USB Host Service Switching Without Physical Cable Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB communication methods require physical disconnection and reconnection of USB cables to switch services between a USB host and accessory, such as a head unit in a vehicle and a mobile device, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A USB communication control method that allows service switching without physical disconnection and reconnection by initializing and reinitializing the USB port, including waiting for predetermined times and retrying the connection if initial attempts fail, to manage the transition between services on an Android-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical disconnection and reconnection of USB cable is performed to switch services, then service switching is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB cable disconnection/reconnection operation with an electronic software-based service switching mechanism. The USB host controller electronically reconfigures the USB port connection state through software control, allowing service switching without physical cable manipulation. This substitutes mechanical action with electronic control, improving user convenience while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of USB accessory connection state before service switching. The system detects whether the USB accessory is connected and identifies the current service state in advance, then proactively initiates the appropriate service switching procedure. This preliminary action prevents connection errors and ensures smooth service transitions without requiring user intervention for cable reconnection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB port initialization is performed for service switching, then service transition is enabled, but communication stability may deteriorate if initialization fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the USB host controller detects the result of USB port initialization operations. When initialization succeeds, the new service is activated; when it fails, the system receives feedback about the failure condition and automatically executes recovery procedures such as retrying initialization or falling back to previous service states, thereby maintaining communication stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares error handling and recovery mechanisms in advance before initialization failures occur. The system pre-configures retry logic and fallback procedures that are automatically activated when initialization fails, cushioning against the potential instability and preventing complete service interruption. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliability even when service switching attempts fail.
3Ease of operation
If service switching is implemented without physical disconnection, then user convenience is improved, but service switching reliability may worsen due to potential initialization failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable disconnection with electronic service switching control, enabling seamless service transitions without physical manipulation. This electronic approach maintains connection integrity while allowing service changes, improving convenience without sacrificing reliability through proper electronic protocol handling and error recovery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB host controller performs self-service by automatically detecting service switching requests, executing USB port initialization, and handling any failures without requiring user intervention for cable reconnection. The system autonomously manages the service switching process, ensuring both convenience and reliability through automated error handling and recovery procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus (USB) communication control method for a USB host connected to a USB accessory through a USB cable includes: receiving a request signal for switching from a first service to a second service in the USB accessory when the first service is being executed in the USB accessory; initializing a USB port of the USB host so as to perform switching to the second service in the USB accessory; and when the switching to the second service through initialization of the USB port is successfully performed, executing the second service in the USB accessory.