Accessory Identification via Power Line Impedance Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying accessories connected to portable devices, such as using dedicated interfaces, face challenges like placement considerations and lack of standardization.
Innovation Solution
A system where a device modulates impedance on a power line, allowing connected accessories to impose specific impedance modulations that can be detected and correlated to identify the accessory, enabling communication and altering device behavior based on the accessory's characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated interface is used for accessory identification, then identification capability is improved, but device complexity and placement considerations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The power line is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original power transmission function and a new accessory identification function through impedance modulation. This eliminates the need for a dedicated identification interface while maintaining accurate accessory detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory identification function is merged with the existing power line infrastructure. By combining power transmission and identification capabilities into a single interface, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated interface is used for accessory identification, then identification capability is improved, but standardization worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The power line serves multiple purposes including power delivery and accessory identification through impedance modulation. This universal approach allows the same interface to be used across different devices and accessories, improving standardization while maintaining identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If impedance modulation is used on power line, then accessory identification is enabled, but power transmission efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Impedance modulation is implemented through periodic switching of the impedance modulating system rather than continuous modulation. This periodic action enables accessory identification while minimizing continuous energy loss during power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance modulation is applied partially rather than continuously - only when accessory identification is needed. This partial action approach enables identification functionality while maintaining high power transmission efficiency during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate identification of accessories, allowing devices to adjust operations or user interfaces based on detected characteristics, improving user experience and compatibility without the need for standardized interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an impedance modulating system capacitively coupled to the power line, the impedance modulating system being operative to impose an impedance modulation upon the power line
Implementation Method 2
a device detection system capacitively coupled to the power line, the device detector being operative to sense an impedance modulation imposed upon the power line
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods involving device identification are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a first device having a first power line and a first connector, the first connector being coupled to the first power line; and a second device having a second power line and a second connector, the second connector being coupled to the second power line and sized and shaped to mate with the first connector such that the first device electrically communicates with the second device; the first device being operative to modulate impedance exhibited at the first power line; the second device being operative to detect the modulated impedance and correlate the modulated impedance with an identification of the first device.