Display Device Adaptive Control Method Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling external devices connected to a TV, such as HDMI-CEC, IR, and IP, often fail to adapt dynamically when one method encounters issues, requiring user intervention to switch to another method, leading to control failures.

Innovation Solution

The display device automatically detects and prioritizes multiple control methods (HDMI-CEC, IP, IR) based on supported capabilities of the external device, seamlessly switching to a secondary method if the primary method fails, without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single control method is set for external device control, then the control system is simple and easy to configure, but the reliability of external device control deteriorates when that method encounters problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal device control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol method management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different control methods (HDMI-CEC, IP, IR) based on real-time detection of method availability and external device responsiveness. The controller automatically transitions from a primary control method to alternative methods when the primary method fails, making the control system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter (control method) from a fixed single-method configuration to a variable multi-method configuration. By detecting which control methods are supported by the external device and which are currently functional, the system adjusts the active control method parameter to maintain reliable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple control methods are supported with automatic switching capability, then the reliability of external device control improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal device control reliabilityVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically detecting when the primary control method fails and switching to an alternative method without requiring user intervention. The controller monitors control signal responses and autonomously manages the transition between control methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring whether control signals sent to the external device are properly received and executed. Based on this feedback, the controller determines whether the current control method is functional and automatically switches methods when feedback indicates failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If automatic detection and switching between control methods is implemented, then control failure cases are reduced, but the processing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol operation success rateVSAvoidcontrol method switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-detecting and storing information about which control methods are supported by the external device before actual control operations begin. This advance preparation allows for faster switching when method failures occur, as the controller already has knowledge of available alternative methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control method selection is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions in real-time. The controller continuously monitors control signal effectiveness and automatically adjusts the active control method based on current system state, optimizing both reliability and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4243424B1Display device and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4243424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4243424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4243424B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may obtain information on one or more control methods supported by an external device, select a first control method according to a predetermined priority based on the obtained information, and switch the first control method to a second control method having a next priority according to a change in a control situation.