Aggregating Data Streams on Wireless USB 2.0 Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing multiple bidirectional data streams using multiple communication standards over a communication link increases hardware complexity, resource consumption, and requires higher order modulation and frequency bandwidth, making it challenging to enhance data throughput efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a wireless communication link using a wired communication standard, such as USB 2.0, and leveraging known delay times to transmit and receive additional packet exchange data, thereby avoiding the need for higher order modulation and additional circuitry, and maintaining data rates within the USB 2.0 limits while aggregating data streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple bidirectional data streams using multiple communication standards are implemented over a communication link, then data throughput is increased, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data streams (USB 2.0 data and packet exchange data) into a single communication link by utilizing idle time periods in the USB 2.0 protocol. Instead of implementing separate communication standards, the invention combines data transmission opportunities within the existing USB 2.0 framework, allowing multiple data streams to share the same physical link without requiring additional hardware circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the USB 2.0 communication link multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional USB data streams and additional packet exchange data. The idle periods in the USB 2.0 protocol are repurposed to transmit extra data, making the single communication link serve multiple functions and transport multiple data streams simultaneously without needing dedicated hardware for each standard.
2Productivity
If multiple bidirectional data streams using multiple communication standards are implemented over a communication link, then data throughput is increased, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data transmission functions into a single communication link operating at USB 2.0 speeds. By merging USB data and packet exchange data into one link and utilizing idle periods, the system avoids the need for multiple separate communication standards that would each consume additional power and resources, thereby achieving increased throughput without proportional increases in resource consumption.
3Productivity
If higher order modulation and higher frequency bandwidth are used to increase data throughput, then data throughput is increased, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the modulation order or frequency bandwidth parameters of the communication link, the patent changes the temporal utilization parameter by exploiting idle time periods in the USB 2.0 protocol. This parameter change allows additional data to be transmitted during previously unused time slots, increasing effective throughput without requiring higher order modulation or wider bandwidth that would increase hardware complexity.
4Productivity
If complex protocol adapter layers and specialized software drivers are implemented to support multiple communication standards, then data throughput is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication protocols into a single USB 2.0 implementation by combining USB data streams with packet exchange data transmission. This merging eliminates the need for separate protocol adapter layers and specialized software drivers for multiple communication standards, as all data transmission is handled through the unified USB 2.0 protocol, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining increased throughput capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A host device establishes a wireless communication link with a client device, and implements a wired communication standard on the link to transfer a first data stream. To increase data throughput while complying with the standard, the host device replaces synchronizing information in a packet to be sent during a first synchronizing frame with configuration information indicating that packet exchange data of a second data stream is to be sent or received during a second synchronizing frame. The host device sends or receives the packet exchange data of the second data stream to or from the client device during the second synchronizing frame via the wireless communication link. The host device may send or receive the packet exchange data of the second data stream during delays or idle periods between sending and/or receiving packets of the first data stream via the wireless communication link according to the wired communication standard.