Function Extender Devices for DisplayPort Feature Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

DisplayPort (DP) systems face limitations in feature extension due to hardware changes requirements, which are costly and time-consuming, and branch devices often have functional limitations when used with newer source devices, leading to end-to-end capability deficiencies despite individual device capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of Function Extender (FX) devices that perform additional functions without altering existing DP functionality, acting as lightweight, modular entities that enhance both the Main Link and AUX channel, and can be cascaded to provide multiple value-added features, while not influencing downstream topology or feature capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardware changes are made to add new features to source devices or branch devices, then the feature set is extended, but the cost and time required for design and manufacture increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature setVSAvoiddesign and manufacture time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device that inserts itself between the source device and existing branch devices to provide additional features. This intermediary acts as a mediator that adds functionality without requiring modification of the original devices, thereby avoiding the time-consuming hardware redesign and manufacturing process while still extending the overall feature set of the DisplayPort system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If branch devices are developed independently targeting a specific subset of DP features, then cost and schedule are reduced, but end-to-end capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost and scheduleVSAvoidend-to-end capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediary device is designed with multi-functionality to compensate for the limited feature set of independently developed branch devices. It provides a universal interface that can work with various source devices and sink devices, adding the necessary features to enable complete end-to-end capability while allowing branch devices to remain simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If legacy branch devices are used with newer source devices, then cost and supply chain robustness are maintained, but capability deficiencies arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply chain robustnessVSAvoidcapability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediary device creates a virtual representation or copy of the missing functionality that legacy branch devices lack. By implementing the required features in the intermediary layer, the system maintains compatibility with legacy hardware while providing access to newer capabilities, effectively copying the necessary functions without requiring physical modification of the original devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If DP branch devices implement full functionality including topology and link management, then feature completeness is achieved, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the functionality of a full-featured branch device by separating topology and link management functions from the data forwarding function. The intermediary device handles only the essential data forwarding and feature extension, while relying on the source device to manage topology and links. This segmentation reduces the power consumption and complexity of the intermediary device while maintaining overall system capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10474614B2Function extenders for enhancing a displayport feature set

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Function extender devices for enhancing feature sets for display arrangements having source devices and sink devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a non-addressable device is disclosed for use in a system having a source and a sink to communicate with each other via a bus, where the non-addressable device comprises a functional logic block for coupling between the source and the sink and operable to perform at least one function on data of one or both of the first channel for video and audio data or data of a sideband channel received from the source, where the data of the first channel for video and audio data and data of a sideband channel are received from the source being addressed to the sink. The device also comprises a Physical (PHY) repeater operable to transmit data of both the first channel and the sideband channel after performance of the at least one function by the functional logic block on the data of one or both of the first channel or the sideband channel received from the source.