Games Console Adaptor with Tuner and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Games consoles lack the capability to function as interactive television receivers, limiting users' access to interactive television services and online content.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor unit equipped with a television tuner, communications controller, interface, and hard disk, which connects to a games console to enable interactive television services by receiving broadcast channels, controlling communications, and storing video data, while also providing access to remote servers via a data network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adaptor unit with television tuner and communications controller is added to a games console, then the console can access interactive television services and online content, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor unit is designed as a compact device that nests multiple functional components (television tuner, communications controller, hard disc, interface circuitry) within a single integrated housing. This nested structure allows the adaptor to be connected to the games console without requiring separate external devices for each function, thereby enhancing versatility while controlling structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it receives broadcast television channels via a tuner, provides online access through a communications controller and modem, stores video data and game history on a hard disc, and interfaces with the games console. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components, resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If a hard disc is added to store video data and game history, then data storage capacity increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hard disc is integrated into the adaptor unit alongside the television tuner and communications controller, merging storage functionality with signal reception and data communication capabilities. This consolidation allows the storage capacity to be enhanced without requiring a separate external storage device, thereby managing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
3Reliability
If encryption circuitry is added to secure video data, then security and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption and decryption circuitry is integrated within the adaptor unit, merging security functionality with the existing signal processing and data storage components. This integration ensures that video data is encrypted before being transmitted to the games console and decrypted only by authorized devices, enhancing security while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor is provided for a games console which allows users to gain access to interactive television services through the games console. The adaptor includes a television tuner for receiving broadcast television channels, a communications controller which controls communications between the adaptor and the games console and an interface for interfacing the adaptor to the games console. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor also includes a hard disc for storing video data and for storing game history data. The adaptor may also include a modem via which the user can gain access to remote servers connected to a data network.