Remote Control Bridge for HDMI CEC Command Code Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) standard for HDMI devices introduces complications, such as unrecognized custom CEC command codes and limited solutions for command code failures, leading to inefficiencies in remote control operations across interconnected HDMI appliances.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control system that queries HDMI devices for Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) and CEC identifiers, stores command codes, and monitors CEC buses to determine unrecognized command codes, using IR or RF command codes as alternatives when necessary, and builds a database of command codes to enhance compatibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom CEC command codes are created for HDMI appliances, then appliance-specific control functionality is improved, but compatibility with other HDMI appliances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge device that acts as an intermediary between HDMI appliances with custom CEC command codes and other HDMI appliances. The bridge translates custom CEC command codes into standard CEC commands or other compatible control signals, enabling communication between devices with different command code sets while maintaining both appliance-specific functionality and universal compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge device is designed to support multiple CEC command code sets simultaneously, including both standard CEC commands and various custom CEC command codes from different appliance manufacturers. This multi-functional capability allows a single bridge to mediate between multiple different device types, enhancing both adaptability and compatibility
2Ease of operation
If CEC command codes are used for remote control operations, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but solutions for command code failures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge device implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the success of CEC command code execution. When a CEC command fails or receives no response, the bridge detects this through feedback signals from the target appliance and automatically triggers alternative control methods, such as switching to infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) command codes, ensuring continuous operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple backup command code sets (including IR and RF alternatives) alongside the primary CEC commands. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if CEC commands fail, pre-prepared alternative commands are immediately available to maintain control functionality without requiring complex real-time decision-making or additional failure analysis
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple command code sets are supported for different HDMI appliances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge device performs preliminary actions by pre-storing extensive databases of CEC command codes, custom command codes, and alternative control codes for various HDMI appliances during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time code generation or analysis, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different appliance types
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge device creates and maintains copies of command code sets for multiple appliance types in its memory. Instead of generating commands dynamically through complex analysis, the bridge stores pre-captured command code sequences from various appliances and reproduces the appropriate copy when controlling a specific device, simplifying the control mechanism while supporting diverse appliance compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a remote-control system includes querying via a bus a High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) display for an Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) for the HDMI display; receiving via the bus from the HDMI display the EDID for the HDMI display; and storing via a processor in a memory the EDID and a link between the EDID of the HDMI display a set of command codes configured for controlling the HDMI display.