HDMI Error Rate Estimation via Invalid Symbol Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HDMI devices lack adequate mechanisms for diagnosing link quality, as conventional error detection techniques cannot distinguish between corrupted and normal data, making it impossible to implement traditional Bit Error Rate (BER) metrics, leading to unreliable link reliability in compact and complex consumer electronics.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for estimating received error rates by identifying and counting invalid symbols based on predetermined protocol formats and operational modes, determining the likelihood of detecting these symbols, and tracking the number of symbol errors to provide an accurate symbol error rate (SER) measurement, which can be used to diagnose performance issues and implement corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional error detection techniques are used in HDMI devices, then the devices can operate with simple hardware, but they cannot distinguish between corrupted and normal data, making error rate measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that checks received symbols against predetermined valid symbol sets without requiring complex error detection hardware. The receiver validates symbols by comparing them against known valid patterns, enabling error rate measurement through a relatively simple validation process rather than complex conventional error detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical error detection hardware with a symbolic validation approach. Instead of using sophisticated physical error detection mechanisms, the system substitutes a software-based or logic-based validation process that compares received symbols against predetermined valid symbol sets, achieving error measurement with simpler overall system architecture.
2Volume of moving object
If aggressive device form factors with metal casings are used, then device compactness is improved, but link reliability deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference and signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver continuously monitors symbol validation results and uses this information to assess link quality. By validating received symbols against predetermined valid symbol sets and tracking validation failures, the system provides feedback about link reliability, enabling adaptive responses to signal degradation caused by compact form factor constraints and metal casing interference.
3Manufacturing precision
If TMDS mapping is used to reduce electromagnetic interference, then signal transition accuracy is improved, but the ability to detect bit errors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional error detection approach by not trying to detect bit errors directly, but instead by validating received symbols against predetermined valid symbol sets. This inversion of the detection paradigm allows the system to work with TMDS mapping's transition-minimized characteristics while still achieving error measurement through symbolic validation rather than traditional bit-level error detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for estimating received error rates. In one embodiment, the estimation of received error rates is conducted in relation to a bus interface such as a high-speed High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, and the method utilizes corrupted symbols that violate TMDS symbol rules, the corrupted symbols being easily detected and counted. In one exemplary implementation, a symbol error rate (SER) can be estimated from the number of detected invalid symbols. The SER can be used to diagnose the performance of the HDMI interface, and optionally as a basis for selecting or implementing corrective action(s).