TV Automatic Return to High Definition After Program Guide Demo

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High definition televisions currently cannot automatically switch back to high definition mode after displaying a low definition program guide demo without user intervention, often leaving the TV in low definition mode if the demo is not manually ended.

Innovation Solution

A television system that automatically switches from low definition (1H) mode to high definition (2H) mode after the program guide demo is completed, with optional user control to enable or disable this feature, using means to select and deselect video sources and employ upconversion for video processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the television automatically switches to 1H mode when the program guide is selected, then the program guide can be displayed, but the television remains in 1H mode after the demo is completed without user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoidmode retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by setting a timer when the program guide demo is activated. This timer is predetermined to match the expected duration of the demo. When the timer expires, the system automatically switches back to 2H mode without requiring user intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and mode retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the television displays the program guide demo in 1H mode, then customers can view the guide features, but high-resolution sources cannot be displayed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay mode compatibilityVSAvoidvideo resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The television system dynamically adjusts its display mode based on the active source. When the program guide is selected, the system switches to 1H mode to display the guide. When the program guide is deselected or the timer expires, the system automatically returns to 2H mode for high-resolution display. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different display requirements at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the program guide demo is left running without manual termination, then the television remains accessible for guide viewing, but the television stays in low definition mode indefinitely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedemo display durationVSAvoidautomatic return functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action through a predetermined timer that automatically expires after a set duration. This timer mechanism ensures that the program guide demo runs for a controlled period and then automatically terminates, triggering the switch back to 2H mode. This resolves the contradiction by providing a built-in mechanism that balances extended demo availability with automatic return to high definition mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8743285B2Automatic return to a high-definition mode after guide demonstration

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG

AI summary

A high definition television monitor adapted to display a program guide, for example an electronic program guide demonstration, in low definition mode (1H) and automatically switch to high definition mode (2H) upon completion of the program guide display.