HDMI Audio Routing via Selective Connector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing devices with multiple HDMI connectors face usability issues when outputting audio signals, as users must manually reconnect devices to select the correct HDMI connector for ARC audio output, leading to potential sound duplication and decreased usability.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device with multiple HDMI connectors that includes an audio separation unit, an output connector selection unit, and a control unit to selectively output audio signals to specific HDMI connectors based on predetermined conditions, allowing for flexible audio signal routing and preventing unnecessary audio output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are output to all HDMI connectors, then all connected devices can receive audio, but sound duplication occurs and usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling audio output selectively at specific HDMI connectors rather than uniformly across all connectors. The control unit determines which connector should receive audio signals based on device connection information, allowing different connectors to have different audio output capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by providing audio output where needed (maintaining versatility) while preventing sound duplication at other connectors (improving usability).
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually reconnect devices to select the correct HDMI connector, then audio output can be directed to the desired device, but operation complexity increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the information processing device to automatically determine and select the appropriate HDMI connector for audio output without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously analyzes connection information from external devices and directs audio signals to the correct connector, eliminating the need for users to manually reconnect devices. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining audio output selection capability (versatility) while removing the time-consuming manual reconnection process (reducing time loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring connection information from external devices connected to HDMI connectors. The control unit receives feedback about which devices are connected and automatically adjusts audio output routing based on this information. This allows the system to adaptively select the correct connector without user input, resolving the contradiction between audio output selection capability and connection setup time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HDMI connectors are provided, then connection flexibility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a unified control mechanism that manages audio output across multiple HDMI connectors through a single control unit. Rather than requiring separate control logic for each connector, the control unit universally handles connection information from all connectors and makes centralized audio routing decisions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining connector flexibility (multiple HDMI ports) while reducing control complexity (centralized decision-making).
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device is provided with plural HDMI connectors through which an audio signal is supplied to the other information processing device. The device allows selection of an audio signal supply destination. The audio signal supply is requested, and the audio signal is supplied to the specified information processing device in the requested arriving order. The information processing device of a specific type is determined as a priority device which is preferentially selected to receive the audio signal. If the information processing device of specific type is determined as the priority device, and supply of the audio signal therefrom is requested, the audio signal is supplied to the priority device by terminating the audio signal supply to the other information processing device. The audio signal may be supplied to plural supply destinations.