USB Intermediary Apparatus for Concurrent Multi-Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB systems restrict communication to only one device of the same class at a time, limiting concurrent communication with multiple audio or human interface devices, which is inadequate for applications requiring simultaneous interaction with multiple audio or HID devices.
Innovation Solution
A USB apparatus that interconnects two separate USB systems via a processor, allowing concurrent operation as a device in one system and a host in another, enabling communication with multiple devices of the same class through multiple channels while adhering to USB specifications, and includes features like signal processing, buffering, and data conversion to handle audio and telephony data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a client application enumerates only one device of the same class at the same time according to USB specification, then USB specification compliance is maintained, but concurrent communication with multiple devices of the same class is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts as a USB host to multiple downstream devices of the same class while appearing as a single USB device to the upstream host. This intermediary USB host controller enables concurrent communication with multiple devices by managing multiple USB endpoints, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining USB specification compliance and achieving concurrent communication capability.
2Productivity
If a USB device is configured to belong to a specified class, then proper device functionality is ensured, but the ability to communicate with multiple devices of the same class simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a USB apparatus that can operate in multiple roles: it appears as a USB device to the upstream host while simultaneously functioning as a USB host to downstream devices. This multi-functional capability allows the system to maintain proper device configuration for specified classes while enabling concurrent communication with multiple devices through the intermediary host controller managing multiple endpoints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal processing is performed in the transfer path between USB systems, then advanced audio and telephony functions are enabled, but processing delay may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements buffering mechanisms in the USB apparatus to pre-allocate memory spaces for incoming and outgoing data streams. By preparing buffer spaces in advance and using double-buffering techniques, the system can perform signal processing operations without causing excessive delay, as the buffering infrastructure is already in place to handle data flow continuously.
Data Source
AI summary
The USB device (e.g. an audio class device) comprises a USB bus interface that connects to an upstream USB port and a USB logical device that provides first USB endpoints for upstream communication on a first channel. The USB host comprises a USB host controller that connects to a downstream USB port, and a USB driver that provides second USB endpoints for downstream communication on a second channel; wherein the USB host operates concurrently with the USB device. The processor is configured to communicate data between the first channel and the second channel via the first USB endpoints and the second USB endpoints, respectively.