USB Hub Card Reader Power Detection With CC LED Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital-card readers lack a reliable method to verify sufficient power for simultaneously powering multiple readers without measuring current levels, which can be inefficient and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A USB hub with an electronic circuit that detects power levels without measuring current, using configuration channels (CC1 and CC2) to determine if the power is sufficient, and illuminates a visible light indicator (green for sufficient power, red for insufficient) to ensure dual digital-card readers are powered correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current measurement method is used to verify power availability, then power verification can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical current measurement method with an optical indication system. Instead of measuring current through complex electrical circuits, the system uses configuration channel voltage levels to control LED indicators that visually display power availability status, substituting electrical measurement with optical signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration channel voltage levels as an intermediary to represent power availability status. Rather than directly measuring current, the system uses the voltage state of configuration channels (CC1, CC2) as an intermediate signal that indirectly indicates whether sufficient power is available, simplifying the detection mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If current measurement is performed to determine power level, then accurate power assessment is achieved, but measurement time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of configuration channel voltage levels during the connection establishment phase, before actual data transfer begins. This preliminary action determines power availability in advance, eliminating the need for continuous or delayed current measurement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes time-consuming current measurement with instantaneous voltage level detection of configuration channels. The voltage state of CC1 and CC2 can be read immediately without requiring continuous monitoring or complex measurement cycles, significantly reducing verification time.
3Productivity
If multiple digital-card readers are connected simultaneously, then workflow efficiency improves, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through visual LED indicators that provide real-time information about power availability status to the user. The system monitors configuration channel voltages and provides immediate visual feedback via green LED for sufficient power and red LED for insufficient power, enabling users to make informed decisions about connecting multiple readers without complex power management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes of LED indicators to communicate power status. Green LED indicates sufficient power is available for multiple readers, while red LED indicates insufficient power. This color-coding system provides intuitive visual feedback that simplifies power management by making status information immediately understandable to users.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The USB hub provides a simple and efficient method to verify sufficient power for multiple digital-card readers, ensuring reliable operation without the need for current measurement, thereby enhancing workflow efficiency in data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a visible-light source to indicate at least a pre-determined level of power being detected by the electronic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include, for example, a combination multi-port hub including at least two first connectors, at least two second connectors, an electronic circuit to detect a power level of the at least one type of electronic device, and a visible-light source. Each of the at least two first connectors is to couple electronically to a USB-based digital-card reader. Each of the at least two second connectors is to couple electronically to at least one type of electronic device type including devices types comprising one or more host computers and a power supply. The electronic circuit is to detect a level of sourced-power available without measuring a level of current present of at least one of the at least two second connectors without measuring a current level. The visible-light source is to indicate at least a predetermined level of power being detected. Other devices, apparatuses, and methods are described.