HDMI DDC Bus Probing for Accurate Media Device State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional media device state detection techniques are becoming unreliable due to inconsistent integration of HDMI features across devices from different manufacturers, making it difficult to accurately determine the operational state of media devices like TVs, especially when they are powered on but not presenting media.
Innovation Solution
A media device state detector monitors the DDC bus of the HDMI port for activity and sends a probe message; if no acknowledgment is received after a threshold duration, the device is deemed off, utilizing a communication collision avoidance algorithm to avoid interference with other devices on the bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HDMI feature detection techniques are used, then device compatibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent integration across manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary probe message mechanism that mediates between the meter and media device to detect operational state. Instead of relying on inconsistent HDMI features, the system sends standardized probe messages through the DDC bus and measures response characteristics (acknowledgment presence, response time) to determine device state, thus resolving the contradiction between compatibility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from relying on HDMI feature integration to measuring DDC bus communication parameters (acknowledgment presence, response time duration). This parameter shift enables consistent measurement across different manufacturers while maintaining broad device compatibility
2Measurement precision
If probe messages are sent frequently to detect device state, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic probe message sending at optimized intervals rather than continuous or frequent messaging. The system balances detection accuracy with time efficiency by sending probes at strategically determined intervals, reducing communication overhead while maintaining reliable state detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary activity detection on the DDC bus before sending probe messages. By checking for ongoing communication activities first, the system avoids unnecessary probes during active transmission periods, thereby reducing wasted time while maintaining detection precision when the device is actually idle
3Reliability
If DDC bus monitoring is implemented to detect device state, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing DDC bus infrastructure, which is a standard component of HDMI ports, to perform dual functions: normal device communication and operational state detection. By making the monitoring system multi-functional and utilizing existing bus architecture, the patent improves reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring approach where the media device itself responds to probe messages with acknowledgments or timing characteristics that reveal its operational state. The device essentially serves its own monitoring function by providing response information that the meter can interpret, reducing the need for complex external monitoring hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to detect an operational state (such as an on/off state) of a media device are disclosed herein. Disclosed example apparatus are to monitor for activity on a first bus of an (HDMI) port of the media device. Disclosed example apparatus are also to inject a message with a first address on the first bus in response to detection of no activity on the first bus for at least a threshold duration. Disclosed example apparatus are further to detect the operational state of the media device based on whether a response to the message is received on the first bus.