Multimedia Packet Transport Scheduler Without Clock Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia data transport protocols face inefficiencies in both raster scan and isochronous packet transfer methods, with raster scan being inflexible and requiring large buffers, while isochronous packet transfer is costly due to buffer requirements.
Innovation Solution
A data stream transport protocol that schedules multimedia data packets based on a link rate, determining fixed packet sizes for each stream by comparing stream bit rates to link bit rates, and using an auxiliary channel for stream attribute communication to reduce packet overhead and enhance transport efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If raster scan video transport protocol is used, then transport efficiency is improved (approximately 90%), but flexibility deteriorates (cannot display data other than as rendered)
Solution Approach 1:
The video data stream is segmented into discrete packets with headers containing synchronization information. This segmentation allows the data to be transported in flexible packet formats while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the original video signal, thus achieving both high transport efficiency and flexibility in data handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If isochronous packet transfer protocol is used, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to large buffer requirements (approximately 60 Kb)
Solution Approach 1:
Synchronization information is extracted and embedded within each packet header rather than requiring separate synchronization channels or large buffers. This extraction approach maintains flexibility in packet transfer while significantly reducing buffer requirements by eliminating the need for large intermediate storage to maintain synchronicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Synchronization information is prepared and included in advance within each packet header before transmission. This preliminary inclusion of sync data eliminates the need for large buffers to store and manage synchronization state, reducing device complexity while maintaining flexible packet transfer capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate clock line is included in transport data link, then clock synchronization is improved, but link complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Clock synchronization information is merged with the data packets themselves by embedding synchronization markers within the packet headers. This combining of sync information with data transmission eliminates the need for separate clock lines, maintaining reliable synchronization while reducing link complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Packet headers serve as intermediaries that carry synchronization information between transmitter and receiver. This intermediary approach allows clock synchronization to be achieved without direct clock line connections, reducing link complexity while maintaining reliable timing synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coupling a multimedia source device to a multimedia sink device by providing a source device having a transmitter unit coupled thereto, providing sink device having a receiver unit coupled thereto, receiving a source data stream in accordance with a native stream rate by the transmitter unit, coupling the transmitter unit and the receiver unit by way of a linking unit, forming a multimedia data packet stream formed of a number of multimedia data packets and generating a transport schedule for transferring the multimedia data packet stream in accordance with a link rate between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit wherein the multimedia data.