The technology industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by the increasing demand for high-definition content and multimedia streaming, the need for simplified and convenient connectivity solutions, and the rising adoption of advanced display technologies. The growing importance of high-speed digital data transmission, audio/video codecs, and encryption protocols for secure content transmission technologies is further driving innovation in the technology industry. Advancements in HDMI versions and specifications, such as HDMI 2.1 with support for higher resolutions, refresh rates, and enhanced audio formats, contribute to the continuous development and adoption of HDMI protocol interfaces. In the last three years alone, there have been over 1.5 million patents filed and granted in the technology industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Innovation in technology: HDMI protocol interfaces. Buy the report here.
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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.
Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.
185+ innovations will shape the technology industry
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the technology industry using innovation intensity models built on over 1.6 million patents, there are 185+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Within the emerging innovation stage, non-volatile flash memory, neuromorphic computing, and haptic feedback interfaces are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. RAID transmission error detection, projector-camera system, and optimized vector processing are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are resistive touch displays and digital watermarking, which are now well established in the industry.
Innovation S-curve for the technology industry
HDMI protocol interfaces is a key innovation area in technology
HDMI protocol interfaces encompass the established technical standards employed to transmit both audio and video data through a single cable. The HDMI Forum, a consortium of companies, oversees the management and specification of HDMI products and technologies. The latest iteration of the HDMI protocol is referred to as HDMI 2.1, boasting a remarkable data rate capability of up to 48 Gbps.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 190+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established technology companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of HDMI protocol interfaces.
Key players in HDMI protocol interfaces – a disruptive innovation in the technology industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to HDMI protocol interfaces
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Sony Group is the leading patent filer in HDMI protocol interfaces. One of the company’s patents describes an electronic apparatus that includes a receptacle for connecting to a cable plug, allowing the electronic apparatus to be connected to an external device. The receptacle has two power supply terminals: a first terminal with a certain current capacity and a second terminal with a higher current capacity. The first terminal is positioned on a flat plate's surface, extending in the direction of plug insertion, while the second terminal is located on the flat plate's end surface and has a wider width than the first terminal.
Other prominent patent filers in the space include Samsung Group and Lattice Semiconductor.
By geographic reach, Koninklijke Philips leads the pack, followed by Microchip Technology and Razer. In terms of application diversity, Sony Group holds the top position, followed by Panasonic and Samsung Group.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) protocol interfaces are widely used for the transmission of high-quality audio and video signals between devices. These interfaces provide a seamless and standardized connection method for various consumer electronics, including televisions, monitors, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the technology industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Technology.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
