Image Switching Apparatus Circuit Reconfiguration for Resource Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Professional image switching apparatuses are expensive due to the high number of circuits and channels, and existing solutions waste resources as they require multiple image processing units even for simple video signal generation tasks.
Innovation Solution
An image switching apparatus with a main circuit block and sub circuit blocks, where the sub circuit block can function as a common circuit for both main and sub blocks, allowing for efficient use of resources by designating which blocks to operate based on the required video signal generation, reducing the number of circuits needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image processing units are provided to handle various video signal generation tasks, then the apparatus can be used for various purposes, but the number of circuits increases and resources are wasted when only some units are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single image processing unit that can perform multiple functions through dynamic configuration. The unit can operate in different modes (single-channel, dual-channel, multi-channel video signal generation) by reconfiguring its internal circuit blocks, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated processing units while maintaining versatility across different broadcast scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the image processing unit reconfigurable during operation. The circuit blocks within the unit can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on the required function, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different task requirements without physical changes or additional dedicated circuits for each scenario
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image processing units are provided to handle various video signal generation tasks, then the apparatus can be used for various purposes, but the cost increases due to more circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by implementing a universal image processing unit that can handle multiple video signal generation tasks through software-controlled reconfiguration rather than providing separate hardware units for each function. This consolidation reduces the total number of circuits, components, and manufacturing steps required, directly lowering production costs while maintaining full versatility
3Device complexity
If a fixed number of image processing units are provided, then the circuit structure is simple, but resources are wasted when the number of units exceeds what is needed for simple tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates resource waste by implementing dynamic resource allocation within the image processing unit. The circuit blocks can be selectively activated based on the current task requirements, allowing the system to use only the necessary resources for each operation rather than maintaining a fixed, over-provisioned configuration. This dynamic activation/deactivation reduces power consumption and resource utilization while maintaining circuit structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing unit of an image switching apparatus includes main circuit blocks (5a), (5b) and (6) and sub circuit blocks (5d), (5e) and (7). An operation unit in the image switching apparatus includes a unit for designating one of or both of the main circuit blocks and the sub circuit blocks. When the main circuit block is designated, the operation unit transmits a signal to designate the operation of the main circuit block. When the sub circuit block is designated, the operation unit transmits a signal to designate the operation of the sub circuit block. When both of the main circuit block and the sub circuit block are designated, the operation unit transmits a signal to designate operations of the main circuit block and the sub circuit block. The image switching apparatus can be constructed by a few circuits and such circuits can be efficiently used without waste in response to the change of purposes.