Sink Apparatus Function Block Control for Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As multimedia devices become more complex, they experience increased power consumption, especially when function blocks are active but not in use, leading to unnecessary energy usage due to the inability to determine the operation state and reduce power accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A sink apparatus and source apparatus system that transmits specification information and function block control signals via HDMI, allowing for the selective turning on or off of function blocks based on content type, such as turning off video blocks during audio content playback to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple function blocks are activated to provide various digital functions, then the functionality and versatility of the electronic device is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of function blocks by continuously monitoring content type and operational state, activating or deactivating specific function blocks in real-time based on current requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain necessary functionality while minimizing power consumption when certain functions are not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by selectively managing the operational state of individual function blocks rather than the entire system. Each function block can be independently activated or deactivated based on its specific relevance to the current content type, allowing precise control over power consumption for each functional component.
2Speed
If function blocks remain in running state to ensure immediate availability, then the response time and readiness are improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading or pre-positioning function blocks in a state that allows rapid activation when needed, while maintaining them in a low-power state during idle periods. The system anticipates potential needs based on content type and prepares appropriate function blocks without keeping them fully active, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining quick response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by continuously monitoring the operational state and content type, and periodically adjusting the activation state of function blocks. This periodic assessment allows the system to switch between active and inactive states efficiently, ensuring quick response when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system activates all function blocks to handle any content type, then the adaptability to different content types is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary activations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operational parameters of function blocks based on content type detection. When audio content is detected, video-related function blocks are deactivated; when video content is detected, audio-only function blocks may be deactivated. This parameter-based control allows the system to maintain adaptability to different content types while optimizing power consumption by activating only the necessary function blocks for each content type.
Data Source
AI summary
A sink apparatus, a source apparatus, a function block control system incorporating the sink and source, and related methods are provided. The source apparatus may be configured to analyze specification information related to and from the sink apparatus, generate a function block control signal for the sink apparatus based on the analyzed specification information and output properties of content to be transmitted, and transmit the generated function block control signal and the content to the sink apparatus. The sink apparatus may be configured to receive the function block control signal and content from the source apparatus, selectively turn on or off at least one function block from a plurality of function blocks according to the received function block control signal, and output the received content using at least one of the plurality of function blocks that remain on.