Video Output Apparatus Function Allocation via Intermediary Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video output apparatuses face difficulties in allowing users to easily allocate functions to definition keys, especially for unaccustomed users, and suffer from lost function associations during initialization, making it hard to recognize and re-allocate functions.

Innovation Solution

The video output apparatus includes a definition operation part where users can allocate functions by displaying an operation image for function allocation settings, allowing users to associate codes with programs, and automatically re-displays this image upon initialization, simplifying the process of re-allocating functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote controller with reallocatable buttons is provided, then users can allocate desired functions to keys, but unaccustomed users find it difficult to allocate functions and re-allocation after initialization is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction allocation flexibilityVSAvoidease of function allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a television set as an intermediary device between the user and the remote controller's definition key. The television set displays a screen showing the current function of the definition key and allows users to select and allocate functions through its interface. This intermediary provides a visual and user-friendly method for function allocation, solving the problem of difficult key re-allocation while maintaining allocation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If function associations are stored in the video output apparatus, then function allocation is maintained, but lost function associations during initialization make it hard to recognize and re-allocate functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction association retentionVSAvoidfunction association loss during initialization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the television set displays the current function of the definition key on its screen. This visual feedback allows users to recognize what function is currently assigned or what function needs to be allocated. After initialization or function loss, the display provides immediate information about the current state, enabling users to easily re-allocate functions without confusion about what has been lost or what needs to be restored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional remote controllers are used, then basic operations are possible, but function allocation requires complex procedures that are difficult for unaccustomed users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable function allocationVSAvoidcomplexity of function allocation procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The television set serves as an intermediary that simplifies the function allocation procedure. Instead of requiring users to navigate complex remote controller menus or perform complicated button sequences, the television displays a user-friendly interface where functions can be selected and allocated through simple steps. This reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining the ability to allocate custom functions to the definition key.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to perform function allocation themselves through the television's display interface without requiring technical knowledge or complex procedures. The visual feedback and simple selection process allow unaccustomed users to independently allocate functions to the definition key, making the customizable feature accessible to all users regardless of their technical proficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3547692B1Video output apparatus and video output method
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3547692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3547692B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3547692B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

Provided is a video output apparatus that facilitates allocation of a function to a definition operation part. The video output apparatus includes an operation device that outputs an operation signal according to an operation, an operation signal processor that receives the operation signal and executes a process, and a storage that stores a plurality of programs and an association between the operation signal and any of the plurality of programs. The operation device includes a definition operation part to which a function achieved by any of the plurality of programs can be allocated, and the plurality of programs includes a function allocation setting program for outputting an operation image for allocating the function to the definition operation part. The storage stores, as an initial association, an association between an operation signal due to an operation on the definition operation part and the function allocation setting program. Upon receipt of the operation signal output from the operation device due to the operation on the definition operation part, the operation signal processor executes the function allocation setting program based on the initial association and outputs the operation image.