Shared HDMI Port Role Detection for Source Sink Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with both HDMI source and sink functions require separate ports, increasing component and manufacturing costs, and are impractical for devices with limited size or surface area.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that shares an HDMI port between source and sink functions by detecting the attached device's role and enabling the corresponding function, eliminating the need for dedicated ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two dedicated HDMI ports are provided (one for source function, one for sink function), then the electronic device can simultaneously support both HDMI source and sink functions, but the component cost and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHDMI source and sink function supportVSAvoidcomponent cost and manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI port is designed to serve dual purposes by detecting the role of the connected external device and automatically switching between source and sink functions. The port structure includes both a transmitter unit and receiver unit that can be selectively activated based on whether an external device is identified as a source or sink, allowing one physical port to replace what would traditionally require two separate ports

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device automatically detects the role of the connected external device through role detection circuitry and autonomously switches its HDMI port function accordingly. The system includes a detecting unit that identifies whether the external device is a source or sink, and a control unit that automatically enables the appropriate function (sink or source) without requiring manual user configuration or intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If two dedicated HDMI ports are provided (one for source function, one for sink function), then the electronic device can simultaneously support both HDMI source and sink functions, but the device size and surface area requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHDMI source and sink function supportVSAvoiddevice surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The HDMI port is designed to serve dual purposes by detecting the role of the connected external device and automatically switching between source and sink functions. The port structure includes both a transmitter unit and receiver unit that can be selectively activated based on whether an external device is identified as a source or sink, allowing one physical port to replace what would traditionally require two separate ports

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter unit and receiver unit are integrated into a single HDMI port structure, combining what would traditionally be two separate physical ports into one. The sharing mechanism allows the same physical interface to be dynamically allocated for either source or sink function based on the connected device's role

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a single HDMI port is shared between source and sink functions without role detection, then the device size is reduced, but the device may be damaged due to incorrect function activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice surface areaVSAvoiddevice safety and reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device automatically detects the role of the connected external device through role detection circuitry and autonomously switches its HDMI port function accordingly. The system includes a detecting unit that identifies whether the external device is a source or sink, and a control unit that automatically enables the appropriate function (sink or source) without requiring manual user configuration or intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the detecting unit continuously monitors the connected device's role and provides information to the control unit, which then adjusts the HDMI port function accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the port operates in the correct mode (source or sink) based on real-time detection of the external device's characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8966306B2System and method for operating an electronic device having an HDMI port that is shared between HDMI source function and an HDMI sink function of the electronic device

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 NXP BV

AI summary

A system and method for operating an electronic device having a High-Definition Multimedia Interface port that is shared between an HDMI source function and an HDMI sink function of the electronic device utilizes detecting whether an external HDMI device that is attached to the HDMI port is one of an HDMI source and an HDMI sink. If the external HDMI device is detected as being an HDMI source, the HDMI sink function of the electronic device is enabled. If the external HDMI device is detected as being an HDMI sink, the HDMI source function of the electronic device is enabled.