DRP Role Assignment via USB Type-C Reconnection Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

The random role assignment between dual role port (DRP) devices connected via USB Type-C can lead to role matching errors, resulting in inefficient device interactions and data access issues.

Innovation Solution

A method where DRP devices are initially set to host or device roles and then rearranged upon disconnection and reconnection within a predetermined time frame to ensure correct role matching, using visual, auditory, or vibrational cues to facilitate user intervention and prompt reconnection if necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DRP devices randomly assign roles when connected, then device versatility is improved, but role matching reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidrole matching reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary role assignment before actual data transmission begins. When a DRP device connects, it proactively determines its role (host or device) based on connection sequence or predefined rules, and this role is established before any communication attempts occur. This preliminary action prevents role matching errors during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing both devices to randomly select roles independently, the invention inverts the approach by having the second connecting device adopt the opposite role of the first device. When the first DRP device selects a role, the second device automatically assigns the complementary role, ensuring guaranteed role matching without random collision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If role assignment is random, then device complexity is reduced, but role matching efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidrole matching efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service role assignment where DRP devices automatically determine their own roles based on simple connection sequence detection. The first device to establish connection becomes the host, and the second becomes the device, requiring no external intervention or complex negotiation protocols, thus maintaining low device complexity while achieving deterministic role matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If visual, auditory, or vibrational cues are added to prompt reconnection, then user awareness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awarenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual cues through color changes of LED indicators to prompt users about connection status and role assignment. Different colors indicate different states (e.g., green for successful connection, yellow for role mismatch, red for disconnection), providing intuitive user feedback without requiring complex interface elements or additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS11288227B2DRP determining system and DRP determining method using the same

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 QISDA CORP

AI summary

A DRP determining method is provided. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, a first DRP electronic device and a second DRP electronic device are connected by a USB Type-C line. Then, the first DRP electronic device is set to one of a host and a device. Then, the second DRP electronic device is set to one of the host and the device. When the connection between the first DRP electronic device and the second DRP electronic device is disconnected and then re-connected, at least one of the first DRP electronic device and the second DRP electronic device is set to the other one of the host and the device.