Interface Switch Maintaining Data Stream Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for peripheral devices, such as webcams, cannot seamlessly switch between different data interfaces like wireless and wired USB without disrupting the user experience, often requiring users to exit or restart applications.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with multiple data interfaces, including a switch that maintains the current data stream through the active interface even when other interfaces become available or connected, ensuring continuous operation without unnecessary disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the system automatically switches data interfaces when multiple interfaces are available, then interface versatility is improved, but user experience disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface switching capabilityVSAvoiduser experience continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-management by monitoring interface availability and automatically selecting appropriate interfaces without user intervention. The host device detects interface status changes and autonomously manages data stream routing, eliminating the need for user awareness or action during interface transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the status of multiple data interfaces and uses this feedback to dynamically select the most appropriate interface for data transmission. The host device receives status information from peripheral devices and adjusts interface selection based on real-time conditions, ensuring optimal performance while maintaining seamless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the host device automatically detects and initiates data stream on connected interfaces, then plug-and-play functionality is improved, but unnecessary interface switching occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug-and-play capabilityVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple interface detection and management functions into a unified system at the host device. The host device integrates detection of various interface types (USB, wireless, docking stations) and coordinates their usage through centralized control logic, simplifying the overall interface management architecture while maintaining plug-and-play functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and classification of available interfaces before initiating data stream transmission. The host device identifies and evaluates connected interfaces in advance, determining their suitability for data transmission before activating them, thereby preventing unnecessary interface switching and optimizing data flow management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8195840B2Method for controlling the active data interface when multiple interfaces are available

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 LOGITECH EUROPE SA

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for controlling which of multiple data interfaces in an electronic device is used for communication with another electronic device so as to minimize disruption of the user experience. In one embodiment, a switch may be provided that is configured to maintain the data stream through a presently used data interface even when other data interfaces become physically connected or available for data transfer. Benefits of unused, but nevertheless connected data interfaces may be received by the electronic device without initiating a transfer of the communication duties between interfaces.