Dual Processor Display Switching for EDID Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

In systems with multiple operating systems, switching between image signals from different OSs to display on a single display device is challenging because the display device does not issue EDID when an OS boot event or connection event occurs, preventing proper display switching.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with separate processors for each OS, a display interface including CC and image signal lines, and switching units to control the connection of these lines, allowing for seamless switching between image signals from different OSs while maintaining connection with the display device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display device is connected to the information processing apparatus and the system switches between multiple operating systems, then the display switching between different OSs is enabled, but the EDID is not issued from the display device and the information processing apparatus cannot receive the EDID, preventing proper display control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay switching capabilityVSAvoidEDID reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting OS switching events before they occur and proactively controlling the switch between processors in response to these detected events. This ensures the correct processor is active before the OS switch completes, maintaining EDID reception capability throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring OS switching events and using this information to dynamically control the processor switch. The system detects the OS switch event, responds by switching processors, and maintains continuous EDID reception, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing OS states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the information processing apparatus uses a single processor for multiple OSs, then the system structure is simplified, but the display cannot be properly switched between different OSs without losing connection to the display device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessor configurationVSAvoiddisplay connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the processing function into multiple independent processors (first processor and second processor), each dedicated to handling a specific operating system. This segmentation allows independent control of each processor, enabling reliable display switching while maintaining stable connection to the display device through coordinated processor selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the system to dynamically switch between the first processor and second processor based on which OS is active. This dynamic processor switching allows the system to adapt its configuration in real-time, maintaining reliable display connection while supporting multiple OSs with different display requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11482189B2Information processing apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2022.10.25 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US11482189B2 patent drawing
  • US11482189B2 patent drawing
  • US11482189B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first processor coupled to a first memory and programmed to execute a first operation system (OS) to output a first image signal, a second processor coupled to a second memory and programmed to execute a second OS to output a second image signal, the second processor being separate from the first processor, a display interface including a configuration channel (CC) signal line and an image signal line, a first switch that switches between connecting or disconnecting the CC signal line to both the first processor and the second processor, and a second switch that switches between connecting the image signal line to the first image signal or to second image signal.