HDMI Switching Device State Signature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of home entertainment systems face complexity in managing multiple audio/video devices connected to a display, requiring manual interaction to change settings and configurations, leading to cumbersome user experiences.
Innovation Solution
An HDMI-based switching device that automatically determines the states of consumer electronic devices connected to it, inferring user intentions and performing actions such as switching ports or sending commands based on detected states, using components like signal detectors, audio/video detectors, and network monitors to determine power, operational, and communication states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual interaction is used to change settings and configurations of multiple A/V devices, then device control functionality is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic device control by having the A/V receiver perform self-determination of device states through monitoring signals and communications from connected devices, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in configuration and setting changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the A/V receiver continuously monitors signals, data, and communications from connected A/V devices to automatically detect state changes and adjust settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to device states without manual input
2Extent of automation
If automatic state determination is implemented using multiple detection components, then user convenience is improved and manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The A/V receiver performs multiple functions including signal detection, data monitoring, communication reception, and state determination within a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple detection and monitoring functions into unified processes within the A/V receiver, merging signal detection, data analysis, and control decision-making into an integrated automated system that reduces component count and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically determining a state signature for consumer electronic device(s) coupled to a switching device and/or other devices communicatively coupled to the consumer electronic device(s). The state signature is indicative of functional state(s) in which the consumer electronic device(s) are in. Such states include a power state, a proximity state, a communication state, and/or an operational state of the consumer electronic device(s). Based on the state signature(s), the switching device may infer which of the consumer electronic device(s) the user would like to use (or is using) and cause action(s) to be performed. Such actions include automatically switching to the AV port(s) to which such consumer electronic device(s) are connected, transmitting command(s) to such consumer electronic device(s), transmitting a notification message to such consumer electronic device(s), etc.