Virtual USB Port Capability Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB ports face inefficiencies due to shared power ceilings and mismatched version capabilities, leading to inefficient resource allocation and noise, as well as the inability to dynamically enable or disable features like video transmission.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that virtualizes USB ports, allowing users to assign capabilities such as power priorities and data transmission speeds, enabling dynamic negotiation and renegotiation of power allocations and feature enablement/disabling through software-defined management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If USB ports share a common power ceiling, then power management is simplified, but power allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared power ceiling into dedicated power allocations for different USB ports based on assigned capabilities. Each port receives a guaranteed power portion corresponding to its capability assignment (e.g., USB 3.0 ports receive higher power allocations than USB 2.0 ports), resolving the contradiction by maintaining simple management while achieving efficient allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power allocation parameters based on capability assignments. When a USB port is assigned higher capabilities (USB 3.0 vs USB 2.0), the system adjusts the power ceiling parameter for that port accordingly, enabling efficient power distribution without complex manual management.
2Productivity
If USB ports operate at maximum version capabilities, then performance is maximized, but resource mismatch and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different capability levels to different USB ports based on their intended use and connected devices. Instead of all ports operating at maximum USB 3.0 capability, each port is locally optimized with appropriate capability assignments (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0), eliminating resource waste while maintaining high performance where needed.
3Reliability
If USB port capabilities are fixed by hardware version, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing capability assignments to be changed through software configuration rather than being fixed by hardware alone. Users can dynamically reassign capabilities between USB ports based on connected devices and operational needs, while the system maintains reliable operation by enforcing the assigned capabilities through the capability store and negotiation processes.
4Device complexity
If manual connector manipulation is required for capability switching, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to reconfigure USB port capabilities through software interfaces without requiring physical connector manipulation or hardware changes. The system automatically manages the capability assignments and enforces them during device negotiations, making operation easy while maintaining manageable complexity through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor that may access an assignment of a capability to a hardware port such as a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port. The apparatus may virtualize a USB port, assign capabilities to the virtual USB port, and provide electrical communication via the USB port subject to the assigned capabilities. The electrical communication may include power delivered via the USB port, or data communicated via the USB port.