USB 2.0 Cable Segmentation for Simultaneous Data and Media Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data transfer cables are limited to transmitting a single data stream, making it cumbersome for multifunctional devices like mobile phones with a single port to connect to multiple external devices simultaneously for data transfer and media streaming.
Innovation Solution
A USB 2.0 type cable with multiple conductive points allows for the independent transmission of two or more data streams using different subsets of pins, enabled by an integrated circuit that dynamically changes connections based on transmission requirements, enabling simultaneous data transfer and media streaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single USB port is used for connecting to multiple external devices, then the device port quantity is reduced, but the ability to transmit multiple data streams simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The USB cable is segmented into multiple independent conductive point sets (first set: pins 2-3, second set: pins 4-5), where each set can independently transmit separate data streams. This segmentation allows a single physical cable to carry multiple independent data channels, resolving the contradiction between reduced port quantity and maintained transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB cable is designed with multi-functionality to perform both USB 2.0 data transmission and Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) media streaming through different conductive point sets. This universal design enables a single cable to replace multiple specialized cables, allowing one port to connect to multiple external devices simultaneously while maintaining various transmission functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to connect to different external devices, then the multiple data stream transmission capability is maintained, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cables that were previously needed for different functions (USB data transfer, media streaming) are merged into a single USB cable with multiple conductive point sets. This combining eliminates the need to plug and unplug multiple separate cables, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the ability to transmit multiple data streams simultaneously to different external devices.
3Device complexity
If a single cable transmits multiple data streams, then the cable quantity is reduced, but the data transmission speed for each stream may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cable's conductive points are segmented into separate sets (pins 2-3 for first data stream, pins 4-5 for second data stream), allowing each set to independently transmit data without interfering with the other. This physical segmentation ensures that multiple data streams can be transmitted simultaneously at full USB 2.0 speed (up to 10 Gbps as mentioned in the patent) through different conductive pathways within the same cable.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are devices and methods for transmitting two or more data streams through the same cable. An exemplary cable includes at least two sets of conductive points, each set capable of independently transmitting a separate data stream. The cable may be a USB 2.0 type cable, with two contacts assigned for transmitting one data stream, and two other contacts assigned for transmitting another data stream. In some embodiments, one data stream is an audio-video signal transmitted to an audio-video receiver.