Digital TV Interoperability via IEEE 1394 Bus and Universal GUI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling multiple electronic devices via digital data buses face challenges in interoperability, particularly when integrating digital TVs, as they require additional hardware and complex MPEG encoding, leading to increased costs and user inconvenience due to device-specific remote controls and differing GUIs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital television apparatus using the IEEE 1394 serial bus for physical and link layers, combined with AV/C or CAL control languages, enables improved interoperability by correlating device identification data with icons for user-friendly on-screen displays and establishing isochronous channels with adjustable bandwidth, allowing seamless control and data transfer between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If menus are transported as MPEG-2 transport streams to digital TV, then interoperability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring MPEG encoder integration in all peripheral devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing approach where menu data is transmitted in a simplified format (not full MPEG-2 streams) and converted to the appropriate display format by the digital TV or intermediate processing components. This mediator approach avoids requiring MPEG encoders in all peripheral devices while maintaining compatibility with digital TVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of menu data transmission from full MPEG-2 transport streams to a simpler, more efficient format that requires less processing power and hardware complexity. This parameter change enables digital TV interoperability without requiring expensive MPEG encoder integration in every peripheral device.
2Measurement precision
If device-specific remote controls are used for each peripheral device, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to users needing multiple remote controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote control system where a single remote control can operate multiple different peripheral devices. The remote control is designed with multi-functionality to communicate with various devices through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for users to purchase and manage multiple device-specific remote controls while maintaining precise control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control functionality into universal commands that can be applied across different device types. Instead of requiring dedicated controls for each device, the system divides control operations into standardized segments that can be adapted to work with multiple devices, simplifying the user experience.
3Ease of manufacture
If different GUIs are used for controlling devices, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but adaptability deteriorates requiring users to learn multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal graphical user interface that can control multiple different peripheral devices through a single unified interface. This universal GUI maintains adaptability to different device types while providing a consistent user experience, eliminating the need for users to learn multiple different interfaces for different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having each device provide its own specific GUI (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having a single controlling device provide a universal GUI that adapts to control multiple different peripheral devices. This inversion centralizes the interface complexity in one location while maintaining device-specific functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of electronic devices, such as consumer electronic devices, or the like, via a digital bus. In particular, the present invention provides for improved interoperability of such devices over the digital bus. In one embodiment, the present invention transfers identifying information from a peripheral device to a display device during a discovery mode for providing a device selection screen having a plurality of device icons displayed thereon. The device icons are generated by the display, or controlling device, in response to identifying information, such as keywords stored in a configuration ROM of the peripheral device.