Multi-Host Communication Dongle for Shared Input Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna dongles do not facilitate communication between multiple host devices, leading to increased complexity and space occupation due to multiple cable connections for peripherals and user input devices.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system using a dongle that switches control authority and exchanges connection information between different host computers via USB and Bluetooth interfaces, enabling seamless communication and data transfer between host devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple cable lines are used to connect peripherals and user input devices to host devices, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and occupied space are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection interfaces (USB, Bluetooth, RF) into a single dongle device that can connect to multiple host devices simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the number of separate cable connections needed while maintaining reliable communication channels through each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dongle is designed with multi-functionality to serve as a universal connection hub that can interface with different host devices using different communication protocols (USB, Bluetooth, RF). This allows a single device to replace multiple specialized connection devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple cable lines are used to connect peripherals and user input devices to host devices, then connection reliability is improved, but occupied space is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoccupied space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection interfaces (USB, Bluetooth, RF) into a single dongle device that can connect to multiple host devices simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the number of separate cable connections needed while maintaining reliable communication channels through each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless communication technologies (Bluetooth, RF) for certain connections. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable routing and reduces occupied space while maintaining connection reliability through wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If current antenna dongles are used to connect multiple peripherals to a single host device, then assembling complexity is reduced, but communication between multiple host devices is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembling complexityVSAvoidcommunication capability between host devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dongle is designed with multi-functionality to serve as a universal connection hub that can interface with different host devices using different communication protocols (USB, Bluetooth, RF). This allows a single device to replace multiple specialized connection devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dongle acts as an intermediary device between multiple host devices and peripherals, mediating communication between them. It receives signals from peripherals and routes them to appropriate host devices, and also enables direct communication between host devices through the dongle's multiple interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12468411B2Wireless communication system having dongle as bridge between different computers

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a wireless communication system including a first host computer, a communication dongle, a second host computer and an input device. The communication dongle is connected to the first host computer via a USB interface, connected to the second host computer via a Bluetooth interface, and connected to the input device via a RF interface. The first host computer has first application software for intercepting the operating signal(s) of the input device and transferring, via the communication dongle, to the second host computer to be executed thereby. The first application software also controls the first host computer to ignore the operating signal(s) during the operating signal(s) is being transferred to the second host computer.