WO2008079421A1 - Reseau media a large bande passante multivoie - Google Patents

Reseau media a large bande passante multivoie Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008079421A1
WO2008079421A1 PCT/US2007/060924 US2007060924W WO2008079421A1 WO 2008079421 A1 WO2008079421 A1 WO 2008079421A1 US 2007060924 W US2007060924 W US 2007060924W WO 2008079421 A1 WO2008079421 A1 WO 2008079421A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
signal
media
switch
operable
audio
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/060924
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Morris
Original Assignee
Innovative Advantage, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/564,610 external-priority patent/US20070199043A1/en
Application filed by Innovative Advantage, Inc. filed Critical Innovative Advantage, Inc.
Priority to EP07717370A priority Critical patent/EP2095571A4/fr
Publication of WO2008079421A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008079421A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2838—Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/2849—Audio/video appliances

Definitions

  • Typical media components i.e., audio/video distribution equipment
  • Typical media source audio/video (AA/) equipment examples include CD players, DVD players, MP3 Players, VHS machines, cameras (both video and still) and the Internet itself.
  • Typical rendering AA/ equipment includes television screens, computer monitors, plasma screens, LCD screens, speaker systems, and the like. As one might expect, with so many choices for playing of media and so many choices for rendering ⁇ i.e., watching or listening) of media, the necessary cabling and signal wiring becomes quickly and exponentially complicated.
  • FIG. 1 shows a conventional AA/ distribution system 100 that includes four AA/ source devices and four AA/ rendering devices.
  • the objective of any AA/ distribution system 100 is to provide a means to dynamically connect multiple source devices (cameras, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, etc.) to multiple rendering devices (monitors, speakers, headsets, amplifiers, surround processors, etc.).
  • the source devices include a DVD player 110, a video camera 111, a CD player 112, and a VHS machine 113.
  • the rendering devices include a plasma screen 120, a speaker system 121, an LCD screen 122, and a pair of headphones 123. Of course, these devices are shown as an example as any AA/ equipment may be used.
  • a cable connection must be made from each source device to each rendering device.
  • a physical connection must be made to each rendering device in order for signal to flow from source device to rendering device. This results in four separate and distinct signal cables from the DVD player 110: a first cable 130 to the plasma screen 120, a second cable 131 to the speaker system 121, a third cable 132 to the LCD screen 122, and a fourth cable 133 to the headphones 123.
  • This cacophony of cabling coexists for each of the other source device/rendering device relationships such that every one-to- one relationship requires a separate signal cable connection.
  • Such dedicated individual cabling is inefficient as a signal cable run must be deployed for every single source device/rendering device relationship. Furthermore, this is cost-prohibitive as signal cable runs prove to be moderately expensive as well as bulky. In commercial applications, such as an airline or vessel, costs and weight issues are imminently important to the overall design of a system. What is needed is an A/V distribution system that is flexible enough to handle multiple source devices and multiple rendering devices while simultaneously providing light and efficient means for signal transport, even when dealing with high-bandwidth signals such as High-Definition Television (HDTV) and the like.
  • HDTV High-Definition Television
  • FIG. 1 shows a conventional AA/ distribution system that includes four AA/ source devices and four AA/ rendering devices;
  • FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an analog distribution system via an analog cross-point switch over coaxial cable
  • FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an uncompressed digital distribution system via a digital cross-point switch
  • FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a compressed digital distribution system over a network backbone
  • FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a multi-channel, high-bandwidth media network according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a single channel input node that may be part of an AVDS node of the system of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a single channel output node that may be part of an AVDS node of the system of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein.
  • FIGs. 2-5 show various multi-channel networks whose primary purpose is to provide interconnection for devices that must transfer high-speed (used in this document to mean high-bandwidth, low-latency) data that can come in a variety of formats, including audio, video, control, and generic computer/office data. Each of these systems is described in detail in the following paragraphs.
  • FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an analog distribution system 200 via an analog cross-point switch 230 over coaxial cable 240.
  • multiple source devices 210 and multiple rendering devices 220 are coupled to a central cross-point switch 230.
  • the cross-point switch 230 is typically set up in an in/out channel arrangement of 4x4, 8x8, 16x16, or 24x24.
  • the cross-point switch 230 may be configured to route any input to any output at any time.
  • the resulting star topology means a single point of failure (the cross-point switch 230) brings the entire system down.
  • coaxial cables 240 are routed from each source device 210 to the cross-point switch 230 as well as from each rendering device 220 back to the cross-point switch 230.
  • coaxial cables 240 are bulky and heavy as well as highly susceptible to noise.
  • this analog system 200 is not conducive to high definition formats (requires 3x the cabling to output analog component video). In short, these drawbacks of the system of FIG. 2 make this solution not viable in high- definition, low-latency applications.
  • FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an uncompressed digital distribution system 300 via a digital cross-point switch 330.
  • This system 300 is a digital equivalent of the analog distribution system 200 of FIG. 2.
  • This system 300 makes use of a centrally located digital cross-point switch 330 wherein typical analog A/V signals are first converted to a digital signal (typically Serial Digital Interface (SDI) via an source device decoder 311 and serializer 312), routed through the digital cross-point switch 330 and transmitted serially over twisted pair or coaxial cabling to a rendering device for subsequent conversion back to composite video (or the like) via a rendering device encoder 321 and deserializer 322.
  • SDI Serial Digital Interface
  • the digital cross-point switch 330 is also typically set up in an in/out channel arrangement of 4x4, 8x8, 16x16, or 24x24. In essence, the digital cross-point switch 330 may be configured to route any input to any output at any time.
  • the resulting star topology again means a single point of failure (the digital cross-point switch 330) which may bring the entire system 300 down. Additional different drawbacks, however, also exists with this system 300 such as the non-extensibility of the point-to-point digital signals.
  • twisted pair or coaxial cables 340 are routed from each source device 310 to the cross-point switch 330 as well as from each rendering device 320 back to the cross-point switch 330.
  • this system 300 may effectively counter the problem of noise susceptibility and may or may not reduce the overall cable weight by swapping coaxial cables with twisted pair cables 340, the other problems inherent to the analog distribution system 200 remain such as single point of failure and bulky and expensive cable runs.
  • FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a compressed digital distribution system 400 over a network backbone 430.
  • source devices 410 and rendering devices 420 are all coupled to the network backbone at some connection point near the respective device.
  • Some drawbacks detailed above with respect to the systems 200 and 300 of FIGs. 2 and 3 stem from the star topology of the cross-point switches 230 and 330 (both analog and digital) are eliminated with a network backbone 440 such as single point of failure.
  • a more distributed architecture and the recent availability of compression hardware give rise to a networked digital distribution system 400.
  • This system 400 takes advantage of a network backbone 430 (typically Ethernet or IEEE 1394) to distribute the digital data in either a bus, tree, or ring topology.
  • this system 400 can also exchange more general purpose computer/office data and control information on the same network backbone 430.
  • Some drawbacks also exist for the compressed digital distribution system 400.
  • the bandwidth requirements of uncompressed high definition video far exceed the bandwidth limitations of conventional networks that use Ethernet or the like.
  • a typical network backbone 430 can indeed distribute multiple channels of video over a single network backbone, but in order to do so within the practical limits of the available network backbone 430, composite video signals must first be compressed via an MPEG encoder 415 (or the like). Additionally, the composite video signal is also first converted to a digital signal (via a source device decoder 411 and serializer 412).
  • the composite video signal also undergoes a conversion at a network interface device 416 before being placed on the network backbone 430.
  • a network interface device 416 Once the signal reaches its destination, i.e., the rendering device 420, the reverse conversion process takes place through a network interface device 426, de-serializer 422, an MPEG decoder 425 and an encoder 421 all of which are associated with the rendering device 420.
  • Such a compressed digital distribution system 400 typically requires that compression encoders be provided for all source devices 410 as well as all rendering devices 420. Further, a typical compression algorithm "locks-in" the capability/quality of the system because typical networked systems are founded on a fixed compression scheme and cannot take advantage of emerging trends in high definition that may involve other compression algorithms (HD-DVD for example). Video signals may also be time-delayed (up to several seconds) due to the encoding/decoding process, making interactive video sources (PowerPoint presentations, video games, etc.) frustrating. Syncing issues (i.e., matching audio signal with video signals over the network 430) are also problematic for the same reasons.
  • FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a multi-channel, high-definition media network 500 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein.
  • the media network 500 is capable of distributing high definition and standard definition video signals as well as various audio formats in an uncompressed manner while allowing for interconnection of AA/ source and rendering devices in a robust, ring network topology. Additionally, it provides a common network backbone for more general-purpose computer networking (office and control system data). With this versatility, the media system 500 may reside in a variety of locations such as a residence, a commercial building, a motor bus, yacht, or aircraft, etc.
  • the media system 500 may also be referred to throughout this document as the "AVDS", an acronym for Audio/Video Distribution System.
  • the media system 500 provides a core infrastructure capable of transferring virtually any type of data. It is well understood that the networked approach of the media network 500 is superior to the star topology of earlier distribution systems of FIGs. 2 and 3 as there is no single point of failure. Furthermore, the media network 500 provides dedicated high-bandwidth channels for signals that eliminate the need for compression which causes additional problems as discussed above with respect to FIGs.2-4. [25] As such, the AVDS media network 500 includes a network cable bundle 502 with multiple physical channels between at least two AVDS node switches 505a-d, each channel capable of carrying at least the bandwidth needed for uncompressed high-definition video.
  • the media network 500 includes a plurality of input nodes that can place the high-speed data on any of the available physical channels via a local cross-point switch. Further yet, the media network 500 includes a plurality of output nodes that can tap into any of the physical channels via a cross-point switch.
  • a simple AVDS Media network 500 may include a source device for high definition video, such as a high-definition DVD player 510.
  • the high-definition DVD player 510 may be coupled to an AVDS node switch 505a which is part of the ring topology coupled to the network cable bundle 502.
  • the network cable bundle 502 may in turn be coupled to another AVDS node switch 502c at some different physical location ⁇ i.e., near an HD monitor 525) such that the second AVDS node switch 505c is coupled to a rendering device, such as the HD Monitor 525.
  • high-definition video signals may be routed from the source device (the high-definition DVD player 510) to the rendering device (the HD Monitor 525) through the AVDS media network 500 without ever undergoing any compression.
  • FIG. 5 depicts several examples of source devices and rendering devices that may be part of the AVDS media network 500.
  • Such source devices may include the afore-mentioned HD-DVD player 510 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505a via a HDMI/YPrPb/DA/stereo connection 511), a VCR 515 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505b via a CVBS/s-video/stereo connection 516), a video camera 520 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505c via a CVBS connection 521), and a CD player 550 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505d via a Digital PCM audio connection 551).
  • HD-DVD player 510 coupled to the AVDS node switch 505a via a HDMI/YPrPb/DA/stereo connection 511
  • VCR 515 coupled to the AVDS node switch 505b via a CVBS/s-video/stereo connection 5
  • Such rendering devices may include the afore-mentioned HD Monitor 525 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505c via a HDMI connection 526), a Surround Audio system 530 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505c via a Dolby Digital/DTS connection 531), a simple amplified speaker system 540 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505d via a stereo connection 541), a standard definition (SD) monitor 545 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505d via a CVBS/YPrPb/stereo connection 546), and a simple headphone pair 555 (coupled to the AVDS node switch 505a via a stereo audio connection 556).
  • HD Monitor 525 coupled to the AVDS node switch 505c via a HDMI connection 526
  • Surround Audio system 530 coupled to the AVDS node switch 505c via a Dolby Digital/DTS connection 531
  • a simple amplified speaker system 540
  • the AVDS media network 500 may also include passive access points (PAP) 580.
  • PAP passive access points
  • the network can be pre-cabled with passive access points (passive junction boxes) every six feet or so. These passive access points may be removed and replaced with one or more AVDS node boxes to add source or rendering equipment to the network as needed.
  • the AVDS media network 500 can be configured in a robust, distributed, ring topology like some more conventional networks, but still reap the benefits of uncompressed video and near-zero latency found in the conventional central cross-point switch solutions.
  • the system is similar to an IEEE-1394 network (i.e., "firewire"), one difference being that an entire physical channel is dedicated to a video stream rather than splitting available bandwidth into logical segments.
  • this AVDS media network 500 there is plenty of bandwidth to handle the data as is, uncompressed.
  • Each channel is capable of transmitting at least 1.45 Gigabits per second (a typical rate required for uncompressed HD-SDI data). As a result, there is no need to compress any data using standard MPEG encoders and decoders.
  • the network cable bundle 502 may typically comprise a pair of twelve- channel fiber-optic ribbon cables. That is, within a single, lightweight ribbon cable, there exist twelve separate and distinct channels (24 total with the pair) for fiber-optic communication signals. These twelve channels may be dynamically assigned on an as-needed basis for routing signals throughout the AVDS media network 500.
  • the network cable bundle 502 is very small and lightweight. Even a fiber-optic cable bundle with 24 fibers is smaller and lighter than a typical CAT 5 cable used for Ethernet.
  • all AVDS node switches on the network backbone are optically isolated, eliminating ground shift problems and the fiber-optic cable bundle 502 provides immunity from electromagnetic interferences (EMI) (e.g., susceptibility and emissions).
  • EMI electromagnetic interferences
  • two of the physical channels in the network cable bundle may be dedicated to an integrated Gigabit Ethernet backbone. This allows for additional data to be multiplexed throughout the AVDS media network 500. For example, lower-bandwidth, uncompressed audio data may be multiplexed over the Ethernet pair along with command, control and status information. This allows the remaining ten channels (in a twelve-channel fiberoptic ribbon) to be used solely for high-definition video signals.
  • Ethernet networks are generally connected in a tree topology. Unchecked, Ethernet configured in a ring topology may cause "broadcast storms" that eventually render the network useless. To prevent this, managed switches provide the means to implement a special algorithm (spanning tree) that allows for multiple physical paths to the same node. The spanning tree algorithm examines all of its paths to a given location and disables ports that provide redundant paths. If later it finds it can no longer reach a path, the AVDS media system 500 will automatically enable a different path. This makes the Ethernet ring with managed switches a robust, self-healing connection.
  • External devices that share the Ethernet channel are internally (via the managed switches) routed separately from the audio and control and will be bandwidth limited to 100-800 Mbps of the available 1Gbps. This will help assure that traffic for external devices will not impact the timely delivery of audio and control packets, but still provides enough bandwidth for the external devices.
  • the AVDS media network 500 can assign video channels dynamically on an as-needed basis as opposed to statically based on the number of source devices. For example, a system with only four video monitors could never possibly need more than four physical video channels at any point in time, regardless of the number of sources available for selection as only one video signal may rendered per monitor at any given time. Thus, the AVDS media network 500 may automatically and dynamically assign channels between AVDS node switches 505a-d for specific video signals based on demand. Note that the system's available channels place no limitations on the number of source devices or the number of rendering devices that can be supported, rather simply a limitation on the number of video signals that may be engaged at the same time.
  • the AVDS media network 500 is a data distribution backbone, leaving interpretation of the data formats to the rendering devices.
  • encoded audio in S/PDIF format can be routed over the same physical channel that high definition video over which SDI format is routed.
  • This ability for the AVDS media network 500 to route data in a "format-indifferent" manner leaves open the possibility for routing future data formats that have yet to be established.
  • the AVDS media network 500 provides a backbone 502 upon which this high-speed data can be transferred.
  • the architecture supports physical connection in a bus topology, but is ideal for areas where the robustness of a self-healing ring topology is required.
  • lower-bandwidth signals such as audio, Ethernet, and control data are transmitted both directions on an ongoing basis on the Ethernet channels.
  • Fibers dedicated to video data may be split wherein half the video channels are transmitted clockwise and the other half are transmitted counter clockwise through the backbone 502.
  • video data may be rerouted in the opposite direction to avoid the failure point.
  • the AVDS media network 500 is operable to carry at least three different transmission formats: 1) Uncompressed video data in SDI format, 2) Surround encoded audio data (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc.) in S/PDIF, and 3) Uncompressed audio, control, and generic office data over Ethernet.
  • Video data may be serialized to SDI and routed via the digital cross-point switch to an available physical channel.
  • Surround encoded audio inputs are routed via a local digital cross-point switch to an available physical channel.
  • Uncompressed audio inputs may be packetized and transmitted over the Gigabit Ethernet channel.
  • Video data may be routed independently through the on-demand highspeed channels. With the exception of encoded audio (typically destined to a surround processor), all audio data is typically packetized and transmitted over the Gigabit Ethernet channel. Furthermore, all control, and any external office/personal computer/information data may also be routed over the Gigabit Ethernet channel.
  • encoded audio typically destined to a surround processor
  • all audio data is typically packetized and transmitted over the Gigabit Ethernet channel.
  • control, and any external office/personal computer/information data may also be routed over the Gigabit Ethernet channel.
  • One network topology is a ring topology as shown in FIG. 5, as it provides for redundancy allowing signals to be rerouted in an opposite direction should one or more AVDS node switches 502a-d fail.
  • Other topologies exist such that one long backbone (not shown in any FIG.) may run the length of an aircraft or boat. The long, single backbone may be, in effect, doubled, for an additional long single run, thereby providing redundancy without having to provide a ring topology.
  • any number of nodes may have additional in/out network cable bundles providing third and fourth tiers (or even more) of redundancy which may prove useful in military installation where specific AVDS node switches 502a-d may expect to be compromised.
  • Any source that is connected to the AVDS media network 500 may be routed to any rendering device on the network assuming, of course, that they have compatible standards.
  • a standard-definition (SD) rendering device such as SD monitor 5405 cannot render HD formats. This is typically not a problem for accommodating legacy SD-only monitors as most HD capable source equipment can simultaneously output SD alongside their HD outputs. In that case, both formats may be routed through the AVDS media network 500.
  • audio sources that provide encoded audio or direct uncompressed multi-channel formats. These audio devices may also simultaneously provide the AVDS media network 500 with down-mixed stereo to accommodate headsets or amplifiers that are stereo-only capable.
  • the AVDS media network 500 may be configured and controlled by an intelligent device such as a personal computer 535 or can be more fully integrated with a dedicated control system (not shown). Control commands can be issued via Internet Protocol (IP) over the Ethernet channel or through a serial port (not shown) of any AVDS node switch 505a-d.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the AVDS node switches 505a-d may comprise an input node, an output node or a combination of both input and output node. Characteristics of input/output nodes may change with respect to the environment to which an AVDS node switch 505a-d is being deployed. For example, a particular AVDS node switch may be deployed at a source device location, such as within an A/V closet, where there is no need for rendering any signal and, thus, no output node or output channels are needed. Likewise, a particular AVDS node switch may be deployed at a rendering device location, such as a viewing room, where there is no need for producing any signal through a source and, thus, no input node or input channels are needed.
  • FIGs. 6 and 7 provide a more detailed view of an input node (FIG. 6) and an output node (FIG. 7).
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an input AVDS node switch 600 according to one embodiment disclosed herein.
  • An input AVDS node switch 600 may be used to connect source equipment (cameras, VCRs, CD players, DVD players, etc.) to the AVDS media network 500.
  • An input AVDS node switch 600 interfaces with standard consumer electronics audio/video inputs from source devices and provide a means for making audio and video signals available on the AVDS media network 500.
  • Each AVDS node typically contains a microcontroller 610 that controls onboard peripherals in the AVDS input node switch 600.
  • the microcontroller 670 typically executes software that is stored in a local memory, such as a FLASH memory 611. This software may be updated from a connected control computer 535 via the Ethernet Port 620 or an RS-232 port 621.
  • a software- based maintenance application may be executed at the computer 535 and used to assist with configuration, diagnostics, and control of the AVDS input node switch 600.
  • the AVDS input node switch 600 may be configured and controlled by a third-party control system that is communicatively coupled to one of the AVDS node switches in the AVDS media network 500. Control commands may be issued to any AVDS node switch on the AVDS media network 500.
  • the AVDS node switches may be configured to automatically communicate among themselves via a dedicated Ethernet channel to carry out the control commands.
  • One typical function of an AVDS input node switch 600 is to provide inputs to the AVDS media system for both audio and video signals. Any number of concurrent audio and video inputs may be present in any AVDS node switch and one typical deployment of an AVDS node switch is in an input configuration that includes a number different A/V inputs as depicted in the AVDS input node switch of FIG. 6. [47] As such, the AVDS input node switch 600 includes various audio inputs for different kinds of audio input. Audio may be input via a first digital audio input 630 using a TOS link. Audio may also be input via a second digital input 631 using an RCA/coax input. Further, audio may be input via an analog audio input 632 via conventional stereo analog audio.
  • the signal is passed through an S/PDIF receiver 660 and then to a 48 kHz converter 661 for transducing the digital audio signal into a format suitable for distribution over the AVDS media network 500.
  • This process may be furthered by packetizing the digital audio signal for use with the Ethernet channel via an audio packetizer 662.
  • any number of video inputs may be handled via the AVDS input node switch 600.
  • These video inputs include an HDM! receiver 640 for a digital video signal such as a DVI or HDMI signal. Also typically included is a video decoder 641 for handling video signals in a CVBS or Y/C component format.
  • the AVDS input node switch 600 further includes an SDI receiver 642 for handling SDI video signals.
  • the AVDS input node switch 600 includes a graphics decoder 643 for dealing with video signals in a PC graphics or VGA format.
  • Each video signal received by the AVDS input node switch 600 undergoes a format change if not already in a format suitable for distribution through the cross-point switch 695.
  • digital video signals received in a non-SDI format pass through an SDI serializer 651.
  • PC graphics or VGA signal pass through a graphics serializer 652. Once serialized, these video signals are suitable for distribution on the AVDS media network 500.
  • Both audio and video signals received by the AVDS input node switch 600 may be transmitted to a channel of the AVDS media network 500.
  • the AVDS input node switch 600 connects to the AVDS media network 500 at two distinct transmit and receive couplings.
  • a first transmit (TX) connection and receive (RX) connection 680 and 681 may be used for any signal received by or routed through the AVDS input node switch 600.
  • a second pair, TX and RX 690 and 691 may also be used for alternative routing and backup.
  • Two pairs typically exist because the AVDS media network may often be deployed in a ring configuration as discussed above.
  • the first pair 680 and 681 may be associated with a first direction around the ring configuration and the second pair 690 and 691 may be associated with a second direction around the ring configuration.
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an AVDS output node switch 700 according to one embodiment disclosed herein.
  • An AVDS output node switch 700 may be used to connect rendering devices (monitors, speakers, headsets, amplifiers, surround processors, etc.) to the AVDS media network 500.
  • An AVDS output node switch 700 interfaces with standard consumer electronics audio/video outputs to rendering devices and provide a means for rendering audio and video signals that are available on the AVDS media network 500.
  • the AVDS output node switch 700 also includes a microcontroller 710 that typically executes software that is stored in a local memory, such as a FLASH memory 711. This software may be updated from a connected control computer 535 via the Ethernet Port 720 or an RS-232 port 721. A software- based maintenance application may be executed at the computer 535 and used to assist with configuration, diagnostics, and control of the AVDS output node switch 700.
  • a microcontroller 710 typically executes software that is stored in a local memory, such as a FLASH memory 711. This software may be updated from a connected control computer 535 via the Ethernet Port 720 or an RS-232 port 721.
  • a software- based maintenance application may be executed at the computer 535 and used to assist with configuration, diagnostics, and control of the AVDS output node switch 700.
  • One typical function of an AVDS output node switch 700 is to provide outputs to the AVDS media system 500 for both audio and video signals. Any number of concurrent audio and video outputs may be present in any AVDS node switch and one typical deployment of an AVDS node switch is in an output configuration that includes a number different A/V outputs as depicted in the AVDS output node switch 700 of FIG. 7.
  • the AVDS output node switch 700 includes various audio outputs for different kinds of audio output. Audio may be output via a first digital audio output 730 using a TOS link. Audio may also be output via a second digital output 731 using an RCA/coax output. Further, audio may be output via an analog audio output 732 via conventional stereo analog audio.
  • the signal is passed through an S/PDIF receiver 760 and then to a 48 kHz converter 761 for transducing the digital audio signal into a format suitable for distribution over the AVDS media network 500. This process may be furthered by packetizing the digital audio signal for use with the Ethernet channel via an audio packetizer 762.
  • any number of video outputs may be handled via the AVDS output node switch 700.
  • These video outputs include an HDMI receiver 740 for a digital video signal such as a DVI or HDMI signal. Also typically included is a video decoder 741 for handling video signals in a CVBS or Y/C component format.
  • the AVDS output node switch 700 further includes an SDI receiver 742 for handling SDI video signals.
  • the AVDS output node switch 700 includes a graphics decoder 743 for dealing with video signals in a PC graphics or VGA format.
  • Each video signal received by the AVDS output node switch 700 undergoes a format change if not already in a format suitable for distribution through the cross-point switch 795.
  • digital video signals received in a non-SDI format pass through an SDI serializer 751.
  • PC graphics or VGA signal pass through a graphics serializer 752. Once serialized, these video signals are suitable for distribution on the AVDS media network 500.
  • Both audio and video signals received by the AVDS output node switch 700 may be transmitted to a channel of the AVDS media network 500.
  • the AVDS output node switch 700 connects to the AVDS media network at two distinct transmit and receive couplings.
  • a first transmit (TX) connection and receive (RX) connection 780 and 781 may be used for any signal received by or routed through the AVDS output node switch 700.
  • a second pair, TX and RX 790 and 791 may also be used for alternative routing and backup.
  • Two pairs typically exist because the AVDS media network 500 may often be deployed in a ring configuration as discussed above.
  • the first pair 780 and 781 may be associated with a first direction around the ring configuration and the second pair 790 and 791 may be associated with a second direction around the ring configuration.
  • video output signal typically transmit on the network 500 as SDI on one of the physical channels.
  • the video data may be routed to a de-serializer via the cross-point switch 795 as the node. From there the data can be routed to the appropriate output circuitry.
  • uncompressed PCM audio data can be retrieved from the Ethernet channel then directed to the audio output circuitry.
  • surround encoded audio data can be retrieved from a physical channel via the cross-point switch 795 and directed to an external surround processor.
  • serialized graphics data can be retrieved from a physical channel via the cross-point switch 795 and re-encoded into the original PC Graphics format.
  • the cross-point switch in each AVDS node switch may be configured to distribute audio and video signal in the AVDS media network 500 according to a statistical distribution.
  • the nature of a statistical distribution system is to allocate bandwidth on the network cable bundle for the distribution of audio and video input signals in an as needed, prioritized manner.
  • a signal carrier shielded twisted pair, coaxial cable, or fiber
  • the problem of maintaining synchronicity gets even worse.
  • any input can be routed to any output regardless of the number of selected sources and active outputs; however, this brute-force solution also means that the conductors and channels in place for any unused inputs and outputs represent unutilized bandwidth. Unutilized bandwidth means unnecessary cost because of the additional weight and bulk.
  • An AVDS media network 500 using a statistical multiplex distribution method trades off cost and weight with absolute bandwidth.
  • bandwidth is allocated on-demand.
  • Each input channel is allocated the necessary distribution channels to distribute the source's audio and video signals. If the demand exceeds the available number of distribution channels, the system enters a prioritized channel allocation mode.
  • One method for statistical distribution is a non-prioritized distribution channel allocation mode.
  • a statistical distribution system provides the equivalent operation as a point-to-point distribution system without the wasted bandwidth and extra weight of unused conductors under the following conditions:
  • Another method that may be employed is a prioritized distribution channel allocation mode.
  • the prioritized distribution channel allocation mode goes into effect if all of the following conditions are true:
  • the AVDS media network 500 enters a prioritized channel assignment mode. In this mode, all of the available distribution channels are assigned to inputs with the highest priority.
  • the available distribution channels are assigned to an input channel's signals based upon the input's priority.
  • An input may have an assigned default priority and an input can also inherit the priority of the output channels that are using the input.
  • An input channel's priority is dynamic and it is typically based on the highest of either the assigned input's inherent priority or the highest priority of the output channels that are using the input channel.
  • the available distribution channels are reduced, and the likelihood that the AVDS media network 500 will enter the prioritized distribution channel allocation mode is increased.
  • the self-healing nature of the AVDS media network 500 means that service is merely reduced by a single point failure, but the prioritized nature of the channel allocation means that it is less likely that the most important users will be affected. This is a stark contrast to point-to-point distribution systems where a single point failure of the audio video switcher completely shuts down the entire system.
  • Configuring an AVDS media network 500 involves defining the specific inputs that specify each input channel in the system and the specific outputs that define each output channel in the system. Controlling an AVDS media network 500 involves commanding a given output channel to receive from a given input channel.
  • One design feature of the AVDS media network 500 is the straight forward manner that HD video, SD video, encoded audio, and PCM audio signals can all be input from the same source. Hence, the system is able to provide the best match of available input signals to the capabilities of the rendering device.
  • One HD monitor can be displaying the HD video signal from the HD DVD player, while an SD monitor is displaying the SD video signal from the same HD DVD Player.
  • a surround sound receiver can process the HD DVD player's encoded audio while the same HD DVD player's down-mixed PCM audio can be routed to a stereo-only device like headphones.
  • the logical channels make it possible to associate the video signal from one source with the audio signal from another source as is the case of Input Channel 3. However, if one didn't want them to be grouped together, another input channel could be defined just for the CD player, for example. Note that although audio and video signals are combined logically within a given input channel, the system affords the flexibility of routing the audio from one input channel and video from another input channel to the same output channel. This allows the user to watch the video from one channel while listening to the audio from another channel.
  • the use of logical channels reduces a number of operations handled by the AVDS media network 500 to a single, simple command executed from the external control system.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un réseau média à haute définition, multivoie. Conformément à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le réseau media est apte à distribuer des signaux vidéo haute définition et de définition standard ainsi que différents signaux format audio à l'état non comprimé tout en permettant l'interconnexion de source AA et de dispositif de restitution dans une topologie de réseau en anneau, robuste. En outre, il fournit un réseau fédérateur commun destiné à une mise en réseau d'ordinateurs universelle (office et données de système de commande). Avec cette polyvalence, le système média peut résider dans une multitude d'emplacements, tels qu'une résidence, un immeuble commercial, un autobus, un yacht, ou un avion, etc.
PCT/US2007/060924 2006-11-29 2007-01-23 Reseau media a large bande passante multivoie WO2008079421A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07717370A EP2095571A4 (fr) 2006-11-29 2007-01-23 Reseau media a large bande passante multivoie

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/564,610 US20070199043A1 (en) 2006-02-06 2006-11-29 Multi-channel high-bandwidth media network
US11/564,610 2006-11-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008079421A1 true WO2008079421A1 (fr) 2008-07-03

Family

ID=39562867

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/060924 WO2008079421A1 (fr) 2006-11-29 2007-01-23 Reseau media a large bande passante multivoie

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2095571A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008079421A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2469345A (en) * 2009-07-24 2010-10-13 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Digital audio signal format hub circuit

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001086480A (ja) * 1999-09-17 2001-03-30 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd チャンネルオートスイッチシステム
US20060171392A1 (en) * 2005-01-30 2006-08-03 Teng-Yi Jen System and method for extracting and routing audio-visual programs from transport stream packets

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4058845B2 (ja) * 1999-06-24 2008-03-12 松下電器産業株式会社 ゲートウェイ装置
US7295548B2 (en) * 2002-11-27 2007-11-13 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for disaggregating audio/visual components
HK1052830A2 (en) * 2003-02-26 2003-09-05 Intexact Technologies Ltd An integrated programmable system for controlling the operation of electrical and/or electronic appliances of a premises

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001086480A (ja) * 1999-09-17 2001-03-30 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd チャンネルオートスイッチシステム
US20060171392A1 (en) * 2005-01-30 2006-08-03 Teng-Yi Jen System and method for extracting and routing audio-visual programs from transport stream packets

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
INTARK HAN, ET AL.: "An integrated home server for communication, broadcast reception, and home automation", CONSUMER ELECTRONICS, IEEE TRANSACTIONS, vol. 52, no. 1, February 2006 (2006-02-01), pages 104 - 109, XP002463309 *
See also references of EP2095571A4 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2469345A (en) * 2009-07-24 2010-10-13 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Digital audio signal format hub circuit
GB2469345B (en) * 2009-07-24 2011-05-04 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Audio circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2095571A1 (fr) 2009-09-02
EP2095571A4 (fr) 2011-08-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20070199043A1 (en) Multi-channel high-bandwidth media network
EP1018837B1 (fr) Procede et apparait pour transmission simultanee de signaux numerique et signaux analogue video
EP2715984B1 (fr) Dispositifs en guirlande et systèmes de commutation et de distribution de signal numérique
US9065673B2 (en) Method and system for a centralized vehicular electronics system utilizing ethernet with audio video bridging
US8565105B2 (en) Method and system for ethernet switching, conversion, and PHY optimization based on link length in audio/video systems
US10069889B2 (en) Network camera and network image surveillance system
KR20120134114A (ko) 홈 네트워크 시스템에서 메시지 전송 방법 및 장치
EP2090019B1 (fr) Réseau local and procédé de le configurer utilisant des catalogues
WO2006089146A2 (fr) Systeme pour la distribution d'une pluralite de flux de contenu multimedia vers une pluralite d'affichages video
JP2010011351A (ja) ネットワークシステム
US7926077B2 (en) Audio and/or video system for a motor vehicle
EP3726780B1 (fr) Procédé et système pour système électronique véhiculaire centralisé utilisant ethernet avec un pontage audio vidéo
US8457122B2 (en) Multiport switch for cascaded ethernet AV device networking
KR20110119526A (ko) Ａｖ 인터페이스를 통해 이더넷 데이터를 전송하는 방법 및 장치
EP2095571A1 (fr) Reseau media a large bande passante multivoie
CN111787360A (zh) 一种基于ip网络流媒体编解码设备
Sneddon et al. Large scale deployment of SMPTE 2110: The IP live production facility
JP5156983B2 (ja) 光ネットワークインターフェース構成
US20020024591A1 (en) Local area network for simultaneous, bi-directional transmission of video bandwidth signals
US20110209183A1 (en) Method and apparatus for transmitting data based on audio/video interface
CN211653715U (zh) 基于物联网的酒店行业异构融合组网系统
CN103093783B (zh) 多媒体播放系统、多媒体切换装置及信号切换器
JPH0298253A (ja) マルチメディア光ファイバネットワーク
US9998224B2 (en) Audio system based on in-vehicle optical network and broadcasting method thereof
KR20050073915A (ko) 가입자 분배망을 하나의 보드로 구현하기 위한방송통신융합시스템

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07717370

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE2 Request for preliminary examination filed before expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2007717370

Country of ref document: EP