USB Suspend Resume Signal Encoding for Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB-compatible integrated circuits face challenges in adding new communication features without modifying predefined message formats, necessitating innovative methods to transmit additional information over fixed interfaces.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the suspend and resume states of USB-compatible integrated circuits, as well as analog-to-digital converters, to encode and transmit messages without adding new message formats, by pausing and restarting communication signals in specific patterns to convey information through variations in power states and spike generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new communication features are added to USB devices, then communication functionality is improved, but message format compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds additional communication channels within the existing USB message structure by utilizing unused or underutilized fields in predefined message formats. This allows new features to be communicated through nested data structures without altering the outer message format, maintaining compatibility while adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension for communication by using timing-based encoding or alternative data fields within existing messages. This allows information to be transmitted through a different dimension of the message structure rather than requiring new message types, preserving format compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB message formats are modified to include new features, then communication capability is improved, but backward compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by modifying only specific portions of the message structure that are optional or extensible, leaving the core predefined message formats intact. This allows new features to be added through optional fields or extensions that do not interfere with legacy message processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates preliminary compatibility measures by designing new feature encoding schemes that automatically degrade to standard behavior when unrecognized fields are encountered. This ensures that legacy devices can ignore new fields while newer devices can utilize them.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional information is transmitted through USB, then communication functionality is improved, but interface complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing USB interface components multi-functional by enabling them to carry both traditional data and new feature information through the same channels. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated interfaces for new features, maintaining interface simplicity while expanding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for communicating information through a USB device using suspend/resume states are presented. A USB host stops transmitting Start-of-Frame (SOF) packets to a USB device, causing the USB device to enter a sleep/suspend state. The USB host then restarts the transmission of SOF packets to trigger the USB device back into a normal/resume state. The USB host repeats this process in a temporal pattern corresponding to a message, such that a circuit monitoring the USB device can determine the message.