Routing Switcher Soft Media Processor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional signal routing switches require external signal processing devices, leading to inefficiencies such as occupied multiple inputs and outputs, inability to share processing resources, and the need for dedicated hardware and software configurations.

Innovation Solution

Integration of soft media processors within the router switch to perform various signal processing functions, allowing for flexible and parallel processing of audiovisual signals directly within the cross-point matrix, enabling dynamic allocation of processing resources and reducing the need for external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If signal processing is performed outside the routing switcher using external devices, then signal processing functions can be provided, but multiple inputs and outputs are occupied and processing resources cannot be shared

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of inputs and outputs occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines signal processing functions directly within the routing switcher by integrating a processor and memory into the switcher unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate external processing devices and their dedicated input/output connections, thereby reducing the number of occupied ports while maintaining full signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The routing switcher is designed with a universal processor that can perform multiple signal processing functions (noise reduction, effects processing, routing) within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware resources to be dynamically allocated to different processing tasks, enabling resource sharing across multiple signals and destinations without requiring dedicated external processors for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated external signal processing devices are used, then specific signal processing functions can be performed, but hardware and software configurations must be dedicated and cannot be shared

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing functionVSAvoidresource sharing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation within the routing switcher, where the integrated processor can be dynamically configured to perform different signal processing functions as needed. The system can adaptively allocate processing resources to different inputs and destinations in real-time, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes and change functions based on operational requirements, thereby enabling both reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The routing switcher incorporates self-contained processing capabilities with the processor and memory integrated directly into the switcher unit. This self-service architecture eliminates dependency on external dedicated processing devices, allowing the switcher to autonomously perform signal processing functions while dynamically sharing resources among multiple signals without requiring external configuration or dedicated hardware for each processing task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If signal processing is performed outside the routing switcher, then processing can be done, but the configuration is complex and requires multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges signal processing functionality directly into the routing switcher by integrating a processor and memory unit within the same device. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate processing devices and their interconnections, while maintaining full signal processing productivity through the integrated architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2119130B1An apparatus and method for soft media processing within a routing switcher
Publication Date: 2011.04.06 HARRIS CORP
  • EP2119130B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2119130B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2119130B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A routing switcher (200) performs various soft signaling processing within the router using one or more internal soft media processors (240a, 240b) (central processing units) to enable flexible solutions. The routing switcher (200) includes a plurality of inputs (210) and outputs (220) operably connected by a cross-point matrix (201) where the inputs (210) are dynamically coupled to one or more of the outputs (220). The routing switcher (200) also includes a soft media processor (240a, 240b) connected to the cross-point matrix (201) as well as being dynamically coupled between some inputs (210) and outputs (220). The soft media processor (240a, 240b) receives a signal from an input (210) via the cross-point matrix (201) and performs one of at least two signaling processing functions resident on the soft media processor (240a, 240b) and outputs a processed signal from one or more of the routing switcher' s outputs (220).