USB Device Power-State Control After Communication Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses face usability issues when a communication cable is accidentally unplugged, leading to unintended power supply shutdown and increased power consumption due to inefficient power management during network disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a USB device and circuitry that manages power supply states, transitioning to a lower power consumption state when USB communication is suspended for a predetermined period, utilizing a USB device controller and state management units to automate power-saving transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the apparatus turns off the main power supply when network disconnection is detected, then power consumption is reduced, but usability decreases due to unintended power shutdown when cable is accidentally unplugged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (USB device controller and circuitry) that mediates between the physical layer cable connection state and the power supply state. This intermediary layer detects cable disconnection events and prevents direct correlation between network disconnection and power shutdown, thereby resolving the contradiction between power saving and usability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of cable connection state before executing power shutdown. The USB device controller monitors connection status in advance, and the circuitry verifies whether disconnection is intentional or accidental before triggering power supply shutdown, preventing unintended power loss while maintaining power saving benefits
2Loss of energy
If the apparatus monitors network port in power-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus cannot distinguish between intentional disconnection and accidental cable unplug
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into separate components: USB device controller handles physical layer cable connection detection, while the circuitry handles power supply state management. This segmentation allows independent optimization of detection accuracy and power management, resolving the contradiction between power saving and detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connection detection with electrical signal-based detection through the USB device controller. This substitution enables more reliable and accurate detection of connection state, allowing the system to distinguish between intentional network disconnection and accidental cable unplug with higher precision
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes: a USB device including a USB interface to enable communication between the communication apparatus and another apparatus, and a USB device controller to manage an operation state of the USB device; and circuitry to manage a power supply state of the communication apparatus; and perform a state control process of controlling the communication apparatus to transition to a power supply state with lower power consumption than a current power supply state, when an operation state in which the USB device stops communication with said another apparatus has continued for a predetermined period of time.