USB Port Power Control With Persistent Device Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, managing a multitude of IT devices with diverse communication interfaces, network protocols, and configurations is complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple concentrator hardware units and management tools.
Innovation Solution
A data center infrastructure management system that individually maps USB ports to unique logical device names and allows for individual control of power supply to these ports, enabling persistent references and secure associations between physical and logical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IT device concentrator hardware units are deployed to manage diverse communication interfaces, then the ability to connect to various IT devices is improved, but the device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal USB port management framework that allows a single USB controller to manage multiple USB ports with different capabilities (power supply, data transfer, device types). Instead of deploying separate concentrator hardware units for different device types, the system provides multi-functional support through software-based port profiles and configuration settings, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary USB port management layer that sits between the physical USB ports and the IT devices. This management layer handles device detection, port configuration, and resource allocation, acting as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between diverse IT devices and the underlying hardware infrastructure, thereby reducing management overhead
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different kinds of IT device concentrator hardware units are deployed to support flexible device collocation, then the adaptability to different device configurations is improved, but the planning complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic port configuration capabilities where USB port settings (power supply, data rates, device types) can be adjusted in real-time based on connected devices and operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for extensive advance planning of fixed hardware configurations, allowing flexible device collocation to be achieved through software reconfiguration rather than physical hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in USB port configurations (power supply states, data transfer rates, device profiles) to adapt to different device collocation scenarios. By modifying these parameters through software rather than changing physical hardware, the system achieves flexible device support while minimizing planning and reconfiguration time
3Reliability
If individual power control of USB ports is implemented, then the security and energy management are improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB power control system into individual port-level control units, where each USB port can be independently managed for power supply. This segmentation allows security policies to be applied at the port level without requiring complex system-wide control mechanisms, as each port operates as an independent controllable unit with its own power state management
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for individually controlling one or more universal serial bus (USB) ports. The control system may include at least one USB interface that provides at least one USB port, at least one power control unit in communication with the at least one USB interface, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for storing computer-readable program code and a configuration dataset. The control system may further include a processor device in communication with the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, the at least one power control unit and the at least one USB interface. The processor device may be operative with the computer-readable program code to retrieve configuration data from the configuration dataset and control power supply to the at least one USB port in accordance with the configuration data by enabling or disabling the at least one power control unit.