HDMI CEC Address Expansion via Virtual Address Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The HDMI CEC standard limits the number of player devices that can be assigned logical addresses to three, leading to issues where more than three devices connected to a TV via HDMI cables are unable to acquire addresses, resulting in one device being kicked out of the CEC connection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to assign virtual addresses to devices exceeding the CEC logical addressing limits by disabling the CEC line for existing devices and assigning the third playback device logical address to additional devices, allowing more than three player or recording devices to be connected by using either a TV or an HDMI switch to manage the addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the HDMI CEC standard is used to control audio-video devices, then device control capability is provided, but the number of player devices that can be assigned logical addresses is limited to three
Solution Approach 1:
An HDMI switch is introduced as an intermediary device between the TV and multiple player devices. The switch manages CEC communication by acting as a mediator that can disable CEC lines for existing devices and assign virtual addresses to additional devices, enabling more than three player devices to connect to the TV through the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual addresses as an additional dimension beyond the traditional CEC logical addresses. By assigning virtual addresses to player devices in addition to their CEC logical addresses, the system can uniquely identify and communicate with more than three devices, effectively expanding the addressing capacity without changing the physical connection topology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more than three player devices are connected to a TV via HDMI cables, then device connectivity is improved, but devices exceeding the address limit are kicked out of the CEC connection
Solution Approach 1:
The HDMI switch serves as a mediator that protects existing CEC connections while accommodating additional devices. By disabling CEC lines for existing devices and managing address assignments through the switch, the system maintains reliable CEC connections for all devices without kicking any device out, even when more than three player devices are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by assigning virtual addresses to devices before they need to communicate with the TV. The HDMI switch pre-manages the address assignment process, ensuring that when devices connect, they receive appropriate addresses without conflict, preventing connection failures and maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual addresses are assigned to expand CEC addressing capacity, then more devices can be connected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HDMI switch consolidates address management complexity into a single intermediary device. Rather than requiring each device to manage virtual addresses independently, the switch handles the address assignment, disabling, and mapping operations, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling expanded device connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The HDMI switch performs self-service by automatically managing virtual address assignments and CEC line disabling without requiring manual configuration from users or complex coordination between multiple devices. The switch autonomously handles the address management tasks, reducing the operational complexity burden on the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating HDMI ports. An HDMI port controller assigns virtual addresses when the maximum number of HDMI CEC addresses is exceeded and CEC logical addresses are duplicated with only one HDMI port corresponding to device having a CEC logical address having its port enabled at any given time. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.