Dual Mode Modem Host Controller Data Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual mode terminals require additional components like hubs or switches, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing competitiveness, while also experiencing data discontinuity and high signaling delays due to external PC control for data transmission/reception.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode terminal with a host modem and slave modem connected in a subordinate structure, where the host modem controls data transmission/reception between the slave modem and external apparatus, using a dual mode controller and connection memory to maintain data continuity and reduce signaling delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hub or switch is added to connect modems to external apparatus, then data transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hub/switch functionality from the external connection architecture and integrates it directly into the modem device. The modem now includes internal switching circuits and multiple communication interfaces (USB, PCMCIA, SDIO, PCI express) that were previously requiring external hub/switch devices, thereby eliminating the need for separate hub/switch components and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple communication interfaces (USB interface, PCMCIA interface, SDIO interface, PCI express interface) and switching functionality into a single integrated modem device. This consolidation allows the modem to directly connect to various external apparatus through multiple interfaces without requiring external hub or switch devices, thus improving data transmission capability while reducing manufacturing cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is used to connect modems to external apparatus, then connection flexibility is improved, but data continuity between modems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a memory unit as an intermediary component that buffers and stores data packets. When one modem is disconnected or unavailable, the data continuity unit can retrieve previously buffered data from the memory unit and forward it through an alternative connected modem, thereby maintaining data continuity while preserving connection flexibility through multiple interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a data continuity unit that proactively buffers data packets in advance in a memory unit before transmission. This preliminary action ensures that if a modem connection is lost or switched, the buffered data is already available for immediate retransmission through an alternative modem, thus maintaining data continuity without interrupting the user experience.
3Ease of operation
If PC controls data transmission/reception of modems, then external control capability is improved, but signaling delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by introducing a dedicated control unit within the modem device that handles data transmission and reception control independently. This control unit can autonomously manage data flow between modems and external apparatus without requiring constant PC intervention, thereby reducing signaling delay while maintaining external control capability through coordinated operation with the PC.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for transmitting/receiving data in a dual mode terminal having a host modem and a slave modem are provided. In the method, when an external apparatus generates data, the host modem receives the generated data. The host modem determines a destination of the received data. The host modem forwards the received data to the determined destination.