`
`mci
`Patentamt
`European
`Patent Office
`destrevet
`
`"
`
`(12)
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`MANIA
`EP 2 692 118 B1
`
`(11)
`
`EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
`
`(45) Date of publication and mention
`of the grant of the patent:
`08.05.2019 Bulletin 2019/19
`
`(51) Int Cl:
`HOAL 29/12 (2006.97)
`HOAL 29/10 (2006.01)
`GOGF 3/14 (2006.01)
`HO4L 12110 200600)
`HO4L 12/12 (2006.01)
`G09G 5/00 (2006.97)
`HO4N 5/775 (2908.01)
`HOAL 12/28 (200.00
`(21) Application number: 12762781.8
`HO4N 21/4363 (2011.01)=HO4N 21/442 (2011.91)
`
`(22) Dateoffiling: 30.03.2012
`
`(86—
`
`International application number:
`PCT/US2012/031463
`
`International publication number:
`WO 2012/135626 (04.10.2012 Gazette 2012/40)
`
`
`(87—
`
`(64) METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSITIONING AN AUDIO/VIDEO DEVICE
`BETWEEN A SOURCE ANDA SINK MODE
`
`VERFAHREN, VORRICHTUNG UND SYSTEM FUR DEN UBERGANG EINER
`AUDIO/VIDEO-VORRICHTUNG ZWISCHEN EINEM QUELL- UND EINEM SENKMODUS
`
`PROCEDE, APPAREIL ET SYSTEME POUR FAIRE TRANSITER UN DISPOSITIF AUDIO/VIDEO
`ENTRE UN MODE DE SOURCE ET UN MODE DE COLLECTE
`
`
`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB
`GR HR HU IE IS IT LILT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO
`PL PT RO RS SE SISK SMTR
`
`(30) Priority: 31.03.2011 US 201161470431 P
`29.03.2012 US 201213434273
`
`(43) Date of publication of application:
`05.02.2014 Bulletin 2014/06
`
`(73) Proprietor: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
`Portland, OR 97204 (US)
`
`(72) Inventors:
`¢ MAXWELL, Conrad, Arlo
`Herriman, UT 84096 (US)
`¢ DAVIES, Lance
`Loveland, CO 80537 (US)
`
`« JONES, Graeme, P.
`Tampa, FL 33606 (US)
`* MARKS, Glenn, L.
`Corona, CA 92882 (US)
`* REGALADO-HAWKEY, Jonathan
`Woolston
`Southhampton $019 9DF (GB)
`¢ RUDEL, Christian
`31515 Wunstork (DE)
`
`(74) Representative: Viering, Jentschura & Partner
`mbB
`Patent- und Rechtsanwalte
`Am Brauhaus 8
`01099 Dresden (DE)
`
`(56) Referencescited:
`JP-A- 2009 060 204
`US-A1- 2008 270635
`US-A1- 2009 083 825
`
`US-A1- 2008 205 306
`US-A1- 2009 046 690
`US-A1- 2010 131 782
`
`EP2692118B1
`
`
`
`Note: Within nine monthsof the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent
`Bulletin, any person maygive notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the
`Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been
`paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).
`
`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
`
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`EP 2 692 118 B1
`
`Description
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Application Serial Number 61/470,431, filed March 31, 2011,
`entitled "METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A BIDIRECTIONAL OPERATING MODE TO Ex-
`CHANGE AUDIO/VIDEO CONTENT".
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Technical Field
`
`[0002] Embodiments relate generally to techniques for exchanging audio/video information. More particularly, certain
`embodiments provide techniquesfor controlling an audio/video device to selectively receive or send audio/video infor-
`mation.
`
`2. Background Art
`
`[0003] The size of computers and other audio/video (AV) capable electronic devices continue to scale with successive
`improvements in integrated circuit (IC) fabrication techniques. Consequently, there is a general trend toward a wider
`variety of AV devices, notably smaller AV devices, implementing functionality to support higher throughput and/or higher
`quality of AV information.
`[0004] Certain conventional AV devices include a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connectoror other such
`hardware for coupling to some other device, where the AV device operates as a source to provide AV information to the
`other device via the connector. Typical examples of conventional AV sources include a camcorder, digital camera,
`personal computer(e.g. tablet, notebook,
`laptop, desktop and/or the like), smart phone, video game console, DVD
`player, digital video recorder (DVR), set-top box, plug-in storage peripheral or other such device which is capable of
`sending AV information to some other device.
`[0005] Other conventional AV devices operate as a sink to receive AV information from another device via such
`coupling hardware. Typical examples of conventional AV sinks include a television, monitor, display, home theater
`receiver, personal computer, projector or other such device which is capable of receiving AV information from some AV
`source. US 2009/0 046 690 A1 disclosesa bidirectional high-speed digital interface transceiver which, by selectively
`coupling a multiplexer to a transmitter or to a receiver, can act as a source device or a sink device. JP 2009 060 204 A
`discloses an audio/video device which can be used as sourceor sink.
`
`[0006] One consequenceof the current trends in AV technology is smaller and/or higher-capacity AV devices placing
`an increasing premium on the area which is taken up by multiple AV connectors. Another consequenceof current trends
`is the increasing variety of combinations of AV devices which maybe coupled to one another to exchange AV information.
`Due to such consequences, systems which exchange AVinformation between electronic devices are increasingly prone
`to inefficiencies in how such devices are to couple to and communicate with one another.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0007] The various embodimentsof the present invention areillustrated by way of example, and not by wayoflimitation,
`in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:
`
`FIG. 1 is ablock diagram showing elements of asystem for exchanging audio/video data according to an embodiment.
`
`FIG. 2A is a flow diagram showing elements of a method for controlling an audio/video device according to an
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 2B is a flow diagram showing elements of a method for controlling an audio/video device according to an
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing elements of a connector for exchanging audio/video data according to an
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 4A is a flow diagram showing elements of a method for controlling an audio/video device according to an
`embodiment.
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`FIG. 4B is a flow diagram showing elements of a method for controlling an audio/video device according to an
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing elements of an audio/video device according to an embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0008] Embodiments discussed herein variously make, use or otherwise provide circuit logic to selectively control an
`audio/video (or "AV") device for operation at different times in various onesof a plurality of operation modes. The plurality
`of operation modes mayinclude whatis referred to herein as an "AV Sink" operation mode, for the AV device (also
`referred to herein as simply "device") to be a sink for receiving AV information from another AV device via a connector,
`and whatis referred to herein as an "AV Source" operation mode, for the AV device to be a source for providing AV
`information to another AV device via the same connector. In an embodiment, the AV device includes the connector. In
`an alternate embodiment, the AV device mayoperate ina system which includes the connector - e.g. where the connector
`is to couple the system with some external device for an exchange of AV information.
`[0009] As used herein, “audio/video” or "AV" refers to the characteristic of relating to either audio content or video
`content, or relating to both audio content and video content. For example, AV information may include some orall of
`audio data and/or control information and video data and/or control information. In an embodiment, an AV device may,
`in addition to exchanging AV information with another device, be operable to render audio content and/or video content
`for a user, although certain embodiments are notlimited in this regard.
`[0010] An AV device according to an embodimentincludes communication logic to exchange AV data according to
`some interface standard. By wayofillustration and not limitation, such communication logic may exchange AV data via
`a connector which is compatible with one or more of an HDMI standard such as the HDMI 1.4 standard released May
`28, 2009 by HDMI Licensing, LLC of Sunnyvale, CA, a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) standard such as the MHL
`1.0 specification released June 30, 2010 by the MHL Consortium of Sunnyvale, CA, a Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
`standard such as the DVI 1.0 standard released April 02, 1999 by the Digital Display Working Group of Vancouver, WA,
`a DisplayPort standard such as the DisplayPort 1.2 standard released December 22, 2009 by the Video Electronics
`Standards Association of Newark, CA and/or the like.
`[0011]
`In an embodiment, such communication logic may implement communications which, at different times, are
`compatible with different interface standards, where all such communications are via the same connector. For example,
`communication logic may include first logic to detect the presence of, and communicate with, an HDMI device and
`second logic to detect the presence of, and communicate with, an HDMI device, where the respective detection and
`communication functionalities of the first logic and second logic do not conflict with or otherwise impede the other. Such
`communication logic may, for example, be referred to as "MHL-ready HDM!," "HDMI/MHL"and/or the like. Features of
`various embodiments are discussed herein in the context of exchanging AV information according to an HDMI interface
`standard. However, such discussion may be extended to apply to any of a variety of additional or alternative interface
`standards for exchanging AV data, according to different embodiments.
`[0012] Certain embodiments variously provide that, from either or both of a device power up and a device reset, an
`AV device will, by default, return to or otherwise be in a Sink mode. While in this mode such an AV device may then
`determine by stimulus and response or measurement means described herein thatit is connected to an AV Sink device,
`in which caseit maysafely transition to an AV Source operation mode. In an embodiment, the AV device maytranslate
`back to AV Sink operation mode in responseto an indication of a change in connectivity to the AV Sink device.
`[0013]
`FIG. 1 illustrates elements of asystem 100 for exchanging AV information according to an embodiment. System
`100 mayinclude a first device 110 comprising AV logic 112 to variously implement AV communications between first
`device 110 and one or more other devices. One embodiment may, for example, be implemented entirely within AV logic
`112. Another embodiment maybe implementedbyfirst device 110 as a whole. Still another embodiment may be imple-
`mented by system 100 as a whole. Any of a variety of other embodiments maybe alternatively implemented according
`to techniques discussedherein.
`[0014]
`In an embodiment, first device 110 includes functionality of one or more of conventional AV source devices
`and/or functionality of one or more conventional AV sink devices. By wayofillustration and notlimitation, first device
`110 may include functionality of one or more devices including, but not limited to, a personal computer (e.g. tablet,
`notebook, laptop, desktop and/orthe like), camcorder, smart phone, video game console, television, monitor, display,
`set-top box, home theater receiver and/orthe like.
`[0015]
`First device 110 mayinclude a connector 114, coupled via one or more signal lines to AV logic 112, to variously
`connectfirst device 110 to some other device of system 100 for an exchange of AV information. Connector 114 may
`include a plurality of channels, such as pins and/or other interconnect hardware, which are compatible with a particular
`AVinterface standard - e.g. an HDMI standard.
`[0016]
`in an illustrative embodiment, connector 114 may, at some point in time, couple first device 110 via an inter-
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`EP 2 692 118 B1
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`connect 122 to a second device 120 of system 100 - e.g. for an exchange 124 of AV information from second device
`120 to first device 110. The particular direction of exchange 124 is notlimiting on certain embodiments, and may
`alternatively be in the opposite direction, where first device 110 operates as the AV Source and second device 120
`operates as the AV Sink. Accordingly, second device 120 may, for example, include both logic (not shown) to implement
`conventional AV Sourcefunctionality or conventional AV Sink functionality. In another embodiment, second device 120
`may include logic to variously provide both AV Source functionality and AV Sink functionality according to techniques
`described herein.
`
`[0017] Certain embodiments variously mitigate at least one problem which might otherwisearisesif two conventional
`AV devices are coupled to one another when those two devices are concurrently configured each for respective operation
`as an AV Source. Such connecting of AV Source devices to one anothercan risk damage to transmission hardwarein
`either or both devices. For example, the two devices may attempt to drive power in opposite directions in the same
`power supply voltage channel of a connector. Alternatively, or in addition, two such devices mayattemptto drive data
`signals in opposite directions via the same data channel of the connector. Such AV Source devices mayrisk driving any
`of a variety of other signals - e.g. hot plug detect signals, clock signals and/or the like - against one another each on
`some common respective channel of a connector.
`[0018] AV logic 112 maylimit the risk of the resulting damage in system 100 by providing a control mechanism to
`selectively prevent one or more aspects of AV Source functionality from being provided during operation offirst device
`110. By wayofillustration and not limitation, AV logic 112 may selectively transition itself between a plurality of operation
`modes which includes an AV Source operation mode and an AV Sink operation mode. The AV Source operation mode
`maybe for AV logic 112 to provide a particular signal to connection 114 - e.g. a supply voltage, a digital data signal
`and/or thelike. Additionally or alternatively, the AV Source operation mode maybefor AV logic 112 to provide a particular
`amount of impedance - e.g. pull-up impedance, pull-down impedance and/or the like - for a signal line coupled to a
`channel of connection 114.
`
`In an embodiment, control logic (not shown) of AV logic 112 selects oneof the plurality of operation modesin
`[0019]
`responseto an indication of a particular type of event at first device 110. Whether and/or how AVlogic 112 might transition
`between operation modes may be based, for example, on whether the indicated event is a power-up event, a power-
`down event a reset event, and/orthe like.
`[0020] Whether and/or how AVlogic 112 might transition between operation modes maybe additionally or alternatively
`based on an event which detects a particular characteristic (or absence of said characteristic) regarding connectivity
`between connector 114 and second device 120. By wayofillustration and notlimitation, such a characteristic may include
`whether(or not) some second device 120 is providing a supply voltage at a particular channel of connector 114. For
`example, connector 114 may be compatible with an interface standard which stipulates that an AV Sourceis to provide
`a supply voltage to its corresponding AV Sink - e.g. the +5V output to be provided from Source to Sink according to
`HDMI, as on pin 18 of a 19-pin HDMI connector.
`[0021] Additionally or alternatively, such a characteristic may include whether(or not) second device 120 is providing
`to connector 114 a hot plug detect (HPD) signal. For example, connector 114 may be compatible with an interface
`standard which stipulates that an AV Sink is to indicate its presence with a HPD signal to its corresponding AV Source
`- e.g. the HPD signal to be provided from Sink to Source according to HDMI, as on pin 19 of a 19-pin HDMI connector.
`[0022] Additionally or alternatively, such a characteristic may include whether(or not) second device 120 is providing
`a clock signal to connector 114. For example, connector 114 may be compatible with an interface standard which
`stipulates that an AV Sourceis to provide a clock signal to an AV Sink - e.g. the DDC_SCL signal to be provided from
`Source to Sink according to HDMI, as on pin 15 of a 19-pin HDMI connector.
`[0023] Additionally or alternatively, such a characteristic may include whether(or not) a particular amount of impedance
`is being provided by second device 120 for a channel of connector 114. For example, connector 114 may be compatible
`with an interface standard which stipulates that a particular pull-up impedanceis to be implemented at an AV Sink - e.g.
`a 47kQ pull-up resistance which HDMI requires be provided at an AV Sink for a SDAline (e.g. pin 16 of a 19-pin HDMI
`connector).
`[0024]
`In an embodiment, the functionality of AV logic 112 allows connector 114 to be variously coupled, decoupled
`and/or recoupled at different times to one or more devices, while limiting a risk of damage to hardware in system 100.
`By wayofillustration and notlimitation, connector 114 may at some point in time be decoupled from second device 120
`and subsequently coupled via an interconnect 132 to some third device 130 - e.g. for an exchange 134 of AV information
`to third device 130 from first device 110. The particular direction of exchange 134is notlimiting on certain embodiments,
`any mayalternatively be in the opposite direction, where first device 110 operates as the AV Sink and third device 130
`operates as the AV Source. In an embodiment, third device 130 is simply second device 120 - e.g. where second device
`120 is decoupled from and subsequently recoupledto first device 110 and/or wherefirst device 110 and second device
`120 switch AV Sink and AV Sourcerolesfor different AV information exchanges.
`[0025] As shown in the discussion herein, AV logic 112 may protect various circuitry of system 100 for different
`successive couplings offirst device 110 each to a respective device and/or for successive different AV information
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`exchanges each between first device 110 and a respective device.
`[0026]
`FIG. 2Aillustrates elements of a method 200 for controlling operation of an AV device according to an embod-
`iment. An AV device controlled by performing method 200 may, for example, be a device including someor all of the
`featuresoffirst device 110. In one embodiment, an AV device controlled by performing method 200 may merely include
`some orall of the features of AV logic 112 - e.g. without also including other featuresoffirst device 110 such as connector
`114. Features of various embodiments are discussed herein in terms of performing method 200 to control AV logic 112
`within first device 110. However, such discussion may be extended to apply to any of a variety of additional or alternative
`AV hardware, consistent with the techniques disclosed herein.
`[0027]
`Inanembcdiment, the AV device includes communication logic comprising circuitry to operateatdifferent times
`in different onesof a plurality of operation modes whichinclude an AV Source operation mode and an AV Sink operation
`mode. The AV Sink operation mode may, for example, be for the communication logic to receive AV data provided to
`the AV device via a connector- e.g. via connector 114. The AV Sink operation mode mayfurther be for the communication
`logic to receive power fromafirst supply voltage provided via a channel of the connector. By contrast, the AV Source
`operation mode may be for the communication logic to send AV data from the AV device, where the AV data is sent
`through the connector. The AV Source operation mode mayfurther be for the communication logic to provide a second
`supply voltage at the channel of the connector. In an embodiment, a level of the first supply voltage is equal to a level
`of the second supply voltage.
`[0028]
`In an embodiment, method 200 includes, at 210, detecting an indication of one of a power up eventat the AV
`device, a power downevent at the device or a reset event at the AV device. The detecting at 210 may, for example,
`include control circuitry of AV logic 112 directly or indirectly detecting an indication sent from some agent included in or
`otherwise accessible to AV logic 112. By wayofillustration and notlimitation, first device 110 may include a power
`management unit, a host processor or other agent which sends to AV logic 112 a signal specifying, for example, that
`first device 110 is going through, has gone through, or is expected to go through a boot up or boot down operation, or
`otherwiseto transition to or from an operative power state. In an embodiment,transitioning to or from such an operative
`power state mayinclude transitioning betweena first powerstate in which AV logic 112 is incapable of exchanging AV
`information via connector 114 and a second power state in which AV logic 112 is capable of exchanging AV information
`via connector 114. Alternatively or in addition, AV logic 112 may include detector logic to evaluate power state of AV
`jagic 112 and/or of other componentsoffirst device 110.
`[0029] Thedetecting at 210 may additionally or alternatively include control circuitry of AV logic 112 directly or indirectly
`detecting a signal from some agent, included in or otherwise accessible to AV logic 112, the signal specifying or otherwise
`indicating that AV logic 112 or some other component offirst device 110 have been, are being, or are expected to be
`reset. Such a reset may flush some current state of circuit logic in favor of some predetermined baseline configuration.
`Areset may, for example, return some or all offirst device 110 to a predetermined configuration without powering down
`first device 110.
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`Inresponseto the indication detected at 210, method 200 may,at 220, automatically initialize communication
`[0030]
`logic of the AV device. By wayofillustration and notlimitation, control logic of AV logic 112 may automatically place the
`communication logic of AV logic 112 into a default operation mode which prevents the second supply voltage from being
`provided by the communication logic at the channel of the connector. In an embodiment, the default operation modeis
`the AV Sink operation mode. In an embodiment, the AV Source operation mode is further for the communication logic
`40
`of the AV device to provideafirst total amount of impedancefor a data channel of the connector. In such an embodiment,
`the default operation mode mayprevent the first total amount of impedance for the data channel from being provided
`by the communication logic.
`[0031]
`FIG. 2B illustrates elements of a method 250 for controlling operation of an AV device according to an embod-
`iment. An AV device controlled by performing method 250 may, for example, be a device having some orall of the
`features of a device controlled by method 200. Method 250 may,for example, be performed after method 200 - although
`certain embodiments are notlimited in this regard. Features of various embodiments are discussed herein in terms of
`performing method 250 to control AV logic 112 within first device 110. However, such discussion may be extended to
`apply to any of a variety of additional or alternative AV hardware, consistent with the techniques disclosed herein.
`[0032] Method 250 mayinclude, at 260, detecting a characteristic regarding a connectivity of the AV device to another
`device via a connector - e.g. connector 114. For example, detector logic of AV logic 112 may detect connectivity to the
`other device via the connector - e.g. the detecting while the communication logic of the AV device is in the default
`operation mode of method 200. Additionally or alternatively, such detector logic of AV logic 112 may detect a change
`ina state of connectivity to the other device via the connector. The detecting the characteristic at 260 may, for example,
`include detecting an indication that the other deviceis providing the first supply voltage discussed with regard to method
`200. Alternatively or in addition, the detecting at 260 may include detecting that the other device is providing to the
`connector a hot plug detect (HPD) signal, a clock signal and/or any of a variety combinations of ane or more other
`signals. Alternatively or in addition, the detecting at 260 mayinclude evaluating an impedanceof a signal line which
`couples the other device to the connector.
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`In responseto detecting the characteristic at 260, method 200 may, at 270, automatically place the communi-
`[0033]
`cation logic of the AV device into some first operation mode which prevents a providing of the second supply voltage
`referred to in the discussion of method 200. The first operation mode may, for example, be the default operation mode
`of method 200, although certain embodimentsare notlimited in this regard. In placing the AV deviceinto the first operation
`mode, method 250 maylimit the possibility of circuit damage due to conflicting output signals from two coupled AV
`devices, each device attempting to operate as an AV Source.
`[0034]
`FIG. 3illustrates select elements of a connector 300 for exchanging AV information according to an embodiment.
`Connector 300 mayinclude someor all of the features of connector 114, for example. The illustrative connector 300 is
`a 19-channel (e.g. 19-pin) connector which is compatible with an HDMI interface standard, although certain embodiments
`are notlimited in this regard. Connector 300 may support AV information exchanges by any of a variety of other types
`of interconnect hardware- ¢.g. a connector including more, fewer, or alternative channels to those shown in FIG. 3 -
`where communication via such a connector is consistent with techniques discussed herein.
`[0035]
`The illustrative connector 300 includes interconnect hardware to support transition-minimized differential sig-
`naling (TMDS) in HDMI communication. More particularly, the respective functions of the channels in connector 300
`may be assigned according to HDMI 1.4 or some other HDMI interface standard - e.g. as follows:
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`TMDS Data2+
`Channel 1
`TMDS Data2 Shield
`Channel 2
`TMDS Data2-
`Channel 3
`TMDS Data1+
`Channel 4
`TMDS Data’1 Shield
`Channel 5
`TMDS Data1-
`Channel 6
`TMDS Data0+
`Channel 7
`TMDS Data Shield
`Channel 8
`TMDS Data0-
`Channel 9
`TMDS Clock+
`Channel 10
`=TMDS Clock Shield
`Channel 11
`Channel 12=TMDS Clock-
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`Channel 13
`Channel 14.
`Channel 15
`Channel 16
`Channel 17
`Channel 18
`
`ConsumerElectronics Control (CEC)
`~=HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) Data
`System Clock Line (SCL)- 12C Serial Clock for Display Data Channel (DDC)
`System Data (SDA)- |2C Serial Data Line for DDC
`DDC/CEC/HEC Ground
`+5 V Power
`
`Channel 19
`
`~=Hot Plug Detect (HPD) and/or HEC Data+
`
`Potential conflict may result when two connected AV devices concurrently attempt to drive respective supply voltages
`and/or other signals according to the same function assignments for connector 300.
`[0036]
`In an embodiment, an AV deviceincluding or coupled to connector 300 may implement techniques to reduce
`the likelihood of such conflict - e.g. techniques including some or all of the features discussed with respect to method
`200 and/or method 250. By wayofillustration and notlimitation, control logic of such an AV device may provide that
`after some event - e.g. from one or more of a powerup event, a power down event and a reset event - communication
`logic of the AV device will operate in an AV Source operation mode only after certain connectivity conditions are sub-
`sequently identified. For example, the control logic may configure the AV device after/during powerup - or before/during
`a powerdown- for a default operation mode in which a functionality required for operation as an AV Sourceis disabled.
`For instance, the disabled functionality may be required for operation as an AV Source device according to the conditions
`of HDMI or some otherinterface standard.
`
`[0037] Alternatively or in addition, the control logic may configure the AV device for an AV Sink operation modein
`responseto detecting a change of a characteristic regarding connectivity between the AV devices. For example, the AV
`device maybesetto, or return to, some default AV Sink operation mode in responseto an indication of a loss or absence
`at connector 300 of a supply voltage, an indication of a loss or absence of a HPD signal, an indication of a signal line
`pull-up impedance implemented by any other connected AV device, and/or an indication of a clock signal provided by
`any other connected AV device. Anyof a variety of additional or alternative detected conditions may determine whether
`and/or how the AV device maybe configured- or reconfigured- for operation in such a default mode. In one embodiment,
`the default operating mode is a SINK mode of HDMI in which the AV device is capable of operation as an AV Sink.
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`EP 2 692 118 B1
`
`In an embodiment, control logic of an AV device may implement a state machine or other mechanism for
`[0038]
`transitioning the communication logic between operation modes including SINK mode and SOURCE mode. By way of
`illustration and not limitation, the AV device may default its communication logic to SINK mode in responseto (or during)
`a powerup of the AV device (or in responseto, or during, a power down of the AV device), and/or inresponseto detecting
`that a connectivity characteristic with another AV device is absent or has changed. The AV device mayvariously transition
`between SINK mode and SOURCE mode, depending on one or more connectivity characteristics detected for connector
`300. Such connectivity characteristics may include, but are not limited to, whether a +5V voltage is provided by another
`AV device through connector 300, and/or whether one or moresignals or other connectivity characteristics (e.g. HPD,
`DDC pull ups, TDMS termination, etc.) indicate presence or absenceof functionality of some other connected AV device
`as an operable Sink or operable Source.
`[0039]
`FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate select elements of methods 400a, 400b, respectively, for controlling operation of an
`AV device according to an embodiment. An AV device controlled by performing either or both of methods 400a, 400b
`may, for example, be a device including some or all of the featuresof first device 110. In one embodiment, the AV device
`controlled by performing either or both of methods 400a, 400b may merely include some or all of the features of AV logic
`112 - e.g. without also including other features offirst device 110 such as connector 114. Methods 400a, 400b may
`include some or all of the features discussed herein with respect to methods 200, 250, although certain embodiments
`are notlimited in this regard.
`[0040]
`FIG. 4A and 4B are discussed herein with respectto features which are specific to HDMI interface requirements.
`However, such discussion may be extended to apply to requirements of any of a variety of additional or alternative
`interface standards for communicating AV information. For example, various additional or alternative test conditions
`(e.g. different delays, resistance values, signal outputs, test conditions, etc.) may be used, according to different em-
`bodiments, for determining whether and/or how one or more operation mode transitions of an AV device are to take place.
`[0041] Method 400a may, at 405, initialize the AV device to SINK mode by default in responseto an indication of a
`reset event, a power-on event or a power-off event. The initializing at 405 may, for example, include disabling one or
`more of a +5V HDMI output (channel 18), HPD output (pin 19), some or all DDC outputs (pins 15 and/or 16), and
`respective 1.8K pull-up resistors for such DDC outputs. Theinitializing at 405 mayfurther includeinitializing extended
`display identification data (EDID) functionality of the AV device in preparation for identifying capabilities to any other
`device coupled via the connector - e.g. connector 114. After the initializing at 405, method 400 may, at 410, provide
`some delay - e.g. 100ms - for a high-value pull-down resistor to discharge the +5V HDMI output. However, such delay
`maynot be required, in certain embodiments.
`[0042] After delay at 410, method 400 maytest for some indication that another device is coupled to the AV device
`being c