USB Host Device Recognition via Non-Standard Parameter Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle operating systems embedding third-party software deviate from the USB standard protocol, causing rejection of previously supported USB peripherals that attempt to pair with hosts, as they enforce a certification process different from the classic USB protocol.

Innovation Solution

Employing alternative sets of adjustment parameters that are not compliant with the USB standard, allowing hosts to load third-party execution software by using a predetermined, unachievable parameter value that identifies compatibility with automotive applications, thereby avoiding rejection of USB peripherals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle operating systems embed third-party software to enable phone-to-vehicle applications, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but compatibility with previously supported USB devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephone-to-vehicle application supportVSAvoidUSB device compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the settings parameters into two distinct sets: a first set for conventional USB devices and a second set for mobile phones with phone-to-vehicle applications. This segmentation allows the host to differentiate between device types and load appropriate software (conventional runtime software vs. third-party execution software), thereby maintaining compatibility with both device categories simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter configuration by introducing alternative settings parameters that differ from the USB standard protocol. Specifically, it uses predetermined values for settings parameters (such as current intensity or bandwidth) that are unrealizable under normal USB conditions, serving as identifiers to trigger loading of third-party execution software. This parameter modification enables the system to distinguish between device types without rejecting conventional USB devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If hosts enforce certification based on non-standard USB protocol for third-party software, then phone-to-vehicle application functionality is improved, but device compatibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethird-party software supportVSAvoidUSB pairing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the host automatically detect device type through settings parameters and autonomously load the appropriate software without manual intervention. The host verifies its ability to communicate with the device based on the settings parameters and automatically loads either conventional runtime software or third-party execution software, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or certify devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If hosts use alternative settings parameters to identify device type, then software loading accuracy is improved, but compliance with USB standard protocol deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice type identificationVSAvoidUSB protocol compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using alternative settings parameters only for device type identification purposes, while maintaining overall compliance with the USB protocol for actual data communication. The host uses the non-standard settings parameters (with predetermined unrealizable values) solely as identifiers to determine which software to load, but then proceeds with standard USB communication procedures, thus achieving accurate device identification without completely deviating from USB protocol standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3602367B1Method for equipping a host with a USB device
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 RENAULT SA
  • EP3602367B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3602367B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of recognition of a peripheral device (20) by a host (10), comprising: -a step of detecting the connection of a USB plug (22) of the peripheral device to a USB port (12) of the host, -a step of receiving, by the host, a main set and an alternative set of control parameters, -if the peripheral device is able to communicate with the host using the control parameters in the main set, a step of loading conventional running software, if not, and if the peripheral device is able to communicate with the host using the control parameters in the alternative set, a step of loading third-party running software. According to the invention, at least a first of the control parameters in the main set is not compliant with the USB standard.