USB Host Device Universal Driver via Endpoint Descriptor Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB host devices require loading specific drivers for each peripheral device, including cell phones, which can be cumbersome and vendor-specific, especially when dealing with diverse models and protocols, limiting universal compatibility and operation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves analyzing USB endpoint descriptor data to identify phone models and vendors without relying on pre-loaded drivers, using this data to determine appropriate communication protocols and commands, allowing for universal phone compatibility and operation without manual user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific drivers are loaded for each peripheral device, then device compatibility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal USB host device that can communicate with multiple different phone models and vendors using a single driver. The system achieves this by analyzing USB endpoint descriptor data to identify phone characteristics and dynamically adapting communication protocols, eliminating the need for multiple vendor-specific drivers while maintaining broad device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces USB endpoint descriptor data as an intermediary element that mediates between the host device and diverse phone peripherals. This descriptor data contains identification information that enables the host to recognize different phone types and select appropriate communication methods without requiring pre-loaded vendor-specific drivers
2Reliability
If vendor-specific drivers are loaded for each peripheral device, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the USB host device to automatically identify and configure communication with connected phones without user intervention. The system reads USB endpoint descriptor data to self-determine the appropriate communication protocol and commands, eliminating the need for users to manually install or select vendor-specific drivers while maintaining reliable communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of USB endpoint descriptor data upon device connection to pre-determine the appropriate communication protocol before actual data transfer begins. This preliminary identification action ensures reliable communication is established automatically without requiring users to perform setup actions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device drivers are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal driver that can communicate with multiple different phone models and vendors. The system achieves broad phone model compatibility by analyzing USB endpoint descriptor data to identify phone characteristics and dynamically adapting communication protocols within the same driver, eliminating the need for a large driver library
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for operating a host device (e.g. a ‘plug-and-play’ host device) coupled to a peripheral device (e.g. a mobile phone). In some embodiments, the host device may analyzed peripheral device-descriptive data (e.g. including but not limited to USB endpoint data) and determine information about the peripheral device in accordance with the results of the analysis. Operations that may be carried out by the host device in accordance with results of the analysis include but are not limited to protocol selection, retrieval of cell phone data, and determining software or hardware resource(s) of the peripheral device. In some embodiments, it is possible to actively suppress natural OS behavior whereby a device driver(s) specified by the peripheral device (e.g. in a hardware identifier) is loaded by the host device. For example, it is possible to load a surrogate driver instead. In one example, the hardware identifier is intercepted and not forwarded to a plug-and-play manager executing on the host device.