Multiplexer Pixel Repetition Bandwidth Video Audio Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data transmission systems, such as HDMI and MHL, are limited in distinguishing multiple video and audio streams, as they do not provide means to identify and separate multiple streams, and encryption of content streams complicates format conversion between standards.

Innovation Solution

The system combines multiple video and audio streams using pixel repetition bandwidth, where a multiplexer alternates pixel data from multiple streams in a single data stream, with control information identifying each stream, allowing for efficient merging and separation of streams without requiring separate guard bands and preambles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional systems use InfoFrame packets and coded characters to identify video and data streams, then single stream identification is achieved, but multiple stream distinction is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream identificationVSAvoidmultiple stream capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video data stream by inserting synchronization markers at regular intervals (e.g., every N pixels) to divide the continuous stream into distinguishable segments. Each segment can be independently identified and processed, enabling multiple video streams to be transmitted and distinguished within a single interconnect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces synchronization markers as intermediary elements within the pixel data stream. These markers act as mediators that enable the receiving device to distinguish between different video streams without requiring separate interconnects, thus resolving the limitation of conventional single-stream identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If InfoFrame packets are sent once per frame, then bandwidth is conserved, but continuous stream identification is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth consumptionVSAvoidcontinuous identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of sending InfoFrame packets continuously or only once per frame, the patent implements periodic insertion of synchronization markers at fixed intervals (e.g., every N pixels) throughout the video stream. This periodic action ensures continuous stream identification while maintaining bandwidth efficiency by using compact marker structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If video streams are encrypted with HDCP, then content protection is achieved, but content identifier modification is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent protectionVSAvoidformat conversion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary decryption of the encrypted video stream to access and modify the content identifiers (such as synchronization markers), then re-encrypts the modified stream. This preliminary action enables format conversion and identifier modification while maintaining content protection throughout the transmission process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of information

If multiple video streams are transmitted using conventional methods, then separate interconnects are required, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream separationVSAvoidinterconnect quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple video streams into a single data stream by multiplexing them together with synchronization markers inserted at appropriate intervals. This merging approach allows multiple streams to be transmitted through a single interconnect, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to distinguish and separate streams at the receiving end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to stream identification by inserting synchronization markers at regular time/intervals throughout the stream. This dimensional approach allows the receiving device to distinguish multiple streams within a single interconnect by recognizing the periodic marker patterns, effectively adding a time-based identification layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9413985B2Combining video and audio streams utilizing pixel repetition bandwidth

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 LATTICE SEMICON CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to combining multiple video and audio streams utilizing pixel repetition bandwidth. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a buffer to receive pixel data and a clock of a first video data stream; and a multiplexer to remove pixel repetition of a second video data stream and combine the pixel data of the first and second video data streams to generate a merged data stream, the multiplexer to alternate between the pixel data of the first and second video data streams in the merged data stream. The merged data stream includes pixel data of the first and second video data streams in a line of data, the line of data including control information identifying the pixel data of the first and second video data streams.