Multimodal Interface System for Unified Connector Protocol Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices require multiple single-purpose connectors for different functionalities, which complicates device connectivity and limits the ability to automatically configure multiple functions on a single connector, leading to increased development burdens for OEMs and delayed market readiness.

Innovation Solution

A multimodal interface system that enables a unified connector to support power transfers, directionality, and multiple I/O protocols on the same interface, automatically configuring protocols without user intervention, and abstracts underlying hardware to allow OS-independent operation, reducing the need for specific software drivers and platform-specific implementations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple single-purpose connectors are used for different functionalities, then each connector can perform its dedicated function reliably, but the device complexity increases and the ability to automatically configure multiple functions on a single connector is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidconnector quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a unified connector design that integrates multiple single-purpose connectors into a single physical interface. This unified connector supports multiple protocols (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort) and functionalities (power transfer, data communication, video output) through automatic protocol detection and configuration, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors while maintaining reliable operation of each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs automatic protocol detection and configuration mechanisms that enable the unified connector to self-identify the connected device type and automatically configure the appropriate protocol without user intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable functionality while simplifying the connector design, as the system autonomously resolves the complexity of supporting multiple protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a unified connector supports multiple I/O protocols, then adaptability increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring protocol compatibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol supportVSAvoidprotocol detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary protocol detection and capability exchange during the connection establishment phase, before actual data transmission begins. The unified connector pre-negotiates protocol compatibility and configures appropriate parameters in advance, making the detection process systematic and reducing the difficulty of measuring protocol compatibility during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a protocol abstraction layer that acts as an intermediary between the physical unified connector and multiple protocol implementations. This intermediary layer standardizes the detection and measurement processes by providing a common interface for protocol negotiation, simplifying the complexity of detecting and measuring compatibility across different protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If automatic protocol configuration is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but the extent of automation required increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration processVSAvoidconfiguration automation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The unified connector system implements self-service through automatic protocol detection, device identification, and configuration without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously negotiates protocol parameters, configures power transfer settings, and establishes data communication channels, greatly improving ease of operation while containing automation complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If hardware abstraction is implemented for OS-independent operation, then adaptability across platforms increases, but the development effort for firmware interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOS compatibilityVSAvoidfirmware development

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal hardware abstraction layer that provides OS-independent access to the unified connector's multiple functionalities. This abstraction layer presents a consistent interface for power transfer, data communication, and video output across different operating systems, enabling broad platform adaptability while managing firmware development complexity through standardized protocols and interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10642665B2Multimodal interface

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that can receive data from an operating system in an electronic device, where the data is related to hardware that is in communication with the electronic device through a multimodal interface and communicate the data and/or related data to a local policy manager, where the local policy manager is in communication with the multimodal interface. The multimodal interface can be configured to support power transfers, directionality, and multiple input/output (I/O) protocols on the same interface.