Media switching device and media switching method

Abstract

The invention provides a media switching device which comprises an input interface controller, a processor and an output interface controller. The input interface controller is electrically connected with the media source device, and the output interface controller is electrically connected with the at least one media playing device and obtains device data of each of the at least one media playing device. The processor calculates a display bandwidth required by each media player to display a picture based on the device data, and adds up the display bandwidths of the media players to obtain a total display bandwidth. The processor determines an optimal support mode for connecting the video interface unit of the input interface controller with the media source device according to the total display bandwidth. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is larger than the total display bandwidth, and the difference value between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is smaller than a threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media switching device, and more particularly to a media switching device that can appropriately adjust the transmission bandwidth to achieve power saving. Background Technology

[0002] In business settings, it's common practice for laptops to connect to multiple monitors via an external docking station. Users can carry their laptops to different locations, where docking stations and multiple monitors can be set up. When multiple monitors are connected to the docking station, they can be considered extensions of the laptop's display. However, the high power consumption of docking stations can significantly reduce the laptop's battery life. How to reduce the power consumption of docking stations without affecting the user experience is a key concern for professionals in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a media switching device, comprising an input interface controller, a processor, and an output interface controller. The input interface controller is electrically connected to a media source device, and the output interface controller is electrically connected to at least one media playback device and acquires device data from each of the at least one media playback device. The processor is electrically connected to the input interface controller and the output interface controller, and is configured to: calculate the required display bandwidth for displaying the image on each of the at least one media playback device based on the device data, and sum the display bandwidths of each of the at least one media playback device to obtain a total display bandwidth; and determine the optimal support mode for connecting the video interface unit of the input interface controller to the media source device based on the total display bandwidth. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth, and the difference between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is less than a first threshold.

[0004] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0005] A better understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to industry standard practice, the features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the features can be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of a media switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a media switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0009] 100: Media adapter; 110: Input interface controller; 111, 131: Video interface unit

[0010] 112, 132: Communication Unit; 120: Processor; 130: Output Interface Controller

[0011] 200: Media source device; S1, S2, S3, S4: Steps 310, 320, 330: Media playback device Detailed Implementation

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below. However, it is understood that the embodiments provide many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The discussed and disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein do not specifically refer to order or sequence, but are merely used to distinguish elements or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of a media adapter 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The media adapter 100 includes an input interface controller 110, a processor 120, and an output interface controller 130. The processor 120 is electrically connected to the input interface controller 110 and the output interface controller 130.

[0014] The input interface controller 110 is electrically connected to the media source device 200, such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet computer, or smartphone. The input interface controller 110 includes a video interface unit 111 and a communication unit 112. The video interface unit 111 is the audio / video transmission interface between the input interface controller 110 and the media source device 200, for example, a circuit conforming to DisplayPort (DP) or High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specifications. The communication unit 112 is the data transmission interface between the input interface controller 110 and the media source device 200, for example, a data transmission interface conforming to an auxiliary channel (AUX) channel or an inter-integrated circuit (I-ICB) bus. 2C) Circuits conforming to Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), Display Data Channel (DDC), or Display Data Channel Command Interface (DDCCI) specifications. The various transmission interfaces and their corresponding specifications described above are merely examples, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0015] The processor 120 includes a processing unit and a memory. The processing unit may be, for example, a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a special application integrated circuit. The memory may be, for example, a random access memory, a read-only memory, or a flash memory.

[0016] The output interface controller 130 is electrically connected to media playback devices 310, 320, and 330. Media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 are, for example, devices with display functions such as screens, projectors, or tablet computers. Media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 can be considered as extensions of the display screen on media source device 200. Figure 1 The number of media playback devices shown is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Specifically, the number of media playback devices in the embodiments of the present invention is at least one.

[0017] The output interface controller 130 includes a video interface unit 131 and a communication unit 132. The video interface unit 131 serves as the audio / video transmission interface between the output interface controller 130 and the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330, and may be a circuit conforming to the DisplayPort (DP) or High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specifications. The communication unit 132 serves as the data transmission interface between the output interface controller 130 and the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330, and may be a circuit conforming to the AUX channel or Integrated Circuit Bus (ICB) specifications. 2 C) Circuits conforming to Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), or Display Channel Command Interface (DDCCI) specifications. The various transmission interfaces and their corresponding specifications are merely examples, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0018] In existing technology, the input interface controller of a media adapter performs link training with a media source device to determine the support mode (hereinafter referred to as the input support mode, which corresponds to a certain transmission bandwidth) for the video interface unit of the input interface controller to connect to the media source device. On the other hand, the output interface controller of the media adapter also performs link training with a media playback device to determine the support mode (hereinafter referred to as the output support mode) for the video interface unit of the output interface controller to connect to the media playback device. However, since the two link training processes are independent, the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the input support mode may be much larger than that corresponding to the output support mode. This results in redundant transmission bandwidth for the input support mode, causing unnecessary waste of transmission bandwidth. Furthermore, a larger transmission bandwidth also leads to higher power consumption of the media adapter, resulting in a significant decrease in the battery life of the media source device supplying power to the media adapter.

[0019] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a media switching device that can appropriately adjust the transmission bandwidth to achieve power saving. The specific implementation method is described below.

[0020] The communication unit 132 of the output interface controller 130 of the media transfer device 100 obtains device data from each of the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330. This device data is one of multiple fields of Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), and this device data is used to announce the pixel clock. In other words, one of the multiple fields of the aforementioned Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) includes pixel clock information.

[0021] Next, the processor 120 calculates the display bandwidth required for each of the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 to display the image based on the data from this device. For example, the pixel clock of a 4K / 60Hz screen is 533MHz, therefore, the display bandwidth required to output 8-bit RGB (color depth) at this resolution is 533*3(RGB) = 1599MB / s. For example, the pixel clock of an FHD / 60Hz screen is 148.5MHz, therefore, the display bandwidth required to output 8-bit RGB (color depth) at this resolution is 148.5*3(RGB) = 445.5MB / s.

[0022] Then, the processor 120 sums the display bandwidths of the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 to obtain the total display bandwidth. For example, a screen displaying an FHD / 60Hz resolution requires a display bandwidth of 445.5 MB / s, therefore, the total display bandwidth required for three FHD / 60Hz screen displays is 445.5 * 3 = 1336.5 MB / s.

[0023] Subsequently, the processor 120 determines the input support mode (hereinafter referred to as the "optimal support mode") for the video interface unit 111 of the input interface controller 110 to connect to the media source device 200 based on the total display bandwidth, wherein the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth. In embodiments of the present invention, the difference between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is less than a first threshold, which can be set according to actual needs, for example, 850MB / s, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The optimal supported modes include bit rate configuration and number of channels. The bit rate configuration is Reduced Bit Rate (RBR), High Bit Rate (HBR), High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2), High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3), UltraHigh Bit Rate 10 (UHBR10), UltraHigh Bit Rate 13.5 (UHBR13.5), or UltraHigh Bit Rate 20 (UHBR20), and the number of channels is 1, 2, or 4.

[0024] For example, if media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 are three FHD / 60Hz screens with a total display bandwidth of 1336.5MB / s, then the most suitable supported mode can be determined as HBR3 / 2 channels or HBR2 / 4 channels. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR3 / 2 channels is 8.1Gbps*2(lanes)*1000(Mbps / Gbps)*1 / 8(Byte / bits)*8 / 10(8b / 10b encoding) = 1620MB / s, which is greater than the total display bandwidth of 1336.5MB / s, and the difference between the two is less than 850MB / s. Among them, the transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR2 / 4 channels is 5.4Gbps*4(lanes)*1000(Mbps / Gbps)*1 / 8(Byte / bits)*8 / 10(8b / 10b encoding)=2160MB / s, which is also greater than the total display bandwidth of 1336.5MB / s, and the difference between the two is less than 850MB / s.

[0025] For another example, if there is only one media playback device with a 4K / 60Hz screen and a total display bandwidth of 1599MB / s, then the most suitable supported modes are HBR3 / 2 channels or HBR2 / 4 channels. HBR3 / 2 channels corresponds to a transmission bandwidth of 1620MB / s, which is greater than the total display bandwidth of 1599MB / s, and the difference is less than 850MB / s. Similarly, HBR2 / 4 channels corresponds to a transmission bandwidth of 2160MB / s, which is also greater than the total display bandwidth of 1599MB / s, and the difference is less than 850MB / s.

[0026] In other words, the media adapter 100 can obtain device data from the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 respectively, and calculate and sum the display bandwidth required for each media playback device to display the image. In this way, the media adapter 100 can adjust the optimal support mode for the video interface unit 111 of the input interface controller 110 to connect to the media source device 200, so that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode does not need to be at the highest transmission bandwidth, but only at a sufficient transmission bandwidth. In other words, the media adapter 100 proposed in this invention can appropriately adjust the transmission bandwidth to achieve power saving.

[0027] In detail, as long as the bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth, it is acceptable (so that the picture quality output by the media adapter 100 to the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 is not reduced). Therefore, there is more than one compatible support mode (for example, HBR3 / 2 channels or HBR2 / 4 channels can both be compatible). However, in practice, a support mode with a transmission bandwidth as close as possible to the total display bandwidth is selected to reduce the waste of transmission bandwidth and achieve the effect of reducing power consumption and better power saving. Therefore, the present invention achieves the above requirements by setting a first threshold.

[0028] Based on the above description, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support mode with the transmission bandwidth closest to the total display bandwidth will be selected as the optimal support mode (for example, as mentioned above, HBR3 / channel number 2 will be selected as the optimal support mode in the preferred embodiment) in order to minimize the waste of transmission bandwidth and achieve the best power reduction and power saving effect.

[0029] Finally, after the processor 120 has determined the above-mentioned optimal support mode, the processor 120 will modify the first parameter of the input interface controller 110 to perform link training on the media source device 200 via the video interface unit 111 according to the optimal support mode, so that the media adapter 100 and the media source device 200 can transmit audio and video in this optimal support mode.

[0030] To further explain, if the video interface unit 111 connecting the media adapter 100 to the media source device 200 is a circuit compliant with the Display Interface (DP) specification, then a circuit compliant with the AUX channel specification will be used as the data transmission interface. Transmissions related to connection training will utilize the address value of the DisplayPort Configuration Data (DPCD). In other words, when the video interface unit 111 is a circuit compliant with the Display Interface (DP) specification, the first parameter is the address value of the DisplayPort Configuration Data (DPCD). For example, the media source device 200 will read the relevant capabilities of the Display Interface (DP) compliant circuit of the media adapter 100 through the circuit compliant with the AUX channel specification, such as maximum supported transmission bandwidth, maximum supported number of channels, and whether display stream compression (DSC) is supported. Therefore, the media adapter 100 can modify the value of the corresponding address (e.g., 00100h and 00101h) of the corresponding display interface configuration data (DPCD) according to the determined optimal support mode, so that the media adapter 100 and the media source device 200 can transmit audio and video in this optimal support mode.

[0031] For example, the maximum supported transmission bandwidth of the video interface unit 111 of the input interface controller 110 of the original media adapter 100 can correspond to the supported mode HBR3 / channel number 4. However, the media playback device connected to the output interface controller 130 only has a 4K / 60Hz screen. After the processor 120 calculates, it can determine that the most suitable supported mode is HBR3 / channel number 2 or HBR2 / channel number 4, so that the media adapter 100 and the media source device 200 can transmit audio and video in HBR3 / channel number 2 or HBR2 / channel number 4, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0032] For another example, the maximum supported transmission bandwidth of the video interface unit 111 of the input interface controller 110 of the media adapter 100 can correspond to the supported mode HBR3 / channel number 4. However, the media playback devices connected to the output interface controller 130 are three FHD / 60Hz screens. After the processor 120 calculates, it can determine that the most suitable supported mode is HBR3 / channel number 2 or HBR2 / channel number 4, so that the media adapter 100 and the media source device 200 can transmit audio and video in HBR3 / channel number 2 or HBR2 / channel number 4, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0033] On the other hand, if the video interface unit 111 of the media adapter 100 connecting to the media source device 200 is a circuit compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, the Display Channel (DDC) will be used as the data transmission interface, and the transmission related to connection training will be communicated using the value of the address corresponding to the Status and Control Data Channel (SCDC). The media source device 200 reads the relevant capabilities of the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) compliant circuit of the media adapter 100 by means of the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), such as the parameter "Max FRLrate" included in the "HF Vendor Specific Data Block" field in the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). In other words, when the video interface unit 111 is a circuit compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, the first parameter is one of the multiple fields of the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). Therefore, the processor 120 of the media adapter 100 can modify the parameter of the field of Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) according to the determined optimal support mode, so that the media adapter 100 and the media source device 200 can transmit audio and video in this optimal support mode.

[0034] Furthermore, when the video interface unit 111 of the media adapter 100 connected to the media source device 200 uses display stream compression (DSC) for transmission, the media adapter 100 consumes a lot of power due to processing the DSC signal. Therefore, in some embodiments, the processor 120 can determine whether it is not necessary to use display stream compression (DSC) for transmission, and modify the relevant parameters accordingly so that the video interface unit 111 of the media adapter 100 connected to the media source device 200 does not use display stream compression (DSC) for transmission, thereby significantly reducing the power consumption of the media adapter 100. The specific method is as follows.

[0035] The input interface controller 110 of the media adapter 100 receives media data from the media source device 200. This media data may be video or still image, or may include other types of data such as audio. Next, the processor 120 calculates the required streaming bandwidth based on this media data. Then, the processor 120 determines whether this streaming bandwidth is greater than the total display bandwidth of the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330. If so, it modifies the second parameter of the connection training between the input interface controller 110 and the media source device 200 via the video interface unit 111, declaring that the video interface unit 111 does not support Display Stream Compression (DSC). This causes the media source device 200 to believe that the video interface unit 111 does not support DSC, thus preventing the video interface unit 111 from using DSC for transmission, thereby reducing the power consumption of the media adapter 100.

[0036] To further explain, if the video interface unit 111 of the media adapter 100 connecting to the media source device 200 is a circuit that conforms to the Display Interface (DP) specification, the processor 120 can modify the value of the address corresponding to the Display Interface Configuration Data (DPCD) (e.g., 00060h) so that the video interface unit 111 does not use Display Stream Compression (DSC) for transmission. In other words, when the video interface unit 111 is a circuit that conforms to the Display Interface (DP) specification, the second parameter is the value of the address corresponding to the Display Interface Configuration Data (DPCD).

[0037] On the other hand, if the video interface unit 111 of the media adapter 100 connecting to the media source device 200 is a circuit compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, the processor 120 can modify the display stream compression (DSC) related parameters included in the "HFVendor Specific Data Block" field of the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), such as "DSC_10bpc", "DSC_12bpc", "DSC_1p2" or "DSC_Max_FRL_Rate". In other words, when the video interface unit 111 is a circuit compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, the second parameter is one or more of the multiple fields of the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID).

[0038] The following will further explain the process by which the processor 120 determines the most suitable supported mode for the video interface unit 111 connected to the media source device 200 based on the total display bandwidth.

[0039] For example, the video interface unit 111 mentioned above includes multiple preset supported modes: RBR / channel number 1, HBR / channel number 1, RBR / channel number 2, HBR / channel number 2, HBR2 / channel number 1, RBR / channel number 4, HBR3 / channel number 1, HBR / channel number 4, HBR2 / channel number 2, HBR3 / channel number 2, HBR2 / channel number 4, HBR3 / channel number 4, UHBR10 / channel number 1, UHBR10 / channel number 2, UHBR10 / channel number 4, UHBR13.5 / channel number 1, UHBR13.5 / channel number 2, UHBR13.5 / channel number 4, UHBR20 / channel number 1, UHBR20 / channel number 2, UHBR20 / channel number 4.

[0040] Next, the processor 120 calculates the transmission bandwidth corresponding to each of these preset supported modes. Specifically, the transmission bandwidth corresponding to RBR / channel number 1 is 1.62Gbps * 1 (lane) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 162MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR / channel number 1 is 2.7Gbps * 1 (lane) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 270MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to RBR / channel number 2 is 1.62Gbps * 2 (lanes) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 324MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR / channel number 2 is 2.7Gbps * 2 (lanes) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 540MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR2 / channel number 1 is 5.4Gbps * 1 (lane) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 540MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to RBR / channel number 4 is 1.62Gbps * 4 (lanes) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 648MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR3 / channel number 1 is 8.1Gbps * 1 (lane) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 810MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR / channel number 4 is 2.7Gbps * 4 (lanes) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 1080MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR2 / channel number 2 is 5.4Gbps * 2 (lanes) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 1080MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR3 / channel number 2 is 1620MB / s. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR2 / channel number 4 is 2160MB / s.The transmission bandwidth corresponding to HBR3 / 4 channels is 8.1Gbps * 4 (lanes) * 1000 (Mbps / Gbps) * 1 / 8 (Byte / bits) * 8 / 10 (8b / 10b encoding) = 3240MB / s. The above is an illustrative calculation; the actual bandwidth can be calculated according to the DisplayPort specification published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).

[0041] Then, since the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth, and the difference between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is less than the first threshold, the processor 120 compares the transmission bandwidth corresponding to each of these preset support modes with the total display bandwidth, and selects at least one preset support mode whose transmission bandwidth is greater than the total display bandwidth and whose difference between the transmission bandwidth and the total display bandwidth is less than the first threshold as the optimal support mode.

[0042] On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth and the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is closest to the total display bandwidth, the processor 120 compares the transmission bandwidths corresponding to these preset support modes in ascending order with the total display bandwidth. When it is found that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to one of these preset support modes is greater than or equal to the total display bandwidth, then one of these preset support modes is the optimal support mode in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] For example, with a total display bandwidth of 1336.5MB / s, the processor 120 will start by comparing the default supported mode with the smallest transmission bandwidth (i.e., RBR / channel number 1 (corresponding to a transmission bandwidth of 162MB / s)), followed by HBR / channel number 1 (corresponding to a transmission bandwidth of 270MB / s), RBR / channel number 2 (corresponding to a transmission bandwidth of 324MB / s), HBR / channel number 2 and HBR2 / channel number 1 (corresponding to a transmission bandwidth of 540MB / s), and RBR / channel number 4 (corresponding to a transmission bandwidth of 162MB / s). The bandwidth is 648MB / s), HBR3 / channel number 1 (with a corresponding transmission bandwidth of 810MB / s), HBR / channel number 4 and HBR2 / channel number 2 (with a corresponding transmission bandwidth of 1080MB / s), HBR3 / channel number 2 (with a corresponding transmission bandwidth of 1620MB / s). Since the transmission bandwidth of 1620MB / s corresponding to HBR3 / channel number 2 is greater than or equal to the total display bandwidth of 1336.5MB / s, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, HBR3 / channel number 2 is selected as the most suitable support mode.

[0044] Alternatively, the processor 120 may compare the transmission bandwidth corresponding to each of the aforementioned preset support modes in descending order with the total display bandwidth. When it is found that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to one of these preset support modes is less than the total display bandwidth, then the former of these preset support modes is the optimal support mode in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] For example, if the total display bandwidth is 1336.5 MB / s, the processor 120 will start by comparing the preset supported mode with the largest transmission bandwidth (i.e., HBR3 / 4 channels (which corresponds to a transmission bandwidth of 3240 MB / s)), and then in sequence HBR2 / 4 channels (which corresponds to a transmission bandwidth of 2160 MB / s), HBR3 / 2 channels (which corresponds to a transmission bandwidth of 1620 MB / s), HBR / 4 channels and HBR2 / 2 channels (which correspond to a transmission bandwidth of 1080 MB / s). Since the transmission bandwidth of 1080 MB / s corresponding to HBR / 4 channels and HBR2 / 2 channels is less than the total display bandwidth of 1336.5 MB / s, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the former one (i.e., HBR3 / 2 channels) will be selected as the most suitable supported mode.

[0046] In some embodiments, the criteria by which the processor 120 determines the optimal support mode may vary depending on how the media adapter 100 is powered. When the media adapter 100 is powered by an external transformer, power saving and low power consumption are not a concern, and some margin can be reserved in adjusting the transmission bandwidth, thus providing a better user experience. For example, when there is only one media playback device, the transmission bandwidth requirement is low, and a support mode with a lower transmission bandwidth can be selected. However, if the current support mode's transmission bandwidth is insufficient when the user connects another media playback device, the media adapter 100 needs to reconnect and retrain with the media source device 200, resulting in a poor user experience. When the processor 120 knows that the media adapter 100 is currently powered by an external transformer, some margin can be reserved in adjusting the bandwidth, meaning a support mode with a higher transmission bandwidth can be selected. This ensures that when another media playback device is connected later, the media adapter 100 does not need to reconnect and retrain with the media source device, providing a better user experience.

[0047] On the other hand, when the media adapter 100 is powered by the media source device 200, power saving and low power consumption issues need to be considered to avoid excessive power consumption of the media adapter 100 causing a significant decrease in the battery life of the media source device 200 (e.g., a laptop). Specifically, the processor 120 determines whether the media adapter 100 is powered by the media source device 200. If so, the processor 120 compares the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the multiple preset support modes included in the video interface unit 111 in ascending order with the total display bandwidth. When it is found that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to one of the multiple preset support modes is greater than or equal to the total display bandwidth, that one of the multiple preset support modes is set as the optimal support mode. That is, the preset support mode with the transmission bandwidth closest to the total display bandwidth is selected as the optimal support mode to minimize the waste of transmission bandwidth and achieve the best power saving effect. Alternatively, the processor 120 may determine whether the media adapter 100 is powered by the media source device 200. If so, the processor 120 will compare the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the multiple preset support modes included in the video interface unit 111 in descending order with the total display bandwidth. When it is found that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to one of the multiple preset support modes is less than the total display bandwidth, the processor 120 will set the former of the multiple preset support modes as the optimal support mode. That is, the preset support mode with the transmission bandwidth closest to the total display bandwidth will be used as the optimal support mode to minimize the waste of transmission bandwidth and achieve the best power reduction and power saving effect.

[0048] Furthermore, the support mode for connecting the video interface unit 131 of the output interface controller 130 to the media playback device can also be selected in a similar manner, as explained below. The processor 120 calculates the display bandwidth required for each media playback device's display screen based on device data obtained from the media playback device. Then, the processor 120 determines the output support mode for connecting the video interface unit 131 of the output interface controller 130 to each media playback device based on the display bandwidth of each media playback device. The transmission bandwidth corresponding to the output support mode of each media playback device is greater than the display bandwidth of each media playback device. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support mode with the transmission bandwidth closest to the display bandwidth is selected to optimally reduce transmission bandwidth waste and achieve optimal power reduction and energy saving.

[0049] Figure 2This is a flowchart of a media switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. This media switching method is performed by a media switching device 100 and includes steps S1 to S4. In step S1, device data of at least one media playback device (e.g., media playback devices 310, 320, 330) is obtained through the output interface controller 130 of the media switching device 100. In step S2, the processor 120 of the media switching device 100 calculates the display bandwidth required for displaying the image of each of the at least one media playback device based on the device data. In step S3, the processor 120 sums the display bandwidths of each of the at least one media playback device to obtain a total display bandwidth. In step S4, the processor 120 determines the optimal support mode for the video interface unit 111 of the media source device 200 connected to the input interface controller 110 of the media switching device 100 based on the total display bandwidth, wherein the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth, and the difference between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is less than a first threshold. Figure 2 Each step has been explained in detail above and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that... Figure 2 Each step can be implemented as multiple program codes or circuits, but this invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, Figure 2 The method can be used in conjunction with the above embodiments or alone; in other words, Figure 2 Other steps can also be added between the various steps.

[0050] The above describes how the optimal support mode for the video interface unit 111 of the media source device 200 connected to the input interface controller 110 of the media adapter 100 is determined based on the total transmission bandwidth of the media playback device connected to the output interface controller 130 of the media adapter 100. Alternatively, the optimal output support mode for the video interface unit 131 of the output interface controller 130 of the media adapter 100 connected to the media playback device can also be determined based on the streaming bandwidth of the media source device 200 connected to the input interface controller 110 of the media adapter 100. This will be explained below.

[0051] The input interface controller 110 of the media transfer device 100 receives media data from the media source device 200. Next, the processor 120 calculates the required streaming bandwidth for this media data. Then, the processor 120 determines the optimal output support mode for each of the media playback devices 310, 320, and 330 connected to the video interface unit 131 of the output interface controller 130 based on this streaming bandwidth. The sum of the transmission bandwidths corresponding to the optimal output support modes of each media playback device is less than the streaming bandwidth, and the difference between the sum of the transmission bandwidths corresponding to the optimal output support modes of each media playback device and the streaming bandwidth is less than a second threshold. This second threshold can be set according to actual needs, but the present invention does not limit its value. The optimal output support mode includes a bit rate configuration and a number of lanes, where the bit rate configuration is RBR, HBR, HBR2, HBR3, UHBR10, UHBR13.5, or UHBR20, and the number of lanes is 1, 2, or 4.

[0052] In other words, the media adapter 100 can obtain media data from the media source device 200 and calculate the required streaming bandwidth of the media source device 200 accordingly. In this way, the media adapter 100 can adjust the output support mode (or optimal output support mode) of the video interface unit 131 of the output interface controller 130 connected to the media playback device, so that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the output support mode does not need to be at the highest transmission bandwidth, but only at a sufficient transmission bandwidth, thereby achieving power saving.

[0053] The advantage of the above-mentioned optimal output support mode is that if the media playback device uses a 4K screen, but the media source device 200 only wants to display at FHD resolution, the optimal output support mode can achieve the effect of saving power.

[0054] The foregoing has outlined the features of several embodiments, thus enabling those skilled in the art to better understand the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should recognize that they can readily use the present invention as a basis to design or modify other processes and structures, thereby achieving the same objectives and / or advantages as the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should also understand that these equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A media switching device, comprising: An input interface controller for electrically connecting a media source device; An output interface controller for electrically connecting to at least one media playback device and acquiring device data of each of the at least one media playback device; and A processor electrically connected to the input interface controller and the output interface controller, wherein the processor is used to: Based on the device data, calculate the display bandwidth required for each of the at least one media playback devices to display its image; The display bandwidth of each of the at least one media playback device is summed to obtain a total display bandwidth; and The optimal support mode for connecting a video interface unit of the input interface controller to the media source device is determined based on the total display bandwidth, wherein the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth, and the difference between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is less than a first threshold.

2. The media switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimal support mode includes a bit rate configuration and a number of channels, wherein the bit rate configuration is RBR, HBR, HBR2, HBR3, UHBR10, UHBR13.5 or UHBR20, and the number of channels is 1, 2 or 4.

3. The media switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is also used to: The first parameter of the input interface controller for training the connection to the media source device via the video interface unit is modified according to the optimal support mode.

4. The media switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the video interface unit is a display interface, the first parameter is the value of the address corresponding to the display interface configuration data.

5. The media switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the video interface unit is a high-definition multimedia interface, the first parameter is one of multiple fields for extended display recognition data.

6. The media switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device data is one of multiple fields for extended display identification data, and the device data is used to announce the pixel clock.

7. The media switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input interface controller is used to receive media data from the media source device, wherein the processor is further used to: Calculate the required stream bandwidth for the media data based on the media data; and If the streaming bandwidth is greater than the total display bandwidth, then the second parameter of the input interface controller for connecting and training the media source device via the video interface unit is modified so that the video interface unit does not use display streaming compression for transmission.

8. The media switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The video interface unit includes multiple preset support modes, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine whether the media adapter is powered by the media source device. If so, compare the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the plurality of preset support modes in ascending order with the total display bandwidth. When it is found that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to one of the plurality of preset support modes is greater than or equal to the total display bandwidth, set one of the plurality of preset support modes as the optimal support mode.

9. The media switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The video interface unit includes multiple preset support modes, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine whether the media adapter is powered by the media source device. If so, compare the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the plurality of preset support modes in descending order with the total display bandwidth. When it is found that the transmission bandwidth corresponding to one of the plurality of preset support modes is less than the total display bandwidth, set the former of the plurality of preset support modes as the optimal support mode.

10. A media switching method, comprising: Device data of at least one media playback device is obtained through an output interface controller; Based on the device data, calculate the display bandwidth required for each of the at least one media playback devices to display its image; The display bandwidth of each of the at least one media playback device is summed to obtain a total display bandwidth; and An optimal support mode for connecting a video interface unit of an input interface controller to a media source device is determined based on the total display bandwidth, wherein the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode is greater than the total display bandwidth, and the difference between the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the optimal support mode and the total display bandwidth is less than a first threshold.

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