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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for Display Port to Ethernet replacement, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, EF₁. The Ethernet frames, EF₁, may comprise EtherType=DP (where DP may represent a numerical value), which indicates that the Ethernet frames EF₁ contain encapsulated Display Port mini-packets. In addition, the Ethernet frames, EF₁, 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, EF₁, 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.

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.

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.

The MAC client 422b may receive Ethernet payloads, EP, and encapsulate the Ethernet payloads in one or more Ethernet frames, EF₂. The Ethernet frames EF₂ may comprise EtherType≠DP, which indicates that the Ethernet frames EF₂ may not contain Display Port mini-packets.

The time stamp shims 424a and 424b may receive Ethernet frames EF₁ and EF₂ 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 EF₁ and EF₂ 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.

The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may enable the transmission of the Ethernet frames EF₁ and EF₂ 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 EF₁ and EF₂ 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.

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.

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_R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may determine whether the constructed Ethernet frames EF_R contain one or more Display Port mini-packets, MP_R, or Ethernet payloads, EP_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_R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may send the Ethernet frames EF_R to the time stamp shim 424a or 424b.

The time stamp shim 424a may send Ethernet frames, EF_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_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.

The time stamp shim 424b may send Ethernet frames, EF_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_R, from the received Ethernet frames EF_R. The MAC client 422b may send the Ethernet payloads EP_R to the PCI to Ethernet block 434. The PCI to Ethernet block 434 may convert the Ethernet payloads EP_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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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_R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may determine whether the constructed Ethernet frames EF_R contain one or more Display Port mini-packets, MP_R, or Ethernet payloads, EP_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_R. The 10 G Ethernet MAC block 426 may send the Ethernet frames EF_R to the time stamp shim 424a or 424b.

The time stamp shim 424a may send Ethernet frames, EF_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_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_R from the Ethernet frames EF_R. The MAC client 422a may send the Display Port mini-packets MP_R to the Display Port to Ethernet block 432. The Display Port to Ethernet block 432 may convert the Display Port mini-packets MP_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_R.

In the case where the Display Port mini-packets, MP_R, contain video data, the Display Port mini-packets, MP_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.

The time stamp shim 424b may send Ethernet frames, EF_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_R, from the received Ethernet frames EF_R. The MAC client 422b may send the Ethernet payloads EP_R to the PCI to Ethernet block 434. The PCI to Ethernet block 434 may convert the Ethernet payloads EP_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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.