TV Control of AV Amplifier via HDMI-CEC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HDMI-CEC control methods for AV systems require users to manually switch the reproduction sound field of AV amplifiers, which is inefficient and lacks operability, as users need to confirm settings on the AV amplifier's display, not the TV screen, and cannot perform settings like changing speaker levels or woofer settings on the TV screen.
Innovation Solution
A device control apparatus and method that allows a TV to access an application server to control AV amplifier settings via HDMI, enabling remote control of AV amplifier operations, including sound field changes, through a digital interface, using vendor-specific HDMI-CEC commands, without requiring a GUI on the AV amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users control AV amplifier settings directly at the AV amplifier device, then control functionality is available, but user operation becomes complex and inconvenient requiring switching between multiple displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a television receiver as an intermediary device that receives control input from the user and transmits control signals to the AV amplifier through HDMI-CEC protocol. This mediator consolidates the user interface on a single display (TV screen) while maintaining control functionality over the AV amplifier, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple displays and simplifying the control workflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AV amplifier display is used for settings confirmation, then all settings are visible, but user interface capability is limited by the AV amplifier's display
Solution Approach 1:
The television receiver serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary display device for the user interface and the control signal transmitter to the AV amplifier. By leveraging the TV's superior display capabilities, the system provides enhanced user interface versatility including larger screen real estate, higher resolution, and more sophisticated UI elements without adding specialized hardware to the AV amplifier.
3Ease of operation
If HDMI-CEC control is implemented, then device control capability is improved, but control precision for specific operations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first establishing HDMI connection and acquiring the AV amplifier's vendor ID and model information before executing specific control operations. This preliminary phase allows the television receiver to prepare appropriate control commands tailored to the specific AV amplifier model, ensuring precise control for operations like sound field changes and speaker level adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vendor-specific HDMI-CEC commands that allow dynamic adjustment of detailed parameters such as sound field settings, speaker levels, and woofer settings. By changing these specific parameters through standardized HDMI-CEC interfaces, the system achieves precise control over AV amplifier operations while maintaining ease of use through the television's remote control.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a device control apparatus including a transmission signal input/output unit for receiving a signal including a control signal for controlling an internal state from another device or outputting the signal to the other device, an application acquisition unit for properly accessing an application server over a network and properly acquiring the application, a display control unit for controlling a display based on the application acquired by the application acquisition unit, and an operation control unit for executing the application acquired by the application acquisition unit and controlling an operation of the other device connected to the transmission signal input/output unit. The operation control unit permits the other device to transmit its status upon initiation of the execution of the application acquired by the application acquisition unit, and prohibits the other device from transmitting the status upon termination of the application execution.