Mobile Device Communications Port Synchronization via Queue Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices often interrupt ongoing data transfers between applications and accessories due to uncoordinated requests, leading to user intervention and inefficiency when multiple applications attempt to use a shared communications port.
Innovation Solution
A processor in the mobile device synchronizes requests from multiple applications using an application-level queue layer, ensuring that only one application can use the communications port at a time, with arbitration services provided through an operating-system-level API, allowing applications to indirectly communicate and coordinate access without direct interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications can access the communications port simultaneously, then application versatility and functionality are improved, but data transfer reliability and system stability deteriorate due to uncoordinated requests interrupting ongoing transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having applications register their accessory usage requirements in advance through the queue layer before actual data transfer begins. This allows the system to pre-coordinate access requests and establish a structured arbitration process, preventing uncoordinated interruptions while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary queue layer and arbitration mechanism that mediates between multiple applications and the communications port. This intermediary structure coordinates access requests, ensuring that only one application uses the port at a time while allowing multiple applications to remain compatible with the system, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
2Reliability
If a queue layer is implemented to synchronize application requests, then data transfer reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional software layers
Solution Approach 1:
The queue layer is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that handles accessory registration, request arbitration, and coordination for all applications uniformly. By creating a single versatile arbitration mechanism that serves multiple purposes (access control, request queuing, conflict resolution), the system improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If applications must wait in a queue for communications port access, then data transfer reliability is improved, but operational efficiency and speed deteriorate due to sequential access
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by allowing applications to prepare and register their requests continuously in the queue while maintaining stable ongoing data transfers. Once an application gains access, it can complete its transfer without interruption, ensuring both reliability through sequential access and productivity through continuous request preparation and execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device and method for synchronizing use of the mobile device's communications port among a plurality of applications are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile device is provided comprising a communications port configured to connect with a mobile device accessory and a processor. The processor is configured to synchronize requests from a plurality of applications running on the mobile device to prevent application(s) from sending a request that would interrupt an ongoing data transfer between the mobile device accessory and another application. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.