Multiplexing Image Data Across Display Units

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image display systems require multiple sets of image processing devices and memory circuits to display different images on multiple display devices, leading to increased system scale and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An image display system with a read unit, destination specifying unit, divided-period setting unit, and synthesis unit that multiplexes image data across multiple display units during specific periods, eliminating the need for multiple sets of image processing and memory circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of image processing devices and memory circuits are used to display different images on multiple display devices, then the display capability is improved, but the system scale and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidsystem scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple image processing functions into a single image processing device. The device includes a memory circuit that stores image data for multiple display devices, a synthesis circuit that synthesizes image data, and a distribution circuit that distributes synthesized image data to multiple display devices. This consolidation allows one device to perform the work of multiple separate devices, reducing system scale while maintaining the ability to display different images on multiple displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple display devices simultaneously. The memory circuit can store image data for different display devices, the synthesis circuit can process image data for various displays, and the distribution circuit can route image data to any combination of display devices. This multi-functional design enables a single device to adapt to different display configurations without requiring separate dedicated devices for each display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of image processing devices and memory circuits are used to display different images on multiple display devices, then the display capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple image processing functions into a single image processing device. The device includes a memory circuit that stores image data for multiple display devices, a synthesis circuit that synthesizes image data, and a distribution circuit that distributes synthesized image data to multiple display devices. This consolidation allows one device to perform the work of multiple separate devices, reducing system scale while maintaining the ability to display different images on multiple displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple display devices simultaneously. The memory circuit can store image data for different display devices, the synthesis circuit can process image data for various displays, and the distribution circuit can route image data to any combination of display devices. This multi-functional design enables a single device to adapt to different display configurations without requiring separate dedicated devices for each display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7663660B2Image display system and image processing device

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 SOCIONEXT INC

AI summary

A read unit reads a plurality of pieces of image data from an image storing unit for output, respectively. A destination specifying unit specifies image display units to be display destinations of the image data from the read unit. A divided-period setting unit divides a unit display period of the image display units to a plurality (2) of divided periods to correspond to the image display units. In each divided period, a synthesis unit synthesizes, for sequential outputs, the image data from the read units according to the display destination specified by the destination specifying unit in order to multiplex the image data to be displayed on each of the image display units. A separating unit separates, in every divided period of the unit display period, the synthesized image data for output to the image display units corresponding to the respective divided periods.