Docking Station Video Switching for Multi-Device Screen Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video conference systems cannot automatically share screens between multiple electronic devices, such as computers and cell phones, preventing new participants from sharing information with other participants.

Innovation Solution

A docking station equipped with a video multi-output component and a video switching component that connects and switches electronic devices to display devices, allowing multiple display devices to show information from different electronic devices simultaneously, enabling seamless information sharing among users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional conference system connects screens to one electronic device by wire, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot automatically share screens when new participants join

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station serves multiple functions: it acts as a video conference endpoint, a screen sharing hub, and an automatic device connection manager. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system achieves adaptability for multiple participants while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station serves as an intermediary device between electronic devices (computers, cell phones) and display devices (screens). It mediates the connection and automatic screen sharing process, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer connections between multiple participants' devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the docking station connects multiple electronic devices to multiple display devices, then information sharing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation sharing efficiencyVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station combines multiple video input ports (for different electronic devices) and multiple video output ports (for different display devices) into a single hub. This merging of connection points allows multiple devices to share information efficiently while the docking station manages the complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station's video switching component provides universal connectivity, allowing any connected electronic device to share its screen with any connected display device. This multi-functional capability enables flexible information sharing without requiring dedicated connection paths for each device pair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11163518B1Docking station

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 GOOD WAY TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A docking station is provided. When a first electronic device is connected to a docking station, the first electronic device is connected to a first display device and a second display device through the docking station. However, when the first electronic device and a second electronic device are connected to the docking station, the docking station connects the first display device to the first electronic device, and connects the second display device to the second electronic device instead of the first electronic device.