USB Controller Virtual Device Descriptor Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB controllers require complex enumeration processes and additional software installations to manage multiple USB devices, which increases processing time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A USB controller that retrieves descriptors from multiple USB devices, modifies them as needed, and generates a virtual USB device, allowing for faster enumeration and communication without the need for additional software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional USB enumeration processes are used to manage multiple USB devices, then device compatibility and reliability are maintained, but processing time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual USB device that copies and aggregates descriptor information from multiple physical USB devices. This virtual representation allows the computing device to manage multiple USB devices through a single enumerated device, significantly reducing enumeration time while maintaining full functionality and compatibility with all connected USB devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple USB device descriptors into a single aggregated descriptor set for the virtual USB device. By combining device descriptors, configuration descriptors, interface descriptors, and endpoint descriptors from multiple physical devices into one unified virtual device representation, the system reduces the number of enumeration operations required
2Reliability
If traditional USB device management methods are used, then proper device recognition and driver loading are ensured, but additional software installations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual USB device is designed with universal functionality that can represent multiple different physical USB devices through a single interface. The aggregated descriptor contains information about all connected devices, allowing the computing device to recognize and manage diverse USB device types without requiring separate software installations for each device type
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual USB device acts as an intermediary between the computing device and multiple physical USB devices. It translates and aggregates descriptor information from various physical devices into a unified format that the computing device can process through standard USB enumeration procedures, eliminating the need for additional software
3Loss of information
If multiple USB devices are enumerated individually, then complete device information is obtained, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines descriptor information from multiple USB devices into a single aggregated descriptor structure. Device descriptors, configuration descriptors, interface descriptors, and endpoint descriptors from all connected devices are merged into one comprehensive descriptor set that represents the collective functionality of all physical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual USB device creates a copied and consolidated representation of multiple physical devices' descriptor information. This copied aggregate descriptor contains all necessary device information in a unified format, reducing processing complexity while maintaining complete device information
Data Source
AI summary
A method may be performed by a USB controller. The method may include retrieving a plurality of descriptors from a plurality of USB devices coupled to the USB controller. Each of the plurality of USB devices may be associated with at least one descriptor of the plurality of descriptors. The method may further include modifying at least one descriptor of the plurality of descriptors, and generating a first virtual USB device based at least in part on modifying the at least one descriptor. The method may also include outputting a first address associated with the first virtual USB device to a computing device.