HDMI Relay Device Power Supply via Sink CEC Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HDMI systems do not provide power supply to relay devices connected between sink and source devices, limiting the convenience and functionality of video transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
A system is implemented where the sink device supplies power to the relay device upon request, using a specific message structure and protocol to manage power distribution between the source, sink, and relay devices, allowing for efficient power management and long-distance video signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply is not provided to relay devices, then the system structure remains simple, but the relay device cannot operate and voltage drops occur during long-distance transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The HDMI cable is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits video signals and simultaneously provides power supply to relay devices. The power supply lines within the HDMI cable enable the cable itself to act as both a signal transmission medium and a power distribution channel, eliminating the need for separate power sources at relay devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The HDMI cable acts as an intermediary that not only transmits video signals but also delivers power from the source device to relay devices positioned along the transmission path. This mediator approach allows the cable to support intermediate power requirements without adding external power infrastructure.
2Length of stationary object
If relay devices are connected for long-distance transmission, then transmission distance is extended, but voltage drops cause erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
Power is supplied to relay devices in advance through the HDMI cable before video signal transmission occurs. This preliminary power delivery ensures that relay devices are fully operational and at ready state before they need to process or forward video signals, preventing operation errors during actual transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply to relay devices is maintained continuously through the HDMI cable throughout the video transmission process. This continuous power delivery ensures that relay devices remain operational without interruption or voltage drops, maintaining reliable performance over extended transmission distances.
3Ease of operation
If power supply protocol is implemented, then power can be delivered to relay devices, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply protocol is merged with the existing HDMI communication framework. By integrating power management functions into the already-established HDMI communication channels and protocols, the system achieves power delivery capability without requiring entirely new communication infrastructure, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If no power supply is provided to relay devices, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The HDMI cable and communication protocol are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: video signal transmission, power delivery to relay devices, and device control. This multi-functionality enhances the adaptability and versatility of the transmission system, allowing it to support various configurations including long-distance transmission with intermediate relay devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system for supplying a power from a sink device to a source device. Not only the source device but also a cable or a repeater device to be connected thereto has compatibility in power supply. A physical address obtained from information of an EDID memory forms a base of CEC message exchange, but a physical address of the cable or repeater device is overlapped with the source device or unknown. The cable or a repeater device uses changes the type of a message while using the same physical address as the source device or use such a message having the physical address information of the source device is described in a parameter of the message using the unknown physical address. The message having a supply or reception current for each device described therein is exchanged with the sink device or the source device to adjust current reception.