Single DisplayPort Cable for Peripheral Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and clutter caused by multiple cables required for connecting peripheral devices to information handling systems, such as displays, cameras, and microphones, hinder the adoption of video conferencing due to increased system complexity and bandwidth limitations of standardized interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a single DisplayPort cable with a unidirectional main link for audiovisual information and a bidirectional auxiliary link for control information, allowing all peripherals to communicate with the information handling system through a single cable, thereby simplifying setup and reducing clutter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple standardized interfaces and cables are used to connect peripheral devices (display, camera, microphone) to an information handling system, then each device can communicate independently and reliably, but the system complexity increases and physical clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate communication interfaces (display video/audio, camera, microphone) into a single integrated cable connection. The DisplayPort cable carries both the primary display signal and auxiliary peripheral devices through separate channels within the same physical medium, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable communication for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DisplayPort interface is designed with multi-functionality to handle various device types through a single connection. The auxiliary channel within the DisplayPort cable can detect and communicate with different peripheral devices (camera, microphone, display) using standardized protocols, allowing one cable to serve multiple functions that previously required separate specialized connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate cables are used to connect peripheral devices, then each connection can be optimized for its specific device type, but the physical clutter around the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidphysical clutter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate cables are merged into a single DisplayPort cable that carries multiple signal types. The cable includes separate channels for display video/audio signals and auxiliary signals for peripheral devices, physically consolidating what would have been multiple separate connections into one organized interface, thereby reducing desk clutter while preserving device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds an auxiliary communication dimension within the existing DisplayPort cable structure. Rather than adding more cables in physical space, it utilizes an additional communication channel within the same cable medium, effectively moving from a multi-cable spatial arrangement to a multi-channel temporal/signal-based arrangement within a single physical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized interfaces are used for peripheral connections, then manufacturer compatibility is improved, but bandwidth is insufficient for high-speed information communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturer compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The DisplayPort cable is segmented into multiple independent communication channels: primary video lanes for high-bandwidth display data, and separate auxiliary channels for peripheral device communication. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the bandwidth and compatibility benefits of standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes different parameter sets within the same physical interface. The DisplayPort protocol supports variable lane configurations and data rates, allowing the system to allocate sufficient bandwidth for high-speed video transmission while simultaneously dedicating auxiliary channels for lower-bandwidth peripheral communications, thus satisfying both high-speed requirements and standardized compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7694027B2System and method for peripheral communication with an information handling system

Publication Date: 2010.04.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Videoconferencing through an information handling system is supported with a display, camera and microphone that communicate with the information handling system through a single cable, such as a DisplayPort cable. Visual information is communicated from the information handling system to the display through a unidirectional main link and display control information is communicated between the information handling system and the display through a bidirectional auxiliary link. Peripheral information, such as digitized audio signals captured by the microphone and packetized video information capture by the camera, are communicated to the information handling system through the auxiliary link. Peripheral commands generated at the information handling system, such as camera control commands, are communicated from the information handling system to the peripheral through the auxiliary link.