Multi-Screen Display Control for Same-Protocol IR Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices struggle to control multiple source devices from the same company separately when connected, as they use the same IR protocol, leading to unintended control of all devices with a single remote.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a processor that transmits IR signals and control signals through HDMI CEC, Ethernet HUB, and switch management to selectively enable or disable the IR function of specific source devices, allowing independent control of each device based on user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a typical integrated remote controller is used to control multiple source devices, then control simplicity is improved, but control precision deteriorates when source devices use the same IR protocol

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system by assigning unique identifiers to each source device and dividing the control process into two stages: first selecting the target device, then executing the control command. This segmentation allows the integrated remote controller to maintain simplicity while achieving precise device-specific control by preventing unintended control of other devices using the same IR protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary identification mechanism that acts as a mediator between the remote controller and source devices. This intermediary layer (device identification and selection process) ensures that control signals are directed to the intended device even when multiple devices use the same IR protocol, thereby maintaining both control simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple source devices from the same company are connected to a display device, then device compatibility is improved, but control reliability deteriorates due to identical IR protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning unique characteristics (identifiers) to each source device while maintaining their common IR protocol compatibility. This allows each device to be individually identifiable and controllable despite using the same protocol, thereby maintaining both device compatibility and control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter space by adding device identification parameters to the existing IR protocol framework. This parameter expansion allows the system to distinguish between multiple devices using the same protocol, ensuring reliable device-specific control while maintaining compatibility across devices from the same company.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If an integrated remote controller transmits IR signals to control source devices, then operational efficiency is improved, but control accuracy deteriorates when multiple devices respond to the same signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by requiring device selection before command execution. The system first identifies and selects the target source device, then transmits the control command. This preliminary selection step ensures that only the intended device responds to the IR signal, maintaining both operational efficiency and control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the display device or system provides confirmation of which source device is currently selected or active. This feedback loop ensures that control signals are directed to the correct device, preventing unintended control while maintaining efficient operation through the integrated remote controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4408002B1Display device and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4408002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4408002B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4408002B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device and a control method therefor are disclosed. The display device may comprise: a display; a transmitting unit for transmitting an IR signal; and a processor for controlling the display to display a multi-screen, on the basis of a plurality of images signals received from a plurality of source devices using the same IR protocol, performing a process for controlling a source device providing a selected image from among the plurality of source devices when a user command for selecting one of a plurality of images included in the multi-screen is received, and transmitting, via the transmitting unit, an IR signal for controlling the source device providing the selected image.