CN115695739A - Optical communication interface system - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for optical communication are provided. For example, the optical communication system includes a first electronic device coupled to the first coupling module, a second electronic device coupled to the second coupling module, and an optical communication interface between the first coupling module and the second coupling module. A method for optical communication may include receiving, by a first coupling module, a power activation signal from a first electronic device. The method may include passing, by a first coupling module, a first optical signal to a second coupling module. The method may also include passing, by the second coupling module, a second optical signal to the first coupling module in response to receiving the first optical signal. The method may also include activating, via the first coupling module, the data transmission circuit in response to receiving the second optical signal to cause the optical communication interface to transmit data.

Description

Optical Communication Interface System

technical field

Information The present invention relates to a communication interface, in particular to an optical communication interface applied to a protocol such as High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).

Background technique

Various communication interfaces have been developed and used in the field of high-speed communication. For example, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Universal Serial Bus (Universal Serial Bus; USB), Display Port (Display Port; DP), Digital Visual Interface (Digital Visual Interface; DVI) and Video Graphics Array (Video Graphics Array ; VGA) interface is relatively common in the market, and continues to develop. For example, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an audio/video interface used to transmit compressed or uncompressed audio/video from a source device (such as a Blu-ray Disc (BD) player) to a sink device (such as a television (TV)) data. With the prevalence of multimedia applications in general, the increased use of HDMI is also a frequent occurrence. The HDMI communication system can transmit signals electronically, optically, or in a hybrid manner (for example, a combination of electronic and optical) in the communication interface. For example, in an electronic implementation, wires can be provided in a cable; in an optical implementation, optical fibers can be provided in a cable; in a hybrid implementation, both electrical wires and optical fibers can be provided in a cable.

Contents of the invention

The modes and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be explained in the following descriptions, or can be learned from the descriptions, or can be learned from the practice of the embodiments.

An embodiment aspect of the present invention relates to a bidirectional optical communication interface system, including a first coupling module, a second coupling module, and a cable. The first coupling module includes a first connector for coupling to the first electronic device and a first optical transmitter-receiver, and the first optical transmitter-receiver can be configured as a transmitter or receiver of HDMI communication. The second coupling module includes a second connector for coupling to the second electronic device and the second optical transmitter-receiver, and the first optical transmitter-receiver can be configured as a transmitter or receiver of HDMI communication. The cable is coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module, and includes one or more optical fibers. The cable is further configurable to provide data transmission and reception through multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the first optical transceiver is configured to transmit optical audio/video signals to and receive optical audio/video from the second optical transceiver via one or more optical fibers. signal; meanwhile, the second optical transmitter-receiver is configured to transmit optical audio/video signals to the first optical transmitter-receiver through one or more optical fibers, and receive optical audio/video signals from the first optical transmitter-receiver.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more optical fibers is configured to transmit and receive data on a corresponding one of the plurality of bidirectional data transmission channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the cable includes a first set of optical fibers and a second set of optical fibers. The first group of optical fibers is configured for unidirectional data transmission of the data transmission channel from the first coupling module to the second coupling module. The second group of optical fibers is configured for unidirectional data transmission of the data transmission channel from the second coupling module to the first coupling module.

In some embodiments, the first optical transmitter receiver is configured to transmit and receive video signals, audio signals and control status signals from the first electronic device; meanwhile, the second optical transmitter receiver is configured to transmit and receive video signals from the second electronic device Transmit and receive video signals, audio signals and control status signals.

In some embodiments, when the first electronic device is configured as a receiving device, the first coupling module includes a first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store information indicating the display capability of the first electronic device data; at the same time, when the second electronic device is configured as a receiving device, the second coupling module includes a second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store data indicating the display capability of the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the cable includes an optical fiber or an electrical wire for a bidirectional hot plug detection (HPD) transmission channel for transmitting a power activation signal detected from the first electronic device or the second electronic device confirmation.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first coupling module or the second coupling module is detachable from the cable. In particular, the first coupling module may include a first cable connector configured such that the first coupling module is detachable for the cable; meanwhile, the second coupling module may include a second cable connector configured such that the second coupling Modules are detachable for cables.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first coupling module or the second coupling module includes a touch sensor configured to switch on or off the data transmission on the cable.

Another embodiment aspect of the present invention relates to an optical communication interface system, including a first coupling module, a second coupling module, a cable and a switch. The first coupling module includes a first device connector for coupling the first electronic device, a first coupling circuit including a data transmission circuit, and a first circuit housing substantially enclosing the first coupling circuit. The second coupling module includes a second device connector for coupling the second electronic device, a second coupling circuit including a data transfer circuit, and a second circuit housing substantially enclosing the second coupling circuit. The cable is coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module, and includes one or more optical fibers configured to provide data transmission and reception on multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module. The switch is arranged on at least one of the first circuit housing or the second circuit housing. The switch is configured to switch on and off of data transmission on multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the switch includes touch sensors.

In some embodiments, the first coupling module includes a first optical transceiver and the second coupling module includes a second optical transceiver. The first optical transceiver is configured to transmit optical audio/video signals to the second optical transceiver via one or more optical fibers, and to receive optical audio/video signals from the second optical transceiver. The second optical transceiver is configured to transmit optical audio/video signals to the first optical transceiver via one or more optical fibers, and to receive optical audio/video signals from the first optical transceiver.

In some embodiments, each optical fiber is configured to transmit and receive data on a bidirectional data transmission channel corresponding to one of the plurality of bidirectional data transmission channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the cable includes a first set of optical fibers and a second set of optical fibers. The first group of optical fibers is configured for unidirectional data transmission of the data transmission channel from the first coupling module to the second coupling module. The second group of optical fibers is configured for unidirectional data transmission of the data transmission channel from the second coupling module to the first coupling module.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first coupling module or the second coupling module is detachable relative to the cable.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an optical communication interface system, including a first coupling module, a second coupling module, and a cable. The first coupling module includes a first device connector for coupling the first electronic device, and a data transmitter for transmitting data received from the first electronic device. The second coupling module includes a second device connector for coupling the second electronic device, and a data receiver for receiving data assigned to the second electronic device. The cable is coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module, includes one or more optical fibers, and is configured to provide data transmission and reception on multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module . When there is no data transmission between the first coupling module and the second coupling module, one or more channels among the plurality of channels operate in a power-saving mode.

In some embodiments, the first coupling module includes a power saving circuit configured to connect a plurality of data signal lines from the first electronic device. When one or more of the data signal lines from the first electronic device indicate no data transmission, the power saving circuit generates a control signal to make one or more of the plurality of channels operate in a power saving mode middle.

In some embodiments, the first coupling module is configured to monitor the data transmission status of the data signal line connected to the first electronic device. When one or more data signal lines of the data signal lines have no transmission data within a certain period of time, one or more channels related to the one or more data signal lines are set to operate in the power saving mode.

In some embodiments, the second coupling module includes a power saving circuit configured to monitor a specific channel of the plurality of channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module. This particular channel specifies the mode of operation for data traffic detection. When the specific channel detects that there is no data transmission flow, the remaining channels among the multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module are operated in the power saving mode. When the specific channel detects data transmission traffic, the remaining channels among the multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module are activated to operate in the data transmission mode.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method. The method includes receiving, by the first coupling module, a power enable signal from a first electronic device coupled to the first coupling module. The method also includes transmitting the first optical signal to a second coupling module coupled to the second electronic device through the first coupling module. The method also includes, through the second coupling module, transmitting the second optical signal to the first coupling module in response to the received first optical signal. The method also includes, through the first coupling module, in response to the received second optical signal, activating a data transmission circuit for transmitting data through the optical communication interface between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the first optical signal refers to a power activation signal received from the first electronic device and detected by one or more pins of the connector between the first coupling module and the first electronic device Measurement.

In some embodiments, the second optical signal is a hot plug detect (HPD) signal received from the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the method includes applying a power enable signal from the first electronic device to source-side circuitry within the first coupling module. In some embodiments, the method also includes generating the first optical signal using source-side circuitry within the first coupling module. For example, the source-side circuit in the first coupling module is configured to receive the second optical signal, and activate the data transmission circuit for transmitting data between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the method includes receiving the first optical signal from receive-side circuitry within the second coupling module, and using the receive-side circuitry to convert the first optical signal into a power-enabled signal for the second electronic device. For example, the method may include receiving a hot plug detect (HPD) signal from the second electronic device through the receiving circuit, and using the receiving circuit to convert the hot plug detect signal into a second optical signal.

In some embodiments, the method includes waiting for a first stabilization time to elapse between receiving the power activation signal from the first electronic device and passing the first optical signal from the first coupling module to the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the method includes waiting for a second stabilization period from receiving the second optical signal and passing data between a source transmitter-receiver within the first coupling module and a sink-side transmitter-receiver within the second coupling module. time.

In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting the data of the first electronic device to the second coupling module through the first coupling module for acknowledging the data of the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the first optical signal and the second optical signal are transmitted on an optical fiber coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the optical fiber includes a first optical fiber and a light-emitting element, the first coupling module includes a first transmitter-receiver, the second coupling module includes a second transmitter-receiver, and the light emitted by the light-emitting element corresponds to the first transmitter-receiver or one or more characteristics of the second transceiver.

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include a degree of vibration.

In some embodiments, the first transmitter-receiver includes a light control circuit configured to control one or more of a light type, a frequency, a brightness, a color, or a quantity of light emitted by the light-emitting element.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical communication interface, including a first coupling module, a second coupling module, and a cable coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module. The first coupling module includes a first device connector for coupling the first electronic device, a source-side transmitter-receiver configured to transmit data related to the first electronic device, and a source-side circuit configured to receive power from the first electronic device The activation signal and the generation of the first optical signal are transmitted from the first coupling module to the second coupling module. The second coupling module includes a second device connector for coupling the second electronic device, a receiving end transmitter receiver for transmitting data related to the second electronic device, and a receiving side circuit configured to receive the first optical signal and generate the second optical signal. Signals are passed from the second coupling module to the first coupling module. The cable includes one or more optical fibers, and transmits and receives data in multiple channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module according to the second optical signal received by the first coupling module.

In some embodiments, the first optical signal is a power activation signal received from the first electronic device by detecting one or more pins of the connector of the first device.

In some embodiments, the second optical signal is a hot plug detection (HPD) signal received from the second electronic device by detecting one or more pins of the connector of the second device.

In some embodiments, the source-side circuit in the first coupling module is configured to receive the second optical signal and activate the data transmission circuit so that the data can be transmitted between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the receiver circuit in the second coupling module is configured to receive the first optical signal, and convert the first optical signal into a power activation signal for the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the second coupling circuit includes a diode, which is used to prevent the power activation signal of the second electronic device from reversing the power and flowing back to the receiving side circuit.

In some embodiments, the receiver circuit in the second coupling module is configured to receive a hot plug detection (HPD) signal from the second electronic device, and convert the HPD signal into a second optical signal.

In some embodiments, the source-side circuit of the first coupling module is configured to wait for the power-on signal of the first electronic device to be received and the first optical signal transmitted from the first coupling module to the second coupling module. first stabilization time.

In some embodiments, the source-side circuitry of the first coupling module is configured to wait to receive the second optical signal and transfer data from the source transmitter receiver within the first coupling module to the receiver transmitter within the second coupling module. Second stabilization time elapsed between receivers.

In some embodiments, the source transmitter receiver of the first coupling module is configured to transmit the optical audio/video signal to the receiver transmitter receiver of the second coupling module via one or more optical fibers, and the received Optical audio/video signal from transmitter to receiver. Similarly, the receiver transmitter of the second coupling module is configured to transmit optical audio/video signals to the source transmitter of the first coupling module via one or more optical fibers, and receives the optical audio/video signal from the source transmitter Optical audio/video signal.

In some embodiments, one or more optical fibers are configured to transmit and receive data of a bidirectional data transmission channel corresponding to one of the plurality of bidirectional data transmission channels between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some embodiments, the cable coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module includes a first set of optical fibers and a second set of optical fibers. The first group of optical fibers is configured to unidirectionally transmit data from the first coupling module to the second coupling module in the data transmission channel. The second group of optical fibers is configured to unidirectionally transmit data from the second coupling module to the first coupling module in the data transmission channel.

In some embodiments, the cable includes a light emitting element, and the light emitted by the light emitting element corresponds to one or more characteristics of the source transmitter receiver or the receiver transmitter receiver.

In some embodiments, the source transmitter-receiver includes a first transmitter, and a light control circuit coupled to the first transmitter. The light emitting element partially or completely surrounds one or more optical fibers. The light emitted by the light-emitting element corresponds to one or more characteristics related to the first transmitter-receiver or the second transmitter-receiver.

In some embodiments, the source transmitter-receiver includes a vibration sensor configured to transmit a vibration level to the light control circuit, and the one or more characteristics include the vibration level communicated from the vibration sensor to the light control circuit.

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of data transmission rate, clock rate, image resolution, power, temperature, vibration level, or data transmission on one or more optical fibers. Content.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical communication interface. The optical communication interface includes a cable, and the cable includes a first optical fiber and a light emitting element. The optical communication interface includes a first transmitting receiver and an optical control circuit. The first transmitter-receiver includes a first transmitter for receiving input data, converting the input data into a first optical signal, and transmitting the first optical signal through a first optical fiber. The light control circuit is coupled to the first emitter and is configured to control the light emitting element. The optical communication interface includes a second transmitter-receiver. The second transmit-receiver includes a first receiver configured to receive the first optical signal. The light emitting element partially or completely surrounds the first optical fiber. The light emitted by the light emitting element corresponds to one or more characteristics related to the first transmitter-receiver or the second transmitter-receiver. The one or more characteristics include a degree of vibration.

Another embodiment aspect of the present invention relates to an optical communication interface. The optical communication interface includes a cable, and the cable includes a first optical fiber. The optical communication interface includes a first transmitter receiver. The first transmitter-receiver includes a first transmitter configured to receive an input data, convert the input data into a first optical signal, transmit the first optical signal through a first optical fiber, and transmit a second optical signal through a second optical fiber. The optical communication interface includes a second transmitter-receiver, and the second transmitter-receiver includes a first receiver configured to receive the first optical signal and the second optical signal. The second optical signal is converted into an electronic signal, which can be used as a power source for the first receiver.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical communication interface. The optical communication interface includes a cable, and the cable includes a first optical fiber and a light emitting element. The optical communication interface includes a first transmitting receiver, a light control circuit and a vibration sensor. The first transmitter-receiver includes a first transmitter configured to receive input data, convert the input data into a first optical signal, and transmit the first optical signal through a first optical fiber. The light control circuit is coupled to the first emitter, and the light control circuit is configured to control the light emitting element. The vibration sensor is configured to communicate the vibration level to the light control circuit. The optical communication interface includes a second transmitter-receiver, and the second transmitter-receiver includes a first receiver configured to receive a first optical signal. The light emitting element partially or completely surrounds the first optical fiber. The light emitted by the light emitting element corresponds to one or more characteristics related to the first transmitter-receiver or the second transmitter-receiver.

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, devices and communication interfaces.

The features, modes and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will be more easily understood by referring to the following description and the scope of the application documents. The related drawings are a part of the specification and are included therein for illustrating the embodiments of the present invention and accompanying the related descriptions for explaining the related principles thereof.

Description of drawings

The foregoing embodiments of the present application, together with the many attendant advantages, will become more readily understood when taken with the accompanying drawings and accompanied by the following detailed description. in:

1-4 are block diagrams of a two-way communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a detachable communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a power saving communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a power activation circuit for a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a power-on method for a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a power-saving communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a power saving communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of an optical communication interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an optical communication interface according to an embodiment of the invention.

13-22 illustrate optical communication interfaces according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Description of main component symbols:

100 HDMI communication system

102 First HDMI device

104 Second HDMI device

110 First HDMI coupling module

112 First connector

114 The first optical transmitter receiver

115 video signal

116 audio signal

117 Control status signal

118 First non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

119 CEC control circuit

120 Second HDMI coupling module

122 Second connector

124 Second Optical Transmitter Receiver

125 video signal

126 audio signals

127 Control status signal

128 Second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

129 CEC control circuit

130 fiber optic cable

131 HEAC circuits

132 HEAC circuits

133 HPD detection circuit

134 HPD detection circuit

135 bidirectional data transmission channels

136 clock channels

138 CEC lines

139 Utility line

150 wires

151 The first two-way data transmission channel

152 Second bidirectional data transmission channel

153 The third two-way data transmission channel

154 The fourth bidirectional data transmission channel

161-164 data transmission channel

165-168 data transmission channel

200 Detachable HDMI communication system

210 First HDMI coupling module

212 First device connector

214 First cable connector

216 First end connector

220 Second HDMI coupling module

222 Second device connector

224 Second cable connector

226 Second End Connector

230a/230b cable

300 HDMI communication system

310 First HDMI coupling module

312 First device connector

318 First Circuit Enclosure

320 Second HDMI coupling module

322 Second device connector

328 Second Circuit Enclosure

330 cable

340 touch sensor

400 HDMI communication system

410 First HDMI coupling module

412 First device connector

413 First optical signal

415 receiving side circuit

416 Power start signal

420 Second HDMI coupling module

422 Second device connector

423 Second optical signal

425 receiving side circuit

426 Hot Plug Signal

429 Schottky Diodes

430 fiber optic cable

500 Electric Start Method

505 steps

510 steps

515 steps

520 steps

525 steps

530 steps

535 steps

600 HDMI communication system

610 First HDMI coupling module

612 First device connector

614 data transmitter

616 power saving circuit

620 Second HDMI coupling module

622 Second device connector

624 data receiver

626 power saving circuit

630 cable

631-634 data channel

1021 transmitter

1022 Receiver

1023 light control circuit

1024 vibration sensor

1041 Launcher

1042 Receiver

1043 light control circuit

1100 Optical Communication Interface

1102 transmitter receiver

1104 transmitter receiver

1106 A/V transmitter receiver

1108 A/V transmitter receiver

1110 sideband transmitter receiver

1112 sideband transmitter receiver

1120 HDMI source

1130 HDMI receiver

1150 connector

1160 connector

1180 cable

1190 light emitting elements

C1 light control signal

LT light

F1, F2, F3, F4 Fiber

P1 fiber

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention relate to communication using a protocol, such as High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). This technology includes systems, methods, devices, and/or communication interfaces, applied to communication between HDMI devices, so that various aspects of overall communication (such as: power, form factor, convenience, etc.) are improved . The devices, systems and methods of the present invention provide several technical effects and advantages. Although this description focuses on the communication interface of HDMI, embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable to Universal Serial Bus (USB), DisplayPort (DP), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Video Graphics Array (VGA) or Other kinds of communication interfaces.

In particular, according to some embodiments, an HDMI communication system may provide a data communication interface between a first HDMI device (such as a notebook computer) and a second HDMI device (such as a monitor). Generally, an HDMI communication system may include a first HDMI coupling module and a second HDMI coupling module. The first HDMI coupling module includes a first device connector for coupling to a first HDMI device; the second HDMI coupling module includes a second device connector for coupling to a second HDMI device. The HDMI communication system may also include one or more optical fibers coupled between the first and second HDMI modules and configured to provide multiple data transmission channels between the first and second HDMI coupling modules. As described throughout this disclosure, the optical communication system or optical coupling module can be all-optical (ie, only optical fibers are used for the connection between the two devices) or hybrid (ie, the connection between the two devices is optical fiber) combination with wires).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an HDMI system has a two-way communication function. Some conventional HDMI communication systems require that one end of the HDMI cable be connected to a source device, and the other end of the HDMI cable be connected to a sink device. For these traditional HDMI cables, the cable circuit on the source side is only designed for data transmission function, and the cable circuit on the sink side is only designed for data reception function. Therefore, if the source end of the cable is connected to the sink device and/or the sink end of the cable is connected to the source device, the communication system cannot operate correctly. By designing a dual-mode optical transmitter receiver and related circuits at the source end and the receiver end of the HDMI communication system, no matter which end of the HDMI cable is plugged into the sink device or the source device, it can operate normally. In other words, both ends of the HDMI cable can be used for data transmission and reception. Therefore, the present invention provides a communication system with two-way function, which makes it easier to operate, more flexible in the connection of devices at both ends, and has the possibility of adding other functions.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical HDMI communication system having a detachable connector connected to a fiber optic cable. For example, the HDMI communication system may include a first HDMI coupling module and a second HDMI coupling module. Each coupling module may include a device connector for coupling to an HDMI device, and a cable connector for coupling to an optical fiber cable. At least one cable connector is detachable with respect to the fiber optic cable. For example, in some embodiments, both the first cable connector and the second cable connector are detachable from the fiber optic cable. This architecture allows interchangeability of fiber optic cables with different lengths for different applications, thus facilitating design flexibility and/or system customization. For example, some applications require longer distance transmission, that is, fiber optic cables with larger size or function. By creating an HDMI communication system with detachable components, a plug-and-play design can be achieved, thereby providing a variety of technical advantages and overall design flexibility. As another embodiment, the detachable connector allows the coupling module to remain plugged into the corresponding source/receiver device, so that the source/receiver device can be easily moved without carrying additional optical fiber cables.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an HDMI communication system with a power saving mode function. The HDMI communication system with the power saving mode function can advantageously reduce system function degradation, reduce power consumption and operation cost for connecting HDMI devices, and improve HDMI system efficiency.

In some embodiments, the power saving mode function can be achieved by disposing a switch (such as a touch sensor) on at least one of the first HDMI coupling module or the second HDMI coupling module. For example, a touch sensor is provided for switching on and off the data transmission on the optical fiber cable between the first HDMI coupling module and the second coupling module. In some embodiments, the touch sensor is disposed on the circuit housing of a given HDMI coupling module. The system with the touch sensor can provide the user with the option of manually switching the power saving mode. In addition, the HDMI communication system can switch data transmission on and/or off without actually unplugging the cable, thereby reducing wear and tear on the cable.

In other power-saving mode implementations of the present invention, when there is no data transmission between the first HDMI coupling module and the second HDMI coupling module, one or more of the multiple channels in the optical fiber cable operate in the power-saving mode. electric mode.

In particular, in some embodiments, a power saving mode function may be provided at the transmitting end of the HDMI communication system. In one embodiment, the first HDMI coupling module (for example: transmitting module) can connect multiple data signal lines from the first HDMI device (for example: source side device), and when the multiple data signal lines from the first HDMI device When one or more data signal lines of the line show no data transmission, the first HDMI coupling module generates a control signal to make one or more channels of the plurality of channels operate in the power saving mode. In another embodiment, the first HDMI coupling module can be used to monitor the data transmission status of multiple data signal lines from the first HDMI device. When there is no data transmission in one or more data signal lines of the plurality of data signal lines within a certain period of time, one or more channels corresponding to the one or more data signal lines can be switched to operate in the power saving mode.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, a power saving mode function may be provided at the receiving end of the HDMI communication system. For example, the second HDMI coupling module (eg, the receiving module) may include a power saving circuit configured to monitor a specific channel among the channels between the first HDMI coupling module and the second HDMI coupling module. This particular channel operates in flow detection mode. When the specific channel detects no data transmission flow, the rest of the channels between the first HDMI coupling module and the second HDMI coupling module operate in a power saving mode. When the specific channel detects that there is data transmission traffic, start the remaining channels in the multiple channels between the first HDMI coupling module and the second HDMI coupling module to operate in the data transmission mode.

Further, the effects and advantages of the present technology can be understood by disclosing a system and method for a power-up sequence of an all-optical HDMI communication system. The system and method are helpful for coordinating acknowledgment signals during operation of an all-optical HDMI communication system. By removing or reducing the use of electrical signals between the first end and the second end of the HDMI cable, the advantages of optical transmission can be better understood (for example: thin cables, no additional power required, still applicable to long distances data communication, and maintain a stable transmission effect).

Embodiments of the present invention are more related to an optical communication interface with other functions, such as light emitting function, power transmission over optical fiber, and vibration sensing capability. For example, cables with light-emitting functions can emit light according to the transmission status. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor can monitor the vibration level of the cable, and the cable can emit light according to the vibration level. Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention allows power transmission in the fiber optic cable to provide power to an interface receiver, such as an audio-visual (A/V) or sideband receiver.

The devices, systems and methods of the present invention provide a number of technical effects and advantages. For example, a light-emitting cable according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a user with a visual indication of the status of data transmission in the cable. For example, an HDMI cable with a light-emitting function, such as during playback of audio-visual (A/V) media, can allow users to quickly know the resolution of the image transmission on the cable.

Additionally, the devices, systems and methods of the present invention improve the art of power delivery to cable receivers. For example, light transmission on an optical fiber can be converted into an electrical signal suitable for powering a cable receiver, such as an audio-visual (A/V) or sideband receiver. In some embodiments, this technique can reduce the need for an additional source of power, such as that provided by a receiving device such as a television or monitor.

Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a bidirectional HDMI communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The HDMI communication system 100 is generally configured as an optical communication interface between a first HDMI device 102 and a second HDMI device 104 . The first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 may include various devices, such as but not limited to source devices (eg, Blu-ray disc players, laptops, personal computers, game consoles, etc.) and/or sink devices ( For example: TV, monitor, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the HDMI communication system 100 may include a first HDMI coupling module 110 , a second HDMI coupling module 120 and an optical fiber cable 130 . The first HDMI coupling module 110 may include a first connector 112 for coupling the first HDMI device 102, and a first optical transmitter receiver 114 configured as a receiving end (for example: receiver) or a source end (for example: transmitter) ). The second HDMI coupling module 120 may include a second connector 122 for coupling to the second HDMI device 104 , and a second optical transmitter receiver 124 configured as a sink or source transmitter receiver. When configured as a transmitter, the optical transmitter-receiver receives one or more electrical signals from an HDMI device at the source and converts the one or more electrical signals into one or more optical signals (for example, by using a driver circuit that drives one or more multiple light sources, such as LEDs or lasers). When configured as a receiver, the optical transmitter-receiver receives one or more optical signals (e.g., by using photodiodes), and converts the one or more optical signals into one or more electronic signals, which are provided to a receiving device (e.g., by using A transimpedance amplifier converts the photocurrent into a voltage).

The optical fiber cable 130 can be coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 and can include one or more optical fibers. The optical fiber cable 130 is further configured to provide multiple channels of data transmission and reception between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 . For example, an HDMI cable may include four data lanes and one or multiple sideband lanes for conveying information such as power information, audio return channel (ARC/eARC), serial clock information (SCL), serial Data information (SDA), consumer electronics control signal (consumer electronics control; CEC), hot plug detection signal (HPD), etc. Each channel may use separate optical fibers from each other, or may share a single optical fiber with wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing,/time division multiplexing/demultiplexing, and/or code division multiplexing/demultiplexing. The first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 are disposed at opposite ends of the fiber optic cable as connector devices.

In some embodiments, the HDMI communication system 100 can be a hybrid type, with one or more wires 150 coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 . For example, the high-speed bidirectional data transmission channel 135 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) can be achieved by using optical means (for example: an optical transmitter and receiver coupled to an optical fiber), and low-speed data (for example: CEC, utility, hot-swap detection Measurement signal (HPD), display data channel (DDC), etc.) can be achieved by using wires (for example: electronic transmitter receivers coupled to wires, such as: copper wires).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the HDMI communication system 100 may be configured for a bidirectional function. Therefore, if the first HDMI device 102 is configured for the operation of a source device (such as a TV, laptop, game console, etc.), and the second HDMI device 104 is configured for a sink device (such as a monitor or other display device), regardless of whether the first connector 112 is physically coupled to the first HDMI device 102 and the second connector 122 is physically coupled to the second HDMI device 104, or the first connector is physically coupled to the second The two HDMI devices 104 and the second connector 122 are physically coupled to the first HDMI device 102, and the HDMI communication system 100 will provide the same function. Because the source end and the sink end (such as the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120) in the HDMI communication system 100 have a first optical transmitter receiver 114, a second optical transmitter receiver 124, and related circuits (such as Figure 2) constructed dual-mode transmitter receiver. For the application of the HDMI cable with the HDMI communication system 100 , no matter which end is plugged into the source device or the sink device, its communication function will not be affected.

Both ends of the HDMI communication system 100 (eg, the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 ) are configured for data transmission and reception. In particular, the first optical transmitter receiver 114 of the first HDMI coupling module 110 can transmit optical audio/video signals to the second optical transmitter receiver 124 of the second HDMI coupling module 120 through the optical fiber cable 130, and can also transmit optical audio/video signals from the second optical transmitter receiver 124 of the second HDMI coupling module 120. Two optical transmitter receivers 124 receive optical audio/video signals. Similarly, the second optical transceiver 124 can transmit optical audio/video signals to the first optical transceiver 114 through the fiber optic cable 130 , and can receive optical audio/video signals from the first optical transceiver 114 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , at least one of the first HDMI coupling module 110 or the second HDMI coupling module 120 is detachable relative to the optical fiber cable 130 . In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first HDMI coupling module 110 or the second HDMI coupling module 120 may include a switcher (for example: a touch sensor), configured to switch between optical fiber cables Data transfer on and off.

2-4 are two-way HDMI communication systems according to other embodiments of the present invention, for example, may include the HDMI communication system shown in FIG. 1 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 have similar components. For example, the first HDMI coupling module 110 includes a first optical transmitter receiver 114 and related circuits, and the second HDMI coupling module 120 includes a second optical transmitter receiver 124 and related circuits. The first optical transceiver 114 is configured to transmit and receive video signals 115 , audio signals 116 , and control/status signals 117 to and from a first HDMI device (eg, the first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1 ). The second optical transceiver 124 is configured to transmit and receive video signals 125 , audio signals 126 and control/status signals 127 to and from a second HDMI device (eg, the second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1 ).

As shown in FIG. 2, the first HDMI coupling module 110 may include a first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 118 configured to store extended display identification data (Extended Display Identification Data; EDID), representing a first HDMI device (such as The display capabilities of the first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the EDID information stored in the first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 118 is important when the first HDMI device (eg, the first HDMI device of FIG. 1 ) is configured as a sink device. The second HDMI coupling module 120 may include a second non-transitory computer readable storage medium 128 configured to store extended display identification data (EDID) representing a display of a second HDMI device (eg, second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1 ). ability. In some instances, the EDID information stored in the second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 128 is important when the second HDMI device (eg, the second HDMI device of FIG. 1 ) is used as the receiving device.

In some implementations, the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module may include respective CEC control circuits 119, 129 for transmitting and coordinating the communication between the first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104. Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) functionality. In some implementations, the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 may include respective HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel (HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel; HEAC) circuits 131, 132 for A bidirectional Ethernet compatible data network and an audio return channel are provided between connecting devices (eg, the first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 in FIG. 1 ). The HEAC circuits 131, 132 can also use hot pluggable (HPD) lines for signal transmission for signal transmission. In a further embodiment, the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 may include respective HPD detection circuits 133, 134 for communicating and confirming that they are coupled to an HDMI device (such as the first HDMI device shown in FIG. 1 ). The power signal received by one or more pins on the connectors (eg, the first connector 112 and/or the second connector 122 ) of the HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , multiple channels can be provided on the optical fiber cable 130 for transmitting the aforementioned functions described between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 . For example, the communication channel in the optical fiber cable 130 between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 may include a plurality of bidirectional data transmission channels 135 configured to transmit and receive the first HDMI coupling module 110 Data between the second HDMI coupling module 120 and one or more clock channels 136 . In some embodiments, bidirectional data transmission channel 135 and/or one or more clock channels 136 may be configured to transfer data formatted using Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) protocol . Additional channels for communication between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 may include, but are not limited to: display data channel (DDC) lines for the first non-transitory computer readable storage medium 118 and the second Communication between the non-transitory computer readable storage medium 128; CEC circuit 138, used for communication between the first CEC control circuit 119 and the second CEC control circuit 129; Utility circuit 139, used for the first HEAC circuit 131 and the communication between the second CEC control circuit 129; The communication between the second HEAC circuit 132 ; and the HPD line, used for the communication between the first HEAC circuit 131 and the first detection circuit 133 and between the second HEAC circuit 132 and the second detection circuit 134 . In some implementations, the HDMI coupling modules 110 and 120 can be hybrid, in which video and audio data are transmitted through one or more optical fibers, and other control data (such as: CEC, DDC, Utility, and/or HPD, etc.) ) over one or more wires. In some embodiments, the HDMI coupling modules 110 and 120 can be all optical, and the video and audio data, as well as the control data are all transmitted through one or more optical fibers.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4 , it is further discussed how the optical fiber cable 130 includes an HDMI channel for bidirectional communication between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 .

Specifically, FIG. 3 is a two-way HDMI communication system. The fiber optic cable 130 may include a plurality of bidirectional data transmission channels 151-154 configured to bidirectionally transmit and receive the first optical transmit receiver 114 of the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second optical transmit receiver 114 of the second HDMI coupling module 120 data between device 124. In some embodiments, bidirectional data transmission channels 151-154 may include at least three optical channels configured to communicate data formatted using Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) protocol. In some embodiments, the first bidirectional data transmission channel 151, the second bidirectional data transmission channel 152, and the third bidirectional data transmission channel 153 of FIG. 3 may correspond to the data channels located on the optical fiber cable 130 in FIG. 2 135 , and the fourth bidirectional data transmission channel 154 in FIG. 3 may correspond to the clock channel 136 in FIG. 2 .

In FIG. 4 , the fiber optic cable 130 may include a first set of optical fibers configured to go from the first optical transmit receiver 114 of the first HDMI coupling module 110 to the second optical transmit receiver 124 of the second HDMI coupling module 120 One-way data transmission of the data communication channels 161-164. The fiber optic cable 130 also includes a second set of optical fibers configured for a data transmission channel 165- 168 one-way data transmission. In some embodiments, the data transmission channels 161-164 on the first set of optical fibers may include at least three optical channels for transmitting data, and one or more clock channels using Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) protocol . Similarly, the data transmission channels 165-168 on the second set of optical fibers may include at least three optical channels for transmitting data, and one or more clock channels using Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) protocol.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a detachable HDMI communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detachable HDMI communication system 200 generally serves as an optical communication interface between a first and a second HDMI device (eg, the first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 in FIG. 1 ). The detachable HDMI communication system 200 may include a first HDMI coupling module 210, a second HDMI coupling module 220, and cables 230a/230b. The first HDMI coupling module 210 in FIG. 5 may include some or all of the features or functions of the first HDMI coupling module 110 shown in FIGS. 1-2 , or may include different features and functions. The second HDMI coupling module 220 in FIG. 5 may include some or all of the features or functions of the second HDMI coupling module 120 shown in FIGS. 1-2 , or may include different features and functions. The cables 230a/230b shown in FIG. 5 may include some or all of the features and functions of the fiber optic cables 130 and electrical wires 150 shown in FIGS. 1-2, or may include different features and functions. The detachable HDMI communication system 200 may include some or all of the data transmission channel configurations shown in FIGS. 3-4 , or may include different channel structures and functions.

In some embodiments, the first HDMI coupling module 210 of FIG. 5 may include a first device connector 212 for coupling a first HDMI device (such as the first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1 ), and a first cable The connector 214 is used for coupling the fiber optic cable 230a/230b. The second HDMI coupling module 220 of FIG. 5 may include a second device connector 222 for coupling a second HDMI device (such as the second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1 ), and a second cable connector 224 for coupling Fiber optic cables 230a/230b are attached.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the detachable HDMI communication system 200 can be configured with at least one of the first cable connector 214 or the second cable connector 224 , which is detachable to the optical fiber cable 230 a / 230 b. In certain embodiments, the first cable connector 214 may allow the first HDMI coupling module 210 to be detachable relative to the fiber optic cable 230a/230b, and the second cable connector 224 may enable the second HDMI coupling module 220 is detachable relative to fiber optic cables 230a/230b. For example, the first cable connector 214 and the first end connector 216 of the fiber optic cable 230a/230b have corresponding pluggable joints. For example, the first cable connector 214 may provide a receptacle connector suitable for mating positioning relative to the first end connector 216 of the fiber optic cable 230a/230b. Similarly, the second cable connector 224 may provide a receptacle connector suitable for mating positioning relative to the second end connector 226 of the fiber optic cable 230a/230b. Other types of connections, which may include but are not limited to magnetic connections, may also be used in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the detachable HDMI communication system 200 may include different fiber optic cables for different applications. For example, the detachable HDMI communication system 200 may include a first optical fiber cable 230a having a first length applied to the first optical data, wherein the first optical fiber cable 230a is coupled to the first cable of the first HDMI coupling module 210 connector 214 , and a second cable connector 224 coupled to the second HDMI coupling module 220 . The detachable HDMI communication system 220 may also include a second optical fiber cable 230b having a second length for the second optical data, wherein the second length is different from the first length of the first optical fiber cable 230a. The second optical fiber cable 230 b can be coupled to the first cable connector 214 of the first HDMI coupling module 210 and to the second cable connector 224 of the second HDMI coupling module 220 .

In certain embodiments, such as the detachable HDMI communication system 200 of FIG. 5 includes some or all of the features and functions of the HDMI communication system 100 of FIG. 1 . The first HDMI coupling module 210 may include a first optical transmitter-receiver (such as the first optical transmitter-receiver 114 in FIG. 1 ), configured as a receiver-side or source-side transmitter-receiver. The second HDMI coupling module 220 may include a second optical transmitter-receiver (such as the second optical transmitter-receiver 124 in FIG. 1 ), configured as a receiver-side or source-side transmitter-receiver. The optical fiber cable 230a/230b coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module 220 is detachable, and can be used to provide multiple fiber optic cables between the first HDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module 220. Channel data transmission. In particular, the first optical transmit receiver in the first HDMI coupling module 210 can be used to transmit optical audio/video signals to the second optical transmit receiver in the second HDMI coupling module 220 via fiber optic cable 230a/230b, and An optical audio/video signal is received from a second optical transmit receiver within a second HDMI coupling module. The second optical transmitter-receiver in the second HDMI coupling module 220 can be configured to transmit optical audio/video signals to and from the first optical transmitter-receiver in the first HDMI coupling module 210 via fiber optic cables 230a/230b. The first optical transmitter receiver in the first HDMI coupling module 210 receives optical audio/video signals.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3 , the optical fiber cable 230a/230b is detachably coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module 220, and includes multiple bidirectional data transmission channels, It is configured to transmit or receive data between the first HDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module 220 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the fiber optic cable 230a/230b may include a first set of data transmission channels configured to transmit data unidirectionally from the first HDMI coupling module 210 to the second HDMI coupling module, and The second group of data transmission channels is configured for unidirectional data transmission from the second HDMI coupling module 220 to the first HDMI coupling module 210 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , at least one of the first HDMI coupling module 210 or the second HDMI coupling module 220 may include a touch sensor configured to switch data transmission on or off. The touch sensors may include, for example, soft keys for user interface, hard keys, switches, sensors for gesture recognition, switches for remote control, and/or other types of switching interfaces.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a power-saving HDMI communication system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The HDMI communication system 300 is configured as an optical communication interface between first and second HDMI devices (eg, the first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1 ). The HDMI communication system 300 may include a first HDMI coupling module 310 , a second HDMI coupling module 320 , a cable 330 , and a touch sensor 340 . The first HDMI coupling module 310 may include a first device connector 312 for coupling a first HDMI device (eg, the first HDMI device 102 in FIG. 1 ). The first HDMI coupling module 310 may also include a first HDMI coupling circuit, the first HDMI coupling circuit includes a data transfer circuit (such as some or all of the circuits shown in the first HDMI coupling module 110 of FIG. 2 ), and a first circuit The housing 318 substantially encloses the first HDMI coupling circuit. The second HDMI coupling module 320 may include a second device connector 322 for coupling a second HDMI device (eg, the second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1 ). The second HDMI coupling module 320 may also include a second HDMI coupling circuit, the second HDMI coupling circuit includes a data transfer circuit (such as some or all of the circuits shown in the second HDMI coupling module 120 in FIG. 2 ), and a second The circuit housing 328 substantially encloses the second HDMI coupling circuit. The cable 330 is coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 310 and the second HDMI coupling module 320, and may include some or all of the features and functions of the optical fiber cable 130 and the electric wire 150 shown in FIGS. 1-2 , providing Data transmission on multiple channels between the first HDMI coupling module 310 and the second HDMI coupling module 320 . The touch sensor 340 can be integrated in the first circuit housing 318 and/or the second circuit housing 328 . The touch sensor 340 can be disposed on at least one of the first circuit housing 318 or the second circuit housing 328 . Although the touch sensor 340 shown in FIG. 6 is on the first circuit housing 318 , the touch sensor 340 may be additionally or alternatively disposed on the second circuit housing 328 . The touch sensor 340 may include, for example, soft buttons, hard buttons, switches, sensors for gesture recognition, and/or other switch interfaces for user interfaces. The touch sensor 340 can be used to switch on or off the data transmission of multiple channels of the optical fiber cable 330 between the first HDMI coupling module 310 and the second HDMI coupling module 320 . For example, the touch sensor 340 can be electrically coupled to the power management circuit of the first HDMI coupling module 310 to control the first HDMI coupling module 310 . When the data transmission in the HDMI communication system 300 is started by the touch sensor 340 , the data channel in the optical fiber cable 330 is set in the data transmission mode. When the data transmission in the HDMI communication system 300 is switched off by the touch sensor 340 , the data channel in the optical fiber cable 330 is set in an inactive mode or a sleep mode without data transmission.

7-8 are embodiments of a system and method for power activation of an HDMI communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-8 can be combined into the aforementioned HDMI communication system 100 , 200 , 300 , or an additional or alternative HDMI communication system.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the HDMI communication system 400 generally serves as an optical communication interface between the first and second HDMI devices (the first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 in FIG. 1 ). The HDMI communication system 400 may include a first HDMI coupling module 410 , a second HDMI coupling module 420 and an optical fiber cable 430 . The first HDMI coupling module 410 may include a first device connector 412 for coupling a first HDMI device (such as the first HDMI device 102 in FIG. 1 ), an HDMI source transmitter receiver (such as the first HDMI device in FIGS. 1-2 An optical transmitter receiver 114) is configured to transmit data related to the first HDMI device, and the receiving side circuit 415 is configured to receive a power activation signal from the first HDMI device, and generate a first optical signal 413, from the first HDMI device The coupling module 410 passes to a second HDMI coupling module 420 . The second HDMI coupling module 420 may include a second device connector 422 for coupling a second HDMI device (the second HDMI device 104 in FIG. The optical transmitter receiver 124) is configured to transfer data related to the second HDMI device, and the receiving side circuit 425 is configured to receive the first optical signal 413 from the source side circuit 415, and generate a second optical signal 423, from the second The HDMI coupling module 420 passes to the first HDMI coupling module 410 . The optical fiber cable 430 is coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 410 and the second HDMI coupling module 420, and provides the first HDMI coupling module 410 and the second HDMI coupling module 410 with the second optical signal 423 received by the first HDMI coupling module 410. Data transmission of multiple channels between coupling modules 420 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the first optical signal 413 may represent a power enable signal 416 (eg, a positive voltage signal (eg, +5V signal)) from a first HDMI device (eg, the first HDMI device 102), the power enable signal 416 may be One or more pins from the first device connector 412 are detected. The power enable signal 416 can be received from a source side circuit 415 (such as a source protocol integrated circuit (IC)), and the source side circuit 415 can convert the power enable signal 416 from an electronic signal to an optical signal 413 and transmit it on a fiber optic cable 430 . In some embodiments, the source-side circuit 415 of the first HDMI coupling module 410 is configured to wait to receive a power enable signal 416 from the first HDMI device and to pass the first optical signal 413 from the first HDMI coupling module to the second HDMI coupling module. The first stabilization time elapsed between modules 420 .

The receiver circuit 425 (such as a receiver protocol IC) is configured to receive the first optical signal 413 and convert it into an electronic signal, and transmit it to the second HDMI device, and the second HDMI device is connected to the second device connector 422 . The electronic signal from the receiving side circuit 425 can be used as a power-on signal for a second HDMI device (eg, +5V signal for USB). In some implementations, the second HDMI coupling module 420 may include diodes (such as one or more Schottky diodes 429) to prevent the power-on signal supplied to the second HDMI device from flowing back to the receiving side with reverse power. circuit 425. The receiving side circuit 425 in the second HDMI coupling module 420 can receive the hot plug signal 426 from the second HDMI device, and convert the HPD signal 426 into the second optical signal 423 . The second optical signal 423 represents a hot plug detect (HPD) signal 426 received from a second HDMI device, the hot plug detect (HPD) signal 426 being detected from one or more pins of the second device connector 422 . The source side circuit 415 in the first HDMI coupling module 410 is used to receive the second optical signal 423, and start the data transmission circuit (such as a wake-up signal), and carry out the communication between the first HDMI coupling module 410 and the second HDMI coupling module 420 data transfer. In some embodiments, the source-side circuit 415 of the first HDMI coupling module 410 is configured to wait for data transfer from receiving the second optical signal 423 and transmitting from the HDMI source-side receiver within the first HDMI coupling module 410 to the second The HDMI receiver in the HDMI coupling module 420 transmits the elapsed second stabilization time of the receiver.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a power-on method 500 for an HDMI communication system (such as the HDMI communication system 400 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The specific order of execution of steps shown in FIG. 8 is used in the description and discussion of an embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand that any method disclosed herein can be applied, rearranged, extended, omitted, combined and/or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The reference components/terms shown here in FIG. 8, as well as the illustrations for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments, do not limit the scope of the present invention. In other systems, one or more portions of method 500 may additionally or alternatively be performed.

In step 505, the method 500 may include receiving from the first HDMI device coupled to the first HDMI coupling module through the HDMI source transmitting receiver of the first HDMI coupling module (eg, the first HDMI coupling module of FIG. 7 ). Power start signal. In some embodiments, the power enable signal received at step 505 may be applied to a source-side circuit (eg, source-side circuit 415 of FIG. 7 ) within a first HDMI coupling module (eg, first HDMI coupling module 410 of FIG. 7 ). ). The source-side circuit in the first HDMI coupling module can be used to generate the first optical signal (eg, the first optical signal 413 in FIG. 7 ).

In step 510, the method 500 may include transmitting a first optical signal (such as the first optical signal 413 in FIG. ) to a second HDMI coupling module (such as the second HDMI coupling module 420 of FIG. 7 ) coupled to the second HDMI device. The first optical signal communicated in step 510 may be used to represent the power enable signal received in step 505 from the first HDMI device via the connector between the first HDMI coupling module and the first HDMI device detected by one or more of the pins. In some embodiments, method 500 may optionally include a step of: waiting for a first stabilization time after receiving a power enable signal from the first HDMI device at step 505 and receiving the power enable signal from the first HDMI coupling at step 510. The time elapsed between the module passing the first optical signal to the second HDMI coupling module.

In step 515, the method 500 may include receiving the first optical signal (eg, the receiving side circuit 425 of FIG. 7 ) at a receiving side circuit (eg, the receiving side circuit 425 of FIG. 7), and convert the first optical signal (such as the first optical signal 413 in FIG. 7 ) into a power-on signal for the second HDMI device using a receiving side circuit (such as the receiving circuit 425).

In step 520, the method 500 may include receiving a hot plug detection (HPD) signal (such as the HPD signal of FIG. 7 ) from the second HDMI device through the receiving side circuit (such as the receiving side circuit 425 of FIG. 7 ), and using The receiving side circuit (such as the receiving side circuit 425 in FIG. 7 ) converts the HPD signal (such as the HPD signal in FIG. 7 ) into a second optical signal (such as the second optical signal 423 in FIG. 7 ).

In step 525, the method 500 may include passing a second optical signal (eg, the second optical signal 423 of FIG. 7 ) to the first HDMI coupling module through a second HDMI coupling module (eg, the second HDMI coupling module 420 of FIG. 7 ). (for example, the first HDMI coupling module 410 in FIG. 7 ), to respond to the received first optical signal (for example, the first optical signal 413 in FIG. 7 ).

In step 530, the method 500 may include receiving a second optical signal (eg, the second optical signal in FIG. 423), and through the first HDMI coupling module (such as the first HDMI coupling module 410 in Figure 7), in response to the received second optical signal (such as the second optical signal 423 in Figure 7), start the data transmission circuit, for Data transmission between the first HDMI coupling module (for example, the first HDMI coupling module 410 in FIG. 7 ) and the second HDMI coupling module (for example, the second HDMI coupling module 420 in FIG. 7 ).

In step 535, the method 500 may include passing the data from the first HDMI device to the second HDMI coupling module (eg, the second HDMI coupling module in FIG. 7 ) through the first HDMI coupling module (eg, the first HDMI coupling module 410 in FIG. 7 ). coupling module 420), for the second HDMI device to receive. In some embodiments, method 500 may optionally include a step of: waiting for a second stabilization time, the second stabilization time is received in step 530 the second optical signal and in step 535 within the first HDMI coupling module The elapsed time between transmitting data between the HDMI source transmitter-receiver and the HDMI receiver transmitter-receiver in the second HDMI coupling module.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a power-saving HDMI communication system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The HDMI communication system 600 is configured as an optical communication interface between first and second HDMI devices (eg, the first HDMI device 102 and the second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1 ). The power saving HDMI communication system 600 may include a first HDMI coupling module 610 , a second HDMI coupling module 620 , and a cable 630 . The first HDMI coupling module 610 may include a first device connector 612 coupled to a first HDMI device (such as the first HDMI device 102 in FIG. 1 ) and a data transmitter 614 for transmitting data received from the first HDMI device. data. In some embodiments, the data transmitter 614 may be implemented by a first optical transceiver (eg, the first optical transceiver 114 of FIGS. 1-2 ). The second HDMI coupling module 620 may include a second device connector 622, coupled to a second HDMI device (such as the second HDMI device 104 in FIG. 1 ) and a data receiver 624, for receiving data specified by the second HDMI device. . In some embodiments, the data receiver 624 may be implemented by a second optical transceiver (eg, the second optical transceiver 124 of FIGS. 1-2 ). The optical fiber cable 630 coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620 may include some or all of the features and functions of the optical fiber cable 130 and the electric wire 150 shown in FIGS. 1-2 , And it can be configured to provide multiple channels of data transmission between the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , when there is no data transmission between the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620 , one or more of the channels provided by the optical fiber cable 630 can operate in a power saving mode. In one embodiment, the first HDMI coupling module 610 may include a power saving circuit 616 coupled to the data transmitter 614 and configured to provide a power saving function at the transmitter side of the HDMI communication system 600 . In one embodiment, the power saving circuit 616 may include a signal detector configured to receive a plurality of data signal lines from the first HDMI device. When there is no data in one or more data signal lines from the plurality of data signal lines of the first HDMI device, the power saving circuit 616 can be configured to generate a control signal to make one or more channels of the plurality of channels on the optical fiber cable 630 Operate in power saving mode. In another embodiment, the first HDMI coupling module 610 can be configured to monitor whether there is data on the plurality of data signal lines from the first HDMI device. When there is no data on one or more data signal lines of the plurality of data signal lines within a certain period of time, one or more data signal lines related to one or more channels provided by the optical fiber cable 630 may be It is controlled by the power saving circuit 616 to operate in the power saving mode.

In some implementations, the power saving circuit 616 may be coupled to a microcontroller within an HDMI coupling module (eg, HDMI coupling module 610 ). When one or more data signal lines among the plurality of data signal lines show no data within a certain period of time, the power saving circuit 616 can send a control signal to the microcontroller to enter the power saving mode. When one or more of the plurality of data signal lines presents data within a certain period of time, the power saving circuit 616 can send a control signal to the microcontroller to make it leave the power saving mode.

In some embodiments, the HDMI coupling module is configurable to operate in a mode of sending data over a primary data channel. For example, in a fixed rate link (FRL) mode, if the FRL link rate is lower than a limit (for example, 6Gbps), the HDMI coupling module can send data through three channels. If the FRL connection rate is lower than a certain limit, the HDMI coupling module can send data through four channels. When the FRL connection rate is lower than a threshold, the power saving circuit 616 can be configured to control one of the four channels to enter a power saving mode.

In one embodiment, the second HDMI coupling module 620 may include a power saving circuit 626 coupled to the data receiver 624 and configured to provide a power saving function at the receiver side of the HDMI communication system 600 . In one embodiment, the power saving circuit 626 in the second HDMI coupling module 620 can be used to monitor one of the multiple channels on the fiber optic cable 630 between the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620 A specific channel, the function of this specific channel is set to be used for data detection. When no data traffic is detected on a specific channel, the rest of the channels provided on the optical fiber cable 630 between the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620 can be set to operate in a power saving mode. When a specific channel is detected to have data traffic, all data channels provided on the fiber optic cable 630 are activated in the operation mode for data transmission.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the power-saving HDMI communication system 600 of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 10 shows different channels provided by the fiber optic cable 630 between the data transmitter 614 of the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the data receiver 624 of the second HDMI coupling module 620 in FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable 630 can provide multiple data channels 631 - 634 and multiple utility channels 635 . A specific channel (for example, data channel 631 ) of the plurality of data channels 631 - 634 can be designated to be set as an operation mode for traffic detection. When no data traffic is detected on a particular lane 631, the remaining lanes 632-634 of the plurality of lanes 631-634 may operate in a power saving mode. When no data traffic is detected on the specific channel 631, the specific channel 631 can be kept active for monitoring data traffic. When data traffic is detected on a specific channel 631, all the data channels 631-634 on the fiber optic cable 630 can be set in an operation mode for data transmission.

FIG. 11 is an embodiment of an optical communication interface 1100 . Optical communication interface 1100 may include a device operable to transmit and receive signals. For example, the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitter receivers 1102 and 1104 (for example, refer to the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 in FIG. 1 ). The optical communication interface may further include a device for connecting various devices. For example, the optical communication interface 1100 may include connectors 1150 and 1160 (eg, disposed at opposite ends of the optical communication interface). The optical communication interface 1100 may further include a device for signal transmission. For example, optical communication interface 1100 may include cable 1180 . As further described herein, the cable may include one or more optical fibers, such as a first optical fiber (see, eg, optical fiber 130 of FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the cable may also include one or more wires (eg, see wire 150 of FIG. 1 ). According to other embodiments of the present invention, the optical communication interface 1100 (such as the cable 1180 ) may further include a light emitting element 1190 (as shown in FIG. 12 ). For example, light emitting element 1190 may partially or completely surround cable 1180 (eg, first optical fiber). In certain embodiments, the cable 1180 can be a coiled cable or a non-coiled cable.

In various implementations, the optical communication interface 1100 can be HDMI, USB, DVI, VGA or other types of optical communication interfaces. In some embodiments, connectors 1150 and 1160 can be coupled to various devices, such as source devices (eg, Blu-ray disc players, laptops, PCs, game consoles, etc.) and/or sink devices (eg, televisions) , display, etc.).

The light (labeled LT) emitted by the light emitting element 1190 may correspond to data information. For example, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can vary according to the data information communicated on the cable 1180 . The data information can be, for example, one or more characteristics related to the first transceiver or the second transceiver.

For example, in some embodiments, data information (such as one or more characteristics related to the first transceiver or the second transceiver) may be data transmission rate, clock rate, image resolution, power consumption, temperature , vibration degree, content of transmitted data, content related to input data, content related to the first optical signal, or other types of data information processed by the transmitter-receiver 1102 and 1104 .

For example, in some embodiments, the frequency of the light LT (eg, the number of light pulses over a time period) can vary according to information in the data. For example, when transmitting data information with a first resolution (for example, a lower resolution), the light LT may have a first frequency (for example, 2 pulses per second), and when transmitting data information with a second resolution (for example, a higher resolution) , the light LT may have a second frequency (for example, 4 pulses per second). Similarly, other frequencies of light LT can be generated to transmit various data information to the user.

In some embodiments, the color of the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can vary according to data information. For example, for temperature data information (such as temperature of one or more components in the optical communication interface 1100 , ambient temperature, etc.), the light LT can emit a related color. For example, when the temperature data information is the first temperature (such as 50°F), the light LT emits the first color (such as blue), and when the temperature data information is the second temperature (such as 90°F), the light LT emits the first color (such as 90°F). Two colors (eg red). Similarly, light LT of other colors can transmit various data information to the user. This light information can be used to identify whether the system or optical communication interface is operating normally or may be overheating.

In some implementations, the brightness (eg luminous intensity) of the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can vary. For example, the power consumption data information (such as charging rate or charging capacity) is displayed at the first power consumption level (such as low power consumption level), the light LT can emit the first brightness (such as 10 lumens), and at the second power consumption level, the light LT The LT can emit a second brightness (eg, 20 lumens). Similarly, the light LT can emit other brightness to transmit various data information to the user.

In some embodiments, an optical communication interface (eg, a light control circuit) may be configured to partially control the light emitting element 1190 based on a comparison of the data information with a threshold. For example, the amount of light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can vary according to data information (eg, one or more characteristics). For example, when transferring a first media type (e.g., an audio file), a corresponding first number of rays (e.g., a single ray) may be emitted, while when transferring a second media type (e.g., an audio-video file), a corresponding second number of rays may be emitted. Number of rays (eg two rays). For example, the light emitting element 1190 may include multiple light emitting sources (eg, light emitting diodes (LEDs), optical fibers, etc.), which can be selectively activated to increase or decrease the amount of light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 . Similarly, the light LT can emit other light quantities to transmit various data information to the user.

In some embodiments, when the data information is at a first level (for example, below a threshold), the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 may be a first type of light (for example, flickering, flashing, fading, swinging, etc.), and When the data information is higher than the threshold, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 may be a second light (for example, constant). For example, power consumption, clock rate, resolution, vibration degree, etc. may have various thresholds and corresponding light. Similarly, various data information (such as related game information, audio media, AV media, etc.) may have corresponding light LT types.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a cable 1180 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, cable 1180 may be cable 1180 shown in FIG. 11 . As shown, the cable 1180 includes a light emitting element 1190 and a plurality of optical fibers F1, F2, F3, and F4. In various embodiments, the cable 1180 can include any number of optical fibers (eg, a single optical fiber, two optical fibers, etc.). In some embodiments, cable 1180 may include one or more electrical wires (eg, copper wires) in addition to optical fibers. For example, wires may be used to transmit information at a low transmission rate, such as source and/or sink device-related metadata. Still further, as shown, the light emitting element 1190 can partially or completely surround the cable 1180, covering the optical fibers F1-F4.

Each fiber F1-F4 can be configured to transmit one or more optical signals. For example, in some embodiments, optical signals may be generated by transmitting receivers (eg, 1102, 1104, etc.).

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting element 1190 can emit corresponding light LT according to the data information. For example, data information may be transmitted over one or more optical fibers F1-F4. For example, in some embodiments, data information (such as one or more characteristics associated with the first transceiver or the second transceiver) may include data transmission rate, clock rate, image resolution, power consumption, temperature , vibration levels, and/or input data related content. In some implementations, the data information (eg, one or more characteristics) may include the degree of vibration transmitted from the vibration sensor as described herein.

The light emitting element 1190 can emit various forms of light. For example, in some embodiments, light emitting element 1190 may comprise one or more light beams wrapped around optical fibers F1-F4. In some implementations, the light emitting element 1190 may include a light-emitting portion (such as a light-transmitting portion) and a non-emitting light portion (such as a black-shielding portion). In some embodiments, the light emitting elements may include light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, light bulbs, and/or other light emitting elements.

In some embodiments, the light LT emitted from the light emitting element 1190 may include various types of light (eg, color, frequency, brightness, quantity of light, etc.). For example, the type and/or property of the light emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can be controlled according to the data information on the optical fibers F1-F4.

FIG. 13 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The optical communication interface 1100 may include a device for converting, transmitting, and receiving signals. For example, as shown, transceivers 1102 and 1104 are disposed at opposite ends of cable 1180 . The optical communication interface 1100 may further include tools for connecting to various devices. For example, connectors 1150/1160 may be configured to connect optical communication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as described herein. The optical communication interface may further comprise means for emitting light LT. For example, the light emitting element 1190 may be configured to emit light LT according to data information (eg, according to at least a part of the data information). As shown in the figure, the first transmitter receiver 1102 may include a transmitter 1021 , a receiver 1022 , and a light control circuit 1023 . Similarly, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 .

Transmitter 1021 may be configured to transmit incoming data through connector 1150 to receiver 1042 . For example, in some embodiments, data input to connector 1150 may comprise electronic signals, which may be converted to optical signals and transmitted over one or more optical fibers (eg, F1, F2).

Receiver 1042 may be configured to receive optical signals on one or more optical fibers (eg, F1, F2), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to connector 1160, such as provided to a receiving device.

Transmitter 1041 may be configured to transmit data input to connector 1160 to receiver 1022 . For example, the data input to the connector 1160 can be an electronic signal, which is converted into an optical signal and transmitted through one or more optical fibers (F3, F4).

Receiver 1022 may be configured to receive optical signals on one or more optical fibers (eg, F3, F4), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to connector 1150, such as to a source device.

The optical communication interface 1100 may further include means for controlling the light emitting element 1190 to emit light LT. For example, as shown in the optical communication interface 1100 shown in FIG. 13 , the transmitter receiver 1102 may further include a light control circuit 1023 . The light control circuit 1023 can be configured to generate a light control signal C1 for controlling the light LT according to the data information processed by the transmitter 1021 . For example, input data provided to the connector 1150 may be converted from an electronic signal to an optical signal through the transmitter 1021 , and data information corresponding to the input data may be provided to the light control circuit 1023 . The light control circuit 1023 can control the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 according to the data information.

For example, the data information can be data transmission rate (for example, the data transmitted from the transmitter 1021, the data transmission rate transmitted on the optical fiber F1, F2), clock rate (for example, the frequency of the clock cycle), image resolution ( such as the number of pixels of a communication image), power consumption (such as power consumption of a sink device, source device, etc.), temperature (such as operating temperature), vibration level (such as information obtained by a vibration sensor as described herein), and/or Or the content of the transmitted data (for example, the type of transmitted data, such as audio, game, A/V media, etc.).

In some embodiments, the light control circuit 1023 can be configured to control the light emitting mode of the light emitting element 1190 , such as the light color, frequency, brightness, light type, light quantity and/or other properties of the light LT as described herein. For example, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can be controlled by the light control circuit 1023 according to the data information of one or more signals transmitted on the optical fiber (eg, F1 - F4 ).

The light control circuit 1023 can be implemented by suitable tools, such as application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processing (DSP), general purpose processor, processor core, microprocessor, controller , a microcontroller, and a processor or processors operatively connected thereto. In some embodiments, the light control circuit 1023 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electronic erasable rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable rewritable read-only memory (EPROM), one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, etc., and combinations thereof.

In this method, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can be controlled to provide visual information to the user. For example, light LT emitted by light emitting element 1190 may be controlled by light control circuit 1023 to provide a visual indication of one or more attributes of data information communicated on cable 1180 . This may allow the user to easily confirm the operating status of the source device, the sink device, and/or the optical communication interface 1100 .

FIG. 14 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to the optical communication interface 1100 shown in FIG. 13 , the transceivers 1102 and 1104 are disposed on opposite sides of the cable 1180 . Connectors 1150/1160 are configurable to connect optical communication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as described herein. The light emitting element 1190 can be configured to emit light LT according to data information. As shown in the figure, the transmitter receiver 1102 may include a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 . Similarly, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 . However, as shown in FIG. 14 , the transceiver 1104 includes a light control circuit 1043 . The light control circuit 1043 is substantially operable as the light control circuit 1023 shown in FIG. 13 .

For example, transmitter 1021 may be configured to transmit input data provided to receiver 1042 via connector 1150 . For example, the data input into the connector 1150 may include electronic signals, which are converted into optical signals and then transmitted through one or more optical fibers (eg, F1, F2).

Receiver 1042 may be configured to receive optical signals transmitted over one or more optical fibers (eg, F1, F2), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may then be output to the connector 1160 .

Transmitter 1041 may be configured to transmit data input to connector 1160 to receiver 1022 . For example, the data input to the connector 1160 can be an electronic signal, which is converted into an optical signal and then transmitted through one or more optical fibers (eg, F3, F4).

Receiver 1022 may be configured to receive optical signals transmitted over one or more optical fibers (F3, F4), and to convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to the controller 1150 .

The light control circuit 1043 can be configured to generate the light control signal C1 to control the light LT according to the data information processed by the receiver 1042 . For example, the optical signals transmitted on the optical fibers F1 and F2 and received by the receiver 1042 can be converted into electronic signals by the receiver 1042 and provide data information related to the electronic signals to the optical control circuit 1043 .

For example, the data information can be data transmission rate (such as the transmission rate of the data received by the receiver 1042 transmitted on the optical fibers F1, F2), clock rate (such as the frequency of the clock cycle), image resolution (such as the communication image number of pixels), power consumption (e.g., power consumption of sink device, source device, etc.), temperature (e.g., operating temperature), vibration level (information obtained by vibration sensors as described herein), and/or content of transmitted data (e.g. the type of data transmitted).

In some embodiments, the light control circuit 1043 can be configured to control the light emitting mode of the light emitting element 1190 , such as light color, frequency, brightness, light type, light quantity, and/or other properties of the light LT as described herein. For example, the light control circuit 1043 can control the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 according to the data information of one or more signals transmitted on the optical fiber (eg, F1 - F4 ).

The light control circuit 1043 may be implemented by suitable means, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose processors, processor cores, microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, and operatively connected one processor or multiple processors. In some embodiments, light control circuit 1023 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, etc., and other combination.

In this manner, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can be controlled to provide visual information to the user. For example, light LT emitted by light emitting element 1190 may be controlled by light control circuit 1023 to provide a visual indication of one or more attributes of data information communicated on cable 1180 . This may allow the user to easily confirm the operating status of the source device, the sink device, and/or the optical communication interface 1100 .

FIG. 15 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure, the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitters and receivers 1102 and 1104 disposed at opposite ends of a cable 1180 . Connectors 1150/1160 may be configured to connect optical communication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as described herein. As shown in the figure, the transmitter receiver 1102 may include a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 . Similarly, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 . Receiver 1042 may be configured to receive optical signals transmitted on optical fibers (eg, F1, F2), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to the connector 1160 . Transmitter 1041 may be configured to transmit data input to connector 1160 to receiver 1022 . For example, the data input to the connector 1160 may be an electronic signal and converted into an optical signal for transmission through one or more optical fibers (eg, F3, F4).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication interface 1100 may further include an optical fiber P1 for providing power to the receiver 1042 through the transmitter 1021 . For example, the optical fiber P1 may be an optical fiber through which an optical signal transmitted by the transmitter 1021 is converted into an electronic signal that can be used to supply power to the receiver 1042 . Receiver 1042 may include means for converting optical signals into electronic signals. For example, in certain embodiments, receiver 1042 may comprise a suitable photoelectric conversion semiconductor, such as a photovoltaic (PV) cell or the like. This architecture provides the advantage of reducing the need for additional power pins connecting the receiving device (such as a TV or monitor) to the power source.

In certain embodiments, the optical signal transmitted on optical fiber P1 may be a high power signal. The power of the optical signals transmitted on fiber P1 may be higher than the power of optical signals transmitted on fibers F1-F4. In some embodiments, when the power level falls below a threshold (e.g., 5% of total power) or a condition that indicates possible damage to one or more of the fibers F1-F4 or cable 1180, transmission on fiber P1 may be stopped The optical signal (for example controlled by the transmitter 1021). This can improve the security of the optical communication interface 1100 .

FIG. 16 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to FIG. 15 , the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitter receivers 1102 and 1104 disposed on opposite sides of a cable 1180 . Connectors 1150/1160 may be configured to connect optical communication interface 1100 to various sources or sinks as described herein. As shown in the figure, the transmitter receiver 1102 may include a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 . The transmitter receiver 1104 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 . Receiver 1042 may be configured to receive optical signals transmitted on optical fibers (eg, F1, F2), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to the connector 1160 . Transmitter 1041 may be configured to transmit data input to connector 1160 to receiver 1022 . For example, the data input to the connector 1160 is an electronic signal, which is converted into an optical signal and then transmitted through one or more optical fibers (eg, F3, F4). The optical communication interface 1100 may further include an optical fiber P1 configured to provide power from the transmitter 1021 to the receiver 1042 .

Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the optical communication interface 1100 may include a light control circuit 1023 in the transmitter receiver 1102 , similar to the light control circuit 1023 shown in FIG. 13 . For example, light control circuit 1023 may control light LT emitted by light emitting element 1190 as described herein.

FIG. 17 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to FIG. 15 , the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitters and receivers 1102 and 1104 disposed at opposite ends of a cable 1180 . Connectors 1150/1160 are configurable to connect optical communication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as described herein. As shown in the figure, the transmitter receiver 1102 may include a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 . Similarly, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 . Receiver 1042 may be configured to receive optical signals transmitted on optical fibers (eg, F1, F2), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to the connector 1160 . Transmitter 1041 may be configured to transmit data input to connector 1160 to receiver 1022 . For example, the data input to the connector 1160 is an electronic signal, which is converted into an optical signal and then transmitted through one or more optical fibers (eg, F3, F4). The optical communication interface 1100 may further include an optical fiber P1 configured to provide power from the transmitter 1021 to the receiver 1042 .

Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the optical communication interface 1100 may further include a light control circuit 1043 in the transmitter receiver 1104 , similar to the light control circuit 1043 shown in FIG. 14 . For example, light control circuit 1043 may control light LT emitted by light emitting element 1190 as described herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to FIG. 16 , the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitters and receivers 1102 and 1104 disposed at opposite ends of a cable 1180 . Connectors 1150/1160 may be configured to connect optical communication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as described herein. As shown in the figure, the transmitter receiver 1102 may include a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 . Similarly, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 . Receiver 1042 may be configured to receive optical signals transmitted on optical fibers (eg, F1, F2), and convert the received optical signals into electronic signals. The converted electronic signal may be output to the connector 1160 . Transmitter 1041 may be configured to transmit data input to connector 1160 to receiver 1022 . For example, the data input to the connector 1160 can be an electronic signal, which is converted into an optical signal and then transmitted through one or more optical fibers (eg, F3, F4). The optical communication interface 1100 may further include an optical fiber P1 configured to provide power from the transmitter 1021 to the receiver 1042 .

In addition, the optical communication interface 1100 may include a light control circuit 1023 in the transmitter receiver 1102, similar to the light control circuit 1023 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 16 . For example, light control circuit 1023 may control light LT emitted by light emitting element 1190 as described herein.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in some implementations, the optical communication interface 1100 may include means for determining the degree of vibration. For example, optical communication interface 1100 may include vibration sensor 1024 . In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be disposed within the transmitter receiver 1102 or be a part of the transmitter receiver 1102 . In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be a gravity sensor (G-sensor) or a gyro sensor (GYRO-sensor). In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be configured using Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) technology and packaging. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be configured to transmit data information about the degree of vibration to the light control circuit 1023 . For example, the degree of vibration may correspond to vibration detected by vibration sensor 1024 and/or may correspond to vibration associated with a connected device (eg, a source device connected to connector 1150 ). The light control circuit 1023 can be configured to control the light LT according to data information (eg vibration level). For example, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 may generate light pulses according to the vibration frequency, or may have a brightness related to the vibration degree (for example, thresholds of various vibration degrees may correspond to various brightnesses).

In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be disposed in the transmitter receiver 1104 . For example, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include the vibration sensor 1024 and the light control circuit 1043 shown in FIGS. 14 and 17 . Further, the vibration level may correspond to the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 1024 and/or may correspond to the vibration associated with the connected device (eg, the receiving device connected to the connector 1160 ).

FIG. 19 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The optical communication interface 1100 may include, for example, an HDMI communication interface using optical communication. The optical communication interface 1100 can be, for example, an HDMI communication interface using optical communication.

As shown in the figure, the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitter receivers 1102 and 1104 disposed at opposite ends of a cable 1180 . The HDMI connector 1150 can be configured to connect the HDMI source transmitter-receiver 1102 to the HDMI source 1120 . Similarly, the HDMI connector 1160 can be configured to connect the HDMI sink transmitter receiver 1104 to the HDMI sink 1130 .

The HDMI source transmitter receiver 1102 may include an audio/video (A/V) transmitter receiver 1106 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1110 . Similarly, the HDMI sink transmitter receiver 1112 may include an A/V transmitter receiver 1108 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1112 . Transceivers 1102 and 1104 may communicate via optical fibers within cable 1180 . For example, optical signals may be communicated over optical fibers F1-F4, and A/V signals may be communicated over A/V optical fibers. The A/V fiber optic may be an optical A/V fiber optic that transmits signals between the A/V transmit receiver 1106 and the A/V transmit receiver 1108 . The optical signal transmitted from the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 through the optical fibers F1-F4 may be an optical sideband signal.

In certain embodiments, an acoustic return channel (ARC) or enhanced acoustic return channel (eARC) signal may be transmitted over fiber F3. In some embodiments, data information can be transmitted through optical fibers F1 and F4. In some embodiments, the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 may include a transmitter 1021 , a receiver 1022 , and a light control circuit 1023 , as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 . Similar to the light control circuit 1023 shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 , the light control circuit 1023 can generate a light control signal C1 for controlling the light LT of the cable 1180 according to the data information processed by the transmitter 1021 . For example, the data information can be data transmission rate (for example, the data transmitted from the transmitter 1021, the data transmission rate transmitted on the optical fibers F1, F3, F4, etc.), clock rate (for example, the frequency of the clock cycle), image Resolution (e.g., number of pixels of a communication image), power consumption (e.g., power consumption of a sink device, source device, etc.), temperature (e.g., operating temperature), vibration level (e.g., information obtained by a vibration sensor as described herein) , and/or the content of the transmitted data (such as the type of transmitted data).

In some embodiments, the light control circuit 1023 can be configured to control the light emitting mode of the light emitting element 1190 , such as light color, frequency, brightness, light type, light quantity, and/or other light properties of the light LT as described herein. For example, the light control circuit 1023 can control the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 according to the data information of one or more signals transmitted on the optical fiber (eg, F1-F4).

The light control circuit 1023 may be implemented by suitable means, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose processors, processor cores, microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, and operable A processor or processors attached. In some embodiments, the light control circuit 1023 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, etc., and combinations thereof .

In this method, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 can be controlled to provide visual information to the user. For example, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 is controlled by the light control circuit 1023 to provide visual information about one or more attributes of the data information communicated on the cable 1180 . This may allow the user to easily confirm the operating status of the source device, the sink device, and/or the optical communication interface 1100 .

FIG. 20 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The optical communication interface 1100, for example, may be an HDMI communication interface using optical communication.

As shown in the figure, the optical communication interface 1100 may include transmitters and receivers 1102 and 1104 disposed at opposite ends of a cable 1180 . The HDMI connector 1150 can be configured to connect the HDMI source transmitter-receiver 1102 to the HDMI source 1120 . Similarly, the HDMI connector 1160 can be configured to connect the HDMI sink transmitter receiver 1104 to the HDMI sink 1130 .

The HDMI source transmitter receiver 1102 may include an audio/video (A/V) transmitter receiver 1106 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1110 . Similarly, the HDMI sink transmitter receiver 1112 may include an A/V transmitter receiver 1108 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1112 . Transceivers 1102 and 1104 may communicate via optical fibers within cable 1180 . For example, optical signals may be communicated over optical fibers F1-F4, and A/V signals may be communicated over A/V optical fibers. The A/V fiber optic may be an optical A/V fiber optic that transmits signals between the A/V transmit receiver 1106 and the A/V transmit receiver 1108 . The optical signal transmitted from the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 through the optical fibers F1-F4 may be an optical sideband signal.

As shown, sideband transceiver 1110 is further configured to provide power to sideband transceiver 1112 over optical fiber P1. For example, the optical fiber P1 can be an optical fiber, the optical signal from the transmitter 1021 is transmitted on the optical fiber P1, and can be converted into an electronic signal that can be used to charge the receiver 1042 . In some embodiments, the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 may include a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 , and the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 may include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042 , as shown in FIGS. 15-17 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 is further configured to provide power to the A/V transmitter receiver 1108 . For example, the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 can convert the electrical power signal into an optical signal, transmit the optical signal to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 on the optical fiber P1, and the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 can convert the optical signal into an electrical power signal. Additionally, sideband transceiver 1112 may be configured to provide an electrical power signal to A/V transceiver 1108 . This architecture provides the advantage of reducing the need for additional power pins connecting the receiving device (such as a TV or monitor) to the power source.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the optical signal transmitted over optical fiber P1 may be a high power signal. The power of the optical signals transmitted on fiber P1 may be higher than the power of optical signals transmitted on fibers F1-F4. In some embodiments, when the power level is below a threshold (e.g., 5% of total power) or one or more of the fibers F1-F4 or cable 1180 may be damaged, the fiber P1 may be stopped transmitted optical signals. This can improve the security of the optical communication interface 1100 .

FIG. 21 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The optical communication interface 1100, for example, may include an HDMI communication interface using optical communication.

As shown in the figure, the HDMI source transmitter receiver 1102 may include an audio/video (A/V) transmitter receiver 1106 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1110 . Similarly, the HDMI sink transmitter receiver 1112 may include an A/V transmitter receiver 1108 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1112 . Transceivers 1102 and 1104 may communicate via optical fibers within cable 1180 . For example, optical signals may be communicated over optical fibers F1-F4, and A/V signals may be communicated over A/V optical fibers. The A/V fiber optic may be an optical A/V fiber optic that transmits signals between the A/V transmit receiver 1106 and the A/V transmit receiver 1108 . The optical signal transmitted from the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 through the optical fibers F1-F4 may be an optical sideband signal.

Similar to FIG. 19 , the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 may include a transmitter 1021 , a receiver 1022 and a light control circuit 1023 . Similar to the light control circuit 1023 of other figures described herein, the light control circuit 1023 can generate a light control signal C1 for controlling the light LT of the cable 1180 according to the data information processed by the transmitter 1021 . For example, the data information can be data transmission rate (for example, the data transmitted from the transmitter 1021, the data transmission rate transmitted on the optical fibers F1, F3, F4, etc.), clock rate (for example, the frequency of the clock cycle), image Resolution (e.g., number of pixels of a communication image), power consumption (e.g., power consumption of a sink device, source device, etc.), temperature (e.g., operating temperature), vibration level (e.g., information obtained by a vibration sensor as described herein ), and/or the content of the transmitted data (such as the type of transmitted data).

Additionally, similar to FIG. 20 , sideband transmitter receiver 1110 may be configured to provide power to sideband transmitter 1112 via optical fiber P1 . In some embodiments, the power provided to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 may be used to charge the A/V transmitter receiver 1108 , and/or the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 .

FIG. 22 illustrates an optical communication interface 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The optical communication interface 1100 may include, for example, an HDMI communication interface using optical communication.

As shown in the figure, the HDMI source transmitter receiver 1102 may include an audio/video (A/V) transmitter receiver 1106 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1110 . Similarly, the HDMI sink transmitter receiver 1112 may include an A/V transmitter receiver 1108 and a sideband transmitter receiver 1112 . Transceivers 1102 and 1104 may communicate via optical fibers within cable 1180 . For example, optical signals may be communicated over optical fibers F1-F4, and A/V signals may be communicated over A/V optical fibers. The A/V fiber optic may be an optical A/V fiber optic that may be used for signal communication between the A/V transmit receiver 1106 and the A/V transmit receiver 1108 . The optical signal communicated from the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 through the optical fibers F1-F4 may be an optical sideband signal.

Similar to FIG. 21 , the sideband transmitter receiver 1110 may include a transmitter 1021 , a receiver 1022 and a light control circuit 1023 . Similar to the light control circuit 1023 described herein, the light control circuit 1023 can generate a light control signal C1 for controlling the light LT of the cable 1180 according to the data information processed by the transmitter 1021 . For example, the data information can be data transmission rate (for example, the data transmitted from the transmitter 1021, the data transmission rate transmitted on the optical fibers F1, F3, F4, etc.), clock rate (for example, the frequency of the clock cycle), image Resolution (e.g., number of pixels of a communication image), power consumption (e.g., power consumption of a sink device, source device, etc.), temperature (e.g., operating temperature), vibration level (e.g., information obtained by a vibration sensor as described herein ), and/or the content of the transmitted data (such as the type of transmitted data). In addition, the sideband transmitter-receiver 1110 is further configured to provide power to the sideband transmitter-receiver 1112 through the optical fiber P1. In some embodiments, the power provided to the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 may be used to charge the A/V transmitter receiver 1108 and/or the sideband transmitter receiver 1112 .

In addition, similar to the optical communication interface 1100 shown in FIG. 18 , the vibration sensor 1024 can be disposed in the transmitter-receiver 1102 or be a part of the transmitter-receiver 1102 . In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be a gravity sensor (G-sensor) or a gyro sensor (GYRO-sensor). In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 may be configured using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and packaging. In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be configured to transmit data information about the degree of vibration to the light control circuit 1023 . For example, the degree of vibration may correspond to vibration detected by vibration sensor 1024 and/or may correspond to vibration associated with a connected device (eg, a source device connected to connector 1150 ). The light control circuit 1023 can be configured to control the light LT according to data information (eg vibration level). For example, the light LT emitted by the light emitting element 1190 may generate a light pulse at a vibration frequency, or may have a brightness related to a vibration level (eg, thresholds of various vibration levels may correspond to various brightnesses).

In some embodiments, the vibration sensor 1024 can be disposed in the transmitter receiver 1104 . For example, the transmitter receiver 1104 may include the vibration sensor 1024 and the light control circuit 1043 shown in FIGS. 14 and 17 . Further, the vibration level may correspond to the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 1024 and/or may correspond to the vibration associated with the connected device (eg, the receiving device connected to the connector 1160 ).

The optical communication interface of the present invention has the characteristics of light and electricity in fiber optic technology. The present invention has been described by the above-mentioned related embodiments, however, the above-mentioned embodiments are only examples for implementing the present invention. It must be pointed out that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. On the contrary, it includes various changes and similar arrangements and processes, modifications and equivalent arrangements and processes included in the spirit and scope of the claims of the application documents are to be construed in the broadest way and included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. An optical communication interface system, characterized in that, comprising: A first coupling module, comprising: A first device connector for coupling a first electronic device, the first coupling module is used for: receiving a power activation signal from the first electronic device; generating a first optical signal representative of the electrical activation signal in response to receiving the electrical activation signal; and transmitting the first optical signal to a second coupling module; The second coupling module includes: A second device connector for coupling a second electronic device, the second coupling module is used for: receiving the first optical signal; generating a second optical signal in response to receiving the first optical signal; and transmitting the second optical signal to the first coupling module; and A cable, coupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling module, the cable includes a plurality of first data channel optical fibers for data transmission between the first coupling module and the second coupling module transmission, Wherein, the first coupling module is used to transmit a first data related to the first electronic device to the second coupling module, Wherein, the second coupling module is used to transmit a second data related to the second electronic device to the first coupling module, and Wherein, the first coupling module is used for responding to the second optical signal received from the second coupling module, and transmitting a third data to the second coupling module through the first data channel optical fibers. 2. The optical communication interface system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second optical signal represents a hot plug detection signal. 3. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the cable further comprises a first sideband optical fiber and a second sideband optical fiber; wherein the first coupling module passes through the first sideband The optical fiber transmits the first data related to the first electronic device to the second coupling module; wherein, the second coupling module transmits the second data related to the second electronic device to the second coupling module through the second sideband optical fiber first coupling module. 4. The optical communication interface system according to claim 3, wherein the first coupling module transmits sideband data through the first sideband optical fiber, and the sideband data includes one or more power information, sound echo Pass channel, serial clock information, serial data information, consumer electronics control signal or hot plug detection signal. 5. The optical communication interface system of claim 1, wherein the second coupling module is configured to transmit a fourth data to the first coupling module through the first data channel optical fibers. 6. The optical communication interface system according to claim 5, wherein the cable further comprises a plurality of second data channel fibers, wherein the second coupling module is configured to transmit the The fourth data is sent to the first coupling module. 7. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first device connector is a high-definition multimedia interface connector, and wherein the second device connector is a high-definition multimedia interface connector device. 8. The optical communication interface system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second coupling module generates an electronic signal for the second electronic device in response to the received first optical signal. 9. The optical communication interface system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a third device connector, wherein the first coupling module is used to generate the electronic signal, and the electronic signal is connected to the third device using A voltage supply for the device. 10. The optical communication interface system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third device connector is a USB connector. 11. The optical communication interface system of claim 10, wherein the third device connector is coupled to the second electronic device. 12. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling module further comprises a data transmission circuit, wherein the first coupling module is used to respond to the received second optical signal to activate the A data transmission circuit, wherein the data transmission circuit transmits the third data to respond to the activation step. 13. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the cable further comprises a first detachable component and a second detachable component, wherein the first detachable component is connected to the first coupling module is detachable, wherein the second detachable member is detachable to the second coupling module, so that the cable does not need to be removed from the first electronic device or from the second electronic device The device can be detached from the first coupling module or the second coupling module when the second coupling module is removed. 14. The optical communication interface system of claim 1, wherein the cable further comprises one or more wires. 15. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the cable further comprises one or more light-emitting elements, and the one or more light-emitting elements are used to emit a light corresponding to the first coupling module or One or more properties of the second coupling module. 16. The optical communication interface system according to claim 15, wherein the first coupling module further comprises: a light control circuit for controlling the one or more light emitting elements; and A vibration sensor is used to detect a vibration level of the first coupling module, and transmit the vibration level to the light control circuit. 17. The optical communication interface system according to claim 15, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of a data transmission rate, a clock rate, an image resolution, a power consumption, and a temperature , a vibration degree, or a content related to the data transmitted on the first data channel optical fibers. 18. The optical communication interface system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second data is related to the second electronic device and includes an extended display identification data representing the capability of the second electronic device. 19. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling module is configured to transmit the third data to the second data channel through the first data channels using a minimum transmission differential signaling protocol. Coupling module. 20. The optical communication interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling module comprises a switch configured to switch data transmission from the first coupling module to the second coupling module.

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