Multi-Mode Digital Connector for Portable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable storage devices require multiple ports for receiving and exporting digital media content, leading to a complex user interface and increased device complexity, as they need to accommodate different host types with distinct port configurations.
Innovation Solution
A portable storage device with a multi-mode port that combines receiving and exporting functions using a single port, featuring a plurality of pins that selectively activate or deactivate based on detected host features, allowing the device to adapt its mode and communication protocol for seamless inter-device mating with various host-side ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are used for receiving and exporting digital media content, then the device can support different host types and functions, but the device complexity and user interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-mode port that can function as both a USB port and an AV port through a single physical interface. The port includes multiple pins that can be selectively activated based on the detected host type, allowing one port to replace what would traditionally require separate USB and AV ports. This universal design reduces the number of physical ports while maintaining support for different host types and functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The port configuration is dynamically adjusted based on the detected host type. The device controller detects whether the connected host is a computer or a TV, and then selectively activates appropriate pins for USB or AV mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical port to adapt its functionality, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are provided for different host types, then the device can mate with various hosts, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects the host type and configures the port mode without user intervention. The device controller monitors the connected host and autonomously switches between USB and AV modes, eliminating the need for users to manually select or understand different port configurations. This self-service approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The port dynamically reconfigures itself based on the connected host, providing a seamless plug-and-play experience. Users simply connect the device to either a computer or TV, and the system automatically adapts the port configuration, removing complexity from the user interface while preserving versatility.
3Device complexity
If a single multi-mode port is used for both receiving and exporting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support different communication protocols simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is dynamically selected based on the detected host type. When a computer is detected, USB protocol is activated; when a TV is detected, AV protocol is activated. This dynamic protocol selection allows a single port to support multiple communication protocols sequentially, maintaining protocol versatility while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (activated pins, communication protocol, data direction) based on the host type. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the single port can accommodate different communication protocols without requiring separate physical interfaces, thus maintaining protocol support capability while simplifying the port configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a portable storage device that can communicate with different types of host devices. In some embodiments, the portable storage device receives digital media content via a multi-mode device port and exports a derivative of the digital media content (for example, a media stream) via the same multi-mode device port. In some embodiments, the device port has at least one selectively active pin which is active when receiving digital media content and is dormant when exporting a derivative of the digital media content. Alternatively or additionally, the device port includes at least one selectively active pin which is dormant when receiving digital media content and is active when exporting a derivative of the digital media content. In some embodiments, the portable storage device selects a device mode and/or communications protocol in accordance with at least one detected feature of a complementary port and/or a host. Methods for operating the presently disclosed portable external storage device are disclosed herein.