AVR Architecture Using Standardized SoMs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Audio Video Receiver (AVR) systems have a disparate electronics hardware architecture, relying on proprietary MCU and DSP chipsets that are difficult to maintain and require specialized knowledge, leading to cumbersome user interfaces and high development costs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a standardized System-on-Modules (SoMs) architecture using ARM processors and the Linux operating system, integrated with a front panel user interface and input-output modules, allows for unified audio and video processing and a more accessible software development process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary MCU and DSP chipsets are used in AVR systems, then advanced audio and video processing capabilities are achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio and video processing capabilitiesVSAvoidhardware architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a standardized ARM processor that can execute multiple different operating systems (Linux, Android, iOS) and support various audio/video processing functions through software rather than hardware specialization. This single processor platform replaces multiple proprietary chipsets while maintaining or enhancing processing capabilities through software flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes hardware-based proprietary processing systems with a software-defined approach on a standardized processor. Instead of relying on specialized hardware architectures (MCU/DSP chipsets), the system uses software layers to provide audio/video processing functions, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary software is used for each chipset, then specific features are implemented, but software development costs and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature implementationVSAvoidsoftware development cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a unified software platform that runs on standardized ARM processors. Instead of developing separate proprietary software for each chipset, a single software stack can serve multiple functions and be deployed across different device configurations, significantly reducing development costs and simplifying maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple separate software development efforts into a single unified software platform. By consolidating the software layer that previously needed to be customized for each proprietary chipset into one standardized environment, the system reduces overall development complexity and cost while maintaining feature richness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple proprietary chipsets are used, then specific audio and video functions are achieved, but user interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio and video function supportVSAvoiduser interface simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-centric proprietary interfaces with a software-defined user interface layer. The standardized ARM processor running modern operating systems enables consistent, intuitive GUIs that are not constrained by the limitations of proprietary hardware architectures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining advanced audio/video functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If specialized knowledge is required for chipset management, then advanced processing is achieved, but ease of maintenance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsoftware update ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using standardized ARM processors with well-documented, widely-supported operating systems. This eliminates the need for specialized proprietary chipset knowledge, as developers and maintainers can leverage extensive existing expertise in Linux, Android, and iOS ecosystems, thereby dramatically improving ease of maintenance and software updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12279007B2Audio video receiver (AVR) architecture

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 LENBROOK IND LTD

AI summary

An AVR device in accordance with one or more embodiments connects audio and video source devices to audio and video rendering devices. A front panel user interface including a display is integrated in the housing of the AVR device. Input-output (IO) modules are coupled to a backplane board in the housing to be connected to the source devices and the rendering devices. The IO modules include at least one network interface. System-on-Modules (SoMs) are mounted on the backplane board. The SoMs are configured to decode and process audio and video data received from the audio and video source devices for rendering by the audio and video rendering devices and execute an operating system generating a GUI displayed on the display of the front panel user interface. A video subsystem module on the backplane board is configured to route the audio and video data between the plurality of SoMs and the IO modules.