Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus access regulation
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-30
2001-08-14
Sheikh, Ayaz R. (Department: 2781)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus access regulation
C710S108000, C710S120000, C710S062000, C710S063000, C710S072000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275882
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of computer systems, and in particular, the interface or connection between computer systems and multimedia devices for transferring multimedia data.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Presently to interconnect multimedia devices (e.g., compact disc (CD) players/recorders, digital video recorders, digital cameras, televisions, tape cassette players, stereos etc.) in order to transmit data between the devices, various cables are typically used. The use of cables to interconnect the multimedia devices, however, has various draw backs.
For example, if several multimedia devices are interconnected, the various cables/wires interconnecting the devices can become entwined with each other. As a result, the entwining of the cables can make it difficult to connect and disconnect the multimedia devices from each other, and, possibly create a fire hazard if the protective outer layer of the cables become eroded or worn.
One solution to the use of cables for interconnecting the multimedia devices is the use of infrared light waves as a method of transmitting data/information between two electronic devices, in place of cables. However, the communication of data/information between the multimedia devices via infrared is unfortunately slow, and as a result, hinders the performance of the multimedia devices. In addition, while transferring the information, the infrared beam can be easily interrupted, especially during long durations of transferring the information, thereby causing a further slowdown in the transmission of the data.
As a result, there is a need for an interface/connection between multimedia devices that allows the multimedia devices to transmit data without the physical limitations or drawbacks of using cables, while also transmitting the data at a bandwidth that enhances the multimedia performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a hot docking interface for transmitting multimedia data. In one embodiment, a first hot docking interface is provided on a computer system and a second hot docking interface is provided on a multimedia device. When the hot docking interfaces are placed in contact with each other, multimedia data may automatically be transmitted between the computer system and the multimedia device.
The hot docking feature of the hot docking interfaces allows the multimedia device to be placed in contact with the computer system when the computer system is powered on, and to have the data automatically transferred thereafter. No cables or wires are necessary. Moreover, in one embodiment, the hot docking interface of the computer system will provide power to the hot docking interface of the multimedia device to allow the multimedia device to transfer the data.
Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the hot-docking interfaces are configured to enhance the transmission of multimedia data (e.g., video data, graphics data, audio data). More specifically, the hot-docking interfaces include logic that implements data communication protocol that is able to transmit data at a higher band width. For example in one embodiment, the logic of the hot-docking interfaces transmit the multimedia data in accordance with the IEEE 1394 standard, sometimes referred to as the FireWire™ communication protocol.
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Cheever Gari L.
Frankenberg Robert
Krishnan Kal
Blakely & Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
encanto networks
Phan Raymond N
Sheikh Ayaz R.
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