Audio-Based Power State Detection for HDMI-CEC-Free TVs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of synchronizing the power states of multiple consumer electronic devices in a home entertainment system, particularly when devices lack HDMI-CEC, leading to control failures and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize audio signal analysis to determine the power state of consumer electronic devices by transmitting a reference audio signal, capturing the playback audio, and comparing it to the reference signal to identify if the device is powered on, in standby, or off, using techniques such as cross-correlation, signature-based analysis, and machine learning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HDMI-CEC is used to detect power state, then device control is simplified, but compatibility is reduced since not all devices support it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio signal as an intermediary medium to detect device power state. Instead of relying on HDMI-CEC protocol which requires device support, the system plays audio through the device's speaker and uses a microphone to capture the output signal, thereby indirectly determining whether the device is powered on through audio signal presence and characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/protocol-based HDMI-CEC detection mechanism with an acoustic detection mechanism. By substituting the electronic control protocol with audio signal analysis, the system achieves universal compatibility across devices regardless of HDMI-CEC support while maintaining automated power state detection capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remotes are used to control different devices, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system that can detect and control multiple types of devices through a single interface. The audio-based detection method works across different device types (TVs, sound systems, audio receivers) without requiring device-specific remotes or protocols, enabling one control system to perform multiple device control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects device power states through audio signal analysis without requiring user intervention to manually check each device. The automated detection and synchronization of power states across multiple devices eliminates the need for users to manage multiple remotes or manually verify device states
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio signal analysis is used to detect power state, then device compatibility is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by ambient noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control device plays test audio signals and analyzes the captured audio response. By continuously monitoring the audio signal characteristics and comparing them against expected patterns, the system can accurately determine device power state even in noisy environments, and adjust its detection parameters based on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by playing specific test audio signals before making power state determination. This proactive approach allows the system to actively probe device status rather than passively listening, ensuring that the audio signal being analyzed is indeed from the target device and not ambient noise
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient determination of device power states, facilitating seamless control and reducing user frustration by ensuring synchronized power states across devices.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an audio signal via a microphone while the reference audio signal is played back by the consumer electronic device
Implementation Method 2
comparing the audio signal captured via the microphone to the reference audio signal to determine whether a level of similarity between the audio signal and the reference audio signal meets a threshold condition
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for automatically determining the power state of a consumer electronic device, such as a television. For instance, a switching device may transmit a reference audio signal to a consumer electronic device for playback thereby. An audio signal captured by a microphone is compared to a reference audio signal. If a level of similarity between the captured audio signal and the reference audio signal meet a threshold condition, then a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered on. Otherwise, a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered off, in a standby state or muted.