DisplayPort Multiplexing for Ultrathin Device Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrathin computing devices face challenges in connecting multiple devices and displays due to limited I/O connectors and screen size, with traditional connectors being unsuitable for these platforms, and existing solutions like multiple cables or proprietary connectors are either cumbersome or costly with limited display capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A docking station system utilizing a standard digital display connector like DisplayPort, combined with a USB host and multiplexor to enable bi-directional high-speed data, high-bandwidth display, and power delivery, optionally with a microcontroller to detect enhanced communication capabilities, leveraging existing connectors on the computing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are used to connect power, display and data, then connectivity functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity functionalityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate cables (power cable, display cable, data cable) into a single integrated cable that delivers all three functions simultaneously. The DisplayPort connector is enhanced to carry not only display signals but also USB 3.0 data signals and power delivery, eliminating the need for multiple separate connections and simplifying the docking setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DisplayPort connector is transformed into a multi-functional interface that serves multiple purposes: traditional display output, high-speed data transfer via USB 3.0 multiplexing, and power delivery. This universal connector approach allows a single standard connector to replace multiple specialized connectors, improving adaptability while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary connectors are used to provide docking functionality, then connectivity capabilities are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking capabilitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing DisplayPort standard, which is already widely adopted in ultrathin devices, and enhances its capabilities through USB 3.0 multiplexing and power delivery integration. This approach avoids the need for expensive proprietary connectors while maintaining enhanced docking capabilities, as the solution builds upon an existing standard rather than creating a new proprietary interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution utilizes the existing DisplayPort infrastructure and USB 3.0 multiplexing capabilities that are already present in modern ultrathin devices. By leveraging these existing components and standards, the patent avoids additional manufacturing costs associated with proprietary connectors, allowing the system to serve itself using available resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional connectors are used in ultrathin devices, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to insufficient I/O connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemanufacturabilityVSAvoidI/O connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing DisplayPort connector universal by enabling it to carry multiple signal types simultaneously: display video signals, USB 3.0 bidirectional data signals through multiplexing, and power delivery. This allows a single traditional connector to provide the adaptability of multiple connectors, solving the I/O limitation in ultrathin devices without requiring additional connector installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds functional dimensions to the traditional DisplayPort connector by integrating USB 3.0 data capabilities and power delivery through multiplexing techniques. Instead of adding more physical connectors in the spatial dimension, the solution expands the functional capacity of the existing connector by utilizing signal multiplexing in the temporal and functional domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9274994B2Method and system for using a standard connector to deliver combined display, data and power signals

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC

AI summary

A system and method for providing a docking station that supports bi-directional high speed data, high bandwidth display, and power to a computing device utilizing a standard connector on the computing device are described. This includes a standard connector on the computing device including a standard digital display connector having a first set of two lanes and a second set of two lanes, a USB host that provides USB signals that enable bi-directional high speed data, a digital display source that provides digital display signals that enable high bandwidth display and couples digital display signals to the digital display connector on the second set of lanes, a multiplexor that receives signals from the USB host, receives signals from the digital display source, and couples the USB signals to the digital display connector on the first set of lanes, and a power subsystem that receives power via the digital display connector.