Bi-directional Digital Interface for Video and Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital connectivity standards, such as HDMI, are limited by the underutilization of the HDMI Control Channel, which cannot efficiently transmit additional user data, video data, or bulk data due to its low bandwidth, and require separate circuits or connections for bi-directional data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Embedding the clock signal within the video data channel to free up the conventional clock channel for bi-directional data transfer, enabling a high-bandwidth hybrid channel for transmitting compressed video, high-quality audio, content protection, control signals, and data packets in both directions without increasing the number of circuits or connections, and ensuring compatibility with existing standards like HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clock channel is used for transmitting clock signals in conventional TMDS links, then clock synchronization is achieved, but the channel cannot be used for bi-directional data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock signal transmission function with the video data channel by embedding the clock signal within the video data stream. This allows the video channel to carry both video data and clock information simultaneously, while freeing the previously dedicated clock channel for bi-directional data transfer, thus resolving the channel utilization limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The video data channel is given multi-functionality by enabling it to carry both video data and embedded clock signals. This universal approach allows a single channel to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated clock channels and enabling the freed channel to be used for additional data transfer
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuits or connections are added to enable bi-directional data transfer, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (video data transmission, clock signal transmission, and bi-directional data transfer) into the existing TMDS link structure. By embedding the clock in the video channel and utilizing the freed clock channel for data transfer, the system achieves bi-directional capability without adding separate circuits or connections, thus maintaining simplicity while enhancing functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If the HDMI Control Channel is used for data transfer, then additional data transmission is enabled, but bandwidth is insufficient for high-quality video and audio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer function from the control channel and allocates it to the high-bandwidth clock channel. By dividing the channel functions and assigning appropriate tasks to suitable channels based on their capabilities, the system enables high-quality video and audio data transfer through the clock channel while maintaining the control channel for its intended purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system, comprising a first node, a second node, a serial communication link between the first node and the second node, configured to transmit digital video data from the first node to the second node over one or more video channels of the link. The communication system further including a hybrid link between the first node and the second node, wherein the first node and the second node are configured to transmit at least one stream of data to the other through a hybrid channel over the hybrid link. In the communication system, the bandwidth of the serial communication link is scaled according to a video pixel frequency. Further, the initial locking of the serial communication link is aided by clock information delivered over the hybrid link.