USB Host Functionality Without OTG Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation and usage of USB OTG-capable devices are limited due to the requirement of complex and expensive connectors and controllers, which prevents them from passing through standard USB hubs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit configured to operate with a USB-ID connector, allowing a USB device in function mode to serve as a host without needing to provide power, using a locally available power supply and selectively connecting to the VBUS connector based on USB device-sourced signaling, thus avoiding the OTG protocol requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If USB OTG protocols are used to enable devices to act as hosts, then device functionality is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hub as an intermediary device between the power source and the USB device. The hub assumes the host role and provides power to the device, eliminating the need for the device itself to have OTG-capable hardware. This mediator approach allows the device to function as a host without requiring complex OTG protocols and hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of giving the device true OTG host capability, the patent creates a functional copy of host behavior through the hub. The hub emulates the host role by providing power and managing the USB connection, allowing the device to act as a host for practical purposes without the underlying OTG hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If OTG protocols are implemented, then host functionality is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hub serves as a cost-effective intermediary that provides host functionality without requiring expensive OTG protocols in the device. By centralizing the host role in the hub, the device can use simpler, cheaper hardware while still achieving host functionality through the hub's mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If standard USB hubs are used, then device connectivity is improved, but OTG protocol compatibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hub is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard USB hub for connectivity and as a power provider for host functionality. This universal approach allows the hub to work with standard USB hubs while enabling OTG-like capabilities through its dual role as connector and power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2746959B1Method and apparatus pertaining to universal serial bus-based charging

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 BLACKBERRY LTD

AI summary

A control circuit (comprising, for example, a part of a charging hub for a portable electronic communications device) that is not configured to support USB On-The-Go-compatible Host Negotiation Protocol is operably coupled to a USB-ID connector and is configured to transmit an identifier via that USB-ID connector to prompt a USB device in function mode to serve as a USB host. A locally-available power supply can then serve to provide power to that USB device notwithstanding the latter's role as the host.