USB Image Transmission System Using Digital Enumeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image transmission systems for display devices are costly, complex, and prone to user frustration due to the need for multiple connectors and analog detection methods, which increase installation difficulty and introduce delays in source mode identification.
Innovation Solution
A USB image transmission system that uses a standardized USB connection for both wired and wireless communication, eliminating the need for analog detection circuitry and reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the connection process and eliminating the requirement for expensive connectors like VESA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connectors and cable technology are used for transmitting image data, then compatibility with different content sources is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single USB connector for multiple functions: it serves as both the connection interface and the data transmission pathway for image data. The USB connector replaces multiple specialized connectors (VESA, Component, Composite, S-Video, DVI, HDMI) with one universal interface that can handle various content sources through software drivers rather than hardware variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the analog detection circuitry from the display device, eliminating the need for complex hardware-based source detection. Instead of using analog detection methods that require multiple detection circuits for different signal types, the system uses USB enumeration and software-based detection to identify content sources and configure appropriate transmission modes.
2Ease of operation
If analog detection circuitry is used to identify image source mode, then automatic source detection is achieved, but delay periods are introduced and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog detection system with a digital system. Instead of using analog detection circuitry that physically detects signal types through electrical characteristics, the system uses USB enumeration protocols and digital communication to identify the content source and configure the appropriate image transmission mode. This substitution eliminates the inherent delays of analog detection while maintaining automatic source identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing USB device enumeration and driver installation before actual image transmission begins. The system pre-configures the communication parameters and identifies the content source type during the connection establishment phase, so that when image data transmission starts, no additional detection delay is required. The detection and configuration happen in advance as part of the USB connection handshake.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types and detection systems are implemented, then support for various image transmission standards is improved, but ease of installation and user operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single USB connector for multiple functions: it serves as both the connection interface and the data transmission pathway for image data. The USB connector replaces multiple specialized connectors (VESA, Component, Composite, S-Video, DVI, HDMI) with one universal interface that can handle various content sources through software drivers rather than hardware variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the display device to automatically enumerate USB devices, install appropriate drivers, and configure transmission parameters without user intervention. The system autonomously identifies the content source type, selects the appropriate image transmission mode, and establishes the connection, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings or select connector types.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized USB connections are used for image transmission, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but support for legacy analog detection methods is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog detection system with a digital system. Instead of using analog detection circuitry that physically detects signal types through electrical characteristics, the system uses USB enumeration protocols and digital communication to identify the content source and configure the appropriate image transmission mode. This substitution eliminates the inherent delays of analog detection while maintaining automatic source identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of detection from analog electrical signal analysis to digital USB protocol communication. By transitioning from detecting voltage levels and signal characteristics to exchanging digital identifiers and configuration data through USB, the system achieves both cost reduction and maintained compatibility through software-based adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image display system including a plurality of display devices, each with a serial bus port, the plurality of display devices to be provided with image data; a serial bus link coupled with each of the plurality of display devices; and a content source coupled with the serial bus link, the content source to send the image data over the serial bus link to at least one of the plurality of display devices. A bulk end-point is established, through which image data is transferred, and a control end-point is established, through which control data is transferred.