DVD Recorder Instant On Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DVD/PVR recorders have long boot-up times and cannot implement an 'instant on' feature without violating energy efficiency regulations, as they need to maintain internal circuitry powered at all times to reduce waiting periods for recording live programming.
Innovation Solution
A method that transitions a video system from an off state to an on state quickly by executing standby code in nonvolatile memory, storing application code in volatile memory, and detecting wake-up conditions to enable instant recording while consuming minimal power, allowing for low power consumption and rapid boot-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the internal circuitry is maintained in a powered condition at all times to reduce boot-up time, then the boot-up time is reduced, but the power consumption increases and Energy Star compliance is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a minimal standby mode where critical components remain powered and ready. The front panel controller and basic input/output circuits stay active to detect user inputs (record button presses, remote control signals) while the main processing unit remains in a low-power state. This allows the system to wake up instantly when needed without requiring full system power-on, thus reducing boot-up time while avoiding continuous full-power consumption that would violate Energy Star regulations.
2Reliability
If the DVD/PVR recorder waits for system initialization before recording, then system stability is ensured, but the recording response time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the recording functionality into two parts: a minimal standby mode handled by the front panel controller that can detect recording requests and initiate basic recording functions, and the full system mode handled by the main processing unit for complex operations. When the record button is pressed or a remote control signal is received during standby, the system immediately activates the recording function without waiting for full system initialization. This segmentation allows impulse recording to work instantly while the main system boots up in the background, ensuring both rapid response and system stability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system enters a complete power-off state to save energy, then power consumption is minimized, but the wake-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by maintaining different power states in different parts of the system simultaneously. The front panel controller, infrared receiver, and basic I/O circuits remain in a low-power standby state capable of detecting inputs, while the main processing unit, hard drive, and other power-intensive components are completely powered down. This selective power management allows the system to consume minimal power overall while still being able to wake up instantly when a recording request is detected, as the critical wake-up detection functionality remains active without requiring full system power.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transitioning a video system is disclosed. The method generally includes a first step for (A) executing in a processing circuit a standby code stored in a nonvolatile memory while the video system is in an off state, the off state defining a low power configuration for the processing circuit and a power off condition for the video system, the standby code being responsive to a plurality of wake up conditions to wake up the video system. In a second step, the method may (B) store an application code in a volatile memory while in the off state, the application code configured to operate the video system while in an on state of the video system. The method generally includes a third step for (C) transitioning from the off state to the on state upon detection of at least one of the wake up conditions. A step for (D) executing in the processing circuit the application code while in the on state to decode video may also exist in the method.