Reproduction Device Communication Path Control for Reliable Source Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reproduction devices preferentially use the communication path established last, leading to issues where data may not be supplied from sources connected via other paths, resulting in incomplete content reproduction when switching between sources.
Innovation Solution
A reproduction device with a communication-path control unit that invalidates the communication path of the source before switching and establishes communication via the path corresponding to the new source, ensuring data is supplied reliably after switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reproduction device uses the communication path established last preferentially, then the newest communication path can be utilized, but data cannot be supplied from sources connected via other paths when switching sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication path selection by introducing a communication path management unit that actively monitors and controls the selection of communication paths based on current reproduction needs. When source switching is detected, the system dynamically invalidates the previously active communication path and establishes a new one corresponding to the switched source, ensuring data supply reliability adapts to changing source configurations rather than statically preferring the last-established path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the communication path management unit, which detects source switching operations and responds by adjusting communication path validity states. The system receives feedback about source switching from the reproduction unit and communicates with communication paths to invalidate or activate specific paths accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures the correct communication path is active for the current source being reproduced
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication paths are established simultaneously, then multiple sources can be connected, but the system cannot switch between sources reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path management by introducing distinct control mechanisms for different communication paths. The communication path management unit maintains separate validity states for each communication path and can independently activate or invalidate specific paths based on source switching operations. This segmentation allows multiple communication paths to coexist without interference, enabling reliable source switching while maintaining multi-source connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path management unit serves as an intermediary between the reproduction unit and multiple communication paths. It mediates the interaction by receiving source switching instructions, determining which communication path should be active, and communicating validity state changes to the appropriate communication paths. This intermediary layer simplifies source switching operations by abstracting the complexity of managing multiple simultaneous communication paths
Data Source
AI summary
A reproduction device includes a reproduction unit, communication paths, and a communication-path control unit. The reproduction unit is configured to be able to alternatively reproduce content items supplied from sources. The communication paths respectively correspond to the sources. The reproduction unit is connected to the sources via the respective communication paths. The communication-path control unit invalidates, when receiving an instruction to switch to the source having content to be reproduced by the reproduction unit, communication via the communication path corresponding to the source before the switching among the communication paths.