HDMI Device Identifier Pairing for Secure Network Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to establish secure and efficient network connections between devices connected via media-only connections, which lack the capability to exchange authentication information or data, posing security risks and limiting data transfer capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A device management server uses a media-only connection to embed network information in device identifiers, enabling devices to establish secure network connections through additional communication links, such as wireless networks, using embedded network information to facilitate pairing and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices use media-only connections (HDMI, etc.) for communication, then media content transmission is enabled, but network connection establishment is blocked due to lack of authentication capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates media content transmission (handled by media-only connection) from network communication (handled by separate network interface). The device identifier is segmented to include both media parameters and embedded network information, allowing independent handling of media and network functions while maintaining their association.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device identifier acts as an intermediary carrier that bridges the media-only connection and network communication. It embeds network information within media metadata, enabling the transfer of network connection data through a channel that would otherwise be incapable of such communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If devices establish network connections without authentication, then connection speed is improved, but security is compromised due to potential malicious connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment speedVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs authentication in advance by embedding verified network information in the device identifier during media connection establishment. This preliminary authentication ensures that subsequent network connections are made only to verified devices, eliminating the need for slow post-connection authentication while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing media connection infrastructure to automatically provide authentication services for network connection. The device identifier self-containedly includes all necessary network information, allowing devices to autonomously establish secure connections without external authentication intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If media connections are used for data exchange, then connection simplicity is improved, but data transfer capability is limited due to protocol restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoiddata transfer capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device identifier serves multiple functions: it carries media parameters for content transmission, embeds network information for connectivity, and provides device identification. This multi-functional approach allows a single data structure to support both simple media connection and versatile network communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to media connection by embedding network information within media metadata. This transforms the media connection from a single-purpose media transmission channel into a dual-purpose channel that also carries network connectivity information, effectively adding functionality without increasing physical connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12477170B2Establishing network connections between devices connected by a media connection

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PROMETHEAN

AI summary

A device management server computer (“server”) has a media-only interface to a device and transmits a device identifier to the device over the interface, the device identifier having embedded network information sufficient to enable the device to establish a separate connection to the server over a communication link such as a wireless network. An application on the device retrieves the device identifier, extracts the network information, and uses the network information to establish the separate connection over the communication link. The device identifier can be part of an EDID provided over an HDMI interface. Instructions transmitted over the separate connection can be used to control transmission of media over the media-only interface.