Control Bus Connection Detection via Pulsing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently detecting and distinguishing connections between various electronic devices, particularly between mobile devices and standard devices, due to differences in physical size and connection types, which complicates data transfer and communication.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a control bus to detect connections by pulsing the control bus and monitoring state transitions between source and sink devices, employing pullup and pulldown devices to determine connection status, and using a switch mechanism to adapt to different device types, such as MHL and USB modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard HDMI interface is used for connection detection, then reliable connection status can be determined, but mobile devices with different connection types cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different device typesVSAvoidconnection detection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control bus is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects connection status, identifies device types (standard vs. mobile), and enables communication protocols. By making the control bus universal, the system can handle both HDMI-connected standard devices and alternative-connected mobile devices through a single interface mechanism.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control bus acts as an intermediary that mediates between the source device and different types of sink devices. It provides a standardized communication channel that translates and adapts signals according to the connected device type, enabling seamless interaction without requiring separate detection mechanisms for each device category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate connection detection mechanisms are implemented for different device types, then accurate device identification is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice type identification accuracyVSAvoiddetection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different detection strategies locally based on the connected device type. When a mobile device is detected (through alternative connection), the system activates mobile-specific detection protocols. When a standard HDMI device is connected, it uses standard HDMI detection. This localized adaptation maintains precision without requiring all detection mechanisms to be always active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control bus detection mechanism changes its operational parameters based on the connected device. It adjusts signal levels, timing characteristics, and protocol sequences according to whether a standard device or mobile device is detected, enabling accurate identification while using a single flexible detection system rather than multiple fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the control bus is continuously monitored for connection status, then real-time connection detection is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection detection speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic polling of the control bus to detect connection status and device type. The source device sends periodic detection sequences through the control bus, which consume minimal power compared to continuous monitoring while still providing timely connection detection and device identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary connection detection during device initialization and boot-up phases, establishing the connection state before full operation begins. Once connected, the system maintains the connection state with minimal periodic checks rather than continuous monitoring, reducing power consumption while ensuring connection integrity is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient detection and establishment of connections between diverse devices, ensuring accurate identification of device types and modes, facilitating seamless data transfer and communication across different interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the source device includes a pullup device and the sink device includes a pulldown device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the source device includes a pullup device and the sink device includes a pulldown device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8275914B2Discovery of connections utilizing a control bus
Publication Date: 2012.09.25 UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY TECH INC
  • US8275914B2 patent drawing
  • US8275914B2 patent drawing
  • US8275914B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Discovery of connections utilizing a control bus. An embodiment of a method includes detecting a transition of a control bus from a high state to a low state by a source device, the source device being configured to be coupled with a sink device via an interface, the interface including the control bus, the source device including a pullup device and the sink device including a pulldown device; pulsing the control bus to a high state at the source device; and upon detecting by the source device that the control bus remains in the high state ceasing the pulsing of the control bus to the high state, and transitioning the source device from a disconnected state to a connected state.