Display Encoder Module for Multiple Remote Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing multiple remote monitors with high-quality display images from a centralized computer system face challenges such as limited graphics support, performance overhead, and complex client system requirements, as well as distance and infrastructure limitations in physical cabling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a display encoder module with independent memory to encode and transmit multiple independent images at intended pixel resolutions, allowing central computing systems to generate images using anti-aliasing without performance impact, and operate over standard networks, independent of client software or hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frame buffer copy method is used to support multiple remote monitors, then multiple displays can be connected, but data processor performance is degraded due to CPU resources being consumed for compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frame buffer copying function from the CPU and implements it in dedicated hardware. The display controller directly copies frame buffer data to remote displays without CPU involvement, eliminating the performance degradation caused by software-based compression while maintaining multiple display support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display controller as an intermediary device between the data processor and remote displays. This intermediary handles all frame buffer copying and display management tasks, freeing the CPU from these operations and allowing it to focus on application processing while maintaining multiple remote display connections
2Productivity
If dedicated processors are added to support frame buffer compression, then compression performance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display controller performs frame buffer copying autonomously without requiring dedicated compression processors. The hardware-based copy operation is self-sufficient, using the display controller's internal resources to transfer frame buffer data directly to remote displays, eliminating the need for additional dedicated processors and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based compression mechanisms with hardware-based direct copying. This substitution eliminates the need for complex compression algorithms and dedicated processors, achieving efficient frame buffer transfer through simple hardware memory-to-memory copying operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If software rendering is used for 3D graphics, then 3D display is enabled, but data processor performance is further degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts 3D graphics rendering from the CPU by using the GPU's frame buffer directly. The display controller copies 3D rendered data straight from the GPU frame buffer to remote displays, eliminating the need for software rendering and the associated CPU performance degradation while maintaining 3D graphics capability
4Reliability
If physical cabling solutions are used for remote displays, then connection reliability is improved, but distance and infrastructure limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network interface as an intermediary that enables wireless or long-distance connections. The display controller transfers frame buffer data through network infrastructure to remote displays, eliminating physical cabling distance limitations while maintaining connection reliability through standardized network protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting visual data from a host computer to multiple displays across a computer network is disclosed. Visual data is stored in a plurality of frame buffers, each frame buffer associated with a separate display. A frame buffer update sequence is determined, with operations to be performed on frame buffers in the plurality. The data stored in the plurality of frame buffers is encoded as specified by the buffer update sequence to yield encoded images and each encoded image is sent across a computer network to the separate display associated with the frame buffer from which the encoded image was derived.