Video Apparatus Shared HDMI Interface Function Block

Solution Overview

Problem

Video apparatuses with multiple HDMI interfaces face complexity and high costs due to increased functionality, making user connections and settings cumbersome and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A video apparatus with a common interface function block that can be connected to multiple HDMI sections, allowing for function transfer and simplification by disconnecting unnecessary interfaces, thereby reducing the number of required function blocks and minimizing user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video apparatuses are provided with multiple HDMI interfaces to support increased functionality, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality supportVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a single communicating section that can be dynamically assigned to different HDMI input sections. This shared resource approach allows one communicating section to serve multiple HDMI interfaces sequentially, reducing the total number of communicating sections needed while maintaining support for multiple HDMI connections and their associated functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics through the dynamic assignment mechanism where the single communicating section is allocated to different HDMI input sections based on real-time connection status and communication requirements. The system can switch the communicating section between different HDMI interfaces as needed, providing adaptive functionality without requiring dedicated communicating sections for each HDMI input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If video apparatuses are provided with multiple HDMI interfaces to support increased functionality, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality supportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a single communicating section that can be dynamically assigned to different HDMI input sections. This shared resource approach allows one communicating section to serve multiple HDMI interfaces sequentially, reducing the total number of communicating sections needed while maintaining support for multiple HDMI connections and their associated functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple communicating section functions into a single shared communicating section. Instead of having separate communicating sections for each HDMI input, the system merges these functions into one resource that is time-multiplexed across different HDMI interfaces, reducing component count and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple communicating sections are provided for each HDMI interface, then reliability and communication capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics through the dynamic assignment mechanism where the single communicating section is allocated to different HDMI input sections based on real-time connection status and communication requirements. The system can switch the communicating section between different HDMI interfaces as needed, providing adaptive functionality without requiring dedicated communicating sections for each HDMI input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service through the automatic assignment mechanism that monitors HDMI connections and autonomously allocates the communicating section to the appropriate HDMI input section without requiring manual configuration. The system automatically detects connection status and manages the sharing of the communicating section, reducing user burden while maintaining reliable communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8370539B2Video apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 MAXELL LTD

AI summary

A video apparatus includes plural interface sections such as HDMI (Registered Trademark) sections for connection with plural video signal sources, a function transferring section which transfers functions of the interface sections, and one or more function blocks for use in common to the plural interface sections. The functions are assigned to the interface sections such as HDMI sections connected with the video signal sources, via switches for example, to minimize the number of the function blocks to be provided.