Universal Graphics Driver Codec Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a standard command interface for display codecs results in incompatible commands across different codecs from various companies, necessitating either hard-coding or developing a new software module for each codec, which requires updating the graphics controller software.
Innovation Solution
A universal software driver with a standardized command interface allows communication with multiple display codecs without modification, eliminating the need for hard-coding or hardware abstraction layers, enabling support for various codecs within a single graphics controller software module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary register set is used for each codec, then codec-specific control is achieved, but compatibility across different codecs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal command interface that can control multiple different display codecs through a standardized set of commands. The graphics controller software uses this universal interface to communicate with various codecs from different manufacturers, eliminating the need for separate proprietary control mechanisms for each codec type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) as an intermediary between the graphics controller software and the codec hardware. This HAL provides a standardized interface that translates generic software commands into codec-specific register operations, enabling compatibility without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hard-coding is used to add new codecs, then support for the new codec is achieved, but software updates are required
Solution Approach 1:
The universal command interface and hardware abstraction layer enable the graphics controller software to support multiple codecs through a single standardized interface. When a new codec is introduced, the software can recognize and control it through the universal interface without requiring modification or updates to the existing software code.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware abstraction layer is pre-configured with the universal command interface that anticipates future codec types. This preliminary structure allows new codecs to be added without requiring backward-compatible software updates, as the universal interface is designed to accommodate various codec implementations from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hardware abstraction layer is added, then codec compatibility is improved, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware abstraction layer serves as a thin intermediary layer that provides a standardized interface between the graphics controller software and codec hardware. By keeping this layer simple and focused solely on providing the universal command interface, the patent minimizes the increase in software complexity while achieving broad codec compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional layers: the universal command interface layer for software interaction, the hardware abstraction layer for standardized control, and the codec-specific hardware layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, keeping the software structure manageable while enabling hardware flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for a software driver of a graphics controller to work with a display codec. The software driver may be configured to work with different display codecs at different periods of time while using a default configuration. Other embodiments are also described.