Dynamic Docking Port Resource Allocation for Portable Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations for portable information handling systems increase design and fabrication costs and limit flexibility due to specialized ports and direct motherboard connections, while standardized ports like USB can lead to bandwidth limitations and latency issues.
Innovation Solution
A docking system with dynamic management of wired and wireless resources, using a temporary management bus to configure data lanes for balanced video, data, and power communication, allowing task reassignment based on workload, reducing the need for direct motherboard connections and adapting to changing demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized ports and direct motherboard connections are used for docking, then connection reliability and performance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal docking interface that can work with standardized ports (USB, DisplayPort) rather than requiring specialized motherboard connections. The system uses software drivers and protocol translation to achieve reliable communication through common interfaces, eliminating the need for custom hardware connections while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary docking station that acts as a bridge between the portable computer and peripherals. The docking station handles the complex connections and communications, translating between different protocols and interfaces, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the portable computer itself while maintaining reliable connections.
2Device complexity
If standardized ports like USB are used for docking, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and latency performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where data lanes are temporarily assigned as management buses during docking configuration, then reassigned to video or data communication based on real-time needs. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize bandwidth utilization for different tasks while using standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the docking interface by temporarily reconfiguring data lanes for different functions (management vs. video vs. data). This parameter switching allows standardized ports to achieve higher effective bandwidth by optimizing their usage based on current docking requirements rather than being locked into a single mode.
3Stability of the object's composition
If direct motherboard connections are implemented, then connection stability is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal standardized ports that are already manufactured into portable computers through established supply chains. These ports (USB, DisplayPort) are readily available and easy to manufacture compared to custom motherboard connections, while the system maintains connection stability through software-based protocol management and the intermediary docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station serves as an intermediary that provides stable connections to peripherals while interfacing with the portable computer through standardized ports. This intermediary approach maintains connection stability for the docking function without requiring the portable computer itself to have specialized stable connections, thereby easing manufacturing.
4Manufacturing precision
If data lanes are permanently assigned for video communication, then video performance is improved, but adaptability to varying tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane assignment where data lanes are temporarily configured for video communication during docking setup, then reassigned to data communication or power management based on the actual docking task. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to provide high video performance when needed while maintaining adaptability for other functions, eliminating the need for permanent dedicated lane assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically reconfigures data lane assignments based on current docking requirements. During initial docking, lanes are assigned for management and configuration; after docking is established, lanes are reassigned based on active tasks (video playback, data transfer, power management). This periodic reassignment maintains optimal video performance when required while providing versatility for varying tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.