Media Data Tunnel for Simultaneous Multi-Protocol Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies, such as the MHL specification, are limited in simultaneously transmitting multiple protocol data types like A/V and USB data over a shared connector, as they typically allocate full bandwidth to each protocol independently, leading to conflicts and insufficient bandwidth for simultaneous operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Media Data Tunnel (MDT) that uses MHL generic commands like WRITE_BURST and SET_INT to create a data bridge between devices, allowing for simultaneous transmission of multiple protocol data types by optimizing data transfer and utilizing the control bus for bidirectional communication, thereby expanding the MHL bus to support human input and peripheral data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If full bandwidth is allocated to each protocol independently, then each protocol can operate at its maximum performance, but simultaneous transmission of multiple protocols becomes impossible due to bandwidth conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector bandwidth into separate allocation regions for different protocols. The bandwidth allocation unit divides the total bandwidth dynamically, assigning specific frequency ranges or time slots to each protocol based on current transmission needs, allowing multiple protocols to coexist without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The bandwidth allocation is made dynamic rather than static. The system can adjust bandwidth distribution in real-time based on which protocols are actively transmitting data, enabling flexible resource management that accommodates simultaneous multi-protocol operation while maintaining optimal performance for each active protocol
2Device complexity
If a single connector is used for multiple protocols, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth sufficiency deteriorates when multiple protocols need to operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single connector universal by enabling it to handle multiple protocol types simultaneously through the bandwidth allocation unit. The connector is designed with multi-functional capability to support both MHL and USB protocols (and potentially others) on the same physical interface, eliminating the need for separate connectors while providing sufficient bandwidth through dynamic allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes bandwidth allocation parameters dynamically based on protocol requirements. The bandwidth allocation unit modifies frequency distribution, data rate assignments, and resource allocation parameters in real-time to ensure sufficient bandwidth is available for each active protocol, transforming a fixed-bandwidth connector into an adaptive one
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to transmission of multiple protocol data elements via an interface utilizing a data tunnel over a control channel. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a transmitter or receiver for the transmission or reception of data; a processing element for handling the data of the apparatus; and a connector for the transfer of the data, the connector to connect to a data channel and to connect to a control channel. The processing element is to provide for transfer of data of a first protocol in the control channel, the transfer of data via the control channel including the use of one or more generic commands of the first protocol for the transfer of data of a second protocol. Data of the second protocol is optimized before the data of the second protocol is sent over the first protocol, and the data transfer in the data channel and data transfer in the control channel are simultaneous at least in part.