Audio Signal Capture for TV Power State Detection Without HDMI-CEC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home entertainment systems often fail to synchronize the power states of multiple consumer electronic devices, leading to user frustration and control issues due to devices like HDMI switches lacking HDMI-CEC, which cannot determine the power state of TVs when controlled via IR remotes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize audio signal capture to automatically determine the power state of consumer electronic devices by transmitting a reference audio signal, comparing it with a captured signal, and adjusting device states based on similarity thresholds, employing techniques such as cross-correlation, signature analysis, and machine learning to identify powered-on, standby, or powered-off states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HDMI-CEC is used for power state detection, then the system can automatically determine device power states, but devices without HDMI-CEC support (like basic HDMI switches) cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio signal as an intermediary medium to detect device power states. Instead of relying on HDMI-CEC protocol communication between devices, the system plays audio through the target device and uses a microphone to capture the output, thereby inferring the power state. This intermediary approach works with any device that has audio output capability, not just HDMI-CEC compatible devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/protocol-based HDMI-CEC communication system with an acoustic field-based detection system. By substituting the mechanical/electrical signal transmission method with sound wave transmission and capture, the system achieves broader device compatibility while maintaining power state detection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate remotes are used for each device, then each device can be controlled independently, but the user needs to manage multiple remotes and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal remote control system that can control multiple different types of devices through a single interface. The system detects the target device's power state using audio signals and automatically adjusts control actions based on the detected state, providing multi-functional control capabilities in one unified remote application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the audio output from controlled devices to determine their actual power states. This feedback mechanism allows the universal remote to adapt its control commands based on the real-time state of each device, ensuring reliable operation even when devices are in standby or off states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio signal analysis is used for power state detection, then devices without HDMI-CEC can be monitored, but the system requires additional components like microphones and audio processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the audio output capability, which is a universal feature across most consumer electronics devices, to achieve broad compatibility. By leveraging this commonly available function rather than requiring specialized HDMI-CEC hardware, the system expands device support while keeping additional hardware requirements minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own audio output function to generate the detection signal. The target device essentially serves itself by playing back audio that is then captured and analyzed, eliminating the need for external detection hardware attached to the device.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for automatically determining the power state of a consumer electronic device, such as a television. For instance, a switching device may transmit a reference audio signal to a consumer electronic device for playback thereby. An audio signal captured by a microphone is compared to a reference audio signal. If a level of similarity between the captured audio signal and the reference audio signal meet a threshold condition, then a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered on. Otherwise, a determination is made that the consumer electronic device is powered off, in a standby state or muted.