Standby Controller Circuitry for Mute Control in Electronic Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses in standby mode consume excessive power due to the need for constant power supply to control circuits, especially when implementing mute functions, which also increase frame surface area and electricity costs.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a standby controller circuitry that powers only during standby mode, asserting a mute signal to logic and sound controller circuitry to prevent audio output, allowing the apparatus to mute without powering other control circuitry, thus reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the central processing unit is turned on permanently to receive user instructions in standby state, then the user can configure the electronic device in standby state, but the power consumption of the television increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two separate controller circuits: a standby controller circuit that remains powered during standby state to receive user inputs, and a main controller circuit that is powered on only when needed. This segmentation allows the standby controller to handle basic operations independently without requiring the main controller to remain active, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby controller circuit acts as an intermediary between the user and the main controller circuit. It receives and processes user inputs during standby state, then communicates with the main controller when activation is required. This intermediary approach enables user configurability without requiring the main processing unit to remain permanently powered.
2Loss of information
If additional information display module is added to show volume information in standby state, then the user can see the current audio volume, but the frame surface surrounding the television display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing display module, originally designed for displaying visual content during active state, is made multi-functional by using it to display volume information during standby state as well. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated display module for standby information, thereby maintaining information visibility without increasing the frame surface area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sound controller circuitry is powered in standby state to process mute commands, then the mute function can be implemented, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuitry is segmented into a standby controller circuit and a sound controller circuit. The standby controller remains powered during standby state to receive mute commands, while the sound controller is powered down. When activation occurs, the standby controller communicates with the sound controller to implement the mute function. This segmentation enables the mute capability without requiring continuous powering of the sound controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby controller circuit is designed to independently handle the reception and initial processing of mute commands during standby state without requiring the sound controller to be active. It maintains the necessary functionality to process these commands autonomously, then coordinates with the sound controller only when needed, enabling self-service operation that reduces overall power consumption.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for use in an electronic apparatus. The control device comprises standby controller circuitry (3) and sound controller circuitry (5) comprising a sound controller (7). The sound controller outputs a sound signal. The control device includes logic circuitry (9) connected to the standby controller circuitry and the sound controller circuitry. The logic circuitry provides an AND function. The control device is operable in an active state in which the standby controller circuitry, the sound controller circuitry, and the logic circuitry are powered by a power source (11) of the electronic apparatus, and a standby state in which the standby controller circuitry is powered by the power source and the sound controller circuitry and the logic circuitry are not powered by the power source. The standby controller circuitry receives, in standby state, a mute signal and, responsive to the mute signal, asserts a muting control signal to the logic circuitry to cause the logic circuitry to output a disable signal to the sound controller circuitry to prevent the sound controller from outputting a sound signal when entering into active state.