Apparatus and methods for dynamic role switching among USB hosts and devices
US10846255B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2213/3854
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for a USB hub connected to USB host and one or more USB devices to support the USB host and the USB devices to dynamically switch roles such that a product which initially operates as a USB device operates a USB host while a USB host supports additional operation as a USB device. Products such as smartphones, initially operating as USB devices, may dynamically switch roles to become USB hosts. Similarly USB hosts, such as PCs and in-vehicle infotainment systems, initially operating as USB hosts may dynamically support additional operation as USB devices. The USB hub includes an upstream port connected to the USB host and one or more downstream ports connected to the products operating as USB devices and supports reconfiguring the downstream ports to upstream ports to enable the role switching the USB devices to become USB hosts while the USB hub maintains the upstream port connection to the USB host to operate as USB device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.