Smart HDMI Switch CEC Engine Universal Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) standard has not been widely adopted by TVs, limiting its potential for providing universal remote-control capabilities across different devices, as less than 30% of TVs in the market support CEC, despite 100% of Blu-ray players supporting it, resulting in the need for multiple remote controls in hospitality settings like hotels.
Innovation Solution
A smart HDMI switch with a CEC engine that detects Blu-ray players and TVs, automatically switching inputs and deriving control keys to simulate CEC functionality, allowing a single remote control process even for TVs that do not support CEC, using an IR sensor to process standard remote control signals and translate them into CEC pass-through commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CEC standard is implemented in TVs, then universal remote-control capabilities are improved, but device compatibility is worsened because less than 30% of TVs support CEC
Solution Approach 1:
The HDMI switch acts as an intermediary device between the TV and external devices. It includes a CEC engine that generates CEC commands and an IR blaster that translates these commands into infrared signals. This intermediary approach allows the system to work with TVs regardless of their CEC support status, as the HDMI switch handles the protocol translation and command generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The HDMI switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it switches HDMI inputs, generates CEC commands through its CEC engine, and translates these commands into infrared signals via an IR blaster. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide universal remote control capabilities across different TV types and external devices, making the system adaptable to various configurations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional universal remote controls are used, then control of multiple devices is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CEC engine, IR blaster, and HDMI switching functionality into a single HDMI switch device. This merging eliminates the need for separate universal remote controls and simplifies the system architecture. The unified device handles both HDMI signal routing and remote control functionality, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If CEC engine is added to HDMI switch, then automatic input switching is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CEC engine in the HDMI switch enables automatic input switching by monitoring CEC commands from external devices and automatically routing the appropriate input signal. The system serves itself by using the CEC protocol to detect device connections and automatically configure the HDMI switching, eliminating the need for manual input selection and reducing user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to adding a CEC engine into a CEC HDMI Switch used to provide universal remote-control capabilities even on TVs that do not support the CEC protocol.