Network Switch Video Stream Routing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audiovisual display systems face bottlenecks in efficiently transferring high data-rate digital video streams across multiple display monitors due to limitations in bus-oriented architectures, which restrict flexibility and scalability, leading to data bottlenecks and limitations in displaying multiple video sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A high-bandwidth network switch controlled by a stream manager that selects an optimal interchange format for video streams, allowing multiple streams to be routed efficiently between capture and display nodes, enabling flexible routing and synchronization without exceeding available bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a bus-oriented architecture is used to transfer video streams, then the system structure is simple, but the bandwidth capacity is insufficient and data bottlenecks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video distribution system into multiple independent switches, each handling specific video streams. Instead of using a single bus, the system segments video traffic across multiple switch devices (104, 104B, etc.), allowing parallel data transmission and eliminating the bandwidth bottleneck of a single bus while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network switches as intermediary devices between video sources and display devices. These switches act as intelligent mediators that receive video streams from capture devices, manage bandwidth allocation, and distribute streams to multiple destinations simultaneously, thereby increasing overall bandwidth capacity while maintaining system organization.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple buses are used to increase bandwidth, then the bandwidth capacity increases, but the system complexity increases and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal network switches that can handle multiple video streams simultaneously and route them to various destinations based on dynamic requirements. These multi-functional switches replace the need for multiple dedicated buses, providing increased bandwidth capacity while maintaining system simplicity through a standardized, flexible switching architecture that adapts to different video distribution scenarios.
3Device complexity
If a bus architecture is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the flexibility in routing video streams to any display device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic video stream routing through network switches that can adaptively direct video streams to any display device based on real-time requirements. The system dynamically adjusts routing paths, allows windows to be positioned at any location within the display wall regardless of individual monitor boundaries, and enables flexible reconfiguration without physical reconnection, thereby achieving high routing flexibility while maintaining implementation simplicity through software-controlled switching.
4Extent of automation
If video streams are routed through a central controller, then the control is centralized, but data bottlenecks occur at the controller bus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function across multiple network switches distributed throughout the system. Each switch independently handles specific video streams, eliminating the single point of congestion at a central controller. This distributed switching architecture maintains automated control while enabling parallel data throughput that scales with system size, as each switch operates independently to manage its assigned video traffic without bottlenecking at a central point.
Data Source
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AI summary
Video data streams are routed between capture nodes and display nodes connected to one another through a high-bandwidth network switch and controlled by a stream manager connected to the switch. The stream manager negotiates a highest quality stream that can be processed by both the capture node and the one or more display nodes receiving the stream and that does not exceed available bandwidth through the switch. The stream manager includes a user interface by which a user can specify which of a number of video signals is to be displayed in what position within a display wall.