Virtualized DisplayPort Configuration for Multi-Stream Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies require multiple connectors and additional hardware to route signals to multiple monitors, which is undesirable in compact devices like laptops and smartphones, and cannot efficiently transmit different display data streams to internal and external displays using DisplayPort's multi-stream transport (MST) mode.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an MST sink and source device with a receiver, transmitter, logical port, and memory for configuring physical and logical links, including the use of virtual DisplayPort configuration data to support internal and external displays, allowing a single DisplayPort output to drive multiple monitors with distinct data streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple output connectors and additional hardware are added to route signals to multiple monitors, then multi-monitor configuration capability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DisplayPort output connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output video signals to external monitors and simultaneously transmit audio signals, configuration data, and power. The controller enables a single connector to drive multiple displays through packetized data transmission, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each monitor while maintaining full functionality for each display output.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the DisplayPort output connector and multiple displays. The controller receives packetized data from the connector, processes the data streams, and routes them to appropriate displays. This intermediary component enables complex multi-monitor configurations without requiring additional physical connectors on the source device.
2Device complexity
If a single DisplayPort output connector is used to drive multiple displays, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to transmit different data streams to internal and external displays simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmission is segmented into packetized data streams, where each packet contains addressing information identifying the target display (internal or external). The controller segments the overall data flow into separate streams for different displays, enabling a single connector to deliver distinct content to multiple monitors simultaneously through logical separation rather than physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data transmission from continuous analog or digital signals to packetized digital data with embedded addressing information. This parameter change allows the same physical connector to carry multiple logical data streams by varying the packet structure and content, enabling flexible routing to different displays without additional hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate video output streams and separate output connectors are used for each monitor, then display flexibility is improved, but panel and enclosure space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple video output streams are merged into a single packetized data transmission channel through the DisplayPort connector. The controller combines the routing logic and data stream management functions into one integrated system, allowing multiple displays to be driven through a single physical connector location on the source device, thereby saving panel real estate and simplifying enclosure design.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualized DisplayPort (DP) configuration data (DPCD) for multi-stream transport (MST) logical DP end points and non-DP end points allows DPCD configuration for links within a DisplayPort topology which are not configurable using DPCD. A virtualized DPCD may configure a link to an internal display of a MST sink device or a non-DP display to receive data using a dynamic refresh rate (DRR), display stream compression (DSC), panel self-refresh (PSR) and other DPCD configurable features.