HDMI Audio Volume Setting Through Second-Screen CEC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The HDMI standard only allows for discrete volume control, such as volume up or down, and does not include an instruction for setting a system volume to a specific level, limiting the precision of volume adjustments in HDMI audio systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing mechanisms that use a second screen device to control the volume level of an HDMI audio system through user interface elements like volume sliders or spinners, allowing users to set specific volume levels by sending instructions over the CEC bus, and determining the current system volume to adjust it accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete volume control (volume up/down) is used as per HDMI standard, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision of volume level are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator device (such as a set-top box or audio receiver) that translates discrete HDMI CEC volume commands into precise analog or digital volume adjustments. This intermediary component receives simple volume up/down signals from the remote control and converts them into accurate volume level changes, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and volume precision.
2Device complexity
If discrete volume control is implemented in HDMI standard, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to set specific volume levels is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to volume control by introducing a visual interface element (slider or spinner) on a second screen device. This transforms the one-dimensional discrete volume control into a two-dimensional control system where users can visually select precise volume levels. The visual dimension allows users to set specific volume percentages while the underlying system still uses simple discrete commands, thus increasing versatility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanisms for controlling an audio level of an HDMI audio system are provided, the mechanisms comprising: causing audio data to be presented by an HDMI audio system at a current system volume level; receiving a requested volume level from a second screen device; and controlling a system volume level by: (a) determining the current system volume level; (b) determining a change in volume based on a difference between the requested volume level and the current system volume level; (c) determining a direction in which to cause the system volume level to change; (d) sending a volume control message to the system using a consumer electronic control bus connected to the system indicating whether to increase or decrease the system volume level based on the determined direction of system volume change; and (e) repeating (a)-(d) until the current system volume level reaches a predetermined value.