Display Mediator for Controlling Multiple Source Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face inconvenience in controlling multiple source devices with multiple input devices, as each source device requires a separate input device, and finding the correct input device for a specific source device is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a display and a communication interface that can communicate with multiple source devices, allowing a single input device to control multiple source devices by transmitting control signals to the appropriate source device based on user input and predetermined signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate input device is connected to each source device for individual control, then each source device can be controlled independently, but the number of input devices required increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single input device is designed to control multiple source devices through a display device that acts as an intermediary. The display device receives control signals from one input device and can forward them to any connected source device, making the input device universal rather than dedicated to a single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves as an intermediary between the input device and multiple source devices. It receives control signals from the input device, identifies the target source device, and forwards the appropriate control signal, eliminating the need for direct connections between each input device and source device.
2Ease of operation
If multiple input devices are used to control multiple source devices, then each source device has its own control device, but finding the correct input device for a specific source device becomes difficult and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device acts as a central mediator that manages the mapping between input devices and source devices. Users only need to interact with one input device connected to the display, and the display handles the routing to the correct source device, eliminating the confusion of matching multiple input devices to multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged into the display device, which consolidates the management of multiple source devices. Instead of having separate control mechanisms for each source, the display combines them into a unified system where one input device controls all sources through the display's intelligence.
3Device complexity
If a single input device controls multiple source devices, then the number of input devices is reduced and device complexity decreases, but the ability to control different source devices changes and adaptability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the control target of the input device through the display. The display can change which source device receives control signals based on user input or system state, allowing the same physical input device to adaptively control different source devices as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter of control signals within the display device. By modifying which source device identifier is associated with the input device's control signals, the system maintains adaptability while using a single input device, allowing seamless switching between different source devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display, a communication interface configured to perform communication with a plurality of source devices, and one or more processors configured to control the display to display an image signal received from each of the plurality of source devices, according to a predetermined signal received from an input device, control the communication interface so that the communication interface that transmits a control signal received from the input device to a first source device from among the plurality of source devices transmits the control signal to a second source device, based on the control signal being received from the input device according to a user input regarding the input device, transmit the control signal to the second source device, and based on an image signal reflecting the user input being received, control the display to display the received image signal.