Display Device Data Source Switching via Controller Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In display systems consisting of multiple devices, changing the data source without resetting the connection of all display devices is inconvenient, as existing methods require reconfiguration of connections.

Innovation Solution

A display device and method that allows for seamless switching of data sources by communicating with nearby devices and external devices, generating an image source list, and synthesizing images to transmit to other devices without disrupting the connection loop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user changes the data source to an external device connected to another display device, then the data source can be switched, but the connection of the plurality of display devices must be resetted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata source switching capabilityVSAvoidconnection reset requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages data source switching between multiple display devices. When a user wants to switch data sources, the controller mediates the connection by receiving the data signal from the target external device and redistributing it to all display devices, eliminating the need for manual connection resetting. The controller acts as a smart mediator that maintains the physical connection stability while dynamically switching logical data sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple data sources and multiple display devices simultaneously. It can connect to various types of external devices (computers, media players, etc.) and distribute signals to different display devices (monitors, TVs, projectors), providing a universal solution for data source switching without requiring device-specific reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connection of the plurality of display devices is resetted to change the data source, then the data source can be switched, but the system operation becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata source switching capabilityVSAvoidsystem operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the controller as a central management node before any data source switching is needed. The controller proactively monitors connection states and prepares to receive data signals from any connected external device. When switching is required, the controller has already positioned itself to immediately intercept and redirect signals, eliminating the need for disruptive connection resetting and maintaining continuous system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display devices are connected to share images, then the display system can function, but changing the data source requires resetting all connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device image sharingVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection management function of multiple display devices into a single controller. Instead of each display device independently managing its connections to external devices, the controller consolidates all data source connections and distribution logic in one place. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture by reducing the number of independent connection management tasks from multiple devices to a single unified controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3273342B1Display device, method of controlling thereof and display system
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3273342B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3273342B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3273342B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device is disclosed. The display device according to various exemplary embodiments includes a display, a communicator configured to communicate with an external device, a first nearby device, and a second nearby device, and a processor configured to control the communicator to transmit each of a first image which is received from the external device and a second image which is received from the first nearby device to the second nearby device, and control the display to display at least one of the first image and the second image.