Control Bus Device Discovery and Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently discovering and connecting various electronic devices, particularly mobile devices with standard devices, due to differences in connection types and protocols, which hinders seamless data transfer and communication.

Innovation Solution

A control bus mechanism is introduced, utilizing a single-wire, bi-directional control bus that includes a hot-plug mechanism and ID assignment to USB-OTG, allowing mobile devices to connect with standard devices by detecting signals and power, and determining device types, enabling communication via HDMI and USB protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard HDMI connection is used between electronic devices, then high-definition video and audio transfer is enabled, but mobile devices with different connection types cannot connect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidconnection type diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual-mode receiver that can operate in both standard HDMI mode and mobile device mode, allowing a single device to accommodate multiple connection types. The receiver detects the device type and switches operational modes accordingly, enabling universal compatibility without requiring separate hardware for each device category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control bus serves as an intermediary communication channel between the receiver and connected devices. It carries detection signals to identify device types and exchange information, mediating between the physical connection layer and the protocol layer, enabling seamless communication despite different connection standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If device detection protocols are implemented to identify device types, then seamless communication is enabled, but the detection and connection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic device identificationVSAvoiddetection protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device detection and type identification through the control bus before establishing the actual data transmission channel. This preliminary action of detecting device types, capabilities, and connection status allows the receiver to prepare appropriate communication protocols in advance, simplifying the subsequent data transfer process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection protocol is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, adjusting the detection depth and method based on the initial connection status. The system can quickly identify basic device types through simple signal detection, and only perform more complex detection procedures when necessary, making the overall process flexible rather than rigidly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2238530B1Discovery of electronic devices utilizing a control bus
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 LATTICE SEMICON CORP
  • EP2238530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2238530B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2238530B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Discovery of electronic devices utilizing a control bus. An embodiment of a method includes connecting a receiving device to a cable, where the cable includes a control bus. If the receiving device is in a disconnect state and a signal from a transmitting device is detected on the control bus, the device is transferred to a state for a first type of transmitting device. If the receiving device is in either the disconnect state or the state for the first type of transmitting device and a predetermined voltage signal is received from the transmitting device, then the receiving device is transferred to a state for a second type of transmitting device.