Terminal Device Configuration Image for Intuitive Display Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display systems require specific operations to activate the image muting function, leading to delayed switching between images, especially during events like meetings where immediate image changes are desired.

Innovation Solution

A program and information storage medium that enable a terminal device to generate and display a configuration designation image, allowing users to intuitively select and switch between image sources, including pattern images like total black or user logo images, by dragging and dropping icons, thereby simplifying the operation and reducing the load on both the terminal and display devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specific operation button is allocated for the image muting function, then the image muting function can be activated, but the operation becomes complex and switching is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage muting function activationVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The existing operation buttons are made multi-functional to serve both their original purposes and the image muting function. When the display device is in image muting state, any operation button input is interpreted as a command to terminate the muting state and restore normal display, eliminating the need for a dedicated muting button

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device automatically detects when it is in image muting state and automatically responds to any button input by restoring the normal display state. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and autonomously executing the state transition without requiring user knowledge of specific commands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a specific operation button is allocated for the image muting function, then the image muting function can be activated, but the switching speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage muting function activationVSAvoidimage switching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The display device continuously monitors and detects its own operating state in real-time, maintaining awareness of whether it is in image muting state or normal display state. This preliminary state detection ensures that when any operation button is pressed, the device can immediately recognize the need to switch states and execute the transition without delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The function of the operation buttons dynamically changes based on the current display state. In normal display state, buttons perform their standard functions; in image muting state, all buttons become 'restore display' commands. This dynamic behavior enables immediate switching without requiring separate dedicated buttons or complex processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If pattern images are generated on the display device side, then the display device has full control, but the terminal device becomes overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay controlVSAvoidterminal device load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pattern image generation function is extracted from the terminal device and implemented directly in the display device. The terminal device simply transmits the command to display pattern images, while the display device's own image generation capabilities are utilized to create the actual pattern images, thereby reducing the processing load on the terminal device while maintaining display control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If pattern images are generated on the terminal device side, then the terminal device has full control, but the display device becomes overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage source controlVSAvoiddisplay device load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A virtual image source mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the terminal device and display device. The terminal device designates a virtual source corresponding to pattern images, and the display device interprets this designation to activate its own internal pattern image generation function. This intermediary approach allows the terminal device to maintain control over image source selection while delegating the actual image generation to the display device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9160994B2Information storage medium, terminal device, display system, and a method for controlling a terminal device

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A terminal device connected with a display device includes: an input unit to which operation information is inputted; an image generating unit which generates a configuration designation image including a position designation area corresponding to a display area of the display device and an icon arrangement area where an icon corresponding to an image that can be designated in relation to the position designation area is arranged; and a setting unit which designates an icon to be arranged in the icon arrangement area in relation to the position designation area, based on the operation information, and thereby sets an image corresponding to the icon as a display image in the display area. The icon includes a first icon corresponding to an image supplied from the terminal device connected with the display device and a second icon corresponding to a predetermined pattern image.