Docking Station Protocol Conversion for Simultaneous USB HDMI Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current docking stations with a USB/MHL multiplexing interface can only use either a USB interface device or an HDMI interface device simultaneously, limiting the functionality of mobile devices with a single multiplexing interface.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a first protocol/second protocol multiplexing interface that includes control modules for converting data between USB and CEC protocols, allowing simultaneous use of USB and HDMI devices by converting data through a protocol conversion control module and sending it via a multiplexing interface to a main device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single USB/MHL multiplexing interface is used in the mobile device to maintain compact size and elegant appearance, then the device portability and aesthetics are improved, but the ability to simultaneously use USB and HDMI interface devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station serves as an intermediary device between the mobile device and external USB/HDMI devices. It receives data from the mobile device through the multiplexing interface, converts USB protocol data to CEC protocol format, and transmits it to HDMI interface devices, enabling simultaneous support for both interface types without adding multiple physical interfaces to the mobile device
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the protocol parameter of the data transmission. The docking station's protocol conversion control module transforms USB protocol data into CEC protocol format, allowing the same physical interface to accommodate different protocol requirements and thus support both USB and HDMI interface devices through a single multiplexing interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate USB and HDMI interfaces are provided in the docking station to support both interface devices simultaneously, then the interface compatibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station's multiplexing interface and protocol conversion capability enable it to perform multiple functions through a single interface. The same physical interface can switch between USB and HDMI protocol modes, allowing the docking station to support both USB interface devices and HDMI interface devices without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each device type
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented to enable simultaneous use of USB and HDMI devices through a single interface, then the interface compatibility is improved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion control module acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of protocol translation. It receives data from the multiplexing interface control module, determines whether conversion from USB protocol to CEC protocol is needed, and performs the appropriate conversion, thereby shielding the mobile device from protocol complexity while enabling multi-interface support
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station and an external device control method and system utilizing the docking station, which are capable of implementing simultaneous working of devices of two types of protocols through a same multiplexing interface. The external device control method includes: utilizing a docking station, where the docking station includes: a first protocol/second protocol multiplexing interface for connecting to a main device; at least one first protocol device interface for connecting to a first protocol external device; and at least one second protocol device interface for connecting to a second protocol external device. The method is: receiving first protocol data sent by the first protocol external device through the first protocol device interface; and converting the first protocol data into second protocol data, and sending the second protocol data to the main device through the first protocol/second protocol multiplexing interface.