HDMI CEC Control State Determination for Power Toggle Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing HDMI CEC control protocol for consumer electronics is error-prone when managing complex device connections, leading to unexpected switching operations and failure to activate or deactivate devices as intended, especially when multiple devices are connected, and devices with 'Power toggle' functionality cause issues in reliable control.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using infrared and/or radio signals to control consumer electronics via HDMI, determining the state of devices in the network to adapt commands and prevent unintended power changes, employing CEC data to filter signals and manage 'Power toggle' devices, ensuring accurate state determination and command transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CEC control protocol is used to manage multiple HDMI-connected devices, then device control functionality is enabled, but unexpected switching operations and control errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the current state of target devices before transmitting CEC control commands. This preliminary state check allows the control unit to adapt the command accordingly, preventing unexpected switching operations and ensuring reliable device control in multi-device HDMI setups.
2Ease of operation
If CEC commands are transmitted without checking device state, then control operations are simple and fast, but devices may not be activated or deactivated as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback about the current state of HDMI-connected devices through state determination before command transmission. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust control commands based on actual device states, ensuring devices are activated or deactivated as intended while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If state determination is performed before command transmission, then control reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously determines the state of target devices and automatically adapts control commands based on this information without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach improves control reliability while minimizing the need for additional complex external systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If Power toggle functionality is supported in CEC devices, then device power management flexibility is improved, but control errors occur with unintended power changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary state determination to check whether Power toggle functionality is supported by the target device before transmitting power control commands. Based on this determination, the control unit adapts the command to prevent unintended power changes, ensuring accurate power control while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of controlling or remote controlling consumer electronic devices which are connected to each other via so-called HDMI cables and capable of receiving and/or transmitting CEC control commands. In particular, the invention relates to a method for the reliable control of target devices while simultaneously determining their state.