USB Hub Mediator for Docking Apparatus Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Docking apparatuses and computing devices from different vendors cannot communicate effectively due to the requirement for Vendor Defined Messages (VDMs) in USB Alternate Mode, limiting interoperability between devices of different vendors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a USB hub in the docking apparatus that enables communication through USB protocol-based messages, eliminating the need for VDMs, allowing devices from different vendors to communicate using USB Type-C ports and receptacles in USB Alternate Mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB Alternate Mode with Vendor Defined Messages (VDMs) is used for communication between docking apparatus and computing device, then communication can be established, but interoperability between devices from different vendors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB hub as an intermediary device between the docking apparatus and computing device. This hub translates and relays messages using standard USB protocols, enabling communication without requiring vendor-specific VDMs. The hub acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between different vendor implementations while maintaining reliable communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB hub provides universal communication capability that works across different vendor devices. By implementing standard USB protocol-based messaging instead of vendor-specific VDMs, the system achieves multi-vendor interoperability. The hub can handle communications from any computing device with USB Type-C interface, making the docking apparatus universally compatible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB protocol-based messages are used instead of VDMs, then interoperability between different vendors is improved, but communication compatibility with existing VDM-based systems may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The USB hub serves as a translation intermediary that converts between USB protocol-based messages and VDMs. This allows the docking apparatus to communicate using universal USB protocols while maintaining compatibility with existing VDM-based systems through the hub's translation capability, thus preserving communication reliability across different message formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from vendor-specific VDMs to standard USB protocols. This parameter change enables broader interoperability while the USB hub maintains backward compatibility by translating between the two message types, ensuring that existing VDM-based communication patterns continue to work.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of communication of clocking apparatuses with computing devices are described. In an example implementation, a docking device and a computing device communicate through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of a USB hub of the docking device in USB Alternate Mode based on USB protocol-based messages.