USB Switch Element for Multi-Terminal In-Vehicle Host Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-vehicle host systems can only communicate with one mobile device at a time, limiting users with multiple devices from easily controlling the system.
Innovation Solution
A USB switch element method that initializes a switch device, transmits switching commands, and controls a hub controller to switch between device and host modes, enabling multiple mobile terminals to be connected and controlled within the in-vehicle host system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the in-vehicle host system supports only one communication device in host mode, then the system complexity is low, but the adaptability to multiple mobile terminals is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB switch element as an intermediary device between the in-vehicle host system and multiple mobile terminals. This switch element receives switching commands from the host system and routes communication signals to the appropriate mobile terminal, thereby enabling multi-terminal support without requiring complex switching logic within the host system itself. The switch element acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving the desired adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the in-vehicle host system enables host mode for multiple mobile terminals simultaneously, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The USB switch element is designed to automatically respond to switching commands from the in-vehicle host system without requiring manual intervention or complex control logic. When the host system sends a switching command indicating a desired mobile terminal, the switch element autonomously configures its internal routing to establish the appropriate connection. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation for users while managing the complexity within the automated switching system rather than the host system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switch device switches between device mode and host mode, then the adaptability to different communication scenarios improves, but the reliability of peripheral device control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action mechanism where the USB switch element is pre-configured with routing tables and connection profiles for different mobile terminals and peripheral devices. Before mode switching occurs, the switch element prepares the appropriate routing paths in advance. When a mode switch is commanded, the pre-prepared routing configurations are quickly activated, minimizing disruption to peripheral device connections. This preliminary preparation ensures that mode switching does not compromise the reliability of peripheral device control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a switching method of a universal serial bus (USB) switch element for an in-vehicle host system. According to a switching command, a hub controller of a switch device controls a switch element to switch from a device mode to a host mode, so that one of multiple mobile terminals connected to the switch element is in the host mode; or alternatively, the switch element is controlled to be switched from the host mode to the device mode so that multiple peripheral devices are in the device mode.