USB Power Line Sideband Signal for Real-Time Interrupt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB systems lack real-time interrupt capabilities, relying on periodic polling of peripheral devices, which can lead to delays in detecting critical events such as device malfunctions or security breaches, affecting gaming machine efficiency and player experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sideband signal for real-time interrupt detection using high frequency signals superimposed on the USB power line, allowing bi-directional communication between peripheral devices and controllers, enabling immediate notification of interrupt events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic polling is used to detect peripheral device states, then the USB system can maintain compatibility with standard USB protocols, but the detection of critical events is delayed due to the 1 ms polling interval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB communication function into two independent channels: the standard data lines for protocol communication and the power lines for interrupt signal transmission. This segmentation allows the interrupt capability to operate independently without affecting standard USB polling, thereby achieving real-time detection while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the USB power lines as an intermediary carrier to transmit interrupt signals from peripheral devices to the controller. By modulating high-frequency signals onto the power lines, the system can detect critical events in real-time without requiring additional dedicated interrupt lines, thus resolving the timing delay issue.
2Reliability
If interrupt request lines are required for real-time detection, then the detection speed improves, but the system complexity increases and more resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the USB power lines multi-functional by enabling them to carry both their traditional power delivery function and an additional interrupt signal transmission function. This eliminates the need for separate interrupt request lines, reducing system complexity while maintaining real-time detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interrupt signal transmission function with the existing power line infrastructure. By combining multiple functions (power delivery and interrupt signaling) into a single existing channel, the system avoids adding new components or lines, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If high frequency signals are superimposed on the power line, then real-time interrupt communication is achieved, but signal interference and noise may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the communication from the time domain (periodic polling) to the frequency domain by superimposing high-frequency signals on the power lines. This dimensional change allows simultaneous power delivery and data transmission without interfering with the standard USB data protocol, effectively separating the two communication channels in the frequency spectrum.
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
This solution enhances gaming machine efficiency by allowing real-time detection of interrupt events, reducing downtime, and ensuring immediate alerts for critical issues, thus improving player experience and security.
Implementation Method 1
high frequency interrupt communication signals from the at least one peripheral device are superimposed on the at least one power line and transmitted to the controller in real-time
Implementation Method 2
an overcurrent flow may be generated from a peripheral device and detected by an overflow current detector on the USB
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a sideband signal for the USB that has real-time interrupt capabilities. A system and method for hardware detection of an interrupt signal provides for the ability to superimpose a high frequency interrupt signal on a USB power line for transmission to a controller. Alternatively, an overcurrent flow may be generated from a peripheral device and detected by an overflow current detector on the USB. In response, the overflow current detector may output an interrupt/overflow current detection signal to the controller.