Content Reproduction Control Device Input Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face labor-intensive manual operations when switching between directly controlling and indirectly controlling content reproducing devices, such as projectors, through separate applications on smart devices and PCs, requiring manual input source switching each time.

Innovation Solution

A content reproduction control device and system that allows seamless switching between direct and indirect control functions by automatically instructing the content reproducing device to switch its input source to the content output device, eliminating the need for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate applications are used for directly controlling content reproducing device and indirectly controlling through content output device, then control functionality is provided, but user operation complexity increases due to manual switching required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control applications (direct control and indirect control through content output device) into a single integrated application. This merging eliminates the need for users to switch between separate applications and manually change input sources, as the integrated application automatically manages both control modes and coordinates input source switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated application serves multiple functions: it can directly control the content reproducing device, indirectly control it through the content output device, and automatically manage input source switching. This multi-functionality within a single application provides versatility while simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching of input source is required each time application switching is carried out, then control mode changing is enabled, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mode switchingVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated application performs preliminary setup and configuration, establishing the relationship between control modes and input sources in advance. When the user switches control modes, the application automatically executes the corresponding input source switching without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing the time needed for mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The application implements feedback mechanisms to detect when the user switches control modes and automatically responds by switching the input source accordingly. This automated feedback loop eliminates the manual switching step and reduces the time required for control mode changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate applications are used for different control functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol function varietyVSAvoidapplication management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate control applications into a single integrated application that provides both direct control and indirect control functions. This consolidation reduces the number of applications the user needs to manage while maintaining all necessary control functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated application is designed to be universal, handling multiple control functions (direct control, indirect control through content output device, and input source management) within a single software package. This reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2887331B1Content reproduction control device, content reproducing system, content reproducing method, and content reproducing program

Publication Date: 2019.05.15 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

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AI summary

A content reproduction control device (300) is connected to a content reproducing device (100) configured to reproduce contents and a content output device (200) configured to output the contents to the content reproducing device (100). The device (300) includes operation sections (306b and 310) used to select one of reproducing first contents in the device (300) by the device (100) and reproducing second contents in the device (200) by the device (100); and a controller (312) configured to instruct the device (100) to switch an input source in the device (100) to the device (200), when reproducing the second contents is selected.