Dual-Channel Interface for Game Console Television Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing information processing systems, where a game console and a television receiver are connected, suffer from functional limitations and other issues due to a one-sided data output configuration, limiting user input and control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A game console with a data-sending interface for multimedia data transmission and a request-sending interface to control the television receiver, allowing for event detection and sending requests with control information to instruct the television receiver on user interface guidance and control operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a one-sided data output configuration is used where the information processing apparatus outputs data to the television receiver, then the system structure is simple, but the functional limitations increase and user control capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoiduser control capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the communication interface into two separate transmission channels: a first transmission channel for data output from the information processing apparatus to the television receiver, and a second transmission channel for control input from the information processing apparatus to the television receiver. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple data output while adding bidirectional control capabilities through the separate control channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus is equipped with dual-interface capability: it can function as both a data output device (through the first transmission channel) and a control device (through the second transmission channel). This multi-functionality allows the same apparatus to both send multimedia data and send control commands, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing overall system complexity while enhancing control capabilities.

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

2Device complexity

If the television receiver performs one-sided input switching control, then the control logic is simple, but the ease of operation for users decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logicVSAvoiduser input capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the information processing apparatus can detect user inputs through the second transmission channel and send control commands back to the television receiver. This allows the system to respond to user actions and adjust input switching dynamically, providing bidirectional interaction while maintaining simple control logic through automated feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus automatically detects user inputs and generates appropriate control commands without requiring separate control logic in the television receiver. The system serves itself by autonomously processing user inputs and managing input switching, reducing the control burden on the television receiver while enhancing user operation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3468209B1Information processing device, television receiver, information processing system, and information processing program
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3468209B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3468209B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3468209B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This information processing apparatus, this information processing apparatus includes a data-sending interface capable of transmitting data to a television receiver through a first transmission channel; a request-sending interface capable of sending a request to the television receiver through a second transmission channel; a second interface connectable to the television receiver through the second transmission channel; and a first control unit that detects an event and performs control to send, to the television receiver through the second transmission channel, a request including at least control information for giving an instruction about control to be executed by the television receiver in accordance with the detected event.