USB Switching Apparatus for Managing Multiple Image Input and Peripheral Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insufficient number of USB ports on data processing equipment necessitates the use of USB hubs for expansion, leading to resource sharing limitations and the need for switch devices to manage incompatible peripheral connections.
Innovation Solution
A switching apparatus comprising multiple USB hubs and a controller that allows flexible control over the connection relationships between data processing equipment and peripheral devices, enabling resource sharing and efficient communication between multiple image input and peripheral apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If USB ports are expanded using USB hubs, then the quantity of available USB ports increases, but the complexity of managing multiple connections and devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple USB hubs into a single integrated switching apparatus that can manage connections between multiple image input apparatuses and peripheral devices. This merging approach consolidates the functionality of separate hubs while adding intelligent switching capabilities, thereby increasing available USB ports without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching apparatus acts as an intermediary device between image input apparatuses and peripheral devices. It manages the connections and communication between these devices, providing intelligent routing and control that simplifies the overall system management while enabling multiple USB connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data processing equipment are connected to share resources, then resource sharing capability improves, but the difficulty of managing communication between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching apparatus serves as a mediator that manages communication between multiple data processing equipment and peripheral devices. It handles the complexity of inter-device communication internally, allowing resources to be shared among multiple devices while keeping the management interface simple for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching apparatus provides universal functionality by supporting multiple image input apparatuses and various peripheral devices through a single device. It enables resource sharing across different device types while maintaining a unified management approach, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing management difficulty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB ports are used for connecting peripheral apparatuses, then connection compatibility improves, but the quantity of ports becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the USB connection system into multiple hierarchical levels using multiple USB hubs within the switching apparatus. This segmentation allows the system to provide numerous USB connection points while maintaining the universal USB interface standard, thereby preserving connection compatibility while effectively increasing the total quantity of available ports.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a switching apparatus, which includes at least one first USB hub, one second USB hub and a controller. The first USB hub includes at least one first USB port for connecting N image input apparatus respectively; N is a positive integer. The second USB hub includes at least one second USB port for connecting M peripheral apparatus respectively; M is a positive integer. The controller is connected to the first USB hub and the second USB hub, for selecting at least one target image input apparatus from the N image input apparatus, and controlling the at least one target image input apparatus to communicate with at least one of the peripheral apparatuses.