USB Device Adaptor for Network-Based Connection Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB 2.0 standard is limited to 5-meter long cables and does not support networks with multiple USB hosts and distributed control, lacking the ability for edge-initiated USB connections, edge-addressing of USB packets, and efficient bandwidth allocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that allows USB connections to be initiated over a non-USB network by using USB device adaptors to connect non-collocated USB hosts and devices, enabling communication and discovery of presence and capabilities, and establishing USB-over-network connections without a common network node, while maintaining low latency and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If USB connections are extended beyond 5 meters using network infrastructure, then connection distance is improved, but latency and throughput performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs USB enumeration and capability discovery over the network before establishing the actual USB-over-network connection. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-negotiate parameters, allocate bandwidth, and optimize connection settings in advance, reducing latency during actual data transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces USB adaptors (USBH and USBD) as intermediary devices that bridge USB hosts and devices over network infrastructure. These adaptors maintain USB protocol compliance while translating USB transactions into network packets, enabling extended connectivity without directly exposing network latency to the USB transaction layer.
2Length of stationary object
If USB connections are extended beyond 5 meters using network infrastructure, then connection distance is improved, but data transmission rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts USB transaction parameters such as packet size, transfer timing, and bandwidth allocation based on network conditions and connection characteristics. This allows optimization of data transmission rate for the specific extended connection scenario while maintaining compatibility with USB protocol requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB hosts and devices are connected in a distributed network, then system versatility is improved, but connection complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic discovery and enumeration mechanisms where USB adaptors and hosts automatically detect each other's presence, negotiate capabilities, and establish connections without manual configuration. This self-service approach simplifies complex multi-host network setup while maintaining versatility in connection topologies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If USB device adaptors initiate connections over non-USB networks, then edge initiating capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables USB devices to initiate connections by inverting the traditional USB host-initiated model. The USB device adaptor (USBD) can actively discover and initiate connections to USB host adaptors (USBH) over the network, allowing devices to take control of connection establishment while maintaining USB protocol semantics.
Data Source
AI summary
Initiating, by USB device adaptors, USB connections over a non-USB network, including the steps of: Connecting non-collocated USB hosts with respective non-collocated USB host adaptors (USBHs), according to USB specification timings. Connecting non-collocated USB devices with respective non-collocated USB device adaptors (USBDs). Enabling the USBDs and the USBHs to communicate over the non-USB network that enables each USBD to discover the presence and capabilities of each USBH. Receiving, by the USBDs, information about the USB hosts. And then, initiating by the USBDs USB-over-network connections between the USB devices and the USB hosts.