USB Port Binding for Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices connected to multiple input sources face challenges in identifying the correct input source for downstream USB components, leading to inefficient device switching and mechanical wear from manual connector switching.

Innovation Solution

A software-defined, dynamic switching system that allows users to graphically assign downstream USB ports to specific input sources through a GUI, enabling flexible component allocation and reducing mechanical wear by virtualizing the switching process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual connector switching is used to assign downstream USB ports to different input sources, then component switching between input sources is achieved, but mechanical wear on connectors increases and switching efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent switching capabilityVSAvoidmechanical wear on connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connector switching with an automated software-based USB port assignment system. The display device includes a processor that automatically assigns downstream USB ports to different upstream USB ports (input sources) based on detected connections, eliminating the need for users to physically move connectors between ports and thereby preventing mechanical wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-assignment of USB ports without user intervention. The processor automatically detects which upstream USB ports are connected to input sources and assigns downstream USB ports accordingly, enabling the system to serve itself by dynamically configuring USB port mappings based on current connection states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If downstream USB ports are automatically assigned to the active video input source, then USB port allocation is simplified, but flexibility in assigning components to specific input sources is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUSB port allocationVSAvoidcomponent assignment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB port assignment system is dynamic and adaptable rather than static. The processor continuously monitors connection states and allows reassignment of downstream USB ports to different upstream USB ports based on user input or changing connection conditions. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while providing flexibility, as the system can adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration of physical connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical USB switches are used to switch components between input sources, then component routing is achieved, but all components are switched simultaneously rather than individually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent routing capabilityVSAvoidindividual component control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of USB port assignments at the software level, allowing individual downstream USB ports to be independently assigned to different upstream USB ports. Instead of switching all components simultaneously through a physical USB switch, the processor can assign each downstream USB port separately based on which input source the user wants to access, providing fine-grained control over component routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11762796B2Binding downstream USB ports to upstream USB ports

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor that may access an assignment of a component connected to a downstream USB port, from among a plurality of downstream USB ports that are downstream of a display device, to a first physical host device from among a plurality of physical host devices connected to the display device via respective upstream USB ports. The apparatus may bind, based on the assignment, the downstream USB port to a first upstream USB port that connects the first physical host device to the display device. The binding may cause the component to be coupled to the first physical host device. The apparatus facilitates assignment of individual components connected to downstream USB ports to one of a plurality of upstream USB ports.