Interface Apparatus Merging Display and Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of multimedia reproducing apparatuses is hindered by the need for multiple transmission lines to convey image and chip control signals, leading to increased manufacturing costs and slower operating speeds due to serial transmission of chip control signals.
Innovation Solution
An interface apparatus that transmits display signals and chip control signals through the same transmission line, utilizing a signal synthesizer to insert chip control signals during display signal idle periods, allowing for parallel transmission and faster data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate transmission lines are used for chip control signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but the number of transmission lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines chip control signals and display signals into a single transmission line by encoding control signals within the display signal stream. Specific pixel data values are reserved to represent control commands, allowing both signal types to coexist on the same physical channel without interference, thus reducing the number of transmission lines while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is designed to serve multiple functions: it can transmit both display pixel data and chip control signals simultaneously. By utilizing unused or reserved data values in the display signal stream to encode control information, the same transmission infrastructure handles multiple communication tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control signal lines.
2Device complexity
If serial transmission method is used for chip control signals, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous transmission of control signals by embedding them within the ongoing display signal stream rather than requiring separate serial transmission periods. Control signals are encoded into specific pixel data positions that are continuously transmitted along with display content, ensuring that control information flows continuously without interruption or waiting for dedicated transmission windows, thereby achieving high-speed control signal delivery.
3Reliability
If multiple transmission lines are used, then signal transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal transmission functions into a single transmission line by encoding control signals within the display signal stream. This consolidation reduces the total number of physical transmission lines required, directly lowering manufacturing costs associated with additional traces, connectors, and signal routing while preserving complete signal transmission capability through intelligent signal encoding.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an interface apparatus. The interface apparatus comprises a signal synthesizer, a connector, and a signal separator. The signal synthesizer outputs at least one of display signals, display control signals, and chip control signals. The connector includes a transmission line connected with the signal synthesizer and through which the display signals and the chip control signals are transmitted in common, and a transmission line through which the display control signals are transmitted. The signal separator separates the display signals and chip control signals from the signals transmitted through the transmission line through which the display signals and the chip control signals are transmitted in common.