Flash Memory OSD Data Storage for Compound Video Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compound video devices require both ROM for VCR OSD font data and flash memory for DVD OSD graphic images, making device construction complex and updating OSD images difficult, as ROM needs to be replaced when updating VCR mode data.
Innovation Solution
Storing both OSD graphic images and font data in a single flash memory, allowing selective reading and use in corresponding video device operation modes, with separate areas for each type of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ROM and flash memory are used for VCR and DVD OSD data, then data can be stored in appropriate memory types, but device construction becomes complex and updating is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate ROM and flash memory into a single flash memory unit that stores both VCR OSD font data and DVD OSD graphic images. This merging eliminates the need for multiple storage devices, simplifying the overall device construction while maintaining the ability to store different types of OSD data appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash memory is designed to serve multiple functions: storing VCR OSD font data, storing DVD OSD graphic images, and supporting updating operations. By making the storage system universal, the patent eliminates the limitation of ROM that required replacement for updates, while still providing reliable storage for both video device types.
2Reliability
If ROM is used for VCR OSD font data, then data can be stored, but updating requires replacing the entire ROM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ROM functionality into flash memory, allowing both VCR OSD font data and DVD OSD graphic images to be stored in a single updatable memory device. This eliminates the need to replace the entire ROM when updating OSD data, as flash memory supports direct writing and updating of specific data regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage medium from ROM to flash memory, which has different parameters including updatable storage capability. This parameter change enables OSD image updating without physical replacement of the storage device, significantly improving ease of manufacture and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both ROM and flash memory are required, then appropriate storage can be provided for each video device mode, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage functions into a single flash memory device, reducing the number of components from two (ROM and flash memory) to one. The flash memory is organized with separate areas for VCR OSD font data and DVD OSD graphic images, maintaining adaptability for different video device modes while simplifying the component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash memory is segmented into distinct areas: one area for VCR OSD font data and another area for DVD OSD graphic images. This segmentation allows mode-specific data storage within a single unified storage device, providing the versatility of separate storage while eliminating the need for multiple physical components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for displaying an on-screen display (OSD) image in a compound video device which includes a first video device, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), and a second video device, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD) player/recorder, integrally formed with each other. Data necessary for OSD image output are separately stored in one flash memory, and any one of the data separately stored in the flash memory is selectively read and used in a corresponding one of first and second video device operation modes. Therefore, the compound video device can be significantly simplified in construction. Further, new data for OSD image output can be updated/stored in the flash memory, or be simply replaced for existing ones.