HDMI Transmission System Dynamic Pixel Clock and Sub-Signal Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HDMI systems are inefficient in transmitting high resolution images as they transmit unnecessary data when handling 24-bit images, leading to inefficient data transmission when extending to support higher resolution images.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that adjusts the pixel clock frequency to transmit pixel data with more bits than the fixed number, using differential signals through multiple channels, and includes sub-signal addition and separation mechanisms to efficiently transmit high resolution images by utilizing the vertical blanking period for sub-signal information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If HDMI is extended to transmit high resolution images with more bits per pixel, then image resolution and quality are improved, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by detecting the receiving apparatus's capability information and adjusting the transmission mode accordingly. The transmission apparatus dynamically switches between transmitting only necessary pixel data (for high resolution images) and transmitting pixel data with additional bits (for 24-bit images), optimizing data transmission efficiency based on the specific requirements of the receiving device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel data bit depth based on the receiving apparatus's capability. When the receiving apparatus supports high resolution images, the transmission apparatus transmits pixel data with fewer bits (only necessary bits). When the receiving apparatus does not support high resolution, the transmission apparatus transmits pixel data with the full fixed number of bits, ensuring compatibility while maintaining transmission efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel data with more bits than fixed number is transmitted, then high resolution image transmission is enabled, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to unnecessary data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the necessary bits of pixel data when the receiving apparatus supports high resolution images. By removing unnecessary additional bits from the transmission stream, the patent reduces bandwidth consumption while maintaining the required image quality, directly addressing the bandwidth utilization problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission apparatus dynamically adjusts the number of bits transmitted per pixel based on the receiving apparatus's capability detection. This dynamic adjustment ensures that bandwidth is utilized efficiently by transmitting the minimum necessary data while still achieving high resolution image transmission when supported.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HDMI transmits 24-bit images using fixed number of bits per clock, then compatibility is maintained, but transmission efficiency deteriorates when high resolution images are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transmission system that detects the receiving apparatus's capability information and adjusts the transmission mode accordingly. This allows the system to maintain compatibility with 24-bit image transmission when needed while switching to efficient high resolution image transmission when the receiving apparatus supports it, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle both 24-bit image transmission and high resolution image transmission. By incorporating capability detection and adaptive transmission modes, the system becomes universal, able to serve both legacy 24-bit displays and modern high resolution displays efficiently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient data transmission of high resolution images by optimizing the use of bandwidth and reducing unnecessary data transmission, while maintaining compatibility with existing HDMI standards.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting pixel data of an uncompressed image for one screen in one direction to the receiving apparatus by using a differential signal through a plurality of channels
Data Source
AI summary
An HDMI® source determines whether or not an HDMI® sink can receive a sub-signal based on VSDB of E-EDID. When the HDMI® sink can receive the sub-signal, the HDMI® source adds a sub-signal to pixel data of a main image composed of pixel data whose number of bits is smaller than that of transmission pixel data transmitted by a transmitter, thereby constructing transmission pixel data. This data is transmitted by the transmitter through TMDS channels #0 to #2. Furthermore, the HDMI® source transmits a general control packet containing sub-signal information indicating whether or not the sub-signal is contained in the transmission pixel data in the control period of a vertical blanking period. The present invention can be applied to, for example, HDMI®.