Detachable HDMI Block for TV Input Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of managing multiple HDMI connections in home entertainment systems leads to unsightly wiring and increased costs when using aftermarket external switches, as these systems struggle to distinguish between factory-installed and external HDMI connectors, making input selection cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A detachable HDMI block system that allows HDMI ports to be situated remotely, reducing wiring complexity by using 3:1 HDMI switch circuits and a processor to manage signal switching, enabling the TV menu system to differentiate between all HDMI inputs connected or not, and allowing seamless control via the TV remote.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HDMI connections are used in home entertainment systems, then more video sources can be connected, but wiring complexity and visual clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HDMI connection system into two parts: a fixed HDMI interface on the television and a detachable HDMI block containing switch circuits. This segmentation allows multiple video sources to be connected through a single cable to the detachable block, which then distributes signals to multiple HDMI inputs on the TV, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable HDMI block acts as an intermediary device between the single cable connection and multiple HDMI inputs on the television. It contains switch circuits that can route signals from the single cable to any of the multiple HDMI inputs, eliminating the need for separate cables for each video source
2Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket external HDMI switches are used, then multiple connections can be managed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the HDMI switch circuits directly with the television's existing HDMI interface and processor, eliminating the need for separate aftermarket external switches. The switch circuits are integrated into the detachable HDMI block that attaches to the TV, reducing overall system cost while maintaining connection management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable HDMI block serves multiple functions: it provides HDMI switching capabilities, acts as a signal distributor, and interfaces with the television's existing processor and menu system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external switch devices, reducing cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If factory-installed and external HDMI connectors are used, then all inputs are available, but the TV menu system cannot distinguish between them
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable HDMI block includes a processor that communicates with the television's processor through the HDMI interface. This feedback mechanism allows the TV menu system to detect whether an HDMI input is connected through the detachable block or is a factory-installed connector, enabling proper identification and labeling of each input source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical distinction between factory-installed and external connectors with an electronic identification system. The processor in the detachable HDMI block sends signals to the TV's processor to identify the connection type, allowing the menu system to distinguish between different input sources based on their connection method rather than physical differences
Data Source
AI summary
A television device has a television receiver residing substantially within a television receiver enclosure. A high definition multimedia interface is (HDMI) coupled to the television receiver. A detachable HDMI switch is operatively coupled to the HDMI interface, the HDMI switch and has at least two user-side HDMI buses connected thereto. The detachable HDMI switch resides in an HDMI switch housing that exposes the at least two user-side HDMI connector ports. The detachable HDMI switch housing is detachably connected to the television receiver enclosure to permit the HDMI switch housing to be either attached to the television receiver enclosure for use at the television receiver enclosure, or to permit the HDMI switch housing to be separated from the television receiver enclosure to permit the HDMI switch housing to be situated remotely from the television receiver enclosure so that the HDMI connector ports are remotely accessible while being selectable by the television device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.