Multi-Channel Serial Data Transmission via Virtual Port Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embedded device servers with a single serial port face inefficiencies when switching between different operation modes for data transmissions, as they must close and reopen connections, leading to time-consuming initialization processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses parameters to configure and manage multiple data channels over a single serial port, allowing for simultaneous operation modes by determining channel occupancy and generating channel switch requests to ensure efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single serial port is used for multiple operation modes, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to mode switching time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single serial port into multiple virtual channels, each capable of operating in different operation modes simultaneously. This is achieved through a channel management module that divides the physical serial port into multiple logical channels, allowing each channel to handle different protocols (RS-232, RS-485, RS-422) independently without requiring physical port multiplication, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single serial port to perform multiple operation modes through virtual channel abstraction. The channel management module allows the same physical interface to be universally used for different communication protocols and operation modes simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated ports while preserving full functional capability across all modes.
2Ease of operation
If operation modes are switched sequentially, then connection management is simplified, but time consumption increases due to closing and reopening connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple virtual channels in advance, each configured for different operation modes. When a mode switch is needed, the system simply activates the appropriate pre-configured channel rather than closing and reopening connections. This eliminates initialization time while maintaining simplified connection management through the channel management module that handles mode transitions seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining all operation modes as active virtual channels simultaneously. The channel management module allows continuous data transmission across different modes without interruption or re-initialization, as each mode operates on its own dedicated virtual channel that remains continuously available, thus eliminating time loss while keeping connection management simple.
3Productivity
If multiple serial ports are used for simultaneous operation modes, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating virtual copies of serial port functionality through software-based virtual channels. Instead of multiplying physical ports, the system creates multiple virtual instances of the serial port interface, each capable of independent operation in different modes. This virtual copying achieves the same effect as multiple physical ports while avoiding the complexity and cost of additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of a single serial port dynamically through virtual channel abstraction. The channel management module changes parameters such as protocol type, baud rate, and operation mode on-the-fly by switching between virtual channels, rather than requiring multiple fixed-parameter physical ports. This allows simultaneous support for multiple operation modes while maintaining a single physical interface, reducing complexity while preserving transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that uses parameters to provide multi-channel serial data transmissions and the method thereof are provided. A first serial device configures with the channel parameters corresponding to a procedure executed on a second serial device. The invention determines whether the data channel corresponding to the procedure requires sending/receiving data occupies a physical line. If so, the first serial device transmits data to the second serial device. Otherwise, the first serial device transmits a channel switch request to the second serial device. After the first serial device and the second serial device are both switched the data channel corresponding to the procedure to occupy the physical line, the first serial device and the procedure could exchange data. Therefore, the first serial device could establish new connection without closing original connection. It achieves the goal of using a single serial port to have data channels of different operation modes or connections.