Network Interface Card HDMI 1.4 Upgrade via Hot-Plug Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network apparatuses supporting HDMI 1.3 lack the functionality to enable HDMI Ethernet Channel and Audio Return Channel, hindering their upgrade to support HDMI 1.4.

Innovation Solution

A network interface card and system that includes a receiving unit for capturing a physical address via HDMI, allowing communication and control of network connections with a remote network apparatus, enabling HDMI Ethernet Channel and Audio Return Channel functionality through hot-plug signals and consumer electronics control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If HDMI 1.3 is used in network apparatuses, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but the functionality to enable HDMI Ethernet Channel and Audio Return Channel is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHDMI Ethernet Channel and Audio Return Channel functionalityVSAvoidnetwork apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the HEAC/ARC enabling functionality into an independent network interface card that can be added to existing HDMI 1.3 apparatuses. This segmentation allows the network apparatus to gain HDMI 1.4 capabilities without redesigning the entire system, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity through modular addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a network interface card is added to enable HEAC/ARC functionality, then HDMI 1.4 support is achieved, but the risk of master conflict increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHDMI 1.4 supportVSAvoidmaster conflict risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network interface card implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring the hot-plug signal state and dynamically adjusting its master/slave role assignment. When detecting that another master exists on the HDMI bus, the NIC automatically transitions to slave mode, preventing master conflicts and ensuring reliable operation of HEAC/ARC functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the network interface card is designed as a master device, then network connection initiation is simplified, but functionality loss occurs if the card is broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection initiationVSAvoidfunctionality loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network interface card employs dynamic role assignment, transitioning between master and slave modes based on system conditions. Initially acting as master to simplify connection initiation, it can dynamically switch to slave mode if another master is detected or if the card itself fails, thereby maintaining system reliability and preventing complete functionality loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If hot-plug signals are used for network connection detection, then connection flexibility is improved, but signal interference risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the existing HDMI hot-plug signal as an intermediary carrier for network connection detection rather than creating separate detection signals. This approach leverages the already-present signal infrastructure, improving connection flexibility while minimizing signal interference risks by reusing an established, shielded communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9225543B2Network interface card, network system, and method for building network connections with a remote network apparatus via HDMI

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A network interface card includes a receiving unit and a capturing unit. The receiving unit is used for receiving a first hot-plug signal transmitted from a remote network apparatus via an HDMI. The capturing unit is coupled to the receiving unit, for capturing a physical address of the remote network apparatus via the HDMI. After the physical address of the remote network apparatus is captured by the capturing unit, the network interface card communicates with the remote network apparatus by using the HDMI.