Wireless USB Buffer Management for Packet Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB communication in a wireless environment is prone to packet loss due to collisions and interference from neighboring devices, as it cannot guarantee a fixed bandwidth, leading to potential packet overflow and reduced Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR).
Innovation Solution
A buffer management method and apparatus that determine current data storage levels in transmit buffers and control input or output rates based on predetermined threshold levels to prevent overflow and optimize data transfer in a wireless USB communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB communication is performed in a wireless environment, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but packet loss increases due to collision and interference from neighboring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the data storage level in the transmit buffer before data transmission occurs. The system checks whether the buffer has sufficient space (current level < maximum level) prior to accepting new USB data, and prevents data from being written to the buffer if it would cause overflow. This proactive approach avoids packet loss before it happens, resolving the contradiction between wireless adaptability and reliable packet delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the data storage level in the transmit buffer and using this information to control the USB data input rate. When the buffer reaches a threshold level, the system provides feedback to stop or reduce data input, preventing overflow. This closed-loop control mechanism ensures reliable packet delivery while maintaining wireless communication flexibility.
2Productivity
If wireless bandwidth is shared among neighboring devices, then spectrum utilization is improved, but packet loss increases due to bandwidth contention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checking of buffer capacity before initiating data transmission over the shared wireless medium. By verifying that the transmit buffer has available space (comparing current data storage level against maximum level or threshold level), the system prevents data loss that would occur during bandwidth contention periods, thus maintaining reliable delivery while allowing efficient spectrum sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining a buffer with available capacity as a cushion against potential packet loss. The buffer's maximum level or threshold level acts as a cushion threshold, and the system ensures data is only accepted when sufficient cushion space exists. This cushioning mechanism protects against packet loss during wireless bandwidth contention while preserving high spectrum utilization.
3Productivity
If data is continuously transmitted to maximize throughput, then productivity is improved, but packet overflow occurs when buffer capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the USB data input rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically controls the input rate based on real-time buffer status: when buffer space is available, data flows at high rate to maximize throughput; when buffer approaches capacity, the input rate is reduced or stopped to prevent overflow. This dynamic rate adjustment maintains both high productivity and reliable packet delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control by continuously monitoring the transmit buffer's data storage level and using this information to regulate the USB data input rate. The feedback mechanism compares current buffer level against threshold levels and adjusts the input rate accordingly, preventing overflow while maximizing throughput when conditions permit. This resolves the contradiction between high productivity and reliable packet delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for managing buffers of a device for Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication in a wireless environment. The method includes determining respective current data storage levels of transmit buffers that store different types of data for USB communication; comparing the respective current data storage levels of the transmit buffers with corresponding respective predetermined threshold levels; and controlling an input rate or output rate of a first transmit buffer if it is determined based on the comparison that the first transmit buffer has a current data storage level that exceeds a predetermined threshold level.