IP-Based HDMI Sink Device Control via Centralized Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional HDMI systems, users face inconvenience in switching between multiple source devices connected to a sink device, requiring individual port switching and often experiencing instability with the CEC bus, especially when multiple source devices are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method that enables a control point to discover and manage HDMI devices on an IP network, allowing for the transmission of device and service information, and controlling the connection and disconnection of video and audio streams between source and sink devices through IP address allocation and UPnP protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CEC protocol is used to transmit commands for input port switching, then automatic switching function is provided, but system stability deteriorates due to CEC bus instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that manages multiple source devices and coordinates their connection to the sink device. This control device receives user input, discovers available source devices, and automatically switches input ports through centralized control, thereby reducing direct reliance on the unstable CEC bus while maintaining automatic switching functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple source devices are connected to sink device, then device versatility is improved, but operational complexity increases due to individual port switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple source devices and the sink device into a single control device. This consolidation allows the control device to manage all input port switching operations centrally, eliminating the need for users to individually switch ports on each device while maintaining the ability to connect multiple source devices to the sink device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate remote controls are used for each source device, then device independence is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different source devices and the sink device through a single interface. It can discover, identify, and manage various types of HDMI-connected devices, providing unified remote control capabilities that maintain device independence while significantly improving user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A data transmission and reception method for a sink device which is connected to a plurality of source devices by means of a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: receiving an allocation of an internet protocol (IP) address; transmitting device information about a sink device to a control point through a network; and transmitting service information about a supportable service by the sink device to the control point through the network.