Configuration goals via video presenting network

• US 20050268321A1
• Filed: 08/24/2004
• Published: 12/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Milirud, Michael, Andrews, Marcus J., Langley, Bryan L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,679,612 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/118
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4122 additional display device, e.g. video projector digital output for controlling a plurality of local displays G06F3/1423
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/485 End-user interface for client configuration

Abstract

Resources of a video presenting network having plural outputs can be configured. A provisional configuration can be supported. Configuration of inputs can be performed separately from configuration of outputs. Interdependencies between network resources can be considered to restrict provided options to those co-functional with a provisional configuration. Responsibility for considering interdependencies can be delegated to a video driver, such as a video miniport. A client can use a variety of approaches to find a desired configuration. A variety of configuration goals (e.g., optimal configurations) can be achieved in light of the interdependencies.

Claims

1. One or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing a method of determining a topology for a video presenting network, the method comprising:

starting with an initial topology; and

based on a goal stated in terms of video modes supported by monitors, modifying the initial topology to better meet the goal.

2. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises generating a provisional functional configuration better meeting the goal.

3. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the modifying accounts for interdependencies among resources of the video presenting network.

4. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the goal comprises a best way to route video present targets to video present sources in the video presenting network through available video output codecs to maximize supported graphics video present source mode sets on video present sources, given that video mode sets on the video present targets must support preferred modes on video display devices connected to them.

5. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the goal comprises a best way to route video present targets to video present sources in the video presenting network through available video output codecs to maximize supported graphics video present source mode sets on video present sources, given that video mode sets on the video present targets must support preferred modes on video display devices connected to them in a specified prioritization ordering.

6. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the goal comprises a best way to route video present targets to video present sources in the video presenting network through available video output codecs to maximize supported graphics video present source mode sets on video present sources, given that video mode sets on the video present targets must support at least one of video mode supported by video display devices connected to them.

7. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein modifying the initial topology comprises enumerating a plurality of video modes available to a plurality of video outputs.

8. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein modifying the initial topology further comprises pinning at least one of the plurality of video modes on at least one of the plurality of video outputs.

9. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein modifying the initial topology further comprises enumerating a plurality of rendering modes available to a plurality of render targets.

10. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 9, wherein modifying the initial topology further comprises pinning at least one of the plurality of rendering modes on one of the plurality of render targets.

11. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 10, wherein modifying the initial topology further comprises unpinning the at least one of the plurality of rendering modes pinned on the one of the plurality of render targets.

12. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 11, wherein modifying the initial topology further comprises pinning an other of the plurality of rendering modes on the one of the plurality of render targets.

13. A method of determining a video configuration satisfying a prioritized list of desired video configuration options, the method comprising:

based on the prioritized list, submitting a partial video configuration for at least a first resource;

receiving a list of configuration options co-functional with the partial video configuration;

determining whether a desired option in the prioritized list is present in the list of configuration options co-functional with the partial video configuration; and

responsive to determining the desired option is not present, re-submitting a modified partial configuration for the first resource.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the video configuration indicates configuration of a video presenting network.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the list indicates desired configuration options for the video presenting network.

16. One or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing the method of claim 13.

17. In one or more computer-readable media, a video rendering device driver comprising:

means for obtaining a first video presenting network configuration provisional configuration having a plurality of video outputs, a plurality of render targets, and at least one video output to render target association; and

means for replacing the first video presenting network configuration provisional configuration with a second video presenting network configuration provisional configuration.

18. The video rendering device driver of claim 17, further comprising means for disposing of the first video presenting network configuration provisional configuration.

19. The video rendering device driver of claim 17, wherein the means for replacing the first video presenting network configuration provisional configuration comprises means for setting video mode constraints on each of a plurality of enumerated video outputs.

20. The video rendering device driver of claim 17, wherein the means for replacing the first video presenting network configuration provisional configuration comprises means for creating the second video presenting network configuration provisional configuration.