External TV Hardware Upgrade for New Protocol and Codec Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face limitations in connecting to new protocols, decoding advanced content, and adding features due to outdated hardware, with software updates being the primary means of improvement.
Innovation Solution
The technology allows for upgrading display device hardware components using external hardware components, such as add-in cards or sticks, and implementing an API to control existing systems, along with OS upgrades and rerouting of HAL messages to integrate new hardware with the existing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware components are upgraded using external add-in cards or sticks, then adaptability and new features are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary device (external add-in card or stick) that bridges the gap between existing television hardware and new protocols or features. This intermediary contains the necessary processing capabilities and interfaces to handle new content formats while communicating with the existing system through standard interfaces, thus adding adaptability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The external hardware components are designed with multi-functionality, capable of handling multiple protocols and content formats within a single device. This universal approach allows one add-in card to support various new features (4K decoding, HDR, new audio formats) rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity
2Productivity
If external hardware components are integrated with existing systems, then performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The external hardware component is designed to automatically configure and integrate itself with the existing television system upon connection. The device performs self-detection, auto-enables required features, and configures itself without requiring user intervention or complex setup procedures, thereby maintaining ease of operation while delivering performance improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary device acts as a transparent bridge that handles all integration complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user. It manages communication between the existing system and new features automatically, shielding users from technical complexities while enabling enhanced performance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for upgrading one or more display device hardware and/or software components. In one embodiment, as new television hardware and software components become available, the technology described herein allows replacement of original components by external hardware components implemented as an add-in card, stick or equivalent circuitry and operational instructions. In some embodiments, the technology described herein may implement an application programming interface (API) that exposes hardware of a new external device communicatively coupled to the display device (e.g., television) to take control of one or more components of an existing internal system. Various interface technologies, such as HDMI and USB, may be used to connect the external hardware to the internal systems.