Host System Connector Direction Detection for USB Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current host systems using USB Type-C interfaces can only determine the positions of pins for data transmission based on connection direction, limiting the provision of various user environments and user satisfaction in data processing systems.
Innovation Solution
A host system with a connection direction detector and setting controller that detects the connection direction of a USB device using signal detection from pins and controls configuration operations based on direction information and setting information received from the device, enabling or disabling specific function modules to provide diverse user environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the host system only determines pin positions based on connection direction using standard USB Type-C interface, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility, but the ability to provide various user environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the connection direction of the device before performing configuration operations. The host system detects whether the device is connected in a normal or reversed direction, and then预先 (in advance) determines the appropriate configuration strategy, including whether to request setting information and how to enable function modules, thereby avoiding complexity during runtime while providing adaptable user environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the host system to automatically detect connection direction and autonomously determine configuration operations without requiring user intervention. The system automatically identifies normal or reversed connection states and independently decides whether to request setting information and how to configure function modules, providing diverse user environments while maintaining system simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the host system requests setting information from the device based on connection direction, then various user environments can be provided, but additional communication overhead and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the configuration operation flexible and adaptive based on connection direction. The host system dynamically adjusts its behavior: when a device is connected in normal direction, the system requests setting information to enable diverse configurations; when connected in reversed direction, the system may skip this step. This dynamic approach provides various user environments while keeping control logic manageable through clear conditional branching
3Ease of operation
If the system automatically detects connection direction and controls function modules, then user experience is enhanced without intervention, but the detection and control mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with electrical signal-based detection. Instead of using physical switches or mechanical sensors to detect connection direction, the host system uses electrical signals transmitted through the USB Type-C connector pins to automatically identify whether the device is connected in normal or reversed direction. This substitution enhances ease of operation while keeping the detection mechanism relatively simple through standard electrical measurement techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A host system includes a connector having a structure connected to the device irrespective of a direction. The connector includes a plurality of pins disposed thereon. A connection direction detector is configured to detect a direction in which the device is connected to the host system by detecting a signal from at least one first pin of the plurality of pins. A setting controller is configured to receive, from the device, setting information related to a configuration supported by the device and control a configuration operation on the device based on direction information from the connection direction detection. The host system is configured to perform control such that a function module having a unique function included in the device is selectively enabled based on the setting information and the direction information.