Video Selection Display Unit for Signal Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic test equipment and home entertainment systems face clutter and connectivity issues due to the need for multiple displays, as 'faceless' instrumentation and devices generate video and audio signals that require separate monitors, leading to increased costs, space requirements, and power consumption, as well as compatibility problems with newer devices.
Innovation Solution
A video selection display unit that routes output signals from multiple instruments or devices to a single monitor, allowing local or remote control via pushbuttons or network, capable of handling various graphics standards and accommodating both video and audio components, with options for blanking the display when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple displays are provided for each instrument providing video output, then each instrument can have its own display, but the number of displays increases leading to increased costs, space requirements, and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple video output signals from different instruments into a single display device. A video distribution unit receives video signals from multiple instruments and routes them to one shared display, eliminating the need for multiple separate displays while maintaining the ability to view outputs from any instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The single display device serves multiple functions by displaying video outputs from any of the connected instruments. The video distribution unit acts as a universal interface that can handle and switch between multiple video sources, making the display system multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single instrument.
2Ease of operation
If multiple displays are provided for each instrument providing video output, then each instrument can have its own display, but the space requirements for instrumentation on the rack increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple display functions into a single physical display device. By merging the video output paths and using one shared display instead of multiple separate displays, the physical space required in the instrumentation rack is significantly reduced.
3Ease of operation
If multiple displays are provided for each instrument providing video output, then each instrument can have its own display, but power consumption increases due to multiple displays requiring power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple video output paths into a single display system. By using one shared display instead of multiple displays, the total power consumption is reduced since only one display device needs to be powered, while still providing video output capability for all connected instruments.
4Ease of operation
If multiple displays are provided for each instrument providing video output, then each instrument can have its own display, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the system by merging multiple video output paths into a single display through a video distribution unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate display devices and their associated connections, controls, and power supplies, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining the ability to display outputs from multiple instruments.
5Adaptability or versatility
If home entertainment devices are connected to a newer television/monitor with limited connections, then connectivity is possible, but the homeowner must continually change connections when each device is used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a video distribution unit as an intermediary device between multiple home entertainment devices and a single television or monitor. This mediator receives video signals from multiple devices and routes them to the display, eliminating the need for manual cable connection changes while maintaining compatibility with various devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Video selection display unit that is capable of routing real-time output signals having a video component from different video signal sources, e.g., different instruments or home entertainment devices, to a single output for display on a monitor or other type of video display. The video selection display unit may be part of an automatic test system or home entertainment system. Control of the video selection display unit can be effected locally via a user interface, such as one or more pushbuttons, and/or remotely over a network which may be the same network used for communication with the instruments or devices or using an infrared remote control unit.