Signal Switching Box Unifies Power and Control for Multiple TV Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TV set configurations require multiple set-top boxes with independent power supplies and remote controllers, leading to resource redundancy, complex connections, and high user costs, especially when expanding functionality, as they lack unified standards and efficient digital signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A signal switching box connected between a TV set and multiple signal sources, providing a unified power and control interface through a processing unit and golden finger connectors, enabling modular expansion and standardization for digital TV sources, allowing for simultaneous connection and control of various digital signal sources with a single power supply and remote controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple set-top boxes are connected to the TV set through different interface circuits, then the TV set can receive various digital signals, but each set-top box requires independent power supply and remote controller, leading to resource redundancy and increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple set-top box functions into a single integrated signal switching box that can handle multiple digital signal sources (DVD, DVB, IP TV) simultaneously. The switching box consolidates power supply and control functions, allowing one power adapter to supply power to all signal sources and one remote controller to manage all devices through unified infrared control, thereby eliminating resource redundancy while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The signal switching box is designed as a universal device that can interface with multiple types of signal sources through standardized connections. The single power supply unit can power different types of signal sources, and the single remote controller can control all connected devices, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device type
2Adaptability or versatility
If different interface circuits are used for connecting various set-top boxes, then different digital signal standards can be supported, but the connections become complex and installation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The signal switching box acts as an intermediary device between the TV set and multiple signal sources. It provides standardized interface circuits that can accommodate different signal source types, simplifying the connection process. Instead of directly connecting each signal source to the TV with different interfaces, all connections go through the switching box which handles the interface compatibility, making installation convenient while maintaining broad adaptability
3Ease of operation
If multiple remote controllers are used for controlling different set-top boxes, then each device can be controlled independently, but it becomes inconvenient to store multiple remote controllers and increases user cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of multiple remote controllers into a single remote controller that can control all signal sources through the switching box. The unified remote controller eliminates the need to store and manage multiple separate controllers, reducing quantity while maintaining the ability to control each device independently through software or circuit logic in the switching box
4Adaptability or versatility
If analog signals are transmitted from set-top boxes to the TV set, then compatibility with traditional TV sets is maintained, but the display resolution remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The signal switching box enables parameter change by switching between analog and digital signal transmission modes. When digital signal sources are connected, the switching box transmits digital signals directly to the digital TV set, maintaining high display resolution. The system adapts to different signal types, providing digital signal paths for digital sources to preserve high resolution while maintaining compatibility with analog TV sets through analog signal support
Data Source
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AI summary
A TV set signal switching box is provided. The switching box is connected between a TV set and a plurality of signal sources to enable the signal sources to transmit media signals with the TV set interactively. The signal switching box comprises a first interface and a second interface, the first interface is electrically connected to and communicates interactively with the TV set, and the second interface is electrically connected to a plurality of signal sources and outputs a power supply signal and a control signal to the signal sources.