U.S. patent application number 11/970172 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for method and system for utilizing a/v bridging and a/v bridging extensions to replace display port, hdmi, dvi and/or analog ports on a personal computing system.
Invention is credited to Wael William Diab, Michael Johas Teener.
Application Number | 20080288987 11/970172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40026962 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080288987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Teener; Michael Johas ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING A/V BRIDGING AND A/V BRIDGING
EXTENSIONS TO REPLACE DISPLAY PORT, HDMI, DVI AND/OR ANALOG PORTS
ON A PERSONAL COMPUTING SYSTEM
Abstract
Aspects of a system for utilizing A/V bridging and A/V bridging
extensions to replace Display Port and/or analog ports on a
computing system may include a LAN subsystem that enables
transmission of at least video data from a computing device, such
as a computer workstation, to a multimedia monitor coupled to the
computing device via an Ethernet interface connector. The
transmission may enable rendering of the video data on the
multimedia monitor. The computing device may be coupled to a
docking station or to a port replicator. The docking station may be
coupled to the Ethernet interface connector via an Ethernet
connector. The port replicator may be coupled to the Ethernet
interface connector via an Ethernet connector. The LAN subsystem
may enable access to the Ethernet interface connector to enable
transmission and generation of line encoded bits based on the video
data via the Ethernet interface connector.
Inventors: |
Teener; Michael Johas;
(Santa Cruz, CA) ; Diab; Wael William; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
40026962 |
Appl. No.: |
11/970172 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60917870 |
May 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 19/61 20141101;
H04N 7/106 20130101; H04L 12/2816 20130101; H04N 21/64322 20130101;
H04N 21/43615 20130101; Y02D 30/00 20180101; Y02D 30/32 20180101;
G09G 5/006 20130101; H04L 2012/2849 20130101; H04N 19/172 20141101;
G09G 2370/10 20130101; H04N 19/176 20141101; H04N 21/43632
20130101; H04N 5/85 20130101; H04N 9/8042 20130101; H04N 21/6373
20130101; H04L 12/2805 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/74 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. A method for communicating data in a data communication system,
the method comprising: transmitting at least video data from a
computing device to a multimedia monitor coupled to said computing
device via an Ethernet interface connector, wherein said
transmitting enables rendering of said at least said video data on
said multimedia monitor.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said computing device
is coupled to a docking station or to a port replicator.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said docking station is
coupled to said Ethernet interface connector.
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein said port replicator is
coupled to said Ethernet interface connector.
5. The method according to claim 1, comprising accessing said
Ethernet interface connector to enable said transmitting.
6. The method according to claim 5, comprising generating line
encoded bits based on said at least said video data.
7. The method according to claim 6, comprising transmitting said
line encoded bits via said Ethernet interface connector.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least said
video data is encapsulated in one or more Ethernet frames.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of
said one or more Ethernet frames encapsulates said video data is
encapsulated in one or more of the following: a Display Port
mini-packet, a high definition multimedia interface frame and a
digital video interface frame.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting
utilizes A/V Bridging capabilities.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least video
data is one of: uncompressed and unencrypted, uncompressed and
encrypted, compressed and unencrypted, or compressed and
encrypted.
12. A system for communicating data in a data communication system,
the system comprising: one or more circuits that enable
transmission of at least video data from a computing device to a
multimedia monitor coupled to said computing device via an Ethernet
interface connector, wherein said transmission enables rendering of
said at least said video data on said multimedia monitor.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said computing device
is coupled to a docking station or to a port replicator.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said docking station
is coupled to said Ethernet interface connector.
15. The system according to claim 13, wherein said port replicator
is coupled to said Ethernet interface connector.
16. The system according to claim 12, wherein said one or more
circuits enable access to said Ethernet interface connector to
enable said transmission.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said one or more
circuits enable generation of line encoded bits based on said at
least said video data.
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein said one or more
circuits enable transmission of said line encoded bits via said
Ethernet interface connector.
19. The system according to claim 12, wherein said at least said
video data is encapsulated in one or more Ethernet frames.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein at least a portion of
said one or more Ethernet frames encapsulates said video data is
encapsulated in one or more of the following: a Display Port
mini-packet, a high definition multimedia interface frame and a
digital video interface frame.
21. The system according to claim 12, wherein said transmitting
utilizes A/V Bridging capabilities.
22. The system according to claim 12, wherein said at least video
data is one of: uncompressed and unencrypted, uncompressed and
encrypted, compressed and unencrypted, or compressed and
encrypted.
23. A method for communicating data in a data communication system,
the method comprising: utilizing AV bridging capabilities to enable
the selective transmission of video and/or data streams via one or
both of: a locally-attached device and a network device.
24. A system for communicating data in a data communication system,
the system comprising: one or more circuits that utilize AV
bridging capabilities to enable the selective transmission of video
and/or data streams via one or both of: a locally-attached device
and a network device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/917,870, filed on May 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] This application makes reference to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/832,807, filed on Aug. 2, 2007, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Certain embodiments of the invention relate to communication
networks. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention
relate to a method and system for utilizing A/V bridging and A/V
bridging extensions to replace Display Port, HDMI, DVI and/or
analog ports on a personal computing system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] High end graphics and/or high definition video that is
received and/or stored at a computing device may be displayed on an
attached video monitor. In many cases the video monitor is
physically separate and has been conventionally attached to the
computing device via an analog interface, such as a video graphics
array (VGA) interface, or a digital interface such as a digital
visual interface (DVI). In a typical configuration, an interface in
the computing device is connected to a compatible interface in the
video monitor via an interstitial connector, such as a cable.
[0005] In an alternative configuration, the computing device may
incorporate a video monitor. An example of this configuration is a
laptop computer in which the video monitor is a component in the
physical computing device unit. Whether the video monitor is
physically incorporated within the computing device or is a
physically separate device, the video monitor may or may not have
touch screen capability.
[0006] The high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) is a digital
interface standard that enables a video player device, such as a
DVD player, to send high definition video data to a display panel
device, which displays the high definition video data. The video
player device and the display panel device may communicate via a
connecting HDMI cable. HDMI describes a point-to-point interface,
which is capable of transmitting data from the video player device,
which is connected at one end of an HDMI cable, to the display
panel device, which is connected to the other end of the HDMI
cable.
[0007] Display Port is a digital interface standard, which enables
a computing device to send graphics and video data to a video
monitor, or multimedia display device, via a Display Port
interface. In this regard, the Display Port interface standard may
describe a point-to-point interface, which is capable of
transmitting data from a device connected at one end of a
connecting cable to a device connected at the other end of the
connecting cable. The graphics and/or video data communicated
across the Display Port interface may be sent in mini-packets as
described in applicable standards. The mini-packets may contain
information comprising instructions on how to render the graphics
and/or video data on the video display screen, for example. The
mini-packets may be sent via a plurality of data paths referred to
as "lanes". In an exemplary Display Port interface, there may be
four (4) such lanes.
[0008] In addition to supporting unidirectional data traffic from
the computing device to the computer monitor (or other attached
video display device), the Display Port standard may also enable
the bidirectional transfer of data. For example, the Display Port
standard may allow for the exchange of encryption keys to enable
the transfer of encrypted digital data across the Display Port
interface. This capability may enable protection of digital content
transferred across the Display Port interface.
[0009] A Display Port interface at a device comprises a connector
into which may be inserted one end of a Display Port connecting
cable. The connector may comprise a plurality of pins and/or slots,
which may be utilized to enable the device to transmit and/or
receive data-containing signals via the Display Port lanes. A
physical layer (PHY) defined for the Display Port standard may
specify signal levels and/or signal durations, which may be
utilized to encode data transmitted and/or received via the Display
Port interface.
[0010] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the
present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present
application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A method and system for utilizing A/V bridging and A/V
bridging extensions to replace Display Port, HDMI, DVI and/or
analog ports on a personal computing system, substantially as shown
in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures,
as set forth more completely in the claims.
[0012] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of
the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated
embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the
following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for
Display Port to Ethernet replacement, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating monitoring of output video
data from a video server at a multimedia monitor attached via an
Ethernet interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
enabled to transmit and/or receive Display Port and/or Ethernet
data streams via Ethernet interfaces, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for
transmission and/or reception of Display Port and/or Ethernet data
streams via a docking station, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an exemplary server system,
which supports video monitoring via an Ethernet interface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an exemplary system, which
supported switching of traffic between local and network
interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary thin client, which
supports video rendering via an Ethernet interface, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for
transporting Display Port mini-packets via an Ethernet interface to
a multimedia monitor attached to a computing device, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a
method and system for utilizing A/V bridging and A/V bridging
extensions to replace Display Port and/or analog ports on a
personal computing system. Various embodiments of the invention may
comprise a method for transmitting and/or receiving a Display Port
packet via an Ethernet interface. In this regard, a computer
workstation may be coupled to a multimedia monitor via an Ethernet
interface connector. In various embodiments of the invention, the
Ethernet interface connector may be a cable, which comprises one or
more conductors. In various embodiments of the invention, one end
of the Ethernet interface connector may be inserted into an
Ethernet connector located at the computer workstation, while the
other end of the Ethernet interface connector may be inserted into
an Ethernet connector located at the multimedia monitor. The
coupled computer workstation and multimedia monitor may then
utilize the Ethernet interface connector to transmit and/or receive
Display Port mini-packets.
[0022] Various embodiments of the invention comprise a method and
system for full Ethernet replacement of a Display Port, HDMI or DVI
interface. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which
there is a full Ethernet replacement of an HDMI interface, a system
comprising a DVD player with an HDMI connector, a display panel
with an HDMI connector and an HDMI cable, which couples the two
HDMI connectors would be replaced by a DVD player with an Ethernet
connector, a display panel with an Ethernet connector and an
Ethernet cable, which couples the two Ethernet connectors. The full
Ethernet replacement enables the DVD player and the multimedia
monitor to send and/or receive Ethernet frames transported via the
Ethernet cable. The DVD player and display panel may be directly
coupled by the single Ethernet cable, or the DVD player and the
display panel may communicate via a network, such as a LAN or small
office/home office (SOHO) network, for example.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which there
is a full Ethernet replacement of a Display Port interface, a
system comprising a personal computer with a Display Port
connector, a multimedia monitor with a Display Port connector and a
Display Port cable, which couples the two Display Port connectors
would be replaced by a personal computer with an Ethernet
connector, a multimedia monitor with an Ethernet connector and an
Ethernet cable, which couples the two Ethernet connectors. The
personal computer and multimedia monitor may be directly coupled by
the single Ethernet cable, or the DVD player and the multimedia
monitor may communicate via a network, such as a LAN or small
office/home office (SOHO) network, for example.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which there
is a full Ethernet replacement of a DVI interface, a system
comprising a personal computer with a DVI connector, a multimedia
monitor with a DVI connector and a DVI cable, which couples the two
DVI connectors would be replaced by a personal computer with an
Ethernet connector, a multimedia monitor with an Ethernet connector
and an Ethernet cable, which couples the two Ethernet connectors.
The personal computer and multimedia monitor may be directly
coupled by the single Ethernet cable, or the DVD player and the
multimedia monitor may communicate via a network, such as a LAN or
small office/home office (SOHO) network, for example.
[0025] In each of the exemplary full Ethernet replacement cases,
the Ethernet frames may be utilized to carry native video data. The
native video data contained within the Ethernet frames may be
uncompressed and unencrypted, uncompressed and encrypted,
compressed and unencrypted or compressed and encrypted. In each
case, A/V Bridging services may be utilized to enable the transport
of Ethernet frames containing video data, for example, between a
DVD player and a display panel or between a personal computer and a
multimedia monitor.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for
Display Port to Ethernet replacement, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a
computing device 122 and a multimedia monitor 124, which are
coupled via an Ethernet interface connector 136. In various
embodiments of the invention, Display Port mini-packets may be sent
from the computing device 122 to the multimedia monitor 124 via the
Ethernet interface connector 136. The Ethernet interface connector
136 may enable physical connection between the computing device 122
and the multimedia monitor 124 via a point-to-point connection.
Video data contained within the Display Port mini-packets may then
be rendered for display at the multimedia monitor 124. Utilizing an
Ethernet interface connector 136 to couple the computing device 122
and the multimedia monitor 124 may represent a lower cost
alternative to conventional methods, which utilize more costly
connectors and/or cabling for coupling a computing device and a
multimedia media monitor.
[0027] Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a method
and system, which enable Display Port mini-packets to be
transported between the computing device 122 and the attached
multimedia monitor 124 via an Ethernet interface connector 136. One
end of the Ethernet interface connector 136 may be coupled to an
Ethernet connector located at the computing device 122. The other
end of the Ethernet interface connector 136 may be coupled to an
Ethernet connector located at the multimedia monitor 124. Various
embodiments of the invention may enable the computing device 122 to
represent the Display Port mini-packets as line encoded bits, which
may be transmitted via the Ethernet interface connector 136 to the
multimedia monitor 124. Various embodiments of the invention may
enable the multimedia monitor 124 to receive the line encoded bits,
which may be decoded to reconstruct the Display Port mini-packets.
The multimedia monitor 124 may then enable the extraction of the
video data encapsulated within the Display Port mini-packets, which
may then be rendered at the multimedia monitor 124.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating monitoring of output video
data from a video server at a multimedia monitor attached via an
Ethernet interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the computing device
122 and the multimedia monitor 124. The computing device 122 may
comprise digital video 202 and a plurality of protocol layers. The
plurality of protocol layers may comprise a Display Port
mini-packet layer 236, a DP client layer 242a, an Ethernet MAC
layer 242b and an Ethernet PHY layer 244. The multimedia monitor
124 may comprise protocol layers related to the digital video 202
and to a plurality of protocol layers including an Ethernet PHY
layer 252, an Ethernet MAC layer 253b, a DP client layer 253a and a
Display Port mini-packet layer 254. The Ethernet PHY layer 244 may
comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may enable
generation of electrical and/or optical signals for transport via
the Ethernet interface connector 136. The DP client layer 242a and
253a enables Display Port mini-packets to be passed to the MAC
client as data, which are to be transported via Ethernet.
[0029] In various embodiments of the invention, digital video 202
(including high definition video) may be encapsulated in Display
Port mini-packets in the Display Port mini-packet layer 236. The
Display Port mini-packets may also contain instructions to enable
rendering of the digital video 202 on the multimedia monitor
124.
[0030] The Display Port mini-packet layer 236 may send the Display
Port mini-packets to the DP client layer 242a. The DP client layer
242a may pass the Display Port mini-packets, as data, to the
Ethernet MAC layer 242b. The Ethernet MAC layer 242b may generate
bits, which may be communicated to the Ethernet PHY layer 244. The
Ethernet PHY layer 244 may enable generation of electrical and/or
optical signals for transport of the line encoded bits via the
Ethernet interface connector 136.
[0031] Within the multimedia monitor 124, the Ethernet PHY layer
252 may receive the line encoded bits via the Ethernet interface
connector 136. The Ethernet PHY layer 252 may decode the line
encoded bits and send the decoded bits to the Ethernet MAC layer
253b. The Ethernet MAC layer 253b may send the decoded bits to the
DP client layer 253a. The DP client layer 253a may generate Display
Port mini-packets, which may be sent to the Display Port
mini-packet layer 254. The Display Port mini-packet layer 254 may
extract the digital video 202 from the received Display Port
mini-packets. The Display Port mini-packet layer 254 may also
extract instructions contained within the Display Port
mini-packets, which enable rendering of the digital video 202 at
the multimedia monitor 124. The multimedia monitor 124 may then
utilize the extracted instructions to display the digital video
202.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, in various embodiments of the invention,
an Ethernet interface connector 136 may be utilized to enable
transport of Display Port mini-packets from a computing device 122
to a multimedia monitor 124.
[0033] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system
enabled to transmit and/or receive Display Port and/or Ethernet
data streams via Ethernet interfaces, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3A the system 300
may comprise a CPU 302, a memory controller hub (MCH) 304, a
graphics processing unit (GPU) 306, a memory block 308, an
input/output controller hub (ICH) 310, a low speed peripheral block
312, a LAN subsystem 314, an Ethernet connector 316, an Ethernet
connector 318 and memory 320.
[0034] The CPU 302 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code that may enable processing data and/or controlling operations
of the system 300. In this regard, the CPU 302 may be enabled to
provide control signals to the various other blocks comprising the
system 300. The CPU 302 may also enable execution of applications
programs and/or code. The applications programs and/or code may
enable generation of digital video and/or graphics. The CPU 302 may
also enable the retrieval of stored digital video and/or graphics.
The CPU 302 may be accessed via the MCH 304.
[0035] The MCH 304 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code that may enable the storage and/or retrieval of data at high
data transfer rates. For example, the MCH 304 may enable retrieval
and/or storage of digital video and/or graphics data for high
performance applications, such as high definition video, high
resolution 3-D graphics, &c. In various embodiments of the
invention, the MCH 304 may be referred to as a northbridge
(NB).
[0036] The GPU 306 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code for generating, rendering, and/or manipulating graphics data.
The GPU 306 may output digital video and/or graphics. The GPU 306
may also output encrypted digital video and/or graphics for
applications that utilize digital content protection, for example.
The GPU 306 may encapsulate the uncompressed video and/or graphics
in Display Port mini-packets. The Display Port mini-packets
generated by the GPU 306 may also comprise instructions, which
enable rendering of the uncompressed video and/or graphics for
display on a multimedia monitor 124. The GPU 306 may also output
protocol data units associated with other high definition (HD)
protocols.
[0037] The memory 308 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,
and/or code that may enable the storage and/or retrieval of data.
For example, the memory 308 may enable the storage and/or retrieval
of video and/or graphics data. The memory 308 may also enable the
storage and/or retrieval of encryption keys, which may be utilized
for encryption and/or decryption of data. The memory 308 may
additionally store data, for example, configuration data and/or
state variables utilized in controlling/configuring the various
blocks of the system 300. The memory 308 may also enable the
storage of code, which enables the execution of multimedia
applications, for example. The memory 308 may utilize various
technologies, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which
enable data to be stored and/or retrieved at sufficiently high data
rates to enable high performance multimedia applications, for
example.
[0038] The ICH 310 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or
code that may enable the storage and/or retrieval of data from
peripheral devices such as hard disk drives. The ICH 310 may also
enable the retrieval of input signals and/or interrupt signals from
peripheral devices, such as keyboard device and mouse devices,
and/or other peripheral devices including various peripheral
component interconnect (PCI) devices, for example. In various
embodiments of the invention, the ICH 310 may be referred to as a
southbridge (SB).
[0039] The LAN subsystem 314 may comprise suitable logic,
circuitry, and/or code to enable the transmission and/or reception
of Ethernet frames. The LAN subsystem 314 may comprise PHY layer
functions, MAC layer functions and DP to Ethernet MAC-Lite
functions. The LAN subsystem 314 may enable transmission and/or
reception of Ethernet frames at various transfer rates, such as 10
Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1,000 Mbps (or 1 Gbps) and/or 10 Gbps, or other
rates (for example, higher rates). The LAN subsystem 314 may also
enable transmission and/or reception of Ethernet frames via
wireless LANs (WLAN).
[0040] The PHY layer functions may enable transmission of Ethernet
frames via a communication medium. The PHY layer functions may also
enable reception of Ethernet frames via the communication medium.
The PHY layer functions may generate signals for transmission that
are suitable for the physical medium being utilized for
transmitting the signals. For example, for an optical communication
medium, the PHY layer may generate optical signals, such as light
pulses, or for a wired communication medium, the PHY layer may
generate electromagnetic signals.
[0041] The MAC layer functions may enable orderly communication
between systems that are communicatively coupled via a shared
communication medium. The MAC layer may comprise one or more
coordination functions (CF) that enable a system to determine when
it may attempt to access the shared communication medium. For
example, in a wired communication medium, for example Ethernet, a
CF may utilize a carrier sense multiple access with collision
detection (CSMA/CD) algorithm. The MAC layer functions may
implement mechanisms for scanning the communication medium to
determine when it is available for transmission of signals. The MAC
layer functions may comprise back off timer mechanisms, which may
be utilized by a system to determine how often to attempt to access
a communication medium, which is currently determined to be
unavailable.
[0042] The MAC layer functions may also enable AV Bridging
capabilities. In this regard, the MAC layer functions may determine
a traffic class which is associated with transmitted Ethernet
frames. Based on the determined traffic class, the MAC layer
functions may perform traffic shaping by determining a time instant
at which an Ethernet frame may be sent to the network via the
Ethernet interface. That time instant may be determined based on a
time instant at which one or more preceding Ethernet frames were
also transmitted via the Ethernet interface. The time instant may
also be determined based on stored "credits", which may indicate a
quantity of octets of Ethernet frame data that may be transmitted
at "line rate" before transmission of subsequent Ethernet frames is
suspended pending the accumulation of additional credits.
[0043] The MAC layer functions, which support AV Bridging, may also
enable the end-to-end transport of Ethernet frames based on
specified latency targets by initiating admission control
procedures. The latency targets, which may specify a maximum time
duration for the transport of Ethernet frame across the network,
may be determined based on a specified traffic class. A destination
Ethernet device may initiate admission control procedures by
initiating a registration request across the network to the source
Ethernet device. A successful registration may enable the network
to reserve resources for the transport of Ethernet frames between
the source Ethernet device and the destination Ethernet device, in
accordance with the specified latency targets.
[0044] The Ethernet MAC layer functions may also enable an exchange
of timing synchronization information between communicating
Ethernet devices. Individual Ethernet MAC layer functions
associated with each of a plurality of Ethernet devices within a
LAN may exchange timing synchronization with the Ethernet MAC layer
function associated with a specified Ethernet device associated
with the LAN, wherein the specified Ethernet device may provide
system timing for the plurality of Ethernet devices associated with
the LAN. The traffic shaping and/or timing synchronization
capabilities may enable AV Bridging services to support isochronous
and/or real time services, such as streaming media services.
[0045] The DP to Ethernet MAC-Lite layer functions may enable
transfer of Display Port mini-packets between devices connected via
a point-to-point Ethernet connection. The DP to Ethernet MAC-Lite
layer functions may comprise a subset of MAC layer
functionality.
[0046] In various embodiments of the invention, the MAC layer
functions within the LAN subsystem 314 may enable the reception of
Display Port mini-packets and encapsulation of the received Display
Port mini-packets within Ethernet frames. The Ethernet frames may
utilize AV Bridging services when being transmitted via the network
112. The MAC layer functions within the LAN subsystem 314 may also
enable the reception of Ethernet frames and the de-encapsulation of
Display Port mini-packets from Ethernet frames, which are
determined to contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets.
[0047] In various embodiments of the invention, the LAN subsystem
314 may utilize code, such as firmware, and/or data stored within
the memory 320 to enable the operation of MAC layer functions
and/or PHY layer functions within an Ethernet LAN, for example. The
firmware may also enable encapsulation of Display Port mini-packets
and/or uncompressed video and/or graphics in Ethernet frames within
the LAN subsystem 314. In addition, the firmware may enable
de-encapsulation of Display Port mini-packets and/or uncompressed
video and/or graphics from Ethernet frames.
[0048] The Ethernet connector 316 may enable physical connection of
an Ethernet interface connector 136 to the system 300. The Ethernet
connector 316 may enable physical connection via an 8P8C connector
and/or via an RJ45 connector, for example. The physical connection
may enable the transmission and/or reception of Display Port
mini-packets, which comprise digital video, control signals, input
from peripheral devices, such as keyboards and/or mouse devices
and/or encryption keys. Various relevant Display Port
specifications may define Display Port traffic, which is
transported via Video Main Lanes and an AUX Channel. Various
embodiments of the invention may enable the transport, via an
Ethernet connector 316, of Display Port traffic, which may be
specified for carriage via Video Main Lanes and/or the AUX
Channel.
[0049] The Ethernet connector 318 may enable physical connection of
an Ethernet interface connector 132 to the system 300. The Ethernet
connector 318 may enable physical connection via an 8P8C connector
and/or via in RJ45 connector, for example. The physical connection
may enable the transmission and/or reception of Ethernet frames via
a network 112, for example.
[0050] Various embodiments of the invention may enable physical
connection between the system 300 and a multimedia monitor 124 via
an Ethernet connector 316. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, one end of an Ethernet interface connector 136 (for
example, an Ethernet cable) may be coupled to the Ethernet
connector 316 within the system 300, while the other end of the
Ethernet interface connector 136 may be coupled to an Ethernet
connector located at a multimedia monitor 124. In another exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the system 300 and a multimedia
monitor 124 may be connected via a docking station or a port
replicator.
[0051] Various embodiments of the invention may enable rendering of
digital video 202 and/or graphics on a multimedia monitor 124,
which has a direct physical connection to the system 300 via an
Ethernet interface connector 136. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the system 300 may comprise a computing device 122. In
operation, the system 300 may receive Ethernet frames via the
Ethernet connector 318. The LAN subsystem 314 within the computing
device 122 may receive the Ethernet frames and determine that the
received Ethernet frames contain encapsulated Display Port
mini-packets. The LAN subsystem 314 may de-encapsulate the Display
Port mini-packets. The LAN subsystem 314 may utilize DP client
242a, Ethernet MAC layer 242b and Ethernet PHY layer 244
functionality to transmit the de-encapsulated Display Port
mini-packets to a multimedia monitor 124 via the Ethernet connector
316. The multimedia monitor 124 may render digital video 202
contained within the Display Port mini-packets for visual
display.
[0052] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the system
may comprise a video server. In operation, the CPU 302 may enable
generation of digital video 202. The CPU 302 may also enable the
retrieval of digital video 202 from memory 308. The MCH 304 may
enable the high speed transfer of digital video 202 from the CPU
302 and/or from the memory 308 to the GPU 306. The GPU 306 may
process the digital video to, for example, incorporate graphics.
The GPU 306 may also generate instructions, which may enable the
rendering of the processed digital video on a multimedia monitor
124. The GPU 306 may generate one or more Display Port
mini-packets, each of which may comprise at least a portion of the
generated rendering instructions and/or processed uncompressed
video. The GPU 306 may send the Display Port mini-packets to the
multimedia monitor 124 via the Ethernet connector 316.
[0053] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for
transmission and/or reception of Display Port and/or Ethernet data
streams via a docking station, in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. Referring to FIG. 3B the system 330 may comprise a
CPU 302, an MCH 304, a GPU 306, a memory block 308, an ICH 310, a
low speed peripheral block 312, a LAN subsystem 314, a docking
station connector 336 and memory 320. The docking station 346 may
comprise Ethernet connectors 316 and 318.
[0054] The docking station 346 may enable through-connection
between the system 330 to a network 112 and/or a multimedia monitor
124. The system 330 may be coupled to the docking station 346 via a
docking station connector 336 within the system 330. The docking
station connector 336 may comprise a plurality of contacts, each of
which may be coupled to corresponding contacts within the docking
station 346. The docking station 346 may couple a portion of the
contacts within the docking station connector 336 to contacts
within the Ethernet connector 316. The docking station 346 may
couple another portion of the contacts within the docking station
connector 336 to contacts within the Ethernet connector 318. Once
coupled, the docking station 346 may enable the system 330 to be
connected to a multimedia monitor 124 via the Ethernet connector
316 and/or to the network 112 via the Ethernet connector 318, for
example.
[0055] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an exemplary server system,
which supports video monitoring via an Ethernet interface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In various
embodiments of the invention, the video server may represent an
exemplary server system, which may support video monitoring at a
multimedia monitor 124 via an Ethernet interface 316. Referring to
FIG. 4A, there is shown a MAC client 422a, MAC client 422b, time
stamp shims 424a and 424b, 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426, Display
Port to Ethernet block 432, PCI to Ethernet block 434, 10 GBASE-T
PHY layer block 436, Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206, GPU 306, ICH
310, a DP client layer 242a an Ethernet MAC layer 242b, an Ethernet
PHY layer 244 and Ethernet connectors 316 and 318.
[0056] The GPU 306 may encapsulate data in one or more Display Port
mini-packets. The Display Port mini-packets may comprise an
identifier, which indicates whether the Display Port mini-packets
contain video data or other types of data. The GPU 306 may transmit
Display Port mini-packets, which contain video data, via the Video
Main Lanes [3:0]. The GPU 306 may transmit AUX channel data via the
Aux Channel.
[0057] The Ethernet MAC layer 242b may enable detection of when the
Ethernet interface connector 136 may be utilized for the
transmission of Ethernet frames to the multimedia monitor 124. The
Ethernet MAC layer 242b may enable the generation of bits, which
may be communicated to the Ethernet PHY layer 244. The Ethernet MAC
layer 242b may also enable reception of Ethernet frames received
via the Ethernet interface connector 136.
[0058] The DP client layer 242a may enable reception of Display
Port mini-packets from the GPU 306 via at least the Video Main
Lanes [3:0] and may receive AUX channel data via at least the AUX
Channel. The Display Port mini-packets may be converted into
payloads for the Ethernet MAC layer 242b. The DP client layer 242a
may also enable reception of payloads from the Ethernet MAC layer
242b, which may enable the generation of Display Port
mini-packets.
[0059] The Ethernet PHY layer 244 may enable the reception of bits
from the Ethernet MAC layer 242b and generation of line encoded
bits, which may be transmitted to the Ethernet interface connector
136 via the Ethernet connector 316. In another aspect of the
invention, the Ethernet PHY layer 244 may enable the reception and
decoding of line encoded bits received from the Ethernet interface
connector 136 via the Ethernet connector 316. The decoded bits may
be sent to the Ethernet MAC layer 242b.
[0060] The Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206 may receive Display Port
mini-packets via at least the Video Main Lanes [3:0] and AUX
channel data via the AUX Channel. The Display Port PHY-Lite layer
206 may generate binary bits.
[0061] The Display Port to Ethernet block 432 may enable reception
of bits from a Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206. The Display Port to
Ethernet block 432 may enable assembly of the bits to form one or
more Ethernet payloads. An Ethernet payload may comprise one or
more bits from one or more Display Port mini-packets, MP, or from
AUX channel data. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
Ethernet payload may comprise a plurality of concatenated Display
Port mini-packets. In another exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the Ethernet payload may comprise a concatenation of
payloads from a plurality of Display Port mini-packets with a
single Display Port mini-packet header appended to the concatenated
payloads.
[0062] The MAC client 422a may receive Ethernet payloads from the
Display Port to Ethernet block 432 and encapsulate the Ethernet
payloads in one or more Ethernet frames, EF.sub.1. The Ethernet
frames, EF.sub.1, may comprise EtherType=DP (where DP may represent
a numerical value), which indicates that the Ethernet frames
EF.sub.1 contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets. In
addition, the Ethernet frames, EF.sub.1, may also comprise a field
EtherTypeSubType=VID (where VID may represent a numerical value),
which indicates that the Display Port mini-packets may contain
video data. The Ethernet frames, EF.sub.1, may comprise a field
EtherTypeSubType=AUX (where AUX may represent a numerical value),
which indicates that the Ethernet payloads contain AUX channel
data. The subtype may also indicate one or a plurality of
multimedia monitors, attached to a computing device, which is to
receive the Display Port mini-packets.
[0063] The ICH 310 may enable reception of input signals from
peripheral devices and the generation of bits from the received
input signals. The generated bits may be transmitted via a PCI
interface.
[0064] The PCI to Ethernet block 434 may enable reception of bits
from a PCI interface. The bits may be generated based on input
received from a peripheral device. The PCI to Ethernet block 434
may enable assembly of the bits to construct one or more Ethernet
payloads EP.
[0065] The MAC client 422b may receive Ethernet payloads, EP, and
encapsulate the Ethernet payloads in one or more Ethernet frames,
EF.sub.2. The Ethernet frames EF.sub.2 may comprise
EtherType.noteq.DP, which indicates that the Ethernet frames
EF.sub.2 may not contain Display Port mini-packets.
[0066] The time stamp shims 424a and 424b may receive Ethernet
frames EF.sub.1 and EF.sub.2 from the corresponding MAC clients
422a and 422b. The time stamp shims 424a and 424b may append time
synchronization information, such as a time stamp, to the Ethernet
frames EF.sub.1 and EF.sub.2 based on an EtherType designation, for
example. The time stamp shims 424a and 424b may append a time stamp
when the EtherType field indicates that the Ethernet frame is to
utilize AV Bridging capabilities for transport across a network
112, for example.
[0067] The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may enable the transmission
of the Ethernet frames EF.sub.1 and EF.sub.2 via the network 112.
The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may enable generation of header
information within the Ethernet frames, which enable the
utilization of AV Bridging services within the network 112 for
transport of the Ethernet frames. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426
may also enable traffic shaping of transmitted Ethernet frames by
determining time instants at which the Ethernet frames EF.sub.1 and
EF.sub.2 may be transmitted to the network 112. The 10 G Ethernet
MAC block 426 may also enable generation of header information
within the Ethernet frames, which utilize conventional Ethernet
services within the network 112. The conventional Ethernet services
may not utilize traffic shaping and/or AV Bridging services, for
example.
[0068] The 10 GBASE-T PHY layer 436 may enable the reception of
bits from Ethernet frames. The 10 GBASE-T PHY layer 436 may line
encode the received bits to enable transmission via an Ethernet
connector 318. 10 G is an exemplary Ethernet bit rate; various
embodiments of the invention may also be practiced at other bit
rates suitable for carrying HD traffic.
[0069] The 10 GBASE-T PHY layer 436 may also receive line coded
bits via the Ethernet connector 318. The 10 GBASE-T PHY layer 436
may decode the received line coded bits, which may be sent to the
10 G Ethernet MAC block 426. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may
assemble the received decoded bits to construct one or more
Ethernet frames EF.sub.R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may
determine whether the constructed Ethernet frames EF.sub.R contain
one or more Display Port mini-packets, MP.sub.R, or Ethernet
payloads, EP.sub.R, which may not contain Display Port
mini-packets. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may make the
determination based on a designation within EtherType field within
the received Ethernet frames EF.sub.R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block
426 may send the Ethernet frames EF.sub.R to the time stamp shim
424a or 424b.
[0070] The time stamp shim 424a may send Ethernet frames, EF.sub.R,
which contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets, to the MAC
client 422a. Additionally, the MAC client 422a may determine
whether the Ethernet frames contain video data (including video
data encapsulated within Display Port mini-packets, for example) or
AUX Channel data based on an EtherTypeSubType field within the
Ethernet frames. At a video server, received Ethernet frames may
contain AUX channel data. The MAC client 422a may de-encapsulate
the AUX channel data from the Ethernet frames EF.sub.R. The MAC
client 422a may send the AUX channel data to the Display Port to
Ethernet block 432. The Display Port to Ethernet block 432 may
convert the AUX channel data to bits, which may be sent to the
Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206. The Display Port PHY-Lite layer
206 may send the AUX channel data to the GPU 306 via the AUX
Channel. The GPU 306 may transfer the AUX channel data to the MCH
304. The MCH 304 may in turn transfer the data retrieved from the
AUX channel data to the CPU 302, which may process the data. The
AUX channel data may be sent to the multimedia monitor 124 via the
AUX Channel.
[0071] The time stamp shim 424b may send Ethernet frames, EF.sub.R,
which do not contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets to the
MAC client 422b. The MAC client 422b may de-encapsulate the
Ethernet payloads, EP.sub.R, from the received Ethernet frames
EF.sub.R. The MAC client 422b may send the Ethernet payloads
EP.sub.R to the PCI to Ethernet block 434. The PCI to Ethernet
block 434 may convert the Ethernet payloads EP.sub.R to signals,
which may be sent to the ICH 310. The ICH 310 may convert the
signals to bits, which may be sent to the CPU 302 via the MCH 304.
The CPU 302 may process the data.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the LAN
subsystem 314 may comprise the Display Port to Ethernet block 432,
the Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206, the MAC clients 422a and 422b,
the time stamp shims 424a and 424b, the 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426
and the PCI to Ethernet block 434. In another exemplary embodiment
of the invention, the LAN subsystem 314 may comprise the Display
Port to Ethernet block 432, the Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206,
the MAC clients 422a and 422b, the time stamp shims 424a and 424b,
the 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426, the PCI to Ethernet block 434, the
10 GBASE-T PHY layer block 436, the DP client layer 242a the
Ethernet MAC layer 242b and the Ethernet PHY layer 244.
[0073] Various embodiments of the invention as shown in FIG. 4A may
not be limited to 10 G Ethernet networks, but may also be practiced
in 100 G Ethernet networks and/or 1000 G Ethernet networks, for
example.
[0074] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an exemplary system, which
supported switching of traffic between local and network
interfaces, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 4B, there is shown a host subsystem 462, a dual
client MAC block 460, an AV Bridging (AVB) enabled switch 458, a 10
G PHY block 456, a 10 G PHY block with short reach capability 454
and RJ45 connector blocks 452a and 452b.
[0075] The host subsystem 462 may enable the generation and/or
sending of video and/or data streams. The host subsystem 462 may
also enable the reception and/or processing of video and/or data
streams. The dual client MAC 460 may provide a first MAC client
interface for sending and/or receiving video streams to/from the
host subsystem 462. The dual client MAC 460 may provide a second
MAC client interface for sending and/or receiving data streams
to/from the host subsystem 462. The dual client MAC 460 may enable
the sending and/or receiving of video streams and/or data streams
to/from the AVB enabled switch 458. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, the dual client MAC 460 and the AVB enabled switch
458 may be communicatively coupled via a 10-gigabit media
independent interface (XGMII).
[0076] The AVB enabled switch 458 may receive traffic from the dual
client MAC 460 and utilize AV bridging capabilities to direct the
traffic to a locally-attached display device and/or to a network.
Similarly, the AVB enabled switch 458 may receive traffic from a
locally-attached display device and direct the traffic to the dual
client MAC 460. The AVB enabled switch 458 may also receive traffic
from a network and direct the traffic to the dual client MAC 460.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the AVB enabled switch
458 may utilize XGMII to send and/or receive traffic to/from the
display device and/or to send and/or receive traffic to/from the
network.
[0077] The 10 G PHY block 456 may enable the transmission and/or
reception of signals, which are suitable for transmitting and/or
receiving data via an Ethernet medium. The 10 G PHY block 456 may
enable the transmission of signals, which provide suitable bit
error rate (BER) performance when the transmitted signals travel a
specified distance across the Ethernet medium as specified by
applicable Ethernet specifications. The specified distance may be
suitable for enabling the 10 G PHY block 456 to transmit signals
via a network. The 10 G PHY block 456 may also enable the reception
of signals and the detection of data transmitted by those signals
via an Ethernet medium. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention
the 10 G PHY block 456 may be communicatively coupled to an AVB
enabled switch 458 via an XGMII. The 10 G PHY block 456 may also be
communicatively coupled to an RJ45 connector.
[0078] The RJ45 connector block 452b may provide a physical
coupling for an Ethernet cable and circuitry for line conditioning
signals for transmission and/or reception via the Ethernet cable.
The Ethernet cable may be coupled to a device (such as a switching
device) within the network. The RJ45 connector block 452a may be
substantially similar to the RJ45 connector block 452b.
[0079] The 10 G PHY block 454 may enable the transmission and/or
reception of signals, which are suitable for transmitting and/or
receiving data via an Ethernet medium. The 10 G PHY block 456 may
enable the transmission of signals, which provide suitable bit
error rate (BER) performance when the transmitted signals travel a
specified distance across the Ethernet medium, which is shorter
than specified by applicable Ethernet specifications. In this
regard, the 10 G PHY block 454 may provide "short reach"
capabilities. The specified distance may be suitable for enabling
the 10 G PHY block 456 to transmit signals to a locally connected
device, such as a display device. The 10 G PHY block 454 may also
enable the reception of signals and the detection of data
transmitted by those signals via an Ethernet medium. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention the 10 G PHY block 454 may be
communicatively coupled to an AVB enabled switch 458 via an XGMII.
The 10 G PHY block 454 may also be communicatively coupled to an
RJ45 connector.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary thin client, which
supports video rendering via an Ethernet interface, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. In various embodiments of the
invention, the computing device 122 may represent an exemplary
Ethernet thin client. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a MAC
client 422a, MAC client 422b, time stamp shims 424a and 424b, 10 G
Ethernet MAC block 426, Display Port to Ethernet block 432, PCI to
Ethernet block 434, 10 GBASE-T PHY layer block 436, Display Port
PHY layer 544, GPU 306, ICH 310, a DP client layer 242a, a Ethernet
MAC layer 242b, an Ethernet PHY layer 244, Ethernet connector 316
and Ethernet connector 318.
[0081] The 10 GBASE-T PHY layer 436 may receive line coded bits via
the Ethernet connector 318. The 10 GBASE-T PHY layer 436 may decode
the received line coded bits, which may be sent to the 10 G
Ethernet MAC block 426. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may
assemble the received decoded bits to construct one or more
Ethernet frames EF.sub.R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may
determine whether the constructed Ethernet frames EF.sub.R contain
one or more Display Port mini-packets, MP.sub.R, or Ethernet
payloads, EP.sub.R, which may not contain Display Port
mini-packets. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may make the
determination based on a designation within EtherType field within
the received Ethernet frames EF.sub.R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block
426 may send the Ethernet frames EF.sub.R to the time stamp shim
424a or 424b.
[0082] The time stamp shim 424a may send Ethernet frames, EF.sub.R,
which contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets, to the MAC
client 422a. Additionally, the MAC client 422a may determine
whether the Ethernet frames contain video data or AUX Channel data
based on an EtherTypeSubType field within the Ethernet frames. At a
computing device 122, received Display Port mini-packets MP.sub.R
may contain video data. The computing device 122 may also receive
AUX Channel data. The MAC client 422a may de-encapsulate the
Display Port mini-packets MP.sub.R from the Ethernet frames
EF.sub.R. The MAC client 422a may send the Display Port
mini-packets MP.sub.R to the Display Port to Ethernet block 432.
The Display Port to Ethernet block 432 may convert the Display Port
mini-packets MP.sub.R to bits, which may be sent to the Display
Port PHY-Lite layer 206. The Display Port PHY-Lite layer 206 may
assemble the bits to reconstruct the Display Port mini-packets
MP.sub.R.
[0083] In the case where the Display Port mini-packets, MP.sub.R,
contain video data, the Display Port mini-packets, MP.sub.R, may be
sent to the DP client 242a via the Video Main Lanes [3:0]. The DP
client 242a may send the Display Port mini-packets to the Ethernet
MAC layer 242b. The Ethernet MAC layer 242b may generate bits,
which may be communicated to the Ethernet PHY layer 244. The
Ethernet PHY layer 244 may generate line encoded bits, which may be
transmitted to the multimedia monitor 124 via the Ethernet
connector 316. In instances where the Ethernet frames may comprise
AUX channel data, the AUX channel data may be sent to the GPU 306
via the AUX Channel. The GPU 306 may transfer the data to the MCH
304. The MCH 304 may in turn transfer the data retrieved from the
received Display Port mini-packets to the CPU 302, which may
process the data.
[0084] The time stamp shim 424b may send Ethernet frames, EF.sub.R,
which do not contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets to the
MAC client 422b. The MAC client 422b may de-encapsulate the
Ethernet payloads, EP.sub.R, from the received Ethernet frames
EF.sub.R. The MAC client 422b may send the Ethernet payloads
EP.sub.R to the PCI to Ethernet block 434. The PCI to Ethernet
block 434 may convert the Ethernet payloads EP.sub.R to signals,
which may be sent to the ICH 310. The ICH 310 may convert the
signals to bits, which may be sent to the CPU 302 via the MCH 304.
The CPU 302 may process the data.
[0085] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the LAN
subsystem 314 may comprise the Display Port to Ethernet block 432,
the Display Port PHY layer 544, the MAC clients 422a and 422b, the
time stamp shims 424a and 424b, the 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 and
the PCI to Ethernet block 434. In another exemplary embodiment of
the invention, the LAN subsystem 314 may comprise the Display Port
to Ethernet block 432, the Display Port PHY layer 544, the MAC
clients 422a and 422b, the time stamp shims 424a and 424b, the 10 G
Ethernet MAC block 426, the PCI to Ethernet block 434, the 10
GBASE-T PHY layer block 436, the DP client 242a, the Ethernet MAC
layer 242b and the Ethernet PHY layer 244.
[0086] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for
transporting Display Port mini-packets via an Ethernet interface to
a multimedia monitor attached to a computing device, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 6, in step
652 the computing device 122 (FIG. 1) may encapsulate digital video
in one or more Display Port mini-packets. The Display Port
mini-packets may be encapsulated in one or more Ethernet frames. In
step 654, the computing device 122 may access the Ethernet
interface connector medium 136 which couples the computing device
122 and the multimedia monitor 124. In step 656, the computing
device 122 may determine an AV Bridging traffic class, which may be
utilized for transmitting data via the Ethernet interface connector
136. In step 658, the computing device 122 may encode and transport
bits from the Ethernet frames to the multimedia monitor 124 via the
Ethernet interface 136. The Ethernet frames may contain a traffic
class identifier, the value of which may be determined based on the
AV Bridging traffic class determined in step 654.
[0087] Various embodiments of the invention may be practiced in a
wide range of topologies, which enable point-to-point connection
between a computing device 122 and an attached multimedia monitor
124, or between a video server and an attached multimedia monitor,
for example. Various embodiments may also be practiced in
connection with DVI applications, whereby DVI traffic may be
transported via Ethernet interfaces 316, or in connection with high
definition multimedia interface (HDMI) applications, whereby HDMI
traffic may be transported via Ethernet interfaces 316. Various
embodiments of the invention may enable the transfer of native
video data from a computing device 122 to an attached multimedia
monitor 124 via an Ethernet interface 316. Various embodiments of
the invention may also enable the transfer of native video data
from a video server to an attached multimedia monitor via an
Ethernet interface 316. Various embodiments of the invention may
enable the replacement of analog video interfaces, such as VGA,
with an Ethernet interface. In various embodiments of the
invention, the video data may be compressed and/or encrypted,
whether the video data is sent as native video data or is
encapsulated, such as in a Display Port mini-packet, for
example.
[0088] Aspects of a system for utilizing A/V bridging and A/V
bridging extensions to replace Display Port and/or analog ports on
a personal computing system may include a LAN subsystem 314 that
enables transmission of at least video data from a computing
device, such as a computer workstation 122, to a multimedia monitor
124 coupled to the computing device via an Ethernet interface
connector 136. The transmission may enable rendering of the video
data on the multimedia monitor 124. The computing device may be
coupled to a docking station 346 or to a port replicator. The
docking station 346 may be coupled to the Ethernet interface
connector 136 via an Ethernet connector 316. The port replicator
may be coupled to the Ethernet interface connector 136 via an
Ethernet connector 316. The LAN subsystem 314 may enable access to
the Ethernet interface connector 136 to enable transmission. The
LAN subsystem 314 may enable generation of line encoded bits based
on at least the video data. The LAN subsystem 314 may enable
transmission of the line encoded bits via the Ethernet interface
connector 136. At least the video data may be encapsulated one or
more Ethernet frames. The Ethernet frames may encapsulate one or
more Display Port mini-packets, HDMI frames and/or DVI frames. The
Ethernet frames may be transmitted utilizing AV Bridging
capabilities. The video data may be uncompressed and unencrypted,
uncompressed and encrypted, compressed and unencrypted or
compressed and encrypted.
[0089] Another embodiment of the invention may provide a
machine-readable storage, having stored thereon, a computer program
having at least one code section executable by a machine, thereby
causing the machine to perform the steps as described herein for
utilizing A/V bridging and A/V bridging extensions to replace
Display Port, HDMI, DVI and/or analog ports on a personal computing
system.
[0090] Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in
hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The
present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at
least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where
different elements are spread across several interconnected
computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus
adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A
typical combination of hardware and software may be a
general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when
being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that
it carries out the methods described herein.
[0091] The present invention may also be embedded in a computer
program product, which comprises all the features enabling the
implementation of the methods described herein, and which when
loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.
Computer program in the present context means any expression, in
any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended
to cause a system having an information processing capability to
perform a particular function either directly or after either or
both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or
notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
[0092] While the present invention has been described with
reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention
will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *