Integrated Computer Cable for Display Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for connecting image displaying devices to digital computer networks, such as set-top boxes, are complex, cumbersome, and require additional hardware and power, leading to cluttered spaces and a need for simpler user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A cable with an integrated general-purpose programmable computer device that executes software to read network signals, produce image signals, and control image displaying devices, powered by an Ethernet socket, and includes a serial communication connection for control signals, eliminating the need for bulky peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If set-top boxes are used to connect image displaying devices to digital computer networks, then connectivity and functionality are achieved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the computer device, network interface, power management, and control signal generation into a single integrated cable assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate set-top boxes while maintaining all necessary functionalities for network connectivity and device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery, transmits control signals, carries data for network connectivity, and generates control signals for the image displaying device. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate hardware components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If set-top boxes are installed for each image displaying device, then personalized user interfaces are enabled, but space usage and visual clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly merges all necessary functionality into a single compact unit that can be connected directly to the image displaying device, eliminating the need for separate set-top boxes that would occupy additional space in the room.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential functionality from bulky set-top boxes and concentrates it into a minimal cable assembly, removing unnecessary hardware while preserving the ability to provide personalized user interfaces through the embedded computer device.
3Reliability
If peripheral equipment such as set-top boxes is used, then network connectivity is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly merges power delivery and network connectivity functions into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate powered equipment. The cable itself becomes the power delivery mechanism through the power lines within the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly serves itself by incorporating power delivery capability within the cable structure, allowing it to power the embedded computer device without requiring external power sources or additional powered peripheral equipment.
4Reliability
If conventional hardware-based solutions are used, then image displaying devices can be connected to networks, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly combines network connectivity, power delivery, and control signal generation into a single plug-and-play solution, eliminating the need for complex hardware configuration and simplifying user interaction to basic cable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded computer device within the cable assembly acts as an intermediary that automatically handles network communication and control signal generation, eliminating the need for users to manually configure hardware settings or interact with complex system configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Cable (200) for connecting an image displaying device (133) to a digital computer network (120), which cable (200) comprises only a first end (201), arranged to receive a digital network signal, and a second end (202), arranged to be connected to the image displaying device (133) and deliver a digital image signal to the image displaying device (133). The invention is characterised in that the cable (200) comprises an integrated general-purpose programmable computer device (203), arranged to execute a piece of cable computer software in turn arranged to read the network signal and produce said image signal using the said network signal, in that the computer device (203) is arranged to be powered by a voltage provided by an ethernet socket (121) to which the first end (201) is arranged to be physically connected or by an image signal receiving socket to which the second end (202) is arranged to be physically connected, in that the cable (200) further comprises a connection (220) for a separate serial communication cable (221), and in that the computer device (203) is arranged to produce control signals for controlling said image displaying device (133) and to provide such signals on said connection (220). The invention also relates to a method.