USB Type-C Configuration Pin Role Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing USB Type-C connector technology randomly determines the role of an electronic device as a host or client when both devices support dual role ports, leading to unintended operation modes regardless of user intention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically determine or vary the role of an electronic device connected via a USB Type-C connector by selectively connecting configuration pins to pull-up or pull-down resistors based on context information and user preferences, allowing for adjustable switching timing between source and sink modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both electronic devices support dual role ports (DRP) and use USB Type-C connectors, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the role determination becomes random and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role determination by allowing the electronic device to switch between host and client modes based on real-time context information. The processor dynamically selects the operational mode (host or client) depending on the detected context, such as the type of external device connected, current application state, or user preferences, rather than using a fixed or random role assignment. This dynamic adaptation resolves the reliability issue while maintaining the adaptability benefits of DRP support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring context information and adjusting the role determination accordingly. The processor receives feedback from various sensors, system states, and connection parameters to make informed decisions about whether to operate in host or client mode. This feedback loop ensures that the role determination is reliable and context-appropriate, eliminating the randomness problem while preserving dual role functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration pins are toggled between pull-up and pull-down resistors at predetermined periods, then adaptability is improved, but the role determination may randomly occur regardless of user intention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring context information and user preferences before the actual connection is established. The system evaluates multiple possible contexts and user preferences in advance to determine the most appropriate role. By performing this determination beforehand based on pre-established criteria, the system ensures that the role assignment aligns with user intention rather than occurring randomly during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically determining the appropriate role based on context information without requiring manual user intervention. The processor analyzes the connection context, application state, and stored user preferences to autonomously select the correct operational mode. This self-determination mechanism ensures that the role assignment reflects user intention while maintaining the adaptability of frequent role switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device frequently switches between host and client modes, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role determination by allowing the electronic device to switch between host and client modes based on real-time context information. The processor dynamically selects the operational mode (host or client) depending on the detected context, such as the type of external device connected, current application state, or user preferences, rather than using a fixed or random role assignment. This dynamic adaptation resolves the reliability issue while maintaining the adaptability benefits of DRP support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring context information and adjusting the role determination accordingly. The processor receives feedback from various sensors, system states, and connection parameters to make informed decisions about whether to operate in host or client mode. This feedback loop ensures that the role determination is reliable and context-appropriate, eliminating the randomness problem while preserving dual role functionality.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4A
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and devices for determining a role of an electronic device for an external electronic device upon connecting the electronic device with the external electronic device. An electronic device may comprise a first circuit configured to provide first power to a first external electronic device, a second circuit configured to receive second power from the first external electronic device or a second external electronic device, a connector configured to be electrically connected to the first external electronic device or the second external electronic device, the connector including a configuration pin configured to selectively connect to the first circuit or the second circuit based on a first connection setting, and a processor configured to control the connector, the processor may be further configured to determine a second connection setting to be used for connection of the configuration pin to the first external electronic device or the second external electronic device based on, at least, context information related to the electronic device, context information related the first external electronic device, or context information related to the second external electronic device and to selectively connect the configuration pin to the first circuit or the second circuit based on the second connection setting.