AV Processor Segmentation for Independent Media Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices cannot function as media players for external audio and video signals when their computer part is powered off or not functioning, limiting their ability to play content independently of the computer subsystem.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that includes an AV processor and a control mechanism allowing the media playing part to operate independently, receiving and playing external AV signals even when the computer subsystem is powered off, using HDMI inputs and multiple control components to manage audio and video parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the media playing part is integrated with the computer part, then the device can function as both a computer and media player, but the device cannot play external AV signals when the computer part is powered off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia playing capabilityVSAvoidindependent operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electronic device into two independent parts: a computer part and a media playing part. The media playing part includes an AV processor, video output device, and audio output device that can operate independently from the computer part. This segmentation allows the media playing part to function as a standalone device, receiving and playing external AV signals even when the computer part is powered off, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and independent operation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the computer part is required to be powered on for media playback, then system control is centralized, but immediate access to content is delayed and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmediate content accessVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into independent computer and media playing parts, allowing the media player to operate without the computer being on, thus enabling immediate content access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a computer when the computer part is on, and as a standalone media player when the computer part is off. The media playing part includes universal components (AV processor, video output, audio output) that can handle various external AV sources, providing multi-functionality without requiring the entire system to be powered on for media playback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control components are added to manage audio and video parameters independently, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol component quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into separate control components for the media playing part and computer part. The media playing part has its own control mechanisms that can independently manage audio and video parameters without requiring computer part intervention, providing control flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10846041B2Audio and video processors
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • US10846041B2 patent drawing
  • US10846041B2 patent drawing
  • US10846041B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An example electronic device includes: an audio and video (AV) processor, a computer subsystem, a control mechanism, and a media playing device. The AV processor includes an AV input port to receive external AV signals from an external media source. The computer subsystem is to provide internal AV signals to the AV processor. The control mechanism is to control the AV processor to select between the external AV signals and the internal AV signals, and enable the AV processor to transmit selected AV signals to the media playing device. The media playing device is to play the selected AV signals.