USB Hub Capability Upgrade via Identification Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of lower-grade USB devices with restricted capabilities face the inconvenience of needing to purchase a new device to upgrade to a higher-grade model, as existing methods require complex device configuration changes, particularly when the PC functions as the USB host and the scanner needs to function as a USB host as well.
Innovation Solution
A USB host system that uses a USB hub to connect and identify USB devices, allowing for capability upgrades by storing and matching hub and device identification information to transmit upgrade commands, enabling the USB device to operate with enhanced capabilities without requiring additional device purchases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner functions as a USB host to enable capability upgrading, then the capability can be upgraded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB hub as an intermediary device between the USB host (PC) and the USB device (scanner). The hub acts as a mediator that enables capability upgrading without requiring the scanner to function as a USB host. The hub receives identification information from both the host and device, determines whether to grant capability upgrades based on stored combination data, and manages the communication flow, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration while achieving the upgrade objective
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service capability upgrading through automated identification and authentication. The USB host automatically acquires identification information from the USB device and hub, the hub autonomously determines whether the combination is authorized for upgrading based on stored data, and the capability upgrade is granted without requiring manual configuration changes or complex user intervention, thus resolving the technical contradiction
2Ease of operation
If a USB hub is introduced to manage identification and upgrade commands, then the upgrading mechanism is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The USB hub is designed with multi-functionality to justify its inclusion in the system. It simultaneously performs multiple functions: (1) connects USB devices to the host, (2) provides identification information about connected devices, (3) stores authorized combination data for upgrade determination, (4) manages communication between host and device, and (5) enables capability upgrading. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single component simplifies the overall upgrading mechanism while the hub itself handles the added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A USB host is provided which can connect to a USB device via a USB hub, the USB host including, a combination storage unit that stores an upgrade allowable combination, for which upgrading of the USB device is allowed, among a combination of hub identification information for identifying the USB hub and device identification information for identifying the USB device; an identification information acquisition unit acquires hub identification information from the USB hub in compliance with USB standards when the USB hub is connected and acquires device identification information from the USB device in compliance with USB standards when the USB device is in connected to the USB hub; and a command transmission unit that transmits an upgrade command to the USB device when a combination of the acquired hub identification information and the acquired device identification information is identical to the combination stored in the combination storage unit.