Passive Display Protocol Converter Using Bus Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display converters for legacy display protocols like VGA, DVI, and HDMI are bulky and expensive due to the need for active electronic circuitry, which reduces portability and can degrade display quality.

Innovation Solution

A compact display protocol converter system with a display protocol receptacle and a pass-through display converter that contains no active electronic circuitry, allowing for seamless conversion between DisplayPort and alternative protocols like VGA, DVI, or HDMI by using a display bus switch to determine the alternative protocol and output appropriate signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If active electronic circuitry is used in display converters to perform protocol conversion, then display signal conversion capability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay signal conversion capabilityVSAvoidconverter size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces active electronic circuitry with a passive mechanical solution. The display converter uses a passive adapter with physical connectors that mechanically interface between DisplayPort and alternative protocols (VGA, DVI, HDMI) without requiring electronic conversion circuitry. The mechanical connection itself enables protocol conversion through physical pinout mapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a passive copy or replica of the display interface functionality. Instead of actively converting signals through electronics, the system uses a passive adapter that replicates the connector interface and pin assignments, allowing the display signal to pass through without active processing while maintaining compatibility with legacy protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If active electronic circuitry is used in display converters, then display protocol conversion is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay protocol conversionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a passive adapter design that eliminates expensive electronic components, making the converter inexpensive to manufacture. The simple passive construction with basic connectors and housing can be produced at low cost through standard manufacturing processes, making it an economical solution for protocol conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing expensive active electronic circuitry with a simple passive mechanical adapter, the patent dramatically reduces manufacturing costs. The passive design requires no complex PCBs, power supplies, or active components, allowing for straightforward assembly and low-cost production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If active electronic circuitry is included in display converters, then signal conversion functionality is achieved, but display quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal conversion functionalityVSAvoiddisplay quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates active electronic circuitry that can introduce signal degradation, noise, or interference. By using a passive mechanical adapter with direct physical connections, the display signal maintains its integrity without passing through active components that could compromise quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the problematic active electronic circuitry from the display converter design. By taking out the active components that cause signal degradation, the system achieves protocol conversion through passive means, preserving display quality while maintaining conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8812748B2Methods for generating display signals in an information handling system

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system (IHS) is provide for generating display signals associated with an alternative display protocol. The system may include a display protocol receptacle operable to receive a display protocol plug and a display bus switch in communication with the display protocol receptacle. The system may also include a display converter in communication with the IHS. The display converter may include a first end having a display connector associated with an alternative display protocol and a second end having a display protocol plug. Moreover, upon receipt of the display protocol plug by the display protocol receptacle, the display bus switch may output display signals associated with the alternative display protocol.