Document Camera Input Source Switching via Detection Terminal

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Solution Overview

Problem

User operability is poor in projector systems as users need to physically switch input sources using a remote controller or panel, requiring movement to the projector's location, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An image signal supply apparatus that outputs a switching instruction signal via a communication unit, allowing users to switch input sources without moving to the projector, using a USB standard for communication and integrating an arm unfolding sensor to automate the switching process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the projector includes multiple input interfaces, then the projector can display images from various input devices, but the user cannot immediately display the document camera image when connected, requiring manual input source switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput interface compatibilityVSAvoidinput source switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The projector automatically detects the connection status of the document camera through the detection terminal and autonomously switches the input source without requiring user intervention. The system monitors the detection terminal output and automatically selects the appropriate input interface when a document camera is detected, enabling the projector to serve itself in the input switching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the detection terminal output as feedback to determine when a document camera is connected. This feedback mechanism allows the projector to continuously monitor connection status and automatically adjust the input source selection based on the detected state, creating a closed-loop control system that improves ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the user uses a remote controller or panel switch to change input source, then the input source can be switched, but the user must move to the projector location, reducing operability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput source switching capabilityVSAvoidtime for user movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection terminal acts as an intermediary between the document camera connection and the input source switching function. By monitoring the detection terminal output, the system enables automatic input source switching based on connection status, eliminating the need for users to physically move to the projector location and manually operate switches or remote controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the detection terminal output changes with input source selection, then the terminal reflects current input state, but the input source cannot be switched automatically when document camera is connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection status informationVSAvoidautomatic input source switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The projector uses the detection terminal output to automatically control input source switching without requiring external user commands. The system monitors the detection terminal and autonomously switches input sources based on the detected connection status, enabling the projector to perform the switching operation itself rather than requiring user initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection terminal provides continuous feedback about the connection status to the control system. This feedback enables the projector to automatically adjust the input source selection in response to connection changes, creating an automated system that responds to detection terminal information without requiring manual user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2211332B1Image signal supply apparatus, image display apparatus, and control method of image signal supply apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2211332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2211332B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2211332B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image signal supply apparatus which is connected to an image display apparatus including an input source switching unit and outputs an image signal as an input source to the image display apparatus, includes: a communication unit carrying out communication with the image display apparatus; and a switching instruction output unit outputting an instruction signal instructing to switch the input source to the image display apparatus via the communication unit.