Multiplexed Data Stream Protocol for USB Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for data synchronization and exchange between mobile devices and host devices, such as USB interfaces, face challenges with abrupt disconnections, limited concurrent sessions, and the inability to support IP addresses, leading to inefficiencies and restricted functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed data stream protocol that uses TCP-like headers to enable multiple concurrent sessions over non-network interfaces like USB, allowing for flow control, sequencing, and error checking, while gracefully handling abrupt disconnections by using a TCP-like protocol and conventional socket APIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB interface is used for data transfer between host and mobile device, then data exchange functionality is provided, but the interface cannot gracefully handle abrupt disconnections and does not support multiple concurrent sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The data stream is segmented into individual packets with sequence numbers, allowing multiple independent data flows to be multiplexed over a single USB interface. Each packet contains identification information that enables the receiving end to distinguish between different concurrent sessions and reassemble data in the correct order, thus supporting multiple concurrent sessions while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A protocol layer is introduced as an intermediary between the USB interface and the application layer. This protocol includes packetization with headers containing sequence numbers and session identifiers, flow control mechanisms, and acknowledgment systems. The intermediary protocol handles disconnection gracefully by detecting lost packets and requesting retransmission, thereby improving reliability while enabling multiple concurrent sessions.
2Productivity
If full-function file system based techniques are used for data synchronization, then comprehensive data exchange capability is achieved, but overhead is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential functions needed for efficient data synchronization from full file system protocols. Instead of implementing complete file system semantics, the protocol focuses on packetized data transfer with sequence numbering, flow control, and selective acknowledgment. This extraction removes unnecessary overhead while maintaining the core productivity benefits of structured data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol implements partial file system functionality by providing sufficient structure for reliable data transfer without the complete overhead of full file system implementation. The packetization scheme includes only the necessary fields for sequencing, flow control, and error handling, avoiding excessive complexity while achieving high data exchange efficiency through selective application of file system concepts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB interface is used for data transfer, then common and useful connectivity is provided, but the interface is not designed to support IP addresses or network protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the USB interface multi-functional by implementing a protocol layer that can handle both traditional USB data transfer and network-like communication patterns. The packetized protocol with session identifiers allows the same interface to support multiple concurrent applications and data streams, providing universality without requiring IP address support. The protocol adapts to different data transfer needs while maintaining USB interface compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol introduces dynamic session management that allows the USB interface to adapt its behavior based on communication needs. Session identifiers and dynamic packet formatting enable the interface to switch between different data transfer modes and support varying numbers of concurrent connections. This dynamic approach provides protocol flexibility while preserving interface compatibility through adaptive rather than static configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Multiplexed data stream protocols are described. In one embodiment, a method to provide a multiplexed data stream protocol includes packetizing a data stream to provide packets with headers and transmitting the packets through an interface which is not designed to use Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The headers contain data for flow control and sequencing and are associated with a port for an application, and the headers allow multiple applications to maintain an arbitrary and changeable number of multiple concurrent sessions through the interface. The headers may be Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) like headers and may not include IP like headers. Systems, computer readable media, software architectures and other methods are also described.