HDMI CEC Auto Configuration for Digital TV External Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital TVs connected via HDMI cables can only provide basic control functions for external devices, such as input switching and ON/OFF, limiting the ability to set specific region functions and language settings automatically.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using the HDMI CEC protocol to detect and control external devices connected to a digital TV, allowing for automatic setting of specific region functions and user-set languages, enabling more advanced control and subtitle settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic HDMI control protocol is used for external device connection, then device compatibility is improved, but control functionality is limited to basic operations only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the TV controller perform multiple functions: it not only controls basic HDMI operations but also automatically configures region functions and language settings for external devices. The controller acts as a universal management unit that handles both standard HDMI control and advanced device-specific configurations through a single integrated system.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used for region functions and language settings, then setting precision is improved, but operation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the TV controller automatically detect the external device and pre-configure region functions and language settings before the user needs to use the device. The controller proactively retrieves device information, determines appropriate settings, and applies configurations automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust these parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the TV and external devices to automatically exchange and configure settings without user intervention. The TV controller autonomously detects connected devices, queries their capabilities, and configures region and language settings based on device information, allowing the system to service itself rather than requiring manual user configuration.
3Ease of operation
If automatic device detection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the device detection, information retrieval, and configuration functions into a single integrated TV controller. Rather than requiring separate components for each function, the controller consolidates these tasks, managing device detection, region function setup, and language configuration through one unified system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for automatically setting an external device (100) connected to a digital television (200). The specific region function and user language function are automatically set and controlled in the external device (100) based on data set in the TV using the HDMI CEC protocol. In addition, when a digital versatile disc (DVD) is played, a subtitle is automatically set to the user-set language set in the external device (100). Therefore, there is no need to perform a separate DVD language setting. Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of external devices (HDMI equipment) are connected to the TV in a multi-connection manner, they are automatically set in a CEC operation. Therefore, when a plurality of external devices are installed or released, specific functions do not need to be set one by one for each of the external devices.