HDMI CEC Error Detection Using Register and FIFO Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Some source devices in HDMI systems fail to properly identify signals from sink devices due to different protocols, leading to incomplete or absent audio/video output despite receiving proper signals.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a CEC driver that identifies CEC errors by comparing results from a transmission state register and FIFO count register, providing troubleshooting information to users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If source devices use different protocol implementations of HDMI standard, then device compatibility and versatility are improved, but signal identification reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsignal identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sink device sends CEC commands to source devices and monitors their responses. By analyzing whether source devices properly respond to CEC commands (such as power on/off, volume control, etc.), the system can identify which devices have protocol implementation issues. This feedback loop enables the sink device to detect and report CEC errors to users, resolving the contradiction by maintaining protocol diversity while improving signal identification reliability through active monitoring and error reporting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If CEC error identification and analysis functions are added to the sink device, then user service quality and troubleshooting capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting capabilityVSAvoidprocessing circuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the sink device to autonomously perform CEC error identification and analysis without requiring external intervention or complex user diagnostics. The processing circuitry automatically monitors CEC command responses from source devices, identifies errors based on predefined criteria, and presents troubleshooting information to users. This self-service approach improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for users to manually diagnose CEC issues, while the automation of these functions prevents excessive increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If real-time CEC monitoring and error analysis are implemented, then system reliability and user experience are improved, but energy consumption and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCEC communication reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic CEC monitoring where the sink device sends CEC commands to source devices at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The processing circuitry monitors CEC communication status periodically, analyzing responses to commands such as power state changes, volume adjustments, and device identification. This periodic action maintains CEC communication reliability by regularly detecting errors, while reducing energy consumption and processing load compared to continuous monitoring. The system can adjust monitoring frequency based on system state and error history.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12563177B2Electronic device and operating method therof
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12563177B2 patent drawing
  • US12563177B2 patent drawing
  • US12563177B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are an electronic device and an operating method thereof. The operating method of the electronic device configured to communicate with one or more source devices through a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) includes identifying a consumer electronics control (CEC) error corresponding to one or more source devices based on CEC communication status between the electronic device and the one or more source devices, analyzing the identified CEC error corresponding to the one or more source devices, and providing a troubleshooting information to a user of the electronic device regarding the identified CEC error corresponding to the one or more source devices.