Audio Video Interface Power Management in Standby Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home entertainment devices face challenges in managing power consumption while maintaining the ability to pass audio/video signals, particularly in low power modes, as existing standby modes do not adequately reduce power usage or ensure proper functionality when connected to other devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and apparatus that includes multiple operational states, such as active standby and pass-through modes, where the device powers only necessary circuits to detect and route audio/video signals, minimizing power consumption without fully powering on, and transitioning to deeper standby modes upon inactivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the audio/video interface circuits are always powered in standby mode to maintain functionality, then the device can immediately process signals when needed, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning the audio/video interface circuits between different power states (fully powered, partially powered, and powered off) based on operational needs. The standby mode dynamically adjusts power delivery to circuitry, providing full power when signals are detected and reducing or eliminating power when no signals are present, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by providing only the necessary amount of power needed for basic signal detection and processing during standby mode, rather than fully powering all circuits. This allows the device to maintain minimal functionality for detecting incoming signals while consuming significantly less power than if all circuits were fully powered, addressing the contradiction between functional capability and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the device enters deep standby mode to minimize power consumption, then energy usage is reduced, but the device cannot properly detect or process incoming audio/video signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal passing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining a minimal standby mode that keeps basic detection circuits powered and ready before full operation is needed. This preliminary state allows the device to quickly detect incoming signals and transition to full operation when required, rather than requiring complete power-on to perform detection, thus achieving both low power consumption and operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between power states based on signal detection needs. During standby, the device maintains minimal power consumption while keeping essential detection capabilities active. When signals are detected, the system dynamically switches to full operation mode to properly process and pass through audio/video signals, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device remains in standby mode with minimal power consumption, then energy standards are met, but user control and device responsiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidautomatic signal routing
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the device automatically detects incoming signals during standby mode and autonomously transitions to full operation mode without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the power state transitions based on detected signal conditions, maintaining low power consumption during standby while ensuring automatic responsiveness when signals are present, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3117624B1Apparatus and method for controlling an audio/video connection in a device
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG
  • EP3117624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3117624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3117624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and method for controlling an audio/video connection in a device is described. The method includes entering (525) a first state in response to a user input, the first state powering a portion of circuits, detecting (530) the presence of a signal, the signal to be output from the device for display on a display device, and entering (545) a second state if the presence of the signal is detected, powering circuits for outputting the received signal. The apparatus includes a standby circuit (320), receiving a user input placing the apparatus into a first state, a receiving circuit (362) detecting the presence of a signal in the first state and providing a signal to place the apparatus (300) in a second state if the signal is detected, and a processing circuit (360) being operational in the second state, the signal processing circuit (360) outputting the signal for display on a display device in the second state.