Decoder Extension Card Control Circuit with Select Logic

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for controlling decoder extension cards and universal extension cards are limited in their ability to simultaneously service both types of cards using a common control circuit, leading to inefficiencies in processing television signals and card management.

Innovation Solution

A device with a select circuit linked to a processor and card reader, utilizing three buffers and a power supply circuit, which includes a multiplexer and NAND elements controlled by a processor signal to differentiate between decoder and universal extension cards, allowing simultaneous processing of television signals and card control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a common control circuit is used to control both decoder extension cards and universal extension cards, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously service both card types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol circuitVSAvoidcard servicing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is segmented into dedicated control paths: a first control circuit portion for decoder extension cards and a second control circuit portion for universal extension cards. This segmentation allows each card type to be serviced independently through its own control path, enabling simultaneous operation while maintaining a unified overall structure that doesn't significantly increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating both decoder-specific control functions and universal extension card control functions within a single integrated circuit. This allows the same physical control circuit to service multiple card types through different control paths, reducing the need for separate control circuits while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate control circuits are used for decoder extension cards and universal extension cards, then card servicing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard servicing capabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Separate control circuits for decoder extension cards and universal extension cards are merged into a single integrated control circuit. The control circuit contains distinct control path portions for each card type, allowing simultaneous independent control while sharing common resources such as the card reader interface and processor connections, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single card reader is used for both card types, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed deteriorates due to sequential handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard readerVSAvoidcard processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single card reader is designed with dynamic switching capability through the select circuit, which can rapidly switch between decoder extension card mode and universal extension card mode based on real-time needs. This dynamic switching allows the system to handle different card types sequentially with minimal interruption, maintaining processing speed while using a single physical card reader device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If multiple buffers are used to link card reader with processor and control circuit, then card processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard processing capabilityVSAvoidbuffer circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Buffers are strategically placed at specific locations in the data path: between the card reader and processor, and between the card reader and control circuit. This localized buffering approach provides the necessary data handling capability at critical points in the system while avoiding unnecessary buffers elsewhere, thereby improving processing capability without excessive increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7376145B2Device for controlling decoder extension cards and universal extension cards

Publication Date: 2008.05.20 ANADEX DATA COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

A device for controlling decoder extension cards and universal extension cards, comprising a card reader, control circuit and a processor, characterized in that the receiver (1) is connected via the control circuit (2) with the processor (2), select circuit (4) and a card reader (9) connected with a power supply circuit (8), and to the card reader (9) three buffers are connected, where the card reader (9) is connected via the first buffer (5) and the second buffer (6) with the processor, and via the third buffer (7) with the control circuit (2).