USB Type-C Connector Bidirectional Data Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices with USB type-C connectors can only transmit data to external devices but not receive user input, limiting user control over the displayed screen image when connected through a USB type-C interface.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a USB type-C connector, a display, and a processor that senses connections with external devices, receives user input data through the connector, and controls the device based on this input, enabling bidirectional communication and user control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the electronic device transmits data to the external electronic device through the USB type-C connector, then the data transmission capability is improved, but the ability to receive user input from the external electronic device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiduser input reception capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB type-C connector is configured to perform multiple functions: it can both transmit data from the electronic device to the external electronic device and receive user input data from the external electronic device. The connector includes multiple pins that enable bidirectional communication, allowing the same physical interface to serve both data output and user input control purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the USB type-C connector is used for charging and data transmission, then the connectivity function is improved, but the user control capability over the displayed screen image deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity functionVSAvoiduser control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The USB type-C connector is divided into multiple functional pins, where specific pins are designated for different purposes. Some pins are configured for power transmission and data output, while other pins are specifically allocated to receive user input signals from the external electronic device's input/output component, enabling screen control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the electronic device functions as a host transmitting data to the external device, then the data output capability is improved, but the bidirectional communication capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata output capabilityVSAvoidbidirectional communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The roles of the electronic device and external electronic device are dynamically adjustable. The electronic device can function as a host for data transmission, but also accepts user input from the external device through dedicated pins. This dynamic role assignment enables bidirectional communication where the electronic device both outputs data and receives control signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3327580B1Electronic device configured to communicate with an external electronic device using a USB connector
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3327580B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327580B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327580B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device including a universal serial bus (USB) type-C connector is provided. The electronic device includes a display, a communication interface including the USB type-C connector, and a processor electrically connected to the display and to the communication interface and configured to sense a connection with an external electronic device using the USB type-C connector, receive information relating to the external electronic device from the external electronic device in response to the connection, receive user data, which has been inputted through an input/output component of the external electronic device, from the external electronic device through a pin of the USB type-C connector, and control the electronic device based on the received user data.