HDMI Copper Adapter Using 10GBase-T Signal Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HDMI extenders fail to meet the latest HDMI data speed requirements due to distance limitations, leading to signal degradation and obsolescence, as they are based on signal conditioning technology that is inadequate for high-bit-rate video content transmission.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising transmitter and receiver adapter devices that convert HDMI signals to 10GBase-T data signals, enabling transmission over longer distances while maintaining signal quality, by using adapter devices connected via CAT6A UTP cables to exploit the reach capabilities of 10GBase-T data communication technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If traditional signal conditioning extenders are used, then HDMI signals can be transmitted over extended distances, but the data speed requirements are not met and signal quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary converter that transforms HDMI signals to Ethernet signals and back. This mediator device enables the system to leverage Ethernet's superior distance capabilities while maintaining HDMI compatibility, thus extending transmission distance without sacrificing signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signal transmission parameter from HDMI protocol to Ethernet protocol during transmission. By converting the signal format to Ethernet, the system achieves better distance performance and signal integrity, then converts back to HDMI at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If existing HDMI extenders are used, then cable length limitations are addressed, but they become obsolete due to failure to meet latest HDMI data speed requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable distanceVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The converter device acts as an intermediary that translates between HDMI and Ethernet protocols. This allows the system to use Ethernet's high-speed capabilities for extended distance transmission while maintaining compatibility with HDMI devices, thus avoiding obsolescence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The converter device provides multi-functionality by supporting both HDMI and Ethernet protocols. This universal approach allows the system to leverage the best features of both technologies - HDMI's compatibility and Ethernet's distance and speed advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of stationary object

If signal conditioning technology is used, then transmission distance is extended, but the technology is inadequate for high-bit-rate video content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reachVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an intermediary converter that replaces inadequate signal conditioning technology with a protocol conversion approach. This mediator transforms the signal to Ethernet, which provides superior distance and integrity performance for high-bit-rate content, then converts back to HDMI.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8923326B2High-definition multimedia interface copper adapter
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US8923326B2 patent drawing
  • US8923326B2 patent drawing
  • US8923326B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are provided for communications between high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) devices. The techniques describe a system comprising a first or transmitter adapter device that is electrically connected to a source HDMI device. The first adapter device is configured to receive one or more source HDMI signals from the source device across a first HDMI link and to convert the source HDMI signals to corresponding one or more 10GBase-T data signals configured to be transmitted across a data link. A second or receiver adapter device electrically connected to the first adapter device across the data link. The second adapter device is configured to receive the 10GBase-T data signals from the first adapter device across the data link, convert the 10GBase-T data signals to corresponding one or more destination HDMI signals and send the destination HDMI signals to a destination HDMI device electrically connected to the second adapter device.