USB Mass Storage SCSI Pass-Through for Non-USB Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB communication protocols lack an efficient method to interface and control non-USB devices without additional hardware, limiting the ability to communicate complex commands and user interactions between computer systems and peripheral devices like monitors or televisions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing SCSI pass-through commands via a USB device to communicate with non-USB devices, allowing for embedded commands to poll status and send instructions, enabling user interaction and control without requiring additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB communication protocols are used to interface with non-USB devices, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of native support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a USB mass storage device as an intermediary to bridge the gap between the USB bus and non-USB devices. The mass storage device's controller receives SCSI commands from the USB host, translates them into device-specific protocols, and forwards them to the non-USB device. This intermediary approach enables communication without requiring the non-USB device to have native USB support, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through a dedicated translation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the USB mass storage device controller serve multiple functions: it acts as both a mass storage interface and a protocol translation gateway for non-USB devices. By embedding SCSI pass-through commands and using the existing USB mass storage class infrastructure, the system achieves universal communication capability across different device types without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each device category.
2Ease of operation
If additional hardware is added to enable non-USB device control, then control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the USB mass storage device controller to perform self-service by utilizing its existing resources (SCSI command processing capability) to handle communication with non-USB devices. Instead of requiring separate control hardware, the mass storage controller leverages its built-in command translation and data handling abilities to serve dual purposes: mass storage operations and non-USB device control, thereby improving ease of operation without adding system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for USB and non-USB devices into a single integrated controller pathway. The USB mass storage device controller combines mass storage command processing with non-USB device communication handling, merging what would traditionally be separate control functions into one unified interface. This consolidation improves ease of operation by providing a single control point while reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If SCSI pass-through commands are embedded in USB communications, then command transmission efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where SCSI pass-through commands are embedded within the USB mass storage command framework. The USB host sends standard USB mass storage commands that contain embedded SCSI command data, creating a nested command structure. This nesting approach improves command transmission efficiency by leveraging the existing USB mass storage command flow while containing the added protocol complexity within a structured, manageable layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space of USB mass storage commands by embedding additional SCSI command data within the existing command structure. Instead of modifying the fundamental USB command protocol, the system utilizes parameter extensions and data field manipulation within the SCSI pass-through mechanism to convey non-USB device control information, thereby improving transmission efficiency while managing protocol complexity through parameter-level adjustments rather than structural redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a system may include a processor, a host controller coupled to the processor, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device coupled to the host controller and a non-USB device coupled to the USB device. In some embodiments, the host controller may be configured to communicate with the non-USB device through a small computer system interface (SCSI) pass-through command. In some embodiments, a method may include a host controller sending a SCSI pass-through command to a USB device coupled to a non-USB device, the USB device receiving the SCSI pass-through command, and the USB device interacting with the non-USB device in response to the SCSI pass-through command.