Switching Unit for Selective Power Supply in Image Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently supplying power to external devices connected via different standards, such as HDMI and MHL, especially when the external device's battery is depleted or the apparatus is in standby mode, leading to difficulties in maintaining interactive communication and power transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switching unit within the image processing apparatus that includes a detection circuit and switching circuits to selectively supply power based on the signal state of the connector terminals, allowing power to be transmitted to external devices connected via MHL standards even when the device's battery is depleted or the apparatus is in standby, by utilizing a pull-up and pull-down circuit configuration to manage power flow through specific terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power is supplied to external devices through connector terminals, then power transmission to external devices is enabled, but power supply reliability deteriorates when battery is depleted or apparatus is in standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable through standby mode transitions. The switching unit dynamically adjusts power supply based on the apparatus's operational state (standby vs. active), allowing power to be supplied to external devices when needed while maintaining reliability through state-dependent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the detection circuit that monitors the signal state of connector terminals and provides feedback to the switching unit. This feedback mechanism enables the switching unit to intelligently control power supply based on real-time detection of external device connection status and signal states, ensuring reliable power transmission only when appropriate conditions are met.
2Productivity
If switching unit controls power supply based on signal state, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the switching unit to perform multiple functions: it controls power supply based on signal state detection, manages power distribution efficiency, and operates in conjunction with the detection circuit. This multi-functional design achieves efficient power distribution while consolidating control logic into a single unit rather than requiring separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the detection circuit as an intermediary between the connector terminals and the switching unit. The detection circuit detects signal states and provides this information to the switching unit, which then controls power supply. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by separating detection and control functions while maintaining efficient power distribution.
3Reliability
If power is supplied during standby mode, then external device operation is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the apparatus to transition between standby and active states while controlling power supply accordingly. The switching unit dynamically decides whether to supply power to external devices based on the current operational state, allowing external device operation to continue during standby mode when necessary while preventing continuous power consumption when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit provides feedback about external device connection status and signal states to the switching unit during standby mode. This feedback enables the switching unit to intelligently decide whether to activate power supply, ensuring external device operation continuity only when actually needed rather than continuously, thus optimizing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a chipset unit which processes data; a connector which includes a plurality of terminals, and is configured to connect with a cable so that the chipset unit can transmit and receive a signal to and from an external device; a switching unit which supplies power to the external device through a first terminal of the connector, and selectively controls a switching operation regarding whether or not to supply power to the first terminal on the basis of a signal state of a second terminal of the connector when the cable is connected to the connector. A control method of the image processing apparatus is also disclosed.