HDMI Sink-Source User-Input Data Transmission via CEC and HEC Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HDMI technologies do not effectively transmit and receive user-input data, such as mouse, multi-touch, and touch-pen inputs, between sink and source devices, lacking a standardized method for determining data processing capabilities and data transmission over HDMI channels.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for transmitting and receiving user-input data via HDMI, involving data processing capability information exchange between sink and source devices using HDMI CEC and HEC channels, with inquiry and activation messages to ensure data transmission compatibility and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HDMI transmits only video/audio signals, then the interface maintains simplicity and high format compatibility, but user-input data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The HDMI interface is extended to support multiple functions: traditional video/audio transmission, control signals via CEC channel, and user-input data transmission via HEC channel. This allows a single interface to handle diverse data types without requiring separate connections, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transmission functionality is segmented into different channels: CEC channel for control signals and HEC channel for user-input data. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall interface simplicity, enabling enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If user-input data is transmitted without capability verification, then data transmission speed increases, but data processing compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sink device performs preliminary capability verification by sending inquiry messages to the source device before transmitting user-input data. The source device responds with capability information indicating which data types it can process. This preliminary action ensures compatibility is established beforehand, allowing efficient transmission without compatibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The source device provides feedback to the sink device about its data processing capabilities through capability information messages. This feedback mechanism allows the sink device to adjust its transmission strategy based on the source device's actual capabilities, ensuring both efficiency and compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If HEC channel is always active, then user-input data transmission is immediately available, but energy consumption and system resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HEC channel transitions from a static always-active state to a dynamic on-demand state. The channel is activated only when the sink device needs to transmit user-input data, determined through capability verification. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation when needed while reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the HEC channel operates periodically based on actual data transmission needs. The sink device initiates capability verification and channel activation only when user-input data transmission is required, creating a periodic activation pattern that balances availability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for transmitting and receiving data using HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) are disclosed. The method, if performed by a source device, includes: receiving a request from a sink device to transmit data processing capability information indicating whether the source device is capable of processing user-input data or not; transmitting the data processing capability information to the sink device; and receiving the user-input data from the sink device.