PAL Communication Reset Mechanism for USB Device State Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) technologies face challenges in efficiently and transparently managing USB device operations over wireless communication links, particularly in transitioning devices to a default state without incurring high overhead or complexity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a PAL communication system that explicitly communicates a 'reset message' to indicate the transitioning of a USB device to a default state, reducing the complexity for the PAL communication unit to learn about the resetting process and ensuring efficient device management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If USB devices are managed over wireless PAL links without explicit reset communication, then the system can maintain simpler architecture, but the PAL communication unit cannot efficiently learn about device state transitions and resetting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePAL communication unit complexityVSAvoiddevice state transition reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PAL communication unit receives explicit reset messages from the USB host about device state transitions. This feedback loop allows the PAL communication unit to reliably track device operations without complex local monitoring, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary message passing mechanism between the USB host and PAL communication unit. The reset messages serve as intermediaries that carry device state information, allowing the PAL communication unit to learn about resetting operations without directly monitoring the USB bus, thus maintaining architectural simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If explicit reset messages are communicated between PAL communication units, then device state transitions are reliably tracked, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice state transition reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by communicating only the essential reset state information rather than complete device status. The reset messages contain minimal necessary data (device address, reset status) to achieve reliable state tracking, avoiding excessive communication overhead while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the critical reset state information from the full USB device status and communicates this extracted data through PAL messages. By taking out only the essential elements (reset occurrence, device identification) rather than transmitting complete device states, the system reduces communication overhead while maintaining reliable tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If USB device reset operations are performed without PAL awareness, then device operations can proceed independently, but the PAL cannot ensure seamless transparent operation over wireless links

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation independenceVSAvoidseamless wireless operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback messages to keep the PAL communication unit informed of device reset operations. This allows the PAL to coordinate its operations accordingly, ensuring seamless transparent operation over wireless links while maintaining device operation independence. The PAL receives feedback and adjusts its behavior without interfering with the reset process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the PAL communication unit prepare for potential reset operations in advance. The PAL monitors for reset messages and pre-positiones itself to handle state transitions smoothly, ensuring seamless operation when resets occur without requiring complex real-time coordination during the reset itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2997484B1Apparatus, system and method of protocol adaptation layer (PAL) communication to indicate transitioning a device to a default state
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 INTEL CORP
  • EP2997484B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2997484B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2997484B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of transitioning a device to a default state. For example, an apparatus may include a first Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) communication unit to communicate PAL traffic with a second PAL communication unit over a communication link, the PAL traffic comprising traffic of a PAL connection over a PAL, the PAL is above a layer of the communication link, wherein the first PAL communication unit is to communicate a device reset request and a device reset response with the second PAL communication unit over the communication link, the device reset request indicating transitioning of a peripheral device to a default state, the device reset response in response to the device reset request, the device reset response indicating whether the device reset request is successfully handled.