MULTI-MEDIA USB DATA TRANSFER OVER DIGITAL INTERACTION INTERFACE FOR VIDEO AND AUDIO (DiiVA)

Abstract

A system for delivering USB data over a DiiVA network may include a USB host controller, at least one USB device, a first DiiVA device connected to the USB host controller through an upstream USB port, a second DiiVA device connected to the USB device through a downstream USB port; and a network configured to transfer data between the first DiiVA device and the second DiiVA device according to USB protocol through a DiiVA bi-directional hybrid link in the network. The network is responsive to the USB host controller to deliver contents for the USB protocol through at least one line state information packet and at least one USB data packet transmitted through the hybrid link between the upstream USB port and the downstream USB port.

Description

BACKGROUND

DiiVA (Digital Interactive Interface For Video And Audio) is a bi-directional audio/video interface that allows uncompressed high-definition video, as well as multi-channel audio, high-bandwidth, and bi-directional data to be transferred over a single cable. In addition to uni-directional video channels, DiiVA implements a bi-directional hybrid data channel capable of transporting different types of data, including but not limited to audio data, control data, Ethernet data, and bulk data.

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) specification is widely used in order to establish communication between various devices and a host controller such as a personal computer, having now effectively taken the place of a number of previously implemented interfaces such as serial and parallel ports.

Methods and systems are needed for reliably transferring USB data over networks such as DiiVA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings disclose illustrative embodiments. They do not set forth all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it is intended to refer to the same or like components or steps.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a USB connection with a DiiVA network, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system configured to communicate USB data over a DiiVA network, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates turn-around time constraint in USB, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates one example of a Hybrid Link USB packet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a table illustrating the SSINFO Field of the Hybrid Link USB packet shown in FIG. 3

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates one example of high-speed USB enumeration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of control transfer in DiiVA USB, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

In the present disclosure, methods and systems are disclosed for transfer of USB data and multi-media data over networks such as DiiVA which includes a bi-directional hybrid link as well as uni-directional links. DiiVA is a bi-directional audio/video interface that can allows uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio, and high-bandwidth, bi-directional data to be all transferred over a single cable. In particular, DiiVA implements a bi-directional hybrid link capable of carrying audio, control, and bulk (Ethernet and USB) data, and status information. DiiVA also includes uni-directional video links dedicated to carrying noncompressed video pixel data and synchronization.

In some embodiments, DiiVA cable contain four twisted pairs, one of which is the hybrid link, and the remaining three of which comprise the uni-directional video links. DiiVA allows users to connect, configure and control a plurality of consumer electronic devices (including without limitation DVD players, digital video recorders, set top boxes, personal computers, camcorders, cameras, and home stereo systems, just by way of example) from their digital TV or other DiiVA node.

Full details regarding USB are available in references such as “USB 2.0 specification” and “USB 3.0 specification,” which are publicly available through the internet, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The techniques disclosed in the present disclosure may be used for the transfer of multi-media data and network management in any other system (i.e., system other than DiiVA) that includes the capability of both uni-directional and bi-directional data transfer over a single cable.

Illustrative embodiments are discussed. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one example of a USB connection in a DiiVA network. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments of the present disclosure one or more DiiVA Hybrids Link serve to extend the USB connection through a DiiVA network 110. Using the methods and systems described in the present disclosure, USB in DiiVA can seamlessly connect a USB host 120 to at least one USB device 130 to the DiiVA network 110. The DiiVA network 110 can function as if there were only a USB cable between the USB host 120 and the USB device 130. The DiiVA network as a whole, inclusive of the USB device 130, can function as if there were only a USB device 130 connected to the USB host 120 through a USB cable and a USB upstream port, i.e., a USB port that faces upstream.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system 200 configured to communicate USB data over a DiiVA network 210, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 includes a USB host controller 220 (for example a personal computer) connected to at least one USB device 230 (examples of which include without limitation a webcam or a memory stick) through a USB connection. The USB connection requires two DiiVA devices, DiiVA device A (shown with reference numeral 205) and DiiVA device B (shown with reference numeral 206), one connected to the USB host 220 and the other connected to the USB device 230.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, USB host 220 is connected to a USB upstream port 225 of DiiVA device A (205), and USB device 230 is connected to USB downstream port 226 of DiiVA device B (206). In general, a DiiVA device can have multiple USB upstream ports or multiple USB downstream ports, as seen in FIG. 2. In sum, the system 200 thus includes a first DiiVA device 205 connected to the USB host controller 220 through an upstream USB port 225, a second DiiVA device 206 connected to the USB device 230 through a downstream USB port 226; and a DiiVA network 210 connecting the two DiiVA devices 205 and 206.

The DiiVA network 210 includes at least one bi-directional DiiVA hybrid link 240, and transfers data through the link between the first DiiVA device 205 and the second DiiVA device 206, according to USB protocol.

The elements in the DiiVA network 210, including but not limited to the hybrid link 240, and the first and second DiiVA device 205 and 206, all include hardware such as a processor or controller configured to carry out the functions described in the present disclosure.

The network 210 is responsive to the USB host controller 220 to deliver contents for the USB protocol by transmitting through the hybrid link 240 at least one line state information packet and at least one USB data packet, between the upstream USB port 225 and the downstream USB port 226.

The first 205 and second 206 DiiVA device each include a USB PHY (physical layer) 232 connected to logical module 234 through an interface 236. The logical module 234 may be a transceiver having bi-directional connection and configured to carry and share multi-protocol data. In some embodiments, the interface 236 is UTMI (USB 2.0. Transceiver Microcell Interface) or ULPI (UTMI+Low Pin Interface). In other embodiments, interfaces other than UTMI or ULPI may be used.

In general, USB protocol relies on line state information, or the state of D+ and D−, and has limitations on turn-around time and the cable length. A DiiVA network, however, does not guarantee delivery time and thus take a long time.

FIG. 3 illustrates such a turn-around time constraint in USB, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. USB protocol defines the bus turn-around time limitation and it is considered as error if the response does not arrive within given time. However, DiiVA protocol itself does not guarantee the Hybrid Link Packet delay. To overcome this limitation, USB in DiiVA uses USB flow-control protocol with NAK for Bulk/Control/Interrupt Transfer.

USB protocol defines both minimum and maximum period of the turn-around time and the inter-packet delay. The minimum period can be controlled by buffering the USB data packet. But the maximum period cannot be easily met because DiiVA network has inherent network delay and also does not guarantee the inter-packet delay. This issue affects the bus turn-around timing in two ways. One is when USB host waits and the other is when USB device waits as shown in FIG. 3.

In the present disclosure, DiiVA specific protocols for USB are described that overcome these limitations. Examples include without limitation The line state emulation, flow-control mechanism, and speculative ACK/NAK. By using these protocols, any USB host to any USB device point-to-point connection can be made through a DiiVA network. Multiple point-to-point connections also are possible under DCL management.

USB line state information is available only when the USB host and the USB device are physically connected. As shown in FIG. 2, however, the DiiVA network 210, the USB host 220 and the USB device 230 are not directly connected, so line state information is not readily available.

In DiiVA, all of the line state information and generic USB packets are delivered in the form of hybrid link packet. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, line state information at the UTMI (or ULPI) interface 260 of USB host 220 and USB device 230 is delivered over the DiiVA network 210 by a hybrid link USB packet to the other side of the USB host 220 and the USB device 230. The line state information packet transmitted through the hybrid link 240 contains packetized line state information about one or more events.

FIG. 4A illustrates one example of such a hybrid link USB packet 400, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Source and destination information, i.e. the exact USB port, can be specified with a combination of CH_ID and Service ID information.

Other than such source and destination information, the hybrid link USB packet contains a variety of USB related information. The SSINFO field of Hybrid Link USB Packet carries this information. FIG. 4B is a table illustrating the line state events for which information is contained the SSINFO field of the hybrid link USB packet shown in FIG. 4A.

In the table shown in FIG. 4B, the prefix UU_indicates the packet direction from USB Upstream-facing port to USB Downstream-facing port. UD_prefix indicates the reverse direction. J state and K state definitions in FIG. 4B follow those for full-speed USB as set forth in the USB 2.0 specification. Address and Endpoint fields, between bits 16 and 27, indicate the generic USB Packet USB address and USB endpoint.

Using the line state information packet described in conjunction with FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, operations such as USB enumeration, USB suspend/resume, and flow control can be performed over a DiiVA network. In the system 200 shown in FIG. 2, a transmitting USB port packetizes all line state information and transmits the packetized information to a receiving USB port. The receiving USB port sets the UTMI or ULPI interface to emulate the line state behavior of the transmitting USB port.

In some embodiments, the upstream USB port 225 is the transmitting USB port and the downstream USB port 226 is the receiving USB port. In other embodiments, the upstream USB port 225 is the receiving USB port and the downstream USB port 226 is the transmitting USB port.

Enumeration in USB is a process of determining what device has just been connected to the bus, and what parameters (such as power consumption, number of endpoints etc.) it requires. The USB device enumeration process thus starts when a USB device is first connected to a USB host. The USB host assigns the device a unique address and sets up a configuration that allows the device to transfer data on the bus.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates one example of a method 500 of performing high-speed USB enumeration in a DiiVA network, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In this embodiment, a high-speed USB device is attached to a USB downstream port 515, as illustrated in step 510, namely USB device attach. A UD_FS_DEVICE_READY packet 518 is then sent to a USB upstream port 516. The USB host is attached, as shown in the step 520, namely USB host Plug In. VBus assertion in the USB upstream port 516 is detected. The USB upstream port 516 sends UU_VBUS_DETECT 524 to the USB downstream port 515 and the USB downstream port 515 deasserts VBus, as shown in the deassertion step, 525.

The USB upstream port 516 sends UU_VBUS_ENABLE 532 to the USB downstream port 515 and the USB downstream port 515 asserts Bus, step 522. The USB downstream port 515 detects J state, step 534, and sends UD_J_STATE 536 to the USB upstream port 516. The USB upstream port 516 detects USB Reset from the USB host, step 540, and sends UU_USB_RESET 542.

The USB downstream port 515 then detects K Chip in step 546, and sends UD_K_STATE 544. The USB downstream port 515 detects SE0 state and send UD_SEO_STATE 548.

In step 550, toggling K-J Chirps are detected and UU_K_STATE 552 and UU_J_STATE 554 are sent to the USB downstream port 515. Finally SOF is detected from the USB host in step 560, and high-speed enumeration is complete.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, USB Full Speed enumeration and/or USB Low Speed enumeration may be performed. In these embodiments, performing Full Speed enumeration may comprise the acts of:

attaching a full-speed USB device to the downstream USB port, and sending an FS Device Ready event packet to the upstream USB port;

attaching the USB host controller, and when Bus is asserted, the upstream USB port sending Bus detect event packet to downstream USB port and disserting Bus in the downstream USB port;

the upstream USB port sending Bus Enable event packet to downstream USB port, and the downstream USB port asserting Bus;

the downstream USB port detecting J State, and sending J State event packet;

the upstream USB port detecting USB Reset from the USB host controller and sending USB Reset event packet; and

detecting J State in upstream USB port and sending J State Event packet to the downstream USB port; and detecting SOF packet from the USB host so that full-speed enumeration is done.

In other embodiments, Low Speed enumeration may be performed. In these embodiments, performing Low Speed enumeration may comprise the acts of:

attaching a low-speed USB device to the downstream USB port and sending a LS Device Ready event packet to the upstream USB port;

attaching the USB host controller, and when VBus is asserted, the upstream USB port sending VBus detect event packet to the downstream USB port and deasserting VBus in the downstream USB port;

the upstream USB port sends VBus Enable event packet to the downstream USB port, and the downstream USB port asserting Vbus;

the downstream USB port detecting K State, and sending K State event packet; the upstream USB port detecting USB Reset from the USB host controller and sending USB Reset event packet;

the upstream USB port detecting K state, and sending the K State Event packet to the downstream USB port; and

detecting SOF packet from the USB host so that low-speed enumeration is done.

In some embodiments, a USB Suspend and Resume operation may be performed. In these embodiments, the following acts may be performed:

detecting a 3 ms Idle State, and generating a 3 ms Idle event packet and delivering same to downstream port;

if previous speed was high-speed USB, upstream port checking whether 3 ms idle is suspend state or USB Reset according to USB specification and UTMI specification; and

if upstream USB port detects K State, upstream USB port generating K State event packet and going to Resume state.

During an IN transaction, USB host expects Data packet or handshake after IN is issued within maximum bus turn-around time. The OUT transaction requires the same constraint on the handshake after OUT/SETUP and Data is transmitted. To resolve this issue in USB host side, the USB Upstream-facing port in DiiVA device uses NAK with a flow control mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the Setup Stage 610, an USB upstream port 625 receives SETUP and delivers the SETUP USB packet to a USB downstream port 626. The downstream USB port 626 buffers this SETUP until next DATA is available on the downstream USB port. Meanwhile, the upstream USB port 625 sends a speculative ACK even if ACK from USB device is not available. When the DATA arrives at the downstream USB port 626, the downstream USB port 626 starts to send SETUP and DATA and receives ACK.

In the Data/Status Stage 610, the IN transaction and OUT transaction occur as follows: the upstream USB port 625 receives IN and delivers to the downstream USB port 626. The downstream USB port 626 sends IN and get the response from the USB device. Meanwhile, the upstream USB port 625 first sends NAK for IN or OUT/DATA until DATA or handshake are available from the USB device.

At the USB device side, if the USB device sends NAK for IN or OUT/DATA and NAK arrives at the USB upstream port 625, the USB upstream port 625 unblocks the next coming IN or OUT/DATA and delivers to the USB downstream port 626 to send IN or OUT/DATA to the USB device again with NAK handshake to the USB host. If the USB device sends DATA for IN or ACK for OUT/DATA and DATA or ACK arrives at the USB upstream port 625, the USB downstream port 626 responds with ACK for IN transaction and delivers this DATA for IN or ACK for OUT to the USB upstream port 625. The USB upstream port 625 sends DATA for next IN available or ACK for next OUT/DATA available.

The USB upstream port 625 always responds with ACK for SETUP transaction because it is required to receive SETUP and DATA and responds with ACK according to USB Specification.

The USB downstream port 626 buffers OUT or SETUP until next coming DATA is available in the USB downstream port 626 to guarantee the inter-packet delay between OUT/SETUP and DATA.

USB supports a number of different types of data transfers: isochronous, interrupt, bulk, and control transfers. Isochronous transfers occur at some guaranteed data rate but with possible data loss, for example for real time audio or video. Interrupt transfers are used for devices that need guaranteed quick responses (bounded latency), such as pointing devices and keyboards. Bulk transfers are large sporadic transfers that use all remaining available bandwidth, but have no guarantees on bandwidth or latency, such as file transfers. Control transfers are typically used for short, simple commands to the device, and a status response, used, for example, by the bus control pipe number 0.

Instead of using flow control mechanism by sending NAK for IN or OUT/DATA, isochronous transfers use zero data and pipelines IN transaction scheme. For the first multiple isochronous INs, the USB upstream port responds with zero data, which is legitimate in the USB specification. This first IN is delivered to a USB downstream port and gets the DATA from an isochronous USB device. This first DATA is used to reply to the next isochronous IN when it arrives at USB upstream module. In this way, the USB host receives the delayed and pipelined isochronous DATA from the USB device.

If the USB host stops to send isochronous IN, the last remaining DATA packets are dropped.

An isochronous OUT transaction is delivered to the USB downstream port without NAK. The inter-packet delay between OUT and DATA should be maintained by buffering OUT until DATA is available in the USB downstream port.

To respond properly to the isochronous IN without NAK response, the USB upstream port should know which USB address and USB endpoint are used for isochronous transfer. To obtain this information, DiiVA USB should have the capability to decode the descriptor from the USB device.

Decoding descriptor can be done by analyzing the hybrid link USB packet, or the USB downstream port may have USB Host capability to enumerate and read out the descriptor from the USB device before connecting a USB upstream port to a USB downstream port. The descriptor decoding method is implementation-dependent and other implementations are possible.

According to the USB specification, high bandwidth isochronous IN endpoints must support data PID sequencing depending on the DATA size. Because DATA size from isochronous USB devices vary, the number of INs per micro frame is different in every frame. Therefore, the mechanism of simply delivering isochronous IN from the USB upstream port to the USB downstream port cannot meet USB specification.

DiiVA USB supports high bandwidth isochronous IN endpoints by the following method: only the first isochronous IN per micro frame is delivered. When the USB downstream port receives the DATA for isochronous IN, it itself should decide how many INs need to be sent based on the DATA PID. If first Data PID is DATA0, the USB downstream port behaves like above pipelined isochronous transfer scheme. If the first Data PID is DATA2, the USB downstream port generates two more same INs in the same micro frame. If the first Data PID is DATA1, the USB downstream port generates one more same IN. The USB upstream port should have enough buffer to accommodate the maximum DATA size per frame in high bandwidth isochronous endpoint.

In some embodiments, a method of delivering USB data through a hybrid link with an isochronous IN token may comprise the following acts:

the DATA packet using zero data and pipelining IN Data, wherein the number of states for IN DATA depends on latency of connection;

for first, or first multiple, isochronous IN packets, an upstream port responding with one or more zero data packets;

delivering said first, or first multiple, IN packets to a downstream port and receiving the DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 packet from an isochronous USB device;

pipelining these DATA packets to reply with isochronous IN packets;

if the USB host stops sending isochronous IN packets, dropping the last and remaining DATA; and

the upstream USB port finding out which endpoint and address are used for isochronous endpoint, by monitoring and decoding USB descriptor from DATA packet stream.

In some embodiments, a method of delivering USB data through a hybrid link with an isochronous OUT token may comprise:

sending an isochronous OUT transaction out to the downstream port, wherein the upstream port does not send according to USB protocol;

the downstream USB port buffering OUT packet until DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 or MDATA packet is available;

when DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 or MDATA packet is available, sending OUT packet and DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 or MDATA packet to USB device; and

the upstream USB port finding out which endpoint and address are used for isochronous endpoint by monitoring and decoding USB descriptor from DATA packet stream.

In the present disclosure, non-isochronous transfers of USB data may also be performed using DiiVA specific protocols. In some embodiments, USB data may be delivered with a non-isochronous IN token, by performing the following acts:

an upstream USB port receiving an IN packet and delivering same to downstream USB port;

a downstream USB port sending the IN packet and receiving a Data packet or a handshake packet from a USB device;

an upstream USB port sending NAK packet and blocking the next incoming IN packet with a NAK packet until the response from USB device is available;

if a USB device sends NAK packet for IN packet and NAK packet arrives at upstream USB port from downstream USB port, upstream USB port unblocking the next incoming IN packet and delivering to downstream port to send IN packet to USB device again;

if USB device sends a DATA0 or aDATA1 packet and the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet arrives in upstream USB port, the downstream port responding with an ACK packet and delivers the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet to the upstream port; and

the upstream port sending the DATA0 or DATA1 packet for the next available IN packet.

In some embodiments, USB data may be delivered with a non-isochronous OUT token, by performing the following acts:

an upstream USB port receiving an OUT packet and either a DATA0 or a DATA1 packet and delivering to a downstream USB port;

the downstream USB port buffering the OUT packet until the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet is available, and when the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet is available, sending the OUT packet and the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet to a USB device;

the upstream USB port sending a NAK packet for the OUT transaction and not delivering the next incoming OUT packet and DATA0 or DATA1 packet until the response from downstream USB port is available;

if the USB device sends a NAK packet for the OUT transaction and downstream USB port sends a NAK packet to the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port delivering the next incoming OUT packet and the DATA0 or DATA1 packet to the downstream port again; and

if the USB device sends an ACK packet, the upstream port sending ACK for the next OUT transaction.

In the present disclosure, transfer of USB data may be performed using PING packets.

In some embodiments, PING protocol is implemented when the USB host gets NAK for OUT transaction. In these embodiments, the USB upstream port responds with NAK and does not deliver the PING packet to the USB downstream port. The USB upstream port blocks PING and keeps sending NAK until the response for OUT transaction from the USB device is available.

If the USB device responds with ACK for OUT transaction, the USB upstream port responds with ACK for the next PING and also responds with ACK for next OUT transaction. This last OUT transaction is not delivered to the USB downstream port because the USB device already accepted the first OUT transaction.

If the USB device responds with NAK for the OUT transaction, the USB upstream port delivers the next PING to the USB downstream port.

If the USB device responds with ACK for PING and PING arrives at the USB upstream module, the USB upstream module responds with ACK for next PING and responds with ACK for next OUT transaction. This last OUT transaction is delivered to the USB device and is expected to be responded with ACK.

If the USB device responds with NAK for PING and PING arrives at the USB upstream port, the USB upstream port responds with NAK for next PING and PING is delivered to the USB device again. This step is repeated until the USB device responds with ACK for PING. And the scenario follows the above step when the USB device responds with ACK.

In sum, a method of delivering data through a hybrid link using a USB PING packet may comprise:

an upstream USB port responds with NAK packet to OUT transaction;

an upstream USB port responding with NAK packet, and delivering PING packet to a downstream USB port;

the upstream USB port not delivering PING packet, and continuing to send NAK packet until the response from USB device is available;

if a USB device responds with ACK packet for OUT transaction, the upstream USB port responding with ACK packet for the next incoming PING packet and responding with ACK packet for the next OUT transaction; wherein the last OUT transaction is not delivered to the downstream USB port;

if the USB device responds with NAK packet for OUT transaction and NAK packet is delivered to upstream USB port, the upstream USB port delivering next PING packet to the downstream USB port;

if the USB device responds with NAK packet with PING packet and NAK packet is delivered to the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port delivering the next PING packet to the downstream USB port;

if the USB device responds with ACK packet with PING packet and ACK packet is delivered to upstream USB port, the upstream USB port responding with ACK packet for next PING packet;

the next OUT transaction responding with ACK packet; and

delivering these OUT packets and DATA0 or DATA1 packets to downstream USB port to send to USB device.

In other embodiments, PING is used without a preceding OUT transaction. In these embodiments, the USB upstream port responds with NAK and delivers PING to the USB downstream port. The USB upstream port does not deliver PING and keeps sending NAK until the response from the USB device is available.

If the USB device responds with ACK for PING, the USB upstream port responds with ACK for next PING and also responds with ACK for next OUT transaction. In this case, this last OUT transaction is delivered to the USB downstream port unlike the first scenario because no OUT transaction is delivered to the USB device yet.

If the USB device responds with NAK for PING and PING arrives at the USB upstream port, the USB upstream port responds with NAK for next PING and delivers PING to the USB downstream port. This step is repeated until the USB downstream port gets ACK from the USB device. The acts when USB device responds with ACK, as described above, are then followed.

When the USB device responds with NYET for OUT Transaction, the DiiVA USB module considers NYET as ACK and the USB upstream port always sends ACK instead of NYET.

In sum, a method of delivering data through a hybrid link using a USB PING packet may comprise:

an upstream USB port responding with NAK packet and delivering PING packet to a downstream USB port;

the upstream USB port not delivering PING packet and continuing to send NAK packet until response from USB device is available;

if USB device responds with ACK packet for PING packet and ACK packet is delivered to upstream USB port, the upstream USB port responding with ACK packet for the next PING packet and responding with ACK for the next OUT transaction; and

delivering the OUT packet and DATA0 or DATA1 packets to downstream port;

wherein there is no preceding OUT transaction before the upstream USB port receives PING packet.

In some embodiments, USB address management in a DiiVA network may be performed as follows. A USB upstream port can be attached to any hub downstream port, and packets with various USB addresses can be broadcasted to the USB upstream port. The USB upstream port should be able to recognize which USB address is assigned to the USB upstream port and it should not respond to generic USB packets for any other USB Device.

After USB Reset is detected in the USB upstream port, the USB upstream port accepts only generic USB packet with USB Address 0. By monitoring and decoding SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request, the USB upstream port recognizes which USB address is assigned to the USB device in the USB downstream port.

After detecting SET_ADDRESS standard USB Device request, the USB upstream port only responds with generic USB packets with the newly assigned USB address. If USB Reset is detected in the USB upstream port, it resets the assigned USB address to 0 and waits for SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request again. Decoding SET_ADDRESS Device request is implementation specific.

In sum, a method of USB address management in a DiiVA network may comprise:

after USB Reset is detected in the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port accepting only packets that have USB Address 0.

the upstream port recognizing which USB address is assigned to the USB device in the downstream port by monitoring and decoding SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request;

after detecting SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request, the upstream port only responding with packets with new USB address which is assigned with SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request; and

USB Reset resetting the assigned USB address to 0 and waiting for SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request again.

In some embodiments, Keep-Alive forwarding in a DiiVA network may be performed as follows. When the enumeration state goes to LS_ENUM_DONE, the USB upstream port starts to monitor line state. When first toggling of line state is detected, it is considered as first Keep-Alive signaling. The USB upstream port sets the internal timer for T_KEEP_ALIVE and when it is expired, it starts to monitor line state toggling again to detect Keep-Alive. In some embodiments, T_KEEP_ALIVE is set to 0.98 ms. Keep-Alive signaling is delivered to USB Downstream Module through UU_KEEP_ALIVE.

In sum, a method of performing USB low speed Keep-Alive signaling in a DiiVA network may comprise:

after low-speed USB enumeration is done, the upstream USB port starting to monitor line state;

when first change of line state is detected, considered that to be the first Keep-Alive signaling;

the upstream USB port setting the internal timer for T_KEEP_ALIVE and when it is expired, the upstream USB port monitoring whether line state is toggling again, to detect Keep-Alive and deliver Keep Alive event packet to downstream USB port.

In the present disclosure, methods and systems have been described relating to the transfer of USB and multi-media data over DiiVA, and network management in DiiVA. The components, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages that have been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope of protection in any way. While certain embodiments have been described of systems and methods relating to USB data transfer over DiiVA, it is to be understood that the concepts implicit in these embodiments may be used in other embodiments as well. Numerous other embodiments are also contemplated, including embodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages. The components and steps may also be arranged and ordered differently. Nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public.

In the present disclosure, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure, known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a USB (Universal Serial Bus) host controller and at least one USB device;a first device connected to the USB host controller through an upstream USB port;a second device connected to the USB device through a downstream USB port; anda network configured to transfer data between the first and second devices according to USB protocol and including a hybrid link;wherein the hybrid link is configured to deliver contents for the USB protocol by transmitting at least one line state information packet and at least one USB data packet between the upstream USB port and the downstream USB port, the line state information packet containing packetized line state information about one or more events.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hybrid link is configured to implement a USB enumeration protocol and a USB Suspend/Resume protocol through the network in accordance with the line state information packet, the USB enumeration protocol comprising one of: a high speed enumeration protocol; a full speed enumeration protocol; and a low speed enumeration protocol.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first device and the second device is a DiiVA device; and wherein the network is a DiiVA network and the hybrid link is a DiiVA bi-directional link that is configured to transmit bi-directional multi-protocol data there through without guaranteeing data delivery time.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the events comprise at least one of: a LineChange event, a USB Reset event, a 3 ms Idle event, a VBus detect event, a VBus Enable event, a USB_Host_Not Ready Event, a Keep Alive Event, a FS Device Ready Event, a LS Device Ready Event, and a Device Disconnect Event; andwherein the LineChange event comprises at least one of a SE0 (Single Ended Zero) event, a J State Event, and a K State event.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second device each include a USB PHY (physical layer) connected to logical module through an interface; and wherein the first and second device further include a transceiver having bi-directional connection and configured to carry and share multi-protocol data.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the interface comprises one of UTMI (USB 2.0. Transceiver Macrocell Interface) and ULPI (UTMI+ Low Pin Interface).

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the upstream USB port and the downstream USB port is respectively one of: a transmitting USB port configured to packetize and transmit all of the line state information; anda receiving USB port configured to set the interface to emulate the LineState behavior of the transmitting USB port.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second devices includes a plurality of USB ports.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the USB host controller is further configured to perform through the network at least one of: USB flow control protocol; USB PING protocol; USB Address Management; and USB low speed Keep-Alive signaling.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the network includes a cable having both uni-directional and bi-directional links.

11. A method of communicating USB data through a network that connects a first device to a second device, comprising: communicating at least one LineState Information packet between an upstream USB port and a downstream USB port through a bi-directional hybrid link in the network, the upstream USB port connecting the first device to a USB host controller and the downstream USB port connecting the second device to a USB device;communicating at least one USB data packet through the bi-directional hybrid link between the upstream USB port and the downstream USB port; andperforming USB enumeration and USB Suspend/Resume operations using the LineState Information packet;wherein the LineState information packet packetizes information about one or more events.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more events comprise at least one of: a LineChange event, a USB Reset event, a 3 ms Idle event, a VBus detect event, a VBus Enable event, a USB_Host_Not Ready Event, a Keep Alive Event, a FS Device Ready Event, a LS Device Ready Event, and a Device Disconnect Event; andwherein the LineChange event comprises at least one of: a SE0 (Single Ended Zero) event, a J State Event, and a K State event.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the network is a DiiVA network, and the bi-directional hybrid link is configured to transmit bi-directional multi-protocol data therethrough without guaranteeing data delivery time.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein USB enumeration comprises High Speed enumeration; and wherein the act of performing High Speed enumeration comprises: sending an FS Device Ready event packet to the upstream USB port, after a high-speed USB device has been attached to the downstream USB port;attaching the USB host controller, and when VBus has been asserted, the upstream USB port sending VBus detect event packet to the downstream USB port and deasserting VBus in downstream USB port;the upstream USB port sending VBus Enable event packet to the downstream USB port, and the downstream USB port asserting Vbus;the downstream USB port detecting J State, and sending J State event packet;the upstream USB port detecting USB Reset from the USB host controller and sending USB Reset event packet;detecting J State in the upstream USB port and sending the J State Event packet to the downstream USB port;detecting K Chirp in the upstream USB port and sending the K State Event packet to the downstream USB port;detecting SE0 State in the upsteam USB port and sending the SE0 State Event packet to the downstream USB port;detecting toggling K-J Chirps in the downstream USB port and sending the K State Event packet and J State Event packet to the upstream USB port; anddetecting SOF packet from the USB host so that high-speed enumeration is done.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein USB enumeration comprises Full Speed enumeration; and wherein the act of performing Full Speed enumeration comprises: attaching a full-speed USB device to the downstream USB port, and sending an FS Device Ready event packet to the upstream USB port;attaching the USB host controller, and when VBus is asserted, the upstream USB port sending VBus detect event packet to downstream USB port and deasserting VBus in the downstream USB port;the upstream USB port sending VBus Enable event packet to downstream USB port, and the downstream USB port asserting Vbus;the downstream USB port detecting J State, and sending J State event packet;the upstream USB port detecting USB Reset from the USB host controller and sending USB Reset event packet;detecting J State in upstream USB port and sending J State Event packet to the downstream USB port; anddetecting SOF packet from the USB host so that full-speed enumeration is done.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein USB enumeration comprises Low Speed enumeration and wherein the act of performing Low Speed enumeration comprises: attaching a low-speed USB device to the downstream USB port and sending a LS Device Ready event packet to the upstream USB port;attaching the USB host controller, and when VBus is asserted, the upstream USB port sending VBus detect event packet to the downstream USB port and deasserting VBus in the downstream USB port;the upstream USB port sending VBus Enable event packet to the downstream USB port, and the downstream USB port asserting Vbus;the downstream USB port detecting K State, and sending K State event packet;the upstream USB port detecting USB Reset from the USB host controller and sending USB Reset event packet;the upstream USB port detecting K state, and sending the K State Event packet to the downstream USB port; anddetecting SOF packet from the USB host so that low-speed enumeration is done.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising performing Suspend and Resume; wherein the act of performing Suspend and Resume comprises: detecting a 3 ms Idle State, and generating a 3 ms Idle event packet and delivering same to downstream port;if previous speed was high-speed USB, upstream port checking whether 3 ms idle is suspend state or USB Reset according to USB specification and UTMI specification; andif upstream USB port detects K State, upstream USB port generating K State event packet and going to Resume state.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising an act of delivering the USB data through the hybrid link with a non-isochronous IN token, the act comprising: the upstream USB port receiving IN packet and delivering same to the downstream USB port;the downstream USB port sending the IN packet and receiving a Data packet or a handshake packet from the USB device;the upstream USB port sending NAK packet and blocking the next incoming IN packet with NAK packet until response from the USB device is available;if the USB device sends NAK packet for IN packet and NAK packet arrives at upstream USB port from downstream USB port, the upstream USB port unblocking the next incoming IN packet and delivering to downstream port to send IN packet to the USB device again;if the USB device sends a DATA0 or a DATA1 packet and the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet arrives in the upstream USB port, the downstream USB port responding with an ACK packet and delivering the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet to the upstream port; andthe upstream port sending the DATA0 or DATA1 packet for the next available IN packet.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising an act of delivering the USB data with a non-isochronous OUT token, the act comprising: the upstream USB port receiving an OUT packet and either a DATA0 or a DATA1 packet and delivering to the downstream USB port;the downstream USB port buffering the OUT packet until the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet is available, and when the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet is available, sending the OUT packet and the DATA0 or the DATA1 packet to the USB device;the upstream USB port sending a NAK packet for the OUT transaction and not delivering the next incoming OUT packet and DATA0 or DATA1 packet until the response from the downstream USB port is available;if the USB device sends a NAK packet for the OUT transaction and the downstream USB port sends a NAK packet to the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port delivering the next incoming OUT packet and the DATA0 or DATA1 packet to the downstream port again; andif the USB device sends an ACK packet, the upstream port sending ACK for the next OUT transaction.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the USB device comprises an isochronous USB device, and further comprising an act of delivering the USB data with an isochronous IN token, the act comprising: the DATA packet using zero data and pipelining IN Data, wherein the number of states for IN DATA depends on latency of connection;for first, or first multiple, isochronous IN packets, the upstream USB port responding with one or more zero data packets;delivering said first, or first multiple, IN packets to the USB downstream port and receiving the DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 packet from the isochronous USB device;pipelining these DATA packets to reply with isochronous IN packets;if the USB host stops sending isochronous IN packets, dropping the last and remaining DATA; andthe upstream USB port finding out which endpoint and address are used for isochronous endpoint, by monitoring and decoding USB descriptor from DATA packet stream.

21. The method of claim 11, further comprising an act of delivering the USB data through the hybrid link with an isochronous OUT token, the act comprising: sending an isochronous OUT transaction out to the downstream port, wherein the upstream port does not send according to USB protocol;the downstream USB port buffering OUT packet until DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 or MDATA packet is available;when DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 or MDATA packet is available, sending OUT packet and DATA0 or DATA1 or DATA2 or MDATA packet to the USB device; andthe upstream USB port finding out which endpoint and address are used for isochronous endpoint by monitoring and decoding USB descriptor from DATA packet stream.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein the upstream USB port is configured to respond with NAK packet to OUT transaction; and further comprising an act of delivering the USB data using a USB PING packet, the act comprising: the upstream USB port responding with NAK packet to OUT transaction;the upstream USB port responding with NAK packet, and delivering PING packet to the downstream USB port;the upstream USB port not delivering PING packet, and continuing to send NAK packet until the response from USB device is available;if the USB device responds with ACK packet for OUT transaction, the upstream USB port responding with ACK packet for the next incoming PING packet and responding with ACK packet for the next OUT transaction; wherein the last OUT transaction is not delivered to the downstream USB port;if the USB device responds with NAK packet for OUT transaction and the NAK packet is delivered to upstream USB port, the upstream USB port delivering next PING packet to the downstream USB port;if the USB device responds with NAK packet with PING packet and the NAK packet is delivered to the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port delivering the next PING packet to the downstream USB port;if the USB device responds with ACK packet with PING packet and the ACK packet is delivered to upstream USB port, the upstream USB port responding with the ACK packet for next PING packet;the next OUT transaction responding with ACK packet; anddelivering these OUT packets and DATA0 or DATA1 packets to the downstream USB port to send to the USB device.

23. The method of claim 11, wherein there is no preceding OUT transaction before the upstream USB port, and further comprising an act of delivering the USB data using a USB PING packet, the act comprising: the upstream USB port responding with NAK packet and delivering PING packet to the downstream USB port;the upstream USB port not delivering PING packet and continuing to send NAK packet until response from the USB device is available;if the USB device responds with ACK packet for PING packet and ACK packet is delivered to the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port responding with ACK packet for the next PING packet and responding with ACK for the next OUT transaction; anddelivering the OUT packet and DATA0 or DATA1 packets to the downstream USB port.

24. The method of claim 11, further comprising an act of USB address management in the network, the act comprising: after USB reset is detected in the upstream USB port, the upstream USB port accepting only packets that have USB address;the upstream port recognizing which USB address is assigned to the USB device in the downstream port by monitoring and decoding SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request;after detecting SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request, the upstream port only responding with packets with new USB address which is assigned with SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request; andUSB Reset resetting the assigned USB address to 0 and waiting for SET_ADDRESS standard USB device request again.

25. The method of claim 11, further comprising an act of USB Keep-Alive signaling in the network, the act comprising: after low-speed USB enumeration is completed, the upstream USB port starting to monitor linestate;when first change of linestate is detected, considering that to be the first Keep-Alive signaling; andthe upstream USB port setting the internal timer for T_KEEP_ALIVE and when it is expired, the upstream USB port monitoring whether linestate is toggling again, to detect Keep-Alive and deliver Keep Alive event packet to the downstream USB port.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein T_KEEP_ALIVE is set to between about 0.95 ms and about 0.99 ms.