HDMI Switch Automatic Device Identification and Port Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HDMI switch configurations require manual identification and mapping of devices, leading to complexity and user frustration due to fixed port configurations and latency issues during port switching, which decreases the overall enjoyment of home entertainment experiences.

Innovation Solution

An automatic identification and mapping system for HDMI devices, utilizing universal input/output ports and advanced techniques such as video fingerprinting, audio signature analysis, and remote control recognition to dynamically configure ports based on device type and connection, eliminating the need for manual port selection and reducing setup time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual device identification and port mapping is used in HDMI switch configurations, then device connectivity is achieved, but user complexity and operation difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device connectionVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI switch automatically performs device identification and port mapping without user intervention. The system extracts device identifiers from HDMI handshake data, video streams, or audio streams, and autonomously creates and updates the device-to-port mapping database, eliminating manual configuration requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-extracts and stores device identifiers during the HDMI connection establishment phase, before user operation is needed. By preparing the device mapping information in advance during the handshake process, the system eliminates the need for users to manually identify and map devices later

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed port configurations are used in HDMI switches, then port functionality is defined, but adaptability to different device connections is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport configuration flexibilityVSAvoidport function reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI switch dynamically reconfigures port functions based on detected device types. The system extracts device identifiers, determines device categories (source, sink, or both), and automatically adjusts port configurations in real-time, allowing ports to transition between input and output roles as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The HDMI switch enables ports to serve multiple functions by dynamically assigning input or output roles based on connected devices. The same physical port can function as an input port when connected to a source device and as an output port when connected to a sink device, eliminating the need for dedicated input/output port designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If port switching is performed manually in HDMI switches, then device selection is achieved, but switching time increases due to latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport switching speedVSAvoidport switching latency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-identifies and stores device identifiers and port mappings during the HDMI connection establishment phase. When a user selects a device, the switch already has the corresponding port information ready, enabling immediate switching without the need for users to physically move cables or manually configure connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors HDMI handshake data, video streams, and audio streams to maintain an updated database of device identifiers and their corresponding ports. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures the system has current information about connected devices, enabling fast and accurate port switching based on user selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3579551B1Automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 CAAVO INC
  • EP3579551B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3579551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3579551B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. A device that is connected to an HDMI switch is identified based on data received over an HDMI connection, and ports on the HDMI switch are automatically mapped and configured. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for back-end database creation for automatic identification and mapping of consumer electronic devices to ports on an HDMI switch. The back-end database may be created by the based on video and audio signatures received from a consumer electronic device and based on remote control information and signatures.