PAIRING COMPUTER SYSTEMS WITH CONFERENCING SYSTEMS USING A VIDEO INTERFACE

A conferencing system includes a computer system coupled to a base station via a first connection. The computer system receives display identification data associated with the base station via the first connection. The computer system uses the received information to determine connectivity information associated with the base station. Also, the computer system connects to the base station via a second connection using the determined connectivity information. The computer system and the base station communicate data (e.g., video data, etc.) using the first connection or the second connection. The first connection can be based on video interface technology. For example, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) technology, DisplayPort technology, any other video interface technology with capabilities for information that is the same as or similar to enhanced extended display identification data (E-EDID information) or DisplayID information, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Application No. 201631029985, filed Sep. 1, 2016, the contents of which is included in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

The inventive concepts relate generally to communication systems, and more particularly to pairing a base station with computer system using a video interface.

BACKGROUND

Conferencing systems, such as audio conferencing systems, video conferencing systems, or multimedia conferencing systems, facilitate meetings between at least two participants that are remotely located to one another. Some conferencing systems include a base station at each participant's location to enable communication.

A base station can be an endpoint or a multipoint control unit (MCU). An endpoint is a terminal that contains hardware, software, or a combination thereof and is capable of providing real-time, two-way audio/visual/data communication with another endpoint or an MCU over a network. An MCU manages conferences between multiple endpoints. In some cases, an MCU may be embedded in an endpoint so that the device acts as both an endpoint and an MCU. A base station may communicate with other communication systems (e.g., one or more components of conferencing systems located at other sites, etc.) over conventional circuit or packet switched networks, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or the Internet. A base station can also communicate with peripherals coupled to the base station. These peripherals include input/output (I/O) devices, such as a microphone, a display device, a speaker, a haptic output device, etc.

Some base stations are capable of receiving content (e.g., graphics, presentations, documents, still images, moving images, live video, etc.) from computer systems via video interfaces. In this way, a participant of a conference can couple a computer system to a base station via a video interface in order to present data stored on the computing device to other participants of the conference. Common video interfaces are the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Video Graphics Array (VGA) interface. HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC. Normally, coupling a computer system to a base station via HDMI is performed for passing content from the computer system to the base station. For this example, the base station merely presents the content via an output device (e.g., a display device, a speaker, etc.) coupled to the base station.

In at least one scenario, a computer system wirelessly controls a base station. Here, a conferencing system uses a computer system that is within a predetermined vicinity of the base station as a peripheral of a base station. The computer system includes hardware, software, or a combination thereof (e.g., a software application, dedicated circuitry, a combination of software and dedicated circuitry, etc.) that enables wireless control of the base station.

In some situations, establishing wireless control of the base station requires the computer system to first establish a conference with other remotely located computing devices capable of audio/video communication independent of a base station. In this initial arrangement, the computer system communicates audio and/or video with the other remotely located computing devices without using any base station. To use the base station, the computer system wirelessly pairs with the near-end base station after the conference with the other remotely located computing devices is established. Here, the computer system transfers the conference to the near-end base station after successful pairing. Following the transfer, the near-end base station takes over conferencing functions—for example, receiving far-end audio and/or video from the other remotely located computing devices, and sending the received audio and/or video to I/O devices (e.g., a display device, a speaker, etc.) associated with the near-end base station.

Wirelessly pairing the base station with the computer system may require the computer system to decode the base station's internet protocol (IP) address from an ultrasonic beacon that is output by the base station's loudspeaker and received by the computer system's microphone. Using the decoded IP address, the computer system establishes a wireless connection with the base station. Such a technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,896,651 entitled “Portable Devices as Videoconferencing Peripherals,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Even though this technique allows for wireless control of the base station, many pieces must be provided (e.g., an ultrasonic system, a wireless system, etc.). Also, several user operations may be required (e.g., inputting pairing codes for authentication or authorization of devices before the control is established, etc.).

SUMMARY

A conferencing system according to the present invention includes a computer system coupled to a base station via a first connection. The computer system receives display identification data associated with the base station through the first connection. The computer system uses the received information to determine connectivity information associated with the base station. Also, the computer system connects to the base station via a second connection using the determined connectivity information. The computer system and the base station communicate data (e.g., video data, etc.) using the first connection or the second connection. For some embodiments, the computer system controls the base station by communicating commands to the base station via the first connection or the second connection. The first connection can be based on video interface technology. For example, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) technology (which includes enhanced extended display identification data (E-EDID information)), DisplayPort technology (which includes DisplayID information), any other video interface technology with capabilities for information that is the same as or similar to E-EDID or DisplayID information, etc. The display identification data that is communicated via the first connection includes E-EDID information, DisplayID information, or any other data structure with capabilities that are the same as or similar to E-EDID or DisplayID information. The second connection can include at least one network connection. DisplayPort technology is a digital interface developed, certified, and promoted by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). DisplayPort and DisplayID are trademarks of VESA.

Other features or advantages attributable to the inventive concepts described herein will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One issue to consider when a computer system controls a base station is how to reduce the amount of user interaction required to achieve the control. Embodiments described herein provide a solution that assists with reducing or eliminating this issue. For example, at least one embodiment described herein enables a computer system to control a base station and to provide content to the base station. For this example, the control is performed using one or more network connections based on information provided via a video link and the content is provided via the video link or the network connection(s). For this example, the video link can be based on an HDMI technology that can communicate E-EDID information (e.g., an HDMI cable, etc.), a DisplayPort technology that can communicate DisplayID information (e.g., a DisplayPort cable. etc.), or any similar video interface technology with capabilities for information that is similar to or the same as E-EDID information or DisplayID information. For brevity, E-EDID information, DisplayID information, and any other type of information that is similar to or the same as E-EDID or DisplayID information is referred to throughout this document as “display identification data.” As shown in this example, the video link communicatively couples the computer system and the base station. This example can assist with providing an amount of user interaction that is less than the amount required to achieve control of the base station via an ultrasonic beacon. For another example, the control is performed over the video link and the content is provided via the video link or the network connection(s).

Referring toFIG. 1, a conferencing system10includes a near-end base station100, one or more computer systems50, a network134, and a far-end30. The system10can be used for any type of conferencing, including audio, video, and/or multimedia conferencing (e.g., a virtual meeting, etc.). Thus, the system10enables participants49to conduct a conference with other remotely located participants on the far-end30over the network134. The far-end30is represented as a single entity, but it should be appreciated that the far-end30includes one or more remotely located base stations for facilitating the conference between the participants49and the other participants (not shown) that are remotely located away from the participants49.

The near-end base station100can include an audio interface120, a video interface140, an HDMI receiving (Rx) unit191, one or more processing units110, memory180, and a network interface130. For one embodiment, the base station100includes (or is coupled to) a loudspeaker122and one or more microphones124. The loudspeaker122and the microphone(s)124are coupled to the audio interface120for outputting and capturing audio, respectively. Additional acoustic devices may optionally be in the present system10(e.g., a microphone pod, ceiling microphones, other acoustic devices, etc.). For another embodiment, the base station100includes (or is coupled to) a display device142and a camera144. The display device142and the camera144are coupled to the video interface140for outputting and capturing images, respectively. Images can be still images, video, etc. In some instances, the audio interface120and the video interface140are merged, such as the use of an HDMI output to a television acting as the video and audio output.

For one embodiment, the base station100includes an HDMI receiving (Rx) unit191and one or more processing units110. Each of the HDMI Rx unit191and the processing unit(s)110is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For one embodiment, the base station100(e.g., the HDMI Rx unit191and/or the processing unit(s)110, etc.) includes electronic circuitry, such as (but not limited to) central processing unit (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), other integrated circuits (ICs), and/or other electronic circuits that execute code to implement one or more operations associated with the HDMI Rx unit191and/or the processing unit(s)110, as described herein. For one embodiment, the base station100includes memory180for storing such code. In this situation, execution of the stored code by the electronic circuitry in the base station100causes the circuitry to perform operations associated with the HDMI Rx unit191and/or the processing unit(s)110as described herein. For one embodiment, the memory180is a machine-readable medium that includes any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., the base station100, etc.). A machine-readable medium, therefore, includes any non-transitory storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., the base station100). Examples include, but are not limited to, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, and flash memory.

The HDMI Rx unit191enables a computer system50to provide content to the base station100and to receive information for controlling the base station100. The control of the base station100can be performed using commands communicated either through a network connection or through a video link52. For one embodiment, the video link52communicatively couples a computer system50with the base station100. More details about the HDMI Rx unit191are described below in connection withFIGS. 3-5B.

The processing unit(s)110include an audio and/or video (AV) processing logic/module113, an Rx control unit logic/module193, and an Rx content logic/module194. The AV processing logic/module113includes an audio codec112and a video codec114. The codecs112and114can be coupled to the interfaces120and140, respectively. The codecs112and114are for encoding and decoding audio and video, respectively. Sound captured by the microphone124and images (e.g., video, moving images, still images, etc.) captured by the camera144are respectively provided to the codecs112and114for encoding. The network interface130receives the encoded audio and video from the codecs112and114and communicates the encoded audio and video via the network134to the far-end30. The network interface130also receives encoded audio and video from the far-end30via the network134. The codecs112and114decode the received audio and video, which are output by the loudspeaker122and/or the display device142. Data (e.g., video, audio, other data, etc.) that is processed by, received by, or transmitted from the base station100can be stored in the memory180.

The Rx control unit logic/module193receives data from either the HDMI Rx unit191or the network interface130for control of the base station100. For one embodiment, the Rx control unit logic/module193causes the base station100to perform operations in response to control commands received from the HDMI Rx unit191. When these control commands are provided over a video link52that is based on an HDMI specification (e.g., the HDMI1.3specification, etc.), the control commands are preferably provided according to the Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) portion of the HDMI specification. When CEC commands are used, manufacturer specific commands are used for versions of the videoconferencing control functions, as they are not defined in the CEC standard. For an alternate embodiment, the control commands are provided over a network connection51that is established based on information provided over the video link52, as described below. For this embodiment, the Rx control unit logic/module193receives the control commands from the network interface130and performs the necessary operations.

The Rx content logic/module194is used to receive local content from the computer systems50via the HDMI Rx unit191and/or the network interface130. For one embodiment, the Rx content logic/module194is also used to receive far-end content from the far-end30via the network interface130. Receiving content from the far-end30is conventional and not described in detail for brevity.

When the Rx content logic/module194is used to receive local content from the computer system50via the HDMI Rx unit191, the local content is un-encoded content that is communicated through the video link52. When the Rx content logic/module194is used to receive local content from the computer systems50via the network interface130, the local content is encoded and communicated through the network134and the network connection51in a packetized form. The Rx content logic/module194provides the encoded local content to the audio and/or video processing logic/module113, where the encoded local content is decoded and output using the display142. For one embodiment, the audio and/or video processing logic/module113combines the decoded local content with the un-encoded local content as a complete video output that is output using the display142. If desired, the local content that is received via the video link52or the network connection51is mixed with video from the far-end30and/or video from the near-end computer systems50. This mixture of local content and video is processed for presentation to participants via the loudspeaker122and/or the display142. Additionally or alternatively, this mixture of local content and video is processed for transmission to computer systems50, which output the mixture via their respective loudspeakers and/or the displays (e.g., loudspeaker72, display82, etc.).

For one embodiment, the audio and/or video processing logic/module113encodes local content that is received from the computer systems50via the HDMI Rx unit191and/or the network interface130for transmission to the far-end30via the network interface130. As explained above, local content is received in at least one of the following manners—(i) through the HDMI Rx unit191; or (ii) through the network interface130. If local content is received over the video link52and captured by the HDMI Rx unit191, the captured content is properly packetized and provided to the network interface130for transmission to the far-end30. If local content is received over the network interface130(based, for example, on capturing and transmission done by a program on the computer system50), the content is properly packetized and provided to the network interface130for transmission to the far-end30.

During a conference, many of the participants49likely have their own system50. The computer system50can be a portable device, including, but not limited to, peripheral devices, cellular telephones, smartphones, tablet PCs, touch screen PCs, PDAs, hand-held computers, netbook computers, and laptop computers. The base station100can use the computer systems50as conferencing peripherals. Some of the computer systems50can have processing capabilities and functionality for operating a camera, a display, and a microphone and for connecting to the network134. The network134can be a Wi-Fi network, Internet, and the like.

In general, the network interface130connects the base station100, the computer system(s)50, and the far-end30via network connections51. Each connection51can include an Ethernet connection, a wireless connection, an Internet connection a cellular connection, any other suitable connection for conferencing, or a combination thereof. As part of the network interface130or separate therefrom, the base station100includes a peripheral interface (not shown) that enables the base station to communicate with local peripherals, such as the computer system(s)50. Accordingly, the participants49connect their systems50with the network134so transport between the base station, the system(s)50, and the far-end30uses the network134. For one example, the network interface130connects the base station with the system(s)50using a local intranet of a local area network (LAN) that is part of the network134. For this example, the LAN connects to a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet to communicate with the far-end30. The LAN may have a wireless local area network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, or similar type of wireless network for connecting the base station100with the computer system(s)50through a wired portion of the LAN. Alternatively, the base station100forms a personal area network (PAN) with the system(s)50using, for example, a Bluetooth interface. Other examples of a PAN interface include, but are not limited to, an infrared communication interface, a wireless universal serial bus (W-USB) interfaces, and a ZigBee interface.

In many instances, the computer system(s)50has high quality microphones74, and the base station100uses the device's microphones74as conferencing microphones. In this way, several of the participants49use the microphones74on their system(s)50as conferencing microphones, and the close proximity of each microphone74to each participant49will likely offer high quality audio pickup for the conference. If the system(s)50have high quality cameras84, the base station100uses the system(s)′ cameras84as conferencing cameras in close proximity to the participants49.

FIG. 2illustrates a computer system50coupled to the base station100via the video link52. For one embodiment, the computer system50includes an audio interface70, a video interface80, a HDMI Tx unit195, one or more processing units60, and a network interface90. The audio interface70is similar to or the same as the display120described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail. The video interface80is similar to or the same as the display140described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail. The network interface90is similar to or the same as the network interface130described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail.

Each of the HDMI Tx unit195and the processing unit(s)60can be implemented as a combination of hardware and software. For one embodiment, the computer system50(e.g., HDMI Tx unit195and/or the processing unit(s)60, etc.) includes electronic circuitry, such as (but not limited to) CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, other integrated circuits (ICs), and/or other electronic circuits that execute code to implement one or more operations associated the HDMI Tx unit195and/or the processing unit(s)60as described herein. For one embodiment, the computer system50includes memory182for storing such code. In this situation, execution of the stored code by the electronic circuitry in the computer system50causes the circuitry to perform the operations associated with the HDMI Tx unit195and/or the processing unit(s)60as described herein. For one embodiment, the memory180is a machine-readable medium that includes any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., the computer system50, etc.). A machine-readable medium, therefore, includes any non-transitory storage medium that can be read by a computer (e.g., the base station100). Examples include, but are not limited to, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, and flash memory.

Code stored in the memory182and executed by the processing unit(s)60and/or the HDMI Tx unit195causes the processing unit(s)60and/or the HDMI Tx unit195to implement at least one of the following: (i) the operating system (OS)196; (ii) one or more applications197; or (iii) one or more of the logic/modules62,63,64,192,198, and199. Each of the OS196, application(s)197, and logic/modules62,63,64,192,198, and199is described below.

Each of the microphone74, the speaker72, the audio interface70, the display82, the camera84, the video interface80, and the graphical user interface (GUI) logic/module198is illustrated with a dashed box to show that it is an optional component of the system50. Nevertheless, each of these components is not always an optional component of the system50. Some embodiments may require one or more of these components—for example, a GUI logic/module is part of a computer system10as described below in connection with at leastFIG. 5, a microphone74is part of a computer system10, etc.

The microphone74is similar to or the same as the microphone124described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail. The speaker72is similar to or the same as the speaker122described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail. The display82is similar to or the same as the display142described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail. The camera84is similar to or the same as the display144described above in connection withFIG. 1, so it is not described in detail.

The computer system50includes an AV processing logic/module63that includes an audio codec62and a video codec64. The codecs62and64are for encoding and decoding audio and video, respectively. The codecs62and64are similar to or the same as the codecs112and114, respectively, so they are not described in detail. Data (e.g., audio, video, other data, etc.) that is processed by, received by, or transmitted from the computer system50is stored in the memory182. This data includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: (i) images or video provided through the camera84; (ii) content provided through the HDMI Tx unit195; (iii) content provided through the network interface90; or (iv) content associated with one or more applications197that are implemented by the circuitry of the system50(e.g., a word processor, conferencing application, etc.). This data also includes audio and/or any other data.

The computer system50includes an OS196for managing hardware and/or software of the computer system50and providing common services for one or more applications197. The computer system50also includes an HDMI determination and control logic/module192, which receives data from the HDMI Tx unit195and/or the network interface90for control of the base station100. For one embodiment, the HDMI determination and control logic/module192processes data that is received from the HDMI Tx unit195to determine that the base station100can perform operations in response to commands transmitted from the HDMI Tx unit195and/or the network interface90. For one embodiment, these commands are generated by the logic/module192.

The logic/module192enables the OS197to detect a display associated with the base station100(e.g., the display142described above in connection withFIG. 1, etc.). For a specific embodiment, the OS197detects the display associated with the base station100in response to the logic/module192determining that the base station100is coupled to the HDMI Tx unit195via the video link52. The logic/module192also enables the OS197to activate one or more applications197for audio/video conferencing. The application(s)197include, but are not limited to, computer programs, drivers, routines, and utilities. For example, the logic/module199enables the OS197to activate a virtual meeting room (VMR) application, which allows a user of the computer system50to control the base station100to establish a new conference or join an established conference. For a further example, the OS197automatically activates the VMR application in response to the logic/module192determining that the base station100is coupled to the HDMI Tx unit195via the video link52. When one or more of the application(s)197includes a graphical user interface (GUI) logic/module198, the OS197is enabled to generate a GUI that enables reception of user input by the computer system50. The user input can be used for controlling the base station100, as described in more detail in connection withFIGS. 3-5.

Audio and/or video can be communicated to or from the computer system50through the network interface90and/or the HDMI Tx unit195. The Tx content logic/module199enables audio and/or video that is stored in the memory182or received from the microphone74and/or the camera84to be communicated between the HDMI Tx unit195and the base station100. Audio and/or video communicated between the HDMI Tx unit195and the base station100is un-encoded and can be stored in the memory182. For one embodiment, the HDMI Tx unit195enables the computer system50to control the base station100using information communicated through the video link52. Control can be over the video link52(e.g., using the CEC protocol, etc.) or over a network connection (e.g., control commands sent using the network connection51described above in connection withFIG. 1). More details about the HDMI Tx unit195are described below in connection withFIGS. 3-5.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any type of connection can be used for communications between the system(s)50and the base station100. For example, and as shown inFIG. 1, the computer system50can also be wirelessly coupled to other near-end computer systems50, the far-end30, and/or the base station100via the network134.

With regard to wireless connections, the computer system50has a network interface90connected to the codecs62and64, which is for wirelessly communicating audio and video between the near-end base station and far-end30. For one example, the network interface90can connect to a typical cellular network92if the computer system50can be used for cellular communications. For another example, the network interface90can connect to the network134shown inFIG. 1so the computer system50can communicate with other near-end computer systems50, the far-end30, and/or the base station100via the network134. As will be appreciated, establishing a wired or wireless connection between the computer system(s)50, the far-end30, and/or the base station100via the network134requires particular protocols, applications, accounts, and other details that are pre-arranged for the connection to be possible so the details are omitted here.

FIG. 3illustrates a configuration of an HDMI Tx unit195and an HDMI Rx unit191according to one embodiment. The HDMI Tx unit195can be found in the computer system(s)50described above in connection withFIGS. 1-2. The HDMI Rx unit191can be found in the base station100described above in connection withFIGS. 1-2.

For one embodiment, the HDMI Tx unit195and the processing unit(s)60convert the computer system50into an HDMI source device. The HDMI Rx unit191and the processing unit(s)110convert the base station100into an HDMI sink device. Thus, the base station100receives content from the computer system50and then outputs the received content. For a further embodiment, the base station100receives data (e.g., command signals, control signals, status signals, etc.) from the computer system50and then performs one or more operations in response to the received data.

The HDMI Tx unit195transmits a signal corresponding to content to the HDMI Rx unit191through multiple channels, which are then received by the HDMI Rx unit191. A transmission channel includes: (i) three transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) channels303A-C, which are transmission channels for transmitting video and/or audio data; (ii) a TMDS clock channel305, which is a transmission channel for transmitting the pixel clock; (iii) a display data channel (DDC)309; and (iv) a hot plug detect (HPD) line313.

The HDMI Tx unit195includes a transmitter301that converts, for example, the content (e.g., pixel data of the non-compressed image, etc.) into a corresponding differential signal, and transmits the converted signal to the HDMI Rx unit191connected via the video link52through the TMDS channels303A-C. The transmitter301also drives a TMDS clock channel305with the a clock signal associated with the video and/or audio data transmitted via the three TMDS channels303A-C. The HDMI Rx unit191includes a receiver307that receives the data transmitted via the three TMDS channels303A-C and the TMDS clock channel305.

The HDMI Tx unit195uses the DDC309for reading display identification data, such as, enhanced extended display identification data (E-EDID information) from the HDMI Rx unit191. The display identification data represents identification and capability information of the base station100. As shown, the HDMI Rx unit191includes memory317for storing the display identification data. The memory317includes a random access memory (RAM) and/or a read only memory (ROM). For one embodiment, the display identification data includes a unique identifier associated with the base station100. Consequently, other base stations in the far-end30are identified by their own individual identifiers. Based on the display identification data, the HDMI transmitter301recognizes capabilities of the base station100.

For one embodiment, the HDMI Tx unit195provides the display identification data to the HDMI determination and control logic/module192(which is illustrated inFIG. 2). Here, the logic/module192identifies the base station100and obtains connectivity information associated with the base station100from the display identification data (e.g., an internet protocol (IP) address, a pairing code for a PAN, etc.). In this way, the logic/module192enables pairing of the base station100with the computer system50without requiring the system50to decode the base station's IP address from an ultrasonic beacon that is output by the base station's loudspeaker and received by the computer system's microphone. Because the display identification data is provided at a relatively high speed, compared to the relatively lower rate of the ultrasonic transmission, pairing time is improved. Further, because the connectivity information is provided over a physical link, it is possible to simplify pairing of the base station100and the computer system50by eliminating the need to use one or more systems associated with using an ultrasonic beacon (e.g., a wireless system, an ultrasonic system, etc.). In this way, the overall cost of controlling the base station100with the conference control system50is reduced.

The computer system50uses a hot plug detect (HPD) line313to discover an existence of a connection to the base station100. For example, the HDMI Tx unit195detects the connection via the HPD line313and provides status signals indicative of the connection's status to the logic/module192. In response to receiving the status signals, the logic/module192provides one or more control signals to the HDMI Tx unit195that cause the unit195to obtain the display identification data from the memory317via the DDC309.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of a process400for pairing with and then controlling a base station using a computer system according to one embodiment. Operation400applies to the computer system50and the base station100described above in connection with at leastFIGS. 1-3. Operation400begins, in one embodiment, at block402by connecting a computer system50to a base station100via a video link52. Here, the HPD line313is used by the computer system50to detect the HDMI connection to the base station100. At block403, the base station100provides its display identification data to the computer system50. Next, at block404, the computer system50processes or parses the display identification data to identify the base station100. The display identification data includes one or more unique identifiers for identifying the base station100to the computer system50. The unique identifier(s) can, for example, be included in bytes 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the basic E-EDID information structure that is defined by the HDMI specification. A first unique identifier representing the manufacturer of the base station100is assigned to bytes 8 and 9 of the basic E-EDID information structure. A second unique identifier representing the model number or product code of the base station100is assigned to bytes 10 and 11 of the basic E-EDID information structure. A third unique identifier representing the serial number of the base station100is assigned to bytes 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the basic E-EDID information structure.

For yet another embodiment, additional unique identifier(s) (e.g., fourth or higher unique identifiers, etc.) are included in the CEA-861 extension block associated with the E-EDID information structure. CEA stands for Consumer Electronics Association and is a registered trademark of the Consumer Technology Association. Specifically, the HDMI vendor specific data block (VSDB) of the CEA-861 extension block, which is part of the E-EDID specification, includes the additional unique identifier(s) of the base station100. For one example, an additional unique identifier is the internet protocol (IP) address of the base station100, which is found in the one or more bytes following the 24-bit identifier in the HDMI VSDB. The 24-bit identifier is the vendor's IEEE 24-bit registration number (least significant bit first). IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and is a registered trademark of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. The additional unique identifier(s) can represent more than just the internet protocol (IP) address of the base station100. Information that can be represented by the unique identifier(s) includes, but is not limited to, the base station50's capabilities and connectivity information associated with the base station50. Each additional unique identifier is at least one bit. For example, the at least one bit includes one or more reserved bits in one or more of the VSDB bytes. For a more specific example, an additional unique identifier is a unique 32-bit identifier assigned to four VSDB bytes (e.g., bytes 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the VSDB, etc.).

The video link52between the computer system50and the base station100can be based on another audio/video interface technology that is similar to the HDMI technology. For example, the video link52is a DisplayPort cable based on a DisplayPort specification. For this example, at block403, the base station100provides its display identification data as DisplayID information to the computer system50. DisplayID information was designed to encompass any information in the basic E-EDID information structure, the CEA-861 extension block, and other extension blocks described in the HDMI specification. Consequently, and for this example, the base station100's DisplayID information is similar to or the same as the E-EDID information described above—that is, the unique identifier(s) and the additional unique identifier(s).

At block405, the computer system processes the display identification data to determine connectivity information associated with base station. For one embodiment, the connectivity information is included in the CEA-861 extension block or its equivalent (e.g., DisplayID, etc.). For example, the connectivity information is included in one or more additional unique identifiers, which is included in the CEA-861 extension block or its equivalent (e.g., DisplayID, etc.). This connectivity information enables the computer system50to connect to a network (e.g., the network134inFIG. 1) that the base station100is also coupled to. Connectivity information includes, but is not limited, a reachable internet protocol (IP) network address associated with the base station100, a service set identifier (SSID) associated with the base station100(if the base station100is acting as an access point), a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with the base station100, and one or more pairing codes associated with the base station100. These one or more pairing codes are for short-range radio or wireless communications, such as Bluetooth, Near-field communication (NFC), etc. For one embodiment, each of the base station100's IP network address, SSID, URL, and pairing code(s) is represented as a value. For this embodiment, the value is represented using one or more additional unique identifiers (as described above). Each of the values is at least one bit that is assigned to one or more reserved bits in the CEA-861 extension block or its equivalent (e.g., DisplayID, etc.). For example, each value is at least one bit that is assigned to one or more of the VSDB bytes of the CEA-861 extension block. For another example, a unique 32-bit identifier assigned to four VSDB bytes (e.g., bytes 13-16 of the HDMI VSDB, etc.) includes at least one of the base station's IP network address, SSID, URL, or pairing code(s). For one embodiment, the type of connectivity information is determined using at least one of the following: (i) reference to bits in the CEA-861 extension block or its equivalent (e.g., DisplayID, etc.); or (ii) reference to the manufacturer, model number, and/or serial number, if necessary, of the base station100(which are determined and described above in connection with block404).

Operation400moves to block406. Here, a network connection51between the base station100and the computer system50is established using the determined connectivity information. For one embodiment, the computer system50automatically connects to a network134that the base station100is coupled to using the connectivity information without the need for user input such as pairing codes or authenticating information. In this way, the connectivity information in the display identification data may assist with reducing or eliminating the need for some user interaction (e.g., inputting pairing codes, etc.) required to authenticate or authorize the pairing of the base station100with the computer system50in situations where an ultrasonic beacon is used. Establishing the network connection51between the base station100and the computer system50may also be performed in accord with the description provided above in connection with at leastFIG. 1.

At block407, the computer system50and the base station100communicate signals between each other via the network connection51. The unique identifiers described above also include, for one embodiment, information for determining control options and commands available to the base station100. The manufacturer, model number, serial number, and/or any of the additional unique identifiers in the display identification data (e.g., in bits of the VSDB bytes, etc.) are processed by the computer system50to determine commands that the base station100will respond to. As such, one or more drivers of the base station100and/or the computer system50may be loaded to effectuate the control via the network connection51in response to establishment of the network connection51. In this way, the computer system50controls the base station100. For one embodiment, the computer system50transmits a command signal via the network connection51to the base station100. For this embodiment, the command signal causes processing unit(s) in the base station100to perform the command. Examples of the command include starting a conference, ending a conference, joining a conference, using the system50's microphone74and/or camera84for the conference, adjusting a loudspeaker's volume, changing a display option, and performing additional functions. Some of these additional functions are similar to the typical functions available on a conventional remote control of a base station, such as controlling loudspeaker volume, moving cameras, changing display options, etc. For one embodiment, an application for audio/video conferencing (e.g., the application(s)197inFIG. 2, etc.) is activated in response to the established network connection51. The activated application197can enable control of the base station100using one or more commands issued by the computer system50, as described above. The computer system50provides the command to the base station100in response to user input received by the computer system100via a GUI in the activated application197, as described below.

FIG. 5illustrates, in block diagram form, an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI)500for a computer system50according to one embodiment. The GUI500enables the computer system50to control the base station100's functions. For one embodiment, the GUI logic/module198(inFIG. 2) generates a GUI500for a conferencing application (e.g., the application(s)197inFIG. 2, etc.). When operated, a conferencing application that includes the GUI generated by the GUI logic/module198allows a participant49using the computer system50to control the base station100.

The GUI500has a number of GUI objects501-508, which represent operations that the conference control device50can direct the base station100to perform. These GUI objects501-508can be individually configured by the user, although some of them may operate automatically by default. The GUI objects501-508can include, but are not limited to, starting a conference, ending a conference, joining a conference, using the computer system50's microphone74and/or camera84for the conference, and performing additional functions. Some of these additional functions can be similar to the typical functions available on a conventional remote control of a base station100, such as controlling loudspeaker volume, moving cameras, changing display options, etc.

Some general discussion of the user interface items follows. By selecting the GUI object501to start a videoconference, for example, the computer system50can be used to initiate a videoconference. By selecting the GUI object503to join a current conference, the computer system50can become a peripheral device to a base station100managing a conference and take over its control. By selecting any of the GUI objects504-506to use the device's microphone, camera, or display, the user49can configure how the computer system50is to be used with the base station100. Control of the base station100by the computer system50is described above in connection with at leastFIG. 1, 2, 3, or4.

For the embodiments of the invention described above in connection withFIGS. 1-5, an HDMI interface enables display identification data associated with a base station to be provided to a computer system. The display identification data can enable an improved technique for pairing the computer system with the base station. Specifically, the computer system identifies the base station and obtains connectivity information associated with the base station using the display identification data. In this way, pairing of the base station with the computer system can be performed without requiring the system to decode the base station's IP address from an ultrasonic beacon that is output by the base station's loudspeaker and received by the computer system's microphone. The connectivity information in the display identification data may also assist with reducing or eliminating the need for some user interaction required to authenticate or authorize the pairing of the base station with the computer system. Consequently, the computer system can establish a connection with the base station without the use of an ultrasonic beacon, which may assist with reducing the overall cost of controlling the base station100with the computer system50. For at least the reasons set forth in this paragraph, embodiments of the invention assist with reducing or eliminating at least some of the unwanted issues associated with control of a base station by a computer system.

The embodiments described above were presented in view of HDMI technology. Nevertheless, it is to be appreciated that the embodiments described above can be implemented using other audio/video interface technologies capable of providing information that is similar to or the same as E-EDID information (e.g., DisplayPort technology that includes DisplayID information, etc.). When these other technologies are used, all necessary details such as required ports, transmission interfaces, receiving interfaces, protocols, and/or any other hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software are in accord with their respective specifications.

In the description above and the claims below, the term “connected” can refer to a physical connection or a logical connection. A physical connection indicates that at least two devices or systems co-operate, communicate, or interact with each other, and are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. For example, two devices are physically connected via an electrical cable. A logical connection indicates that at least two devices or systems co-operate, communicate, or interact with each other, but may or may not be in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Throughout the description and claims, the term “coupled” may be used to show a logical connection that is not necessarily a physical connection. “Co-operation,” “communication,” “interaction” and their variations includes at least one of: (i) transmitting of information to a device or system; or (ii) receiving of information by a device or system.