Portable Device Slave Mode Interface for Set-Top Box Data Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices without screens, such as digital set-top boxes, cannot display data from other devices due to their autonomous processor control, limiting the use of portable devices with screens for data restitution when the primary screen is unavailable or switched off.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with restitution means, a communication unit, and a processing unit that can receive and process data from another device, allowing it to restore data on its own screen and switch between autonomous and slave modes for data rendering and control, enabling the use of portable devices like mobile phones or remote controls as screens or interfaces for other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a device without a screen (e.g., set-top box) is used, then the device can be simplified in structure and manufacturing, but the device cannot display data from other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device with a processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate autonomously in its normal mode and simultaneously serve as a display interface for external devices in slave mode. This multi-functionality allows the same device to both simplify its own structure by not requiring a built-in screen while maintaining the ability to display data from other devices when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable device with a screen is used for data restitution, then the device can display data, but the device cannot be controlled by another device's processor
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device implements dynamic mode switching between autonomous operation and slave mode operation. In slave mode, the device's processor transitions from controlling its own screen to receiving and executing control commands from an external device, allowing the control system to adapt its behavior based on the operational context while maintaining the ability to display data.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the primary screen is switched off or unavailable, then energy consumption is reduced, but data cannot be displayed on any screen
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the external device and the display function. When the primary screen is off, the portable device can receive data from the external device and display it on its own screen, which can be activated independently. This intermediary role allows data to be displayed through an alternative path without requiring the primary screen to be continuously powered on.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are integrated to achieve functionality, then the system capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device uses its own existing resources (processor, screen, communication interfaces) to serve the additional function of displaying external device data. Rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function, the device leverages its own capabilities to perform multiple roles, reducing the need for additional integrated components and thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device e.g. remote control (106), has a screen (107) for reproducing data e.g. image, and a communication unit for receiving data to be rendered and control the data to be reproduced, where the control is triggered following a cooperation with a set-top box (100). A processing unit processes the received data, and returns the processed data to the screen. A user interface (108) is provided for interacting with a user, where the processing unit receives the data to be reproduced from the set-top box via the communication unit. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for controlling an electronic device (2) a computer program comprising instructions for controlling an electronic device.