel configuration memory 100 during and/or after the device 10 is turned on. According to the illustrated embodiment, at step 308, the channel memory check routine 72 will then trigger the automatic scan routine 70 if it is detected that the channel configuration memory 100 is free of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data 80. Usually, this means that the channel memory check routine 72 will trigger the automatic scan routine 70 if it is detected that the channel configuration memory 100 does not contain channel configuration data 80 . It is understood, however, that alternative embodiments are possible, in which, for example, predetermined channel configuration data relating to one or more specific radio frequency channels may be contained in the channel configuration memory 100, which have not been generated by means of a previous automatic scan routine 70, but for example loaded and/or stored in the channel configuration memory 100 as standard preloaded channel configuration data for at least one default predetermined radio frequency channel, for example preloaded or stored in the channel configuration memory 100, for example as part of fallback channel configuration data, also referred to as fallback channel configuration data or backup channel configuration data, if the automatic scan routine 70 fails to automatically detect RF channels 30 in the RF signals 20, etc. In such a case, the automatic scan routine 70 will, for example, be triggered when it is detected that the channel configuration memory 100 is free of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data 80 generated during a previous channel scan routine 70.
However, it is clear that, in general, alternative embodiments are also possible,
wherein, for example, the automatic scan routine 70 is triggered when it is detected that the channel configuration memory 100 does not contain channel configuration data 80, regardless of whether this channel configuration data 80 was generated during a previous automatic scan routine 70.
As further illustrated, according to the embodiment in Figure 3, at step 310, the channel memory check routine 72 will not trigger the automatic scan routine 70 if it is detected that the channel configuration memory 100 is not cleared of and/or is not set to be cleared of channel configuration data 80. According to such an embodiment, the automatic scan routine 70 will not be triggered by the channel memory check routine 72 when the channel configuration memory 100 does not include channel configuration data 80, e.g., channel configuration data 80 generated during a previous automatic scan routine 70. Obviously, according to the embodiment of Figure 3, the device 10 can proceed directly to step 330 of the method, and use the channel configuration data 80 as contained in the channel memory 100 to generate the output signal 40 without having to execute the automatic scan routine 70 fed. It is understood that alternative embodiments are also possible here, wherein the channel memory check routine 72 is further configured not to trigger the automatic scan routine 70 if it is detected that the channel configuration memory 100 contains channel configuration data 80, or is not free from and/or has not been set. to be released from channel configuration data 80, whether or not this channel configuration data 80 was generated during a previous automatic scan routine 70.
As further shown, according to the embodiment of Figure 3, when in step 308 the automatic scan routine 70 is triggered by the channel memory check routine 72, the method proceeds to execute the automatic scan routine 70 by proceeding to step 320, where the controller 60 automatically detects the radio frequency channels 30 of the at least one radio frequency signal 20. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such automatic detection of channels as contained in the RF signals 20 received by the device 10 can be performed by means of any suitable method, for example by comparing the power level of predetermined frequency ranges corresponding to one or more specific RF channels with a suitable threshold value, etc.
As further shown in Fig. 3, according to the illustrated embodiment, the automatic scan routine 70 proceeds to step 322, where for the detected radio frequency channels 30, corresponding channel configuration data 80 is automatically generated to generate the output signal 40 . As will be explained in more detail below, the channel configuration data 80 may include any suitable configuration data for the device 10 to convert the at least one detected RF channel 30 into at least one of the at least one received RF signals 20 into appropriate set 52 of RF channels 50 for the output signal 40. Such channel configuration data 80 may include, for example, RF channel assignment data configured to select, for example, by an appropriate frequency shifting operation, the RF channels 30 of the RF signals 20 and/or to a suitable location in the frequency spectrum for the set 52 of RF channels 50 of the output signal 40. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, e.g. additional and/or alternative channel configuration data 80 are possible, as also e.g. described in more detail, channel configuration data Figs. 80 with respect to the desired amount of adjustment of the signal level of the RF channels 30 in the received RF signals to generate the set of channels 50 of the output signal 40.
As further demonstrated, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 3, the controller 60 may then proceed to step 324, in which the channel configuration data 80 automatically generated during the channel scan routine 70 is stored in the channel configuration memory 100. For example, as also shown in Figure 2, it is It is apparent that such a channel configuration memory 100 is operatively connected to the controller 60, meaning that the channel configuration memory 100 may, for example, be coupled to and/or at least partially contained within the controller 60 of the device 10.
Preferably, as depicted in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 is configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency signals 20 . Although the controller 60, as depicted in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, is configured to generate one output 40, in alternative embodiments, the controller 60 may be configured to generate a plurality of outputs 40 . Such output signals 40 preferably comprise a set 52 of radio frequency channels 50 from the RF channels 30 of two or more RF signals 20 received by the controller 60, since in this way the RF channels 30 from, for example, different input connectors 22 received from, for example, several terrestrial antennas 12 can be distributed in an optimized manner to a receiver device 200.
According to the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of device 10 receives three RF signals 20. However, it is understood that according to alternative embodiments, a different number of RF signals can be received by device 10, as long as device 10 generally has one or multiple, e.g., one, two, three, four, five or more RF signals, although the device 10 is particularly advantageous when it receives a plurality of RF signals, ie two or more RF signals 20 . According to this embodiment, these RF signals 20 are terrestrial RF signals received by terrestrial antennas 12 and transmitted over the air 16 by one or more terrestrial transmitting antennas 14, for example by a terrestrial television broadcasting service. Such a terrestrial RF signal may include, for example, a DVB-T signal or Digital Video Broadcasting — Terrestrial signal, which is the standard of the Europe-based DVB consortium for the transmission of digital terrestrial television, first published in 1997; or a DVB-T2 signal or Digital Video Broadcasting — Second generation terrestrial signal, which is the extension of the DVB-T television standard issued by the DVB consortium for the transmission of digital terrestrial television. Digital Video Broadcasting or DVB is a set of internationally accepted open DVB standards for digital television, managed by the DVB Project, an international industry consortium, and published by a Joint Technical Committee or JTC (Joint Technical Committee) of the European Telecommunications and Standardization Institute or ETSI, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization or CENELEC and the European Broadcasting Union EBU. It is to be understood that terrestrial RF signals 20 transmitted via air transmission 16 such as DVB-T or DVB-T2 differ in the context of this description from other signals originating from sources other than terrestrial radio frequency broadcasting services. RF signals from such other sources may be, for example, satellite signals, for example DVB-S signals or Digital Video Broadcasting — Satellite signals according to the DVB standard for satellite television. Such RF signals transmitted via satellite are usually in a much higher frequency band than terrestrial RF signals. For example, satellite signals are usually broadcast in the C band 4-8 GHz, Ku band 12-18 GHz, etc, while terrestrial RF signals are in a UHF frequency range.
The ultra-high frequency range or UHF frequency range is defined by the International Telecommunications Union or ITU as the range between 300 MHz and 3 GHz.
The UHF frequency range is defined by IEEE as 0.3 GHz to 1 GHz.
It is understood, however, that in the context of this application, when reference is made to a terrestrial RF signal comprising a terrestrial UHF signal, reference is generally made to a UHF frequency range of less than 1 GHz, as shown schematically for example in Figure 4. In the context of this description, when reference is made generally to an RF signal in a UHF frequency range and comprising a plurality of UHF channels 30, it is understood that this refers to embodiments similar to a terrestrial UHF signal, such as a terrestrial video broadcasting signal, a terrestrial television broadcasting signal, an analog or digital terrestrial video broadcasting signal, a DVB-T signal, a DVB-T2 signal, etc., which are used worldwide in a UHF frequency range below 1 GHz, for example in the range from 470 MHz to 862 MHz, as shown for example in Figure 5A to Figure 5D.
It is clear that alternative embodiments of terrestrial RF signals comprising alternative suitable frequency ranges are possible, such as, for example, a frequency range below 950 MHz or below 900 MHz.
As is well known to those skilled in the art, such a terrestrial UHF RF signal 20 comprises a UHF frequency range, usually comprising one or more predetermined UHF channels 30 .
In the context of this description of terrestrial broadcasting services, such UHF channel or UHF frequency channel 30 is a dedicated radio frequency or associated wavelength, assigned by a competent frequency allocation authority, such as, for example, the ITU, for the operation of specific terrestrial broadcasting stations for analog or digital terrestrial television, video, radio, etc.
As depicted in Figure 1, terrestrial antennas 12 will usually receive at least one such terrestrial RF signal 20, comprising a plurality of UHF channels 30 with considerable variation in signal level, signal quality,
etc. for different UHF channels assigned to different terrestrial broadcasting stations 14, as the transmission power, transmission distance, signal interference,
etc. varies for different terrestrial transmitting stations 14. For example, a terrestrial receiving antenna 12 may be located 5 km from a first terrestrial transmitting station and 50 km from a second terrestrial transmitting station.
For example, if both terrestrial transmitting stations 14 transmit their respective UHF channels with the same signal power, it is apparent that there will be differences in the power level 31 of the received respective UHF channels 30 at the terrestrial receiving antenna 12, due to the difference in the transmission distance of the respective UHF channels 30. Obviously, for a plurality of different antennas 12 designed, oriented, etc., for example to receive such terrestrial RF signals 20 from still further different terrestrial transmitting stations 14 via air transmission 16, these variations in power level 31 of the received respective UHF channels 30 will also be present. It is further also apparent that the relative variation in transmission distance, signal path, etc. for respective signals received from different satellite transponders by signal sources such as, for example, a satellite dish, is lower than that of such different terrestrial UHF channels received via air transmission. It is thus apparent that the relative difference in signal level of different UHF channels in the received frequency band of an RF satellite signal will be smaller than in the different UHF channels 30 of a terrestrial RF signal 20.
It is understood that alternative embodiments are possible for the RF signal 20 comprising a plurality of UHF channels 30. In addition to the UHF channels 30 of the RF signal 20, the RF signal 20 may also comprise a VHF frequency range, for example, comprising a plurality of VHF channels. As further illustrated, in addition to the terrestrial UHF or VHF frequency range, the RF signal may also include, for example, an Intermediate Frequency or IF satellite signal, which is, for example, a downconverted satellite signal to a frequency range of 950 MHz to 2150 MHz by means of a Low Noise Block of LNB down converter. It is understood, however, that preferably at least one of the RF signals 20 received by the device 10 comprises a plurality of UHF channels 30 .
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, for example, in the context of a UHF television broadcast by terrestrial UHF RF signals 20 over air transmission 16 from terrestrial television broadcasting stations 14, such RF signals use, for example, UHF channels for analog and/or digital television broadcasts. Such UHF channels 30 are usually given channel numbers for identification. For example, in the US, UHF channels are numbered from 14 to 83 and VHF channels from 2 to 13. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of former UHF channels in the upper bandwidth of the UHF frequency range have been re-used. assigned to other applications and are no longer used for the air transmission of such UHF channels using such terrestrial RF signals. Channel 37, for example, has never been used in the US and some other countries to avoid interference with radio astronomy. In 1983, the US FCC deleted channels 70 through 83 and assigned them to LMR (Land Mobile Radio) devices. In 2009, when the switchover to digital television was completed in the US, channels 52 to 69 were assigned to the 700 MHz band for cell phone services, and in 2011 channel 51 was removed to avoid interference with the 700 MHz band . In the US, only UHF channels 14 through 36 and UHF channels 38 through 50 are currently actively used for terrestrial RF 20 signals. Obviously, such numbers associated with specific UHF channels vary from country to country. and/or may vary between regions. For example, in the UK and some other European countries, the UHF channels are in the range of numbers 21 to 69. In a European context, it is envisaged that, after an initial reduction in the number of UHF channels with channels 60 to m 69 will be decommissioned, the actively used UHF channels will be further reduced to numbers 21 to 48, depending on the rollout of LTE or Long Term Evolution wireless data communication technology, which is being developed under the GSM/UMTS standards .
As further illustrated, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 2, the controller 60 is preferably further configured to trigger a channel memory erase routine 90 . For example, the channel memory clear routine 90 is triggered by an appropriate input element 24, such as, for example, a suitable button, switch, key, etc. for operator input. This input element 24, for example, provides an appropriate channel memory clear signal 92 to the controller 60, which then triggers the channel memory clear routine 90 . During such a channel memory clear routine 90, the channel configuration data 80 is cleared and/or set to be cleared from the channel configuration memory 100 upon receipt of this channel memory clear signal 92. Such an embodiment is advantageous because, for example, the automatic scan routine will be triggered when the device 10 is switched on for the first time, for example during the initial testing of the device 10 in the production site. If this initial turn-on in the production site automatically triggers scan routine 70 which stores channel configuration data 80 in the channel configuration memory 100, then when the device 10 is installed in the housing unit where it will be used, no further automatic scan routine 70 would be triggered since channel configuration data 80 already exists. of a previous automatic scan routine 70 are contained in the channel configuration memory 100. Thus, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to perform the test of the automatic scan routine 70 at the production site, after which, preferably, the channel memory erase routine 90 can be triggered by means of the channel memory clear signal 92 so as to clear any channel configuration data 80 from the previous automatic channel scan routine 70 from the channel configuration memory 100. When the device 10 is subsequently installed in the housing unit where it will be used When turned on, the channel memory check routine 72 will trigger the automatic scan routine 70 since the channel configuration memory 100 does not include channel configuration data 80 created during the previous automatic scan routine 70. In this way, the device can be installed and will automatically execute the automatic channel scan routine 70. upon first power-up, without the need for further intervention or manipulation by the operator installing the device 10 and/or the end user. As further shown, the apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of Figure 2 preferably further comprises a non-volatile storage memory 110 including the channel configuration memory
100. In this manner, the channel configuration data 80 can be maintained in an unpowered state without the need for a new automatic scan routine 70 at the next power-up of the device 10. It is understood that the non-volatile storage memory 110 is operatively connected to the controller 60. Such a non-volatile storage memory 110 may be, for example, a suitable flash memory, a battery-backed memory, or any other suitable non-volatile memory. According to the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 also further comprises a working memory 120 operatively connected to the controller
60. As shown, working memory 120 stores a copy of the channel configuration data 130 for use by controller 60 during output signal 40 generation. Working memory 120 may be, for example, a suitable volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). , etc. or an alternative suitable non-volatile memory. Although the working memory 120 and the non-volatile storage memory 110 may be constructed as two different kinds of memories contained in different components, it is understood that alternatively, the working memory 120 and the non-volatile storage memory 110 are also in the same component with non-volatile storage memory. volatile memory suitably coupled to and/or at least partially contained within the controller 60 of the device 10. As will be described below, such a configuration provides additional flexibility since the controller 60 uses a copy of the channel configuration data 130 for generating the output signal 40, whereby changes to the channel configuration data 80 stored in the non-volatile storage memory 110 are possible, for example, by an automatic channel scan routine 70 or a channel memory erase routine 90 while the device 10 is in use and the controller 60 still g uses the copy of the channel configuration data 130 to generate the output 40. It is understood that the copy of the channel configuration data 130 stored in the working memory 120 is an appropriate copy of the channel configuration data 80 stored in the non-volatile memory 110 for use while generating the output signal 40. According to one such optional embodiment, when the controller 60 receives a channel memory clear signal 92, triggers an embodiment of the channel memory clear routine 90 that allows triggering of a subsequent new automatic scan routine 70 upon next power up of device 10, while device 10 continues to produce output 40 based on the copy of channel configuration data 130 in working memory 120. According to such an embodiment, channel memory clear routine 90, when triggered, clears channel memory v. row or set the channel memory to be cleared of channel configuration data 80, removing the channel configuration data 80 from the channel configuration memory 100 in the non-volatile storage memory 110, but retaining the copy of the channel configuration data 130 in the working memory 120, so that the controller 60 can continue to generate the output signal 40.
Then, upon a next power up, the controller 60 of the device will not detect any channel configuration data 80 in the channel configuration memory 100 stored in the non-volatile storage memory 110, which will automatically trigger the automatic channel scan routine 70, after which new channel configuration data 80 will be stored in the channel configuration memory. 100. This new channel configuration data 80 is then copied to the working memory 120 and this new copy of the channel configuration data 130 is then used by the controller to generate the output signal 40 .
It is understood, however, that alternative embodiments of the memory erase routine are possible, e.g. forcing immediate triggering of the automatic scan routine 70, without the need to wait for the device 10 to be turned on again.
For example, according to such an embodiment, as depicted in Figure 2, for example, the controller 60 may receive a forced channel memory erase signal 94, similarly inputted, for example, by the input element 24, or by any other suitable means.
After receiving such a forced channel memory
clear signal 94, the controller 60 will trigger a forced channel memory clear routine 96 . The forced channel memory erase routine 96 performs the step of triggering the automatic scan routine 70 which will generate new channel configuration data 80 and store it in the channel configuration memory 100. The forced channel memory erase routine 96 will also perform the step of replacing the copy of the channel configuration data 130 in the working memory 120 by the new channel configuration data 80 from the channel configuration memory 100. This then enables the controller 60 to immediately generate the output signal 40 with the new channel configuration data 80.
According to the embodiments mentioned above, the controller 60 receives the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 from a suitable input element 24 of the device 10. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, in which, for example, the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 is received from two or more input elements of the device 10. In still further embodiments, the signals 92, 94 may be signals, such as appropriate control signals, received from a device, such as a receiver device 200, end-user device 202, etc. when coupled to the device 10. According to a specific embodiment, such a control signal can be received, for example, from a receiver device 200, end-user device 202, etc. via the output connector 42, but it is understood that according to alternative embodiments such a A calibration control signal can be received via any other suitable connector of the device 10, for example a dedicated connector for the reception of such control signals. According to other alternative embodiments, these signals may be received from a suitable remote device 210 over a network, preferably a low power Wide Area Network (WAN). According to such an embodiment, as illustrated for example in Figure 2, a new automatic channel scan at the next power up of the device 10 or a forced immediate automatic channel scan can be triggered by a remote device 210, which is coupled, for example, through a suitable low-profile network. power, such as, for example, a LORA network, to a suitable connector 26 of the device 10 to provide these signals 92, 94 to the controller 60 . For example, the remote device 210 may be a suitable server or controller operated by a broadcasting authority, or a device manufacturer, to enable installed devices to perform a new automatic channel scan when, for example, changes occur with regard to configuration of the channels of the transmitted RF signals.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 is configured to generate the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 without the need for any input elements and/or connectors or other additional hardware input elements to generate such signals. and/or send to the controller.
This allows an embodiment of the device 10, where, for example, in addition to the input connectors 22 and output connectors 42, no other elements are needed, in particular input elements to allow input by the user.
This allows for a robust and simple embodiment of the device 10, which can be installed, for example, at remote locations in the housing unit, without the need to manipulate input elements on the device.
According to such an embodiment, the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 may be generated through a predetermined pattern of power cycles.
That is, by switching the device 10 on and off according to a predetermined pattern.
In other words, such a pattern of power cycles includes a predetermined pattern with a plurality of predetermined turn-on and/or turn-off cycles of the device 10. This is particularly advantageous for embodiments where the device 10 is powered through the output connector 42, for example, as described in more detail above.
In this way, the pattern of power cycles can be generated remote from the device 10, e.g. at the location of the device 200, 202 coupled to the output connector to receive and/or distribute the output signal 40, e.g. by providing power to the cable coupled to the output connectors 42 according to the predetermined pattern of the power cycle pattern.
According to a particularly simple embodiment, this can be realized by switching on and off the device 200, 202 which is coupled to this cable and provides power via this cable, according to this pattern, or by coupling and uncoupling this cable. of the device 200, 202 when fed according to this pattern, etc.
Such a pattern of power cycles may, for example, comprise a predetermined number of sequential turns on and off of the device, within a predetermined period of time, such as, for example, three or more consecutive turns on and off within a time period of one minute.
It is understood, however, that alternative embodiments are possible, wherein the sequence of power cycles includes a predetermined pattern of turns on and off to be performed according to a predetermined sequence, number and/or timing, etc. with respect to the turn on and off times. shutdown cycles.
Thus, it is apparent that in this manner, even if the device 10 does not include an input element 24 configured to be operated manually, such signals for the controller 60 can be generated even at remote locations from the device 10 if used. powered via the output connectors 42. However, it is apparent that further alternative embodiments are possible, for example, the device 10 itself being powered directly by means of a suitable power supply, and/or provided with a suitable power switch or button, wherein the pattern of power cycles may be performed to trigger the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 .
It is further appreciated that a plurality of different power cycle patterns can be detected by the device 10 in this manner to trigger a plurality of associated different signals 92, 94 to the controller 60 .
Although according to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the device 10 includes three input connectors 22 and a single output connector 42, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible, wherein the device 10 includes at least one input connector 22 and at least one output connector 42 is configured to produce at least one associated output signal 40 .
According to such embodiments, the device 10 is preferably configured to receive power via the at least one output connector 42 from a device 200, 202 when coupled to said output connector 42. In other words, the device 10 is preferably powered remotely via the output connector. 42. As explained in more detail by means of Figures 5A to 5D and Figure 6, with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the device 10, particularly when the device 10 comprises a receives a plurality of terrestrial RF signals 20, the automatic scan routine 70 e.g. a conflict resolution routine 74 to process conflicting channels 32 in different RF signals 20 .
In other words, according to such an embodiment, the automatic scan routine 70 will trigger a conflict resolution routine 74 when a plurality of conflicting channels 32 are detected at a same channel location 34 in a plurality of radio frequency signals 20 received by the device 10. Figs. 5A to/ For example, m 5C depict embodiments of the three RF signals 20 received by the device 10. According to the illustrated embodiment, these three signals are terrestrial UHF signals 20 including one or more UHF channels 30. As shown in Figure 5A, it includes first RF signal 20 three UHF channels located on UHF channel numbers 21, 40 and 41.
The second RF signal 20 depicted in Figure 5B comprises a single UHF channel located on UHF channel number 21 and the third RF signal 20 depicted in Figure 5C comprises a single UHF channel located on UHF channel number 22 .
When the automatic scan routine 70 is triggered upon power up of the device 10, it will detect the channels 30 in these three RF signals and then generate channel configuration data 80, similarly to that shown in the embodiment shown in Fig.
6 for storage in the channel configuration memory 100. As shown in Figure 6, the channel configuration data 80 can be represented, for example, in the following manner.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the channel configuration data of each detected channel 30 in the RF signals 20 is represented in a row of the table.
The first column shows an identifier of the input connector 22 that receives the RF signal 20 .
Thus, for example, the first RF signal 20 of Figure 5A as received through the first input connector is represented by identifier “1”, the second RF signal 20 of Figure 5B by “2” and the third RF signal 20 of Figure 5C by identifier “3”. The second column shows an identifier for the detected channel 30 in these RF signals 20; according to the illustrated embodiment, this identifier corresponds to the UHF channel number of the detected UHF channel 30 in the respective RF signals 20. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B and the corresponding rows of the table, both of these RF signals 20 include a detected UHF channel 30 at channel number 21. Such channels 30, which are in the same channel location 34 in a plurality of RF signals 20, are called conflicting channels 32 .
Although in the illustrated embodiment there is only one pair of conflicting channels 32 in the same channel location 34, it is understood that in alternative embodiments it is possible for a different number of conflicting channels 32 to be present on any plurality of channel locations 34. As shown, the third column of the table is an identifier of the power level of the detected channels 30, which may be, for example, a numerical identifier of the percentage of a desired reference power level 41 for channels 50 in the output signal 40, although it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible. Obviously, as shown, different channels 30 and/or channels 30 of different RF signals 20 are usually received at different power levels 31, as explained in more detail above.
In the fifth column of the table, as shown, there is an identifier for the output connector 42 of the output signal 40 to which the detected channel 30 will be output as part of a set of output channels 50 of the output signal 40. Obviously, since the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2 include only a single output connector 42, the identifier "1" is the same for all channels 30, although according to alternative embodiments having a plurality of output connectors 42 for a plurality of output signals 50 a corresponding plurality of different identifiers may be available and each detected channel 30 may be assigned to one or more of these output connectors 42. The fifth and last column of the table lists the frequency at which the detected channel 30 will be output in the set of channels 50 in the output signal 40. As shown, UHF channel “40” of RF signal “1”, UHF channel channel “21” of RF signal “2” and UHF signal “22” of RF signal “3” remain on the same UHF channel frequency identified by an identical UHF channel number. It is understood, however, that alternative embodiments are possible, wherein such channels 30 of the RF signals 20 received to the device 10 are provided at any desired frequency in the set of channels 50 of the output signals 40. This is accomplished, for example, by by means of a suitable signal processing module 64 of the signal processing circuit 62, e.g. comprising a plurality of digital channelizers, as for example known from WO2017207274, and is preferably configured to, in addition to adjusting the frequency of the detected channels by means of frequency shifting, also the power level of the detected channels 30 so that the channels 50 in the output 40 all include a desired more uniform power level 41 for further distribution. This can be accomplished, for example, by controlling an automatic gain component of the signal processing module 64 depending on the power levels of the channels 60 as contained in the channel configuration data 80. According to the embodiment depicted in Figures 5A through 6, the conflict resolution routine 74 is configured. to generate channel configuration data 80 so that the two conflicting channels 32 at a single channel location 34 "21" in the radio frequency signals 20 "1" and "2" are provided at different channel locations 54 "21" and "60" of the set 52 of channels 50 of the output 40. According to the illustrated embodiment, the conflict resolution routine 74 preferably assigns at least one of the conflicting channels 32 to an unused channel location or a channel location that is no longer in use in the output 40, such as, for example, the no longer used UHF channel 60 according to the illustrated embodiment.
Although the embodiment described herein uses UHF channel numbers to identify the detected channels 30 during the automatic scan routine 70 for simplicity, it will be appreciated that the controller 60 is preferably configured to adjust the bandwidth and center frequency 32 of each of the radio frequency channels 30 of two or more of the radio frequency signals 20 received by device 10 during the automatic scan routine 70 as schematically represented in the fourth column of the table "Channel IN Freq @ BW". As shown in the first row, a UHF channel is detected on a center frequency of 471.25 MHz with a bandwidth of 8 MHz, a second at 623.25 MHz with a bandwidth of 8 MHz and a third at 631.25 MHz with a bandwidth of 8 MHz. In this way, it is apparent that the automatic scan routine is preferably not limited to a limited scan for the presence of a predetermined list of predetermined channels. This is advantageous since different geographic regions have different assignments for predetermined lists of channels of such RF signals, and changes of such predetermined lists of channels of such RF signals occur at different times in different regions. In this way, the device can be used efficiently in a wide variety of geographic regions and can easily and reliably deal with any future changes of future transmission plans for the transmitted RF signals. For example, as will be known to those skilled in the art, there are, for example, different terrestrial television broadcasting systems in use in different geographic regions in the world, which are designated, for example, by ITU Standards A-M. These specific standards each include a predetermined channel width, e.g. 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, depending on the specific standard. In addition to the ITU standard used. Furthermore, various plans for VHF and UHF channel bands are in use. In a preferred embodiment, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 is configured to detect the bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels 30 of one or more of the radio frequency signals 20 during the automatic scan routine 70. This can then be used to determine the channel spacing and /or the associated frequency plan and/or the associated
ITU region based on the detected bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels 30. For example, in the example depicted in Figures 5A through 5D and the table of Figure 6, this may mean that the system 10 after detecting the center frequencies and/or the bandwidth of the detected channels in the first radio frequency signal 20 is able to determine that the channel spacing is 8 MHz and that the ITU region and the channel plan based on these detected channels match with that of Western Europe, for example the corresponding ITU channel number can be provided in the second column.
Obviously, the bandwidth and/or channel spacing is most easily detected when adjacent channels, such as channel “40” and “41” in the first RF signal 20 of the table of Figure 6, are detected as this corresponds to the distance between the center frequency and/or the detected bandwidth of the channels.
However, it is understood that the detection of a plurality of non-adjacent channels, e.g., channel "21" and channel "40" also allows the detection of the channel spacing, since, for example, the spacing between the center frequencies will be an integer multiple of the channel spacing. to be selected from a predetermined set of bandwidths or channel spacings in use internationally on that particular center frequency and/or in that particular frequency range, e.g. the VHF or UHF frequency domain, as e.g. from the set of 6 MHz, 7MHz, 8MHz or 9MHz.
For these two channels, the difference between the two center frequencies is 152 MHz, which is only an integer multiple of 8 MHz and thus the channel spacing can be determined in this way.
This enables the radio frequency signal processing device 10 to generate an output signal whose channel spacing and/or frequency plan is equal to and/or compatible with said determined channel spacing and/or associated frequency plan and/or associated ITU region.
This is important since the receiver devices operating in such regions are usually only able to receive and process outputs that are compatible with the channel spacing, frequency plan and/or ITU region in use in that geographic region.
It is clear that the device 10 can be deployed flexibly in this way, without required prior knowledge about its intended geographic location of use, and/or can be used flexibly, e.g. in mobile applications that regularly operate in different geographic regions. be operated.
Thus, it is apparent that the device 10 in this manner will preferably also be able to generate one or more output signals 40 comprising a set of the detected radio frequency channels 30 from the two or more radio frequency signals 20 according to any desired output channel plan.
In other words, since the center frequency and bandwidth for each of the detected channels is known from the automatic scan routine 70, it will be possible to calculate a desired layout of these detected channels in the output signal in the most flexible way, e.g. depending on of the capabilities of a receiver device coupled to an output connector 42 of the device 10. In other words, during the automatic scan routine 70, a predetermined frequency range is preferably scanned, e.g., the UHF and/or VHF frequency range, for the presence of RF channels 50, and not just a predetermined set of predetermined RF channels 50 on predetermined center frequencies with a predetermined bandwidth.
Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the device 10, similar to the embodiments described above.
Like elements are designated by like references and function in a similar manner as described above.
As shown, unlike the embodiment of Figure 1, according to this alternate embodiment, and as already mentioned above, the device 10 is suitably coupled to a power supply 204 to receive power 206 through a power connector 44. It is understood that equal which of the embodiments of the system and method described above wherein the channel memory check routine 72 is triggered when the device 10 is turned on apply similarly when the device 10 is turned on via power 206 supplied through the power connector 44. Unlike the embodiment described above, in the embodiment of Figure 7, as shown, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 does not include any input element 24 configured to be manually operated.
According to such an embodiment, similar to that described above, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 is preferably configured to generate the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 through a predetermined pattern of power cycles comprising a predetermined predetermined pattern of a plurality of predetermined turn-on and/or turn-off cycles of the radio frequency signal processing device 10. It is understood that according to such an embodiment, the pattern of power cycles will be generated by means of the power supplied through the power connector 44 to the device 10, for example by pulling the power supply 204 in and out according to the predetermined pattern, or turning the power supply 204 on and off according to the predetermined pattern, etc.
It is understood that alternative embodiments are also possible here, in which, for example, the controller 60 receives the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 from suitable signals received from a receiver device via an output connector 42 or from a suitable device on remote 210 via a network 212, for example via a suitable network connector or interface 26. It is understood that according to the embodiment depicted in Figure 7, the device 10 does not include any input element 24 configured to be manually operated.
More specifically, it does not include an input element 24, such as buttons, keys, switches, a touchscreen, etc. configured to be manually operated by an operator to generate a channel memory clear signal 92 and/or forced channel memory clear signal 94 .
Such an embodiment simplifies the design of the device 10, making it more robust and e.g. facilitating the incorporation of the device in a housing that can withstand desired levels of temperature variations, moisture levels, etc.
Thus, it is understood that according to such a specific embodiment, the channel memory erase signal 92 and/or the forced channel memory erase signal 94 is generated only by means of an appropriate pattern of power cycles and/or by means of an appropriate signal received through an appropriate output connector 42 or network interface 26. It is understood that, according to such an embodiment as depicted in Figure 7, the device 10 may still include suitable output connectors 42, also configured to receive power to power the device 10, such as described above, for example, wherein the device 10 is part of a television signal distribution system, and receives power from a receiver device via a coaxial cable coupled to an output connector 42, or alternatively via an Ethernet cable which is powered from a device via a suitable system, zo as e.g. known as Power over Ethernet or similar, etc.
However, it is clear that such an embodiment is also suitable for a device comprising output connectors to output signals that are not capable of receiving power from a coupled receiver device, such as, for example, output connectors to output optical signals to a coupled optical cable, output connectors to output wired or wireless network signals incapable of receiving power to power the device 10, etc. Figure 8 shows a further alternative embodiment of radio frequency signal processing device 10, similar to the embodiments described above. Like elements are designated by like references and generally function in a similar manner as described above. As described above with reference to the embodiment of Figure 7, it is to be understood that the illustrated embodiment does not include any input element 24. Further, as shown, the embodiment also does not include a network connector or interface 26. However, it is understood that alternative embodiments are possible in which these elements are present. As further illustrated in Figure 8, according to this embodiment, two input connectors 22 are provided to receive two RF signals 20 . Further, also unlike the embodiments depicted above, the device 10 includes two output connectors 42 to output output signals 40 . However, it is clear that alternative embodiments are also possible here, wherein a different number of input and output connectors are provided, preferably a plurality of input connectors 22 and at least one output connector 42.
As further illustrated, the controller 60 further includes for each input connector 22 of the RF signals 20 an antenna alignment feedback output element 142, 144 configured to generate an antenna alignment feedback signal 140. As illustrated, according to this embodiment, antenna alignment feedback output elements 142, 144 are suitably coupled to controller 60 which includes an antenna alignment feedback routine 98. This antenna alignment feedback routine 98 is configured to generate the antenna alignment feedback signals 140 for the antenna alignment feedback output elements 142, 144. The antenna alignment feedback signals 140 are generated to indicate the power level and/or changes in the power level of at least one detected radio frequency channel 30 of the received radio frequency signals. According to the embodiment illustrated, this means that when the antenna alignment feedback routine 98 is triggered, the first antenna alignment feedback output element 142 will generate a signal indicative of the power level and/or changes in the power level of at least one RF channel 30 of a first received RF signal 20 to a first input connector 22. The second antenna alignment feedback output element 144 then generates a signal indicative of the power level and/or changes thereof of at least one RF channel 30 of the second received RF signal 20 to the second input connector 22. According to specific embodiments, the output elements 144, 142 may output the signal in any suitable form, such as, for example, any suitable visual, auditory, etc. output of the power level and/or changes such as an LED bar, a change of LED color, a display element in the user interface indicative of the power level, a numerical indicator of the power level, an auditory signal whose volume, frequency, pulsation, etc. changes depending on the power level, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the routine is 98 for antenna alignment feedback is configured to generate the output signals depending on the power level of at least one desired radio frequency channel of the respective radio frequency signal. For example, the desired radio frequency channel may be the one, two or more radio frequency channels of the received radio frequency signal, as detected, for example, during the automatic channel scan routine, which include the highest power level of the detected channels.
The antenna alignment feedback routine 98 then allows an operator to manipulate the terrestrial receiving antenna 12 of the associated RF signal 20 and thus adjust the angular position, for example, whereby an increase or decrease in the power level as indicated by the antenna alignment feedback signal 140 can be monitored by the operator to find a more optimal antenna positioning in which the power level of the monitored at least one desired RF channel 30 is maximized. Obviously, in still further embodiments, instead of selecting one or more radio frequency channels 30 of the highest power level as the desired radio frequency channels for the antenna alignment feedback routine 98, the one or more desired radio frequency channels 30 for the antenna alignment routine 98 are alignment feedback, for example, can be selected by appropriate operator input. Determining the power level of a desired subset of the radio frequency channels 30 of a radio frequency signal 20 is preferred since, for example, different radio frequency channels 30 of a single radio frequency signal 20 can be broadcast from different terrestrial radio frequency antennas in different geographic locations, providing reliable antenna alignment. difficult when the power level of the received RF signal is monitored in its entirety. When monitoring the power level of a desired subset of radio frequency channels 30, preferably one radio frequency channel 30, known to be broadcast from a single terrestrial transmitting antenna, antenna alignment with this single terrestrial transmitting antenna can be performed in a more reliable manner.
By selecting the detected RF channel 30 with the highest power level as the desired RF channel 30 during an automatic channel scan routine 70, antenna alignment can be performed most reliably, maximizing the signal level of this RF channel 30 , whereby the highest dynamic range for all received RF channels 30 of the RF signal 20 is achieved. Obviously, alternative embodiments to the embodiment in Figure 8 are possible. For example, instead of a single output element 142, 144 for each RF signal, one or more output elements may be used in a shared manner for a plurality of RF signals.
20. For example, the controller 60 may be configured to generate the antenna alignment feedback signal 140 for a first selected RF signal 20 so as to allow antenna alignment for this first RF signal and then for another selected RF signal 20 and then to allow antenna alignment for this further RF signal, etc. In general, according to such an embodiment, the radio frequency signal processing device 10 is further configured to produce at least one signal 140 for antenna alignment feedback. The controller 60 is then configured to trigger an antenna alignment feedback routine 98 during which at least one antenna alignment feedback signal 140 is produced. This at least one antenna alignment feedback signal 140 being configured to indicate the power level and/or changes in the power level of at least one detected radio frequency channel 30 or at least one of the received radio frequency signals 20 . According to specific embodiments, the antenna alignment feedback routine 98 may be performed continuously automatically during a predetermined period of time, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna alignment feedback routine 98 is triggered by the controller after performing an automatic channel scan routine 70. Still preferably According to a specific embodiment, after triggering the antenna alignment feedback routine 98 after a first automatic channel scan routine 70 and monitoring changes in the power level of the desired channels 30 during the antenna alignment feedback routine 98, a further automatic channel scan routine 70 can be used. be triggered, as possibly a more optimized antenna alignment due to the antenna alignment feedback routine 98 leads to the detection of previously undetectable RF channels 30 in the RF signal 20. Although according to the embodiments noted above the antenna alignment feedback routine generates a signal indicative of the power level and/or changes in the power level, it is understood that alternative suitable signal parameters may be used to allow a suitable signal for the antenna alignment feedback routine, such as for example a signal indicative of the signal quality and/or changes in the signal quality of at least one detected radio frequency channel 30 of at least one of the received radio frequency signals 20, such as, for example, the signal-to-noise ratio or SNR, bit error rate or BER, modulation error rate or MER, etc. .
Obviously, according to specific embodiments, a suitable combination and/or plurality of such suitable signal parameters can also be used to generate a suitable signal to enable an antenna alignment feedback routine.
Figure 9 depicts a suitable computer system 500 for implementing the controller 60 or method and/or suitable controllers for the system as described above.
The computer system 500 may generally be configured as a suitable computer system, such as, for example, an industrial computer system, a micro-controller system, a system on a chip, etc. and, for example, a bus 510, a processor 502, a local memory device 504, one or more optional input interfaces 514, one or more optional output interfaces 516, a communications interface 512, a storage element interface 506, and one or more storage elements 508.
Bus 510 may include one or more conductors that allow communication between the various components of the computer system.
Processor 502 may include a well-known type of processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes programming instructions.
Local memory device 504 may include a Random Access Memory (RAM) or any other type of suitable dynamic memory storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by the processor 502 and/or a Read Only Memory (ROM) or any other type of suitable static memory device 504. memory storage device that stores information and instructions for use by the processor 504. Input interface 514 may include one or more interfaces to receive signals from an input element such as, for example, a sensor, operator interfaces, etc., but may also include one or more conventional mechanisms that enabling an operator to input information into the computer system 500, such as a keyboard 520, a mouse 530, etc.
Output interface 516 may include one or more output mechanisms to control, for example, actuators, elements for displaying messages or warning signals, etc., but it may also include conventional mechanisms that display output information to the operator, such as a display 540, a printer 550, a speaker, etc. Communication interface 512 may include a suitable transceiver mechanism, e.g., industrial or conventional network interfaces that enable computer system 500 to communicate with other devices or systems, e.g., with one or more other computer systems 600, e.g., of the device itself, from other devices or from a management system. For example, the communication interface 512 of computer system 500 may be suitably connected to a communication network, for example a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), such as for example the Internet. The storage element interface 506 may comprise a known storage interface such as a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface or a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) to connect bus 510 to one or more storage elements 508, such as, for example, local disks, for example 1TB SATA hard drives, and to control the reading and writing of data to and/or from these storage elements 508 . It is understood that alternative storage elements 508 can be used, roughly any suitable computer readable medium, such as a removable magnetic disk, SSDs, flash memory devices, optical disks, ROM disks, etc. Furthermore, it is also understood that network-based storage means can are accessed through the network interface. The embodiments of the method and system and/or devices as described above may be implemented as programming instructions which are loaded into the local memory device 504 of computer system 500 to be executed by its processor 502. Said programming instructions may be loaded, for example, from a storage element 508 or made accessible from another computer system 600 through the communication interface 512.
Although the present invention has been illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied with various changes and modifications without — to leave the scope of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects, the scope of the invention being described by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description, and all modifications which come within the scope of the claims are therefore included.
In addition, the reader of this patent application will understand that the words "comprising" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the word "a" does not exclude the plural, and that a singular element, such as a computer system, a processor or other integrated unit can perform the functions of various tools stated in the claims.
Any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims in question.
The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “a”, “b”, “c” and the like, when used in the description or in the claims, are used to distinguish between similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order.
Likewise, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “over”, “bottom” and the like are used for purposes of description and do not necessarily refer to relative positions.
It is to be understood that those terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that embodiments of the invention are capable of functioning according to the present invention in other orders or orientations than those described or illustrated above.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[1]
A radio frequency signal processing device (10) configured to: - receive at least one radio frequency signal (20) comprising at least one radio frequency channel (30); and - producing at least one output signal (40) by processing at least one of the radio frequency channels (30) of at least one of the received radio frequency signals (20) by means of channel configuration data (80), the device (10) comprising: - a controller (60) configured to trigger an automatic scan routine (70), during which: - the radio frequency channels (30) of the at least one radio frequency signal (20) are automatically detected; and - associated channel configuration data (80) is automatically generated for the detected radio frequency channels (30), and - a channel configuration memory (100) operably connected to the controller (60) and configured to store the channel configuration data (80) generated during the channel scan routine (70) have been generated,
CHARACTERIZED BY THAT, the controller (60) is further configured to: - automatically trigger a channel memory check routine (72) when the device (10) is turned on; - the channel memory check routine (72) is configured to: - detect whether the channel configuration memory (100) is clear of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data (80); and - triggering the automatic scan routine (70) if it is detected that the channel configuration memory (100) is cleared of and/or is set to be cleared of channel configuration data (80).
[2]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) further comprises at least one output connector (42) and is further configured to: - produce said at least one output signal (40), as determined by the channel configuration data (80), via said at least one output connector (42); and
- receive power through at least one of said at least one output connectors (42), and/or wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is further configured to: - produce at least one output signal (40) comprising a set of the radio frequency channels (50) from the at least one radio frequency signal (20) through at least one output connector (42).
[3]
A radio frequency signal processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (60) is further configured such that: - the channel memory check routine (72) is further configured not to trigger the automatic scan routine (70) if it is detected that the channel configuration memory (100) is not cleared of and/or is not set to be cleared of channel configuration data (80).
[4]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is configured to: - detect the bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels (30) of one or more of the radio frequency signals (20) during the automatic scan routine (70); and - - determine the channel spacing and/or the associated frequency plan and/or the associated ITU region based on the detected bandwidth and/or center frequency of a plurality of the radio frequency channels (30).
[5]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to claim 4, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is configured to generate an output signal whose channel spacing and/or frequency plan is equal to and/or compatible with said determined channel spacing and/or its associated frequency plan and/or the corresponding ITU region.
[6]
A radio frequency signal processing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (60) is further configured to trigger a channel memory clear routine (90) during which the channel configuration data (80) is deleted from the channel configuration memory (100) upon receipt. of a channel memory erase signal (92).
[7]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device comprises the following, operatively connected to the controller (60): - non-volatile storage memory (110) comprising the channel configuration memory (100); working memory (120) configured to store a copy of the channel configuration data (130) for use by the controller (60) during the generation of the output signal (40).
[8]
A radio frequency signal processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: - trigger upon receipt of a channel memory erase signal (92) a channel memory erase routine (90) configured to: - delete the channel configuration data (80). deleting from the channel configuration memory (100) in the non-volatile storage memory (110); and - maintain the copy of the channel configuration data (130) in the working memory (120) so that the controller (60) can continue to generate the output signal (40); and/or - upon receipt of a forced channel memory clear signal (94) trigger a forced channel memory clear routine (96) configured to: - delete the channel configuration data (80) from the channel configuration memory (100) in the non-volatile storage memory (110); and - triggering the automatic scan routine (70) so as to generate and store new channel configuration data (80) in the channel configuration memory (100); - replacing the copy of the channel configuration data (130) in the working memory (120) with the new channel configuration data (80) from the channel configuration memory (100), so that the controller (60) can generate the output signal (40) with the new channel configuration data (80) ).
[9]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to claim 8, wherein the controller (60) is further configured to receive the channel memory clear signal (92) and/or the forced channel memory clear signal (94) from one or more of the following: - one or a plurality of input elements of the radio frequency signal processing device (10); - one or more signals received from a receiver device (200) when coupled to the radio frequency signal processing device (10);
- one or more signals received from a suitable remote device (210) over a network.
[10]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is configured to generate the channel memory erase signal (92) and/or the forced channel memory erase signal (94) by means of a predetermined pattern of power cycles comprising a predetermined pattern of a plurality of predetermined turn-on and/or turn-off cycles of the radio frequency signal processing device (10).
[11]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency signals (20) and wherein the controller (60) is configured to output at least one signal (40) comprising a set of the detected radio frequency channels (30) from the two or more radio frequency signals (20).
[12]
A radio frequency signal processing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the automatic scan routine (70) is further configured to trigger a conflict resolution routine (74) when a plurality of conflicting channels (32) are detected at a same channel location (34) in a plurality of radio frequency signals (20), wherein the conflict resolution routine (74) is configured to generate channel configuration data (80) such that at least two of the conflicting channels (32) present at a single channel location (34) in the radio frequency signals (20), are provided at different channel locations (54) of the set of radio frequency channels (50) of the output signal (40).
[13]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is further configured to produce at least one signal (140) for antenna alignment feedback, and wherein the controller (60) is further configured to trigger an antenna alignment feedback routine (98) that produces at least one antenna alignment feedback signal (140) configured to measure the power level and/or signal quality of at least one detected radio frequency channel (30) from at least one of the received radio frequency signals (20)
and/or indicate changes in said power level and/or said signal quality.
[14]
A radio frequency signal processing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) does not include any input element (24) configured to be manually operated, and/or wherein the radio frequency signal processing device (10) is configured to receive from two or more terrestrial antennas (12) two or more terrestrial radio frequency (RF) signals comprising a VHF and/or UHF frequency range comprising a plurality of VHF and/or UHF channels of different power levels transmitted over the airwaves through various terrestrial broadcasting stations (14).
[15]
A method of operating a radio frequency signal processing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - receiving at least one radio frequency signal (20), comprising at least one radio frequency channel (30); - automatically triggering an automatic channel scan routine (70) during which: - the radio frequency channels (30) of the at least one radio frequency signal (20) are automatically detected; and - for the detected radio frequency channels (30), automatically generating associated channel configuration data (80) to generate at least one output signal (40); - storing the channel configuration data (80) generated during the automatic channel scan routine (70) in a channel configuration memory (100); and - producing at least one output signal (40) by processing at least one of the radio frequency channels (30) of at least one of the received radio frequency signals (20) by means of channel configuration data (80),
CHARACTERIZED THEREFORE, the method comprises the following further steps: - triggering a channel memory check routine (72) when the device (10) is turned on; - the channel memory check routine (72) comprising the steps of: - detecting whether the channel configuration memory (100) is free of and/or is set to be cleared of any channel configuration data (80); and
- triggering the automatic scan routine (70) when it is detected that the channel configuration memory (100) is free from and/or is set to be cleared from channel configuration data (80).

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

US8019275B2|2011-09-13|Band upconverter approach to KA/KU signal distribution

---

US7263469B2|2007-08-28|Multiple RF signal switching apparatus

---

KR101735707B1|2017-05-15|Self-discovery of an rf configuration for a wireless system

---

CN101356813B|2011-01-26|Transmission of pre-set channel allocation information

---

CN101330335A|2008-12-24|Satellite transmission channel detection method and reception device using the method

---

US7991348B2|2011-08-02|Triple band combining approach to satellite signal distribution

---

JP2015531142A|2015-10-29|Apparatus and method for controlling indicator light source in apparatus

---

US9654838B2|2017-05-16|Single-cable automatic IRD installation procedure

---

CN101902763B|2013-07-10|Method and device for configuring and updating broadcast beam weight number

---

BE1027817B1|2021-06-25|RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE

---

CN102668557A|2012-09-12|Method for protecting satellite reception from strong terrestrial signals

---

KR100841559B1|2008-06-26|Digital broadcasting receiver and one-touch channel setting method

---

EP3157263B1|2018-04-18|Multiple dwelling channel stacking system

---

CN102833770A|2012-12-19|Tunable antenna equipment and cell associating method thereof, antenna component and base station

---

US20080290970A1|2008-11-27|Device for monitoring multiple broadcast signals

---

CN101015146A|2007-08-08|Means for receiving data via satellite using at least two polarisations

---

US2806945A|1957-09-17|Television receiver

---

US2100402A|1937-11-30|Multiband inductance unit

---

US8958511B2|2015-02-17|System and method for detecting broadband global positioning system | jamming

---

CN101341478A|2009-01-07|Method for downloading a configuration file in a programmable circuit, and apparatus comprising said component

---

KR100841560B1|2008-06-26|Method for tuner selection in digital broadcasting receiver having multiple tuner and the digital broadcasting receiver thereof

---

US2843683A|1958-07-15|Television tuner input circuit

---

US20150281766A1|2015-10-01|Digital Data Processing Apparatus and Method

---

US20190349939A1|2019-11-14|Method and apparatus for automated signal analysis and reporting among rf receiver devices

---

US10998990B2|2021-05-04|System and method for transmitting radio stations on cable networks with increased data traffic in the VHF range

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

EP3849109A1|2021-07-14|

---

WO2021140197A1|2021-07-15|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

---

GB0704673D0|2007-03-10|2007-04-18|Pace Micro Tech Plc|Satellite distribution apparatus and method of use thereof|

---

EP2289181B1|2008-05-30|2020-03-18|Arris Group, Inc.|Fast initialization of multi-mode devices|

---

EP2393291B1|2010-06-07|2012-12-19|Angel Iglesias S.A.|Programmable amplifier for television channels|

---

ES2836352T3|2016-06-03|2021-06-24|Unitron Nv|A digital radio frequency signal distribution system|

---

法律状态:
2021-07-19| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20210625 |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

EP20150820.7A|EP3849109A1|2020-01-08|2020-01-08|A radio frequency signal processing device|

---