HDMI Bidirectional Control via Segmented Data Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing HDMI communication interface is inadequate for high-speed control information transmission due to its low transmission speed and unsuitable data structure, which limits quick control of operating states between interconnected electronic equipment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a communication unit within electronic equipment that performs bidirectional communication using predetermined lines in the HDMI transmission line to transmit and receive control information, enabling quick control of the operating state of connected equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CEC standard is used for control information transmission over HDMI, then bidirectional communication between equipment is enabled, but transmission speed is limited to approximately 400 bps which is insufficient for high-speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HDMI interface into two independent communication channels: the existing CEC line for reliable bidirectional control signaling, and a separate high-speed data line (utilizing unused HDMI pins) for rapid data transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between reliable bidirectional communication and high transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a high-speed data line as an intermediary channel that works in conjunction with the CEC standard. This intermediary provides the high-speed transmission capability needed for rapid control operations, while the CEC line maintains its role for reliable bidirectional communication, thus resolving the speed limitation without compromising communication reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CEC data structure is used for control information, then compatibility with existing HDMI equipment is maintained, but data structure is limited to 16-byte units which is unsuitable for complex control information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission function into two parts: CEC protocol for maintaining compatibility with existing equipment, and a new high-speed data protocol for transmitting complex control information. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support both simple compatibility scenarios and complex control scenarios without requiring a complete overhaul of the HDMI standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the HDMI interface universal by enabling it to handle both traditional CEC control commands and new high-speed data transmission requirements. The dual-channel approach allows the same physical interface to serve multiple functions: legacy equipment compatibility through CEC and advanced control through the high-speed data line, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing HDMI interface is used for control information transmission, then no additional hardware is required, but transmission speed and data structure are insufficient for quick control of operating states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the existing HDMI interface with additional communication capabilities by utilizing unused pins and resources within the same physical connection. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high-speed control transmission without requiring separate cables or additional hardware connections, thus resolving the contradiction between hardware simplicity and transmission performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic equipment and methods for permitting quick control of the operating state of a source equipment side from sink equipment. A television receiver (sink equipment) 100 and an amplifier (repeater equipment) 200 are interconnected over an HDMI cable 610, and the amplifier 200 and a DVD recorder (source equipment) 300 are interconnected over an HDMI cable 620. Each of the pieces of equipment includes, in addition to an HDMI receiving unit and an HDMI transmitting unit, a high-speed data line I/F included in a bidirectional communication unit that uses predetermined lines of the HDMI cable. The bidirectional communication unit is used to transmit channel selection information, a remote control code instructing recording, “theater mode” designating information, a remote control code, or the like from the television receiver 100 to the audio amplifier 200 or DVD recorder 300.