Sink Device Multimedia Link Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficiently identifying the orientation of reversible multimedia links between source and sink devices is challenging, affecting communication setup and error-free data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A sink device with a plurality of pins interfaces with a multimedia link, using CBUS pins to determine connection and orientation by monitoring changes in pin values, identifying the active and ID pins to communicate the orientation to the source device for proper lane mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reversible multimedia links with one of two orientations are used, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but orientation identification difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using CBUS pins and pull-down resistors to mediate the orientation identification process. The sink device uses these intermediary elements to detect which CBUS pin is pulled down first, thereby determining the link orientation without requiring complex detection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical orientation measurement to electrical signal state monitoring. By monitoring which CBUS pin transitions to a low state first during connection, the system converts the physical orientation problem into an easier-to-detect electrical parameter change.
2Reliability
If orientation detection is performed to ensure error-free communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CBUS pins serve multiple functions: they are both control bus communication lines and orientation detection sensors. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve reliable orientation detection without adding separate dedicated detection circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sink device performs self-identification of orientation using its own CBUS pins and internal pull-down resistors without requiring additional external detection components. The device uses its existing infrastructure to detect orientation, minimizing the complexity increase.
3Measurement precision
If CBUS pin values are monitored to identify orientation, then orientation detection accuracy is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple pull-down resistors as disposable detection elements that are activated only during the initial orientation detection phase. These resistors are not part of the permanent communication infrastructure but are used temporarily to enable accurate orientation detection through simple voltage level monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to identifying the orientation of a multimedia link connected between a source device and a sink device. A sink device includes a plurality of pins that are configured to interface with a plurality of pins of the multimedia link. The sink device identifies based on the values of one or more pins of the plurality of pins of the sink device whether the multimedia link is connected to the sink device. Further, the sink device determines an orientation of the multimedia link connected to the sink device. The multimedia link can be in one of two orientations, straight or flipped. The sink device may communicate the orientation of the multimedia link to the source device. The source device may perform lane mapping based on whether the multimedia link is in the straight or flipped orientation.