Port-Sharing Subsystem for Computing Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with limited internal hardware resources face challenges in efficiently managing multiple external ports, leading to interrupted connections and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A port-sharing subsystem that includes a hub and switches, allowing the controller to connect with external devices via either a single port exclusively or multiple ports concurrently, depending on the connection parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external ports are provided, then connectivity versatility is improved, but internal hardware resources are insufficient to support all ports simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple external ports to share a single internal hardware resource (controller). The port-sharing subsystem allows multiple ports to be merged into one logical connection path, enabling the system to support more external ports than physical controllers by dynamically sharing controller resources among multiple ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to serve multiple functions by being shared across multiple external ports. The same controller can be dynamically assigned to different ports based on connection needs, making the hardware resource universal and adaptable to various connectivity scenarios rather than being dedicated to a single port.
2Productivity
If ports share internal resources, then resource utilization is improved, but connection interruptions occur when switching between ports
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of connection parameters when an external device is connected to a port. Based on this detection, the controller pre-configures the port-sharing subsystem to establish the appropriate connection state before actual data transmission begins, preventing connection interruptions during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The port-sharing subsystem dynamically adjusts its configuration based on real-time connection needs. The controller can switch between different operational states (exclusive mode vs. shared mode) depending on the connection parameters detected, allowing the system to adapt its resource allocation dynamically rather than using a static configuration.
3Reliability
If exclusive connection mode is used, then connection reliability is improved, but port sharing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic operational modes that can switch between exclusive connection mode and shared connection mode. The controller detects connection parameters and automatically selects the appropriate mode: exclusive mode when a port requires dedicated resources for reliable operation, and shared mode when multiple ports need to access the controller simultaneously. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between reliability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (connection mode, resource allocation settings) based on detected connection parameters. When connection conditions change, the controller adjusts the port-sharing subsystem configuration accordingly, transforming the system from a static to a parameter-adaptive state that can optimize both reliability and sharing capability as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device includes: a housing defining an exterior of the computing device; a controller supported within the housing; a first communication port disposed on the exterior; a second communication port disposed on the exterior; a port-sharing subsystem supported within the housing, having (i) a first state to connect the controller with the first communication port, exclusive of the second communication port, and (ii) a second state to connect the controller with the first communication port and the second communication port; the controller configured to: detect engagement of an external device with the first communication port; obtain connection parameters from the external device; based on the connection parameters, set the port-sharing subsystem in either the first state or the second state; and establish a connection to the external device via the port-sharing subsystem and the first communication port.