718 results about "USB hub" patented technology

A computer apparatus such as a mouse, keyboard, or PC headset with additional devices disposed within the apparatus enclosure, which can enhance the functionality of such computer apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the additional devices are disposed within or along the length of a mouse apparatus. The additional devices typically function independently of the mouse apparatus. However, the additional components may share one or more wired or wireless paths to a host PC and to other devices, or to a network. The additional devices either integrated within the mouse enclosure or removable from the mouse enclosure, include a wireless adapter (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, GSM, etc. . . . ), RAM, ROM, a mini hard drive, a GPS receiver module, a flash memory, flash memory drive reader, a USB Hub, a Trackpoint™ device, a keyboard or keypad, a fingerprint reader, or a SIM card reader. Also disclosed, are software controls for mapping the mouse velocity to a cursor velocity and for controlling the function and settings of the Trackpoint device. Further disclosed is a method for assigning the mouse's data output to a variety of devices connected to a wired or wireless network.

A method and related apparatuses for data transmission between a host computer and one or a plurality of USB compliant peripheral devices over a data communications network is provided which operates in the presence of transmission delays greater than that normally allowed in the USB specification. The host computer is connected to a local extender device which, in turn, is connected to one or a plurality of remote extender devices through the data communications network. The remote extender devices are, in turn, connected to a plurality of conventional USB peripheral devices. Data between the host computer and peripheral devices is stored and processed in the local and remote extender devices in order to allow the host computer and the USB peripheral devices to operate with greater than normally allowed time delays. In particular, the invention is of most utility when the round-trip transmission delay between the host computer and the USB peripheral device exceeds 1 microsecond.

A chainable Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) flash-memory drive has both a female USB connector and a male USB connector mounted on a printed-circuit board (PCB) substrate. A USB hub mounted on the substrate connects to a host through the male USB connector. One of the ports of the USB hub is connected to the female USB connector to allow the host to connect to downstream USB devices connected to the chainable USB flash-memory drive. Other ports of the USB hub connect to one or more flash controller chips that drive flash memory chips. The flash memory chips may be mounted on the substrate, or may be on daughter-cards that plug into sockets on the chainable USB flash-memory drive's substrate. The flash controller chip may be mounted on the drive substrate or on the daughter-cards. Several chainable USB flash-memory drives may be connected together in a daisy chain.

Provided are a data security apparatus and method for a USB keyboard. The data security apparatus includes: a USB keyboard security driver for selecting a driver for a USB keyboard from USB devices connected to a personal computer, and replacing a data processing function address in a USB hub driver with a function address of the selected USB keyboard driver to acquire input data input by the USB keyboard; a USB keyboard data processing module for preferentially receiving the input data acquired from the USB keyboard security driver, and processing the input data through analysis, encoding and deletion processes; and a USB keyboard data transfer module for decoding the input data processed by the USB keyboard USB keyboard data processing module and outputting the decoded input data to a user's desired location. Thus, data input by a malicious program from a keyboard in communication with a main body of a personal computer (PC) through USB to transmit data can be protected from being transmitted to the external.

A self-installing peripheral device is provided. The device includes an onboard memory that stores a device driver that enables the device to communicate with a computer operating system. When the device is connected to a computer, the device automatically downloads the device driver to the computer and installs the device driver. In some embodiments, the device is a USB device that may include an internal USB hub. The onboard memory is connected to the USB hub and the primary functionality of the USB device also connects to the computer via a single USB connection through the USB hub. In other embodiments, the device connects to the computer via a wireless connection protocol. Such a device may be a Bluetooth-enabled device.

A universal smart interface and peripheral management system for portable devices such as mobile phones. The smart system includes a connector interface that connects peripherals to a phone and / or personal digital assistant (PDA), through the smart system. The smart system includes a cradle for receiving a cell phone and interfacing the phone to external systems such as peripherals, networks and other systems through a USB hub and other suitable connector interfaces. The peripheral devices to which the smart system can interface include, but are not limited to, large displays (e.g., television), external monitors, input devices such as mice and keyboards, external storage devices, and networks (wired and / or wireless). The smart system also facilitates connectivity to large display systems such as TVs, computer displays and monitors.

A method and apparatus for securing a token from unauthorized use is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving a first message transmitted from a host processing device and addressed to a PIN entry device according to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol; accepting a PIN entered into the PIN entry device; and transmitting a second message comprising at least a portion of the first message and the PIN from the PIN entry device to the token along a secure communication path. In another embodiment, the present invention describes an apparatus for securing a token from unauthorized use, comprising a PIN entry device, communicably coupleable to a host processing device transmitting a first message addressed to the PIN entry device, and communicatively coupleable to the token according to a universal serial bus USB protocol, the PIN entry device comprising a user input device, for accepting a user-input PIN; and a processor, communicatively coupled to the user input device, the processor for receiving the first message and combining the first message with the user-input PIN, and for producing a second message having at least a portion of the first message and the user-input PIN.

The invention discloses a small token device, ideally about the size of a key, which can plug into the USB interface of a host computer, which need not be fully trusted, and handle a variety of different security functions. The device is capable of serving as a secure USB hub, and thus can function on a host computer that only has one available USB port. Among the multiple functions that the device can perform include communicating through the internet in a secure manner, storing data in a secure manner, and access secure information through public key (PKI) methods. The invention also allows secure USB peripherals to maintain security while being hooked up to either a non-secure host computer or other non-secure USB peripherals.

In various embodiments, devices coupled to upstream ports may enumerate the USB switching hub according to the total number of downstream ports on the USB switching hub. In some embodiments, when a first upstream port is communicating with a first downstream port, status registers coupled to the second upstream port may indicate to the second upstream device that the first downstream port is disconnected. By enumerating the USB switching hub according to the total number of downstream ports, the upstream devices may not have to reenumerate the hub (and correspondingly each device coupled to the hub) each time a downstream device is switched. In some embodiments, an intelligent port routing switch may delay switching communications for the downstream port if there is an active transfer in progress between a related downstream port and an upstream port.

In various embodiments, devices coupled to upstream ports may enumerate the USB switching hub according to the total number of downstream ports on the USB switching hub. In some embodiments, when a first upstream port is communicating with a first downstream port, status registers coupled to the second upstream port may indicate to the second upstream device that the first downstream port is disconnected. By enumerating the USB switching hub according to the total number of downstream ports, the upstream devices may not have to re-enumerate the hub (and correspondingly each device coupled to the hub) each time a downstream device is switched. In some embodiments, an intelligent port routing switch may delay switching communications for the downstream port if there is an active transfer in progress between a related downstream port and an upstream port.

System and method for switching logic in a Universal Serial Bus hub. The USB hub may include upstream logic and downstream logic for sending and receiving information from a host controller and a USB device respectively. The USB hub may include a plurality of ports operable to couple to a plurality of devices, including a first port coupled to the upstream logic and a second port coupled to the downstream logic. The USB hub may also include switching logic operable to switch the upstream and the downstream logic with respect to the first port and the second port respectively. The switching logic may switch the upstream and downstream logic by decoupling the first port from the upstream logic, decoupling the second port from the downstream logic, and coupling the second port to the upstream logic. Additionally, the first port may be coupled to the downstream logic.

System and method for enumerating and / or enumerating a device. The device may be a USB portable device which adheres to a first standard, e.g., the USB specification, and may engage in enumeration with respect to a USB hub / USB host device. Where a battery included in the device is sufficiently low, the device may engage in low power enumeration, e.g., to begin charging the device using enumerated power. Low power enumeration may allow the device to enumerate even when the device is incapable of powering on. Additionally, or alternatively, the device may determine whether the hub / host device is capable of providing high power charging. If it is, the device may begin charging the battery of the device using power provided by the hub / host device at a high power level.

A system and method for efficient power management of peripheral port connections. A USB hub core is configured to detect the presence of a legacy peripheral device on a downstream port when a corresponding USB host is in a non-operational state. The USB hub core chooses a battery charger signature for the peripheral device and subsequently directs an external port power controller to simulate disconnection / reconnection of the peripheral device. The chosen signature is presented to the peripheral device. If the signature matches the expected value of the peripheral device, then the peripheral device charges its battery. Otherwise, the process of choosing a different signature and simulating disconnection / reconnection is repeated.

A mobile expansion unit for use with a notebook is disclosed to include a housing for supporting a notebook, fans mounted inside the housing for cooling the loaded notebook, and speakers mounted in the housing and spaced from the bottom surface of the loaded notebook at a distance that works to reinforce and prolong sound outputted from the loaded notebook through the speakers. Peripheral apparatus such as TV tuner card, card reader, USB hub, and etc. may be installed in the housing to expand the function of the notebook being used with the mobile expansion unit.

A test apparatus for testing function of a USB hub under the control of a USB host computer is provided. The USB host computer issues a USB command during the test. The test apparatus includes a USB bus, an emulation device, a standard bus and a micro-controller device. The USB bus is coupled to the USB hub. The emulation device emulates an USB device connected to the USB bus. The standard bus is connected to the USB host computer. The micro-controller device is connected to the standard bus and the emulation device respectively to process a USB transaction corresponding to the USB command. The invention provides a testing environment which is fully compliant to the WINDOWS 98 environment.

A method and related apparatuses for data transmission between a host computer and one or a plurality of USB compliant peripheral devices over a data communications network is provided which operates in the presence of transmission delays greater than that normally allowed in the USB specification. The host computer is connected to a local extender device which, in turn, is connected to one or a plurality of remote extender devices through the data communications network. The remote extender devices are, in turn, connected to a plurality of conventional USB peripheral devices. Data between the host computer and peripheral devices is stored and processed in the local and remote extender devices in order to allow the host computer and the USB peripheral devices to operate with greater than normally allowed time delays. In particular, the invention is of most utility when the round-trip transmission delay between the host computer and the USB peripheral device exceeds 1 microsecond.

A user configurable, modular port expansion system allows the user of a host system such as a USB-enabled personal computer to customize a desired configuration of one or more peripheral device modules without the use of cables between modules. The peripheral device modules are physically and electrically connectable to each other side-by-side between a hub end module and a power end module in any sequence so that there can be provided, within the limits of the host port specification, virtually any number of selected, expanded functions in any combination. The peripheral device modules may include, by way of example, a standard parallel DB-25 port module, a two-port serial PS / 2 module, a two-port serial DB-9 module, a four- or seven-port USB hub, an RJ-11 Ethernet LAN module, and an RJ-11 modem module. Where the host port is USB compliant, power to the peripheral device modules may be supplied by the host system via a USB standard cable connected to the USB port of the hub end module, or, if more power is required, by an external a.c. power adapter connectable to the power end module. The power end module may also include an USB expansion port.

A USB hub with a wireless communication function comprises a USB interface module, a wireless communication interface module, a USB control circuit, and a plurality of digital delay circuits. The USB interface module comprises a USB upstream port and at least one USB downstream port. The USB upstream port and at least one USB downstream port are connected to an external host system and at least an external USB device, respectively. The wireless communication interface module can communicate with an external wireless device through a wireless medium. The USB control circuit connects between the USB interface module and the wireless communication interface module. The control circuit can control the signal transferred between the external host system and the external wireless device, and can control the signal transferred between the external USB devices and the external wireless device. A plurality of digital delay circuits are coupled between the control circuit and the USB interface module, and coupled between the control circuit and the wireless communication interface module for preventing interference of the signals.

A wall outlet type USB hub with independent charging function includes a mounting case and a combined USB hub and socket unit. The mounting case includes a rear case portion for mounting on a wall and a front case portion assembled to a front opening of the rear case portion. The combined USB hub and socket unit includes a housing member held in the mounting case via retaining means and having multiple openings; a printed circuit board located inside the housing member and having a power module and a hub module; multiple data transfer ports electrically connected to the hub module and aligned with the openings on the housing member; and a power connector electrically connected to the power module. The wall outlet type USB hub matches general wall outlet's cover plate specification and can replace existing AC wall outlet to enable both data transmission and DC power supply functions.

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for disabling a Universal Serial Bus (‘USB’) port by identifying a USB port to be disabled, the USB port to be disabled controlled by a USB hub controller, and turning on an over current signal for the identified USB port.

An apparatus which provides the ability to charge or power multiple devices from multiple different power sources, and to communicate electronic data to and from one of the devices. The apparatus utilizes simple construction, requiring no active electronics, thereby reducing the cost of production and the reliability of the device. The apparatus employs a single USB connection cable with connectors on both ends and a second power-only cable and connector which is connected to the power wires of the USB cable and thereby is able to power a second portable device from a single USB port. USB master provide sufficient power for two average portable devices without additional circuitry. Moreover, restricting the data path to only one device also eliminates the need for USB hub circuitry. Finally, greater end user flexibility is provided by using a USB male connector as the source of the data and power connection, a USB female connector for the output of the data and power connection, and a standard barrel-type power connector for the power-only output connection. Having two different output connectors ensures that the user will not confuse the two connectors.

A dynamic power management system for USB hub and method thereof are described. The dynamic power management system includes a host device, a power unit and a hub device. A power management module disposed in the hub device dynamically adjusts the power-supplying statuses of ports in the hub device and further reduces the cost of power transformer externally connected to the hub device.

A self-installing peripheral device is provided. The device includes an onboard memory that stores a device driver that enables the device to communicate with a computer operating system. When the device is connected to a computer, the device automatically downloads the device driver to the computer and installs the device driver. In some embodiments, the device is a USB device that may include an internal USB hub. The onboard memory is connected to the USB hub and the primary functionality of the USB device also connects to the computer via a single USB connection through the USB hub. In other embodiments, the device connects to the computer via a wireless connection protocol. Such a device may be a Bluetooth-enabled device.

Multifunction printers (20, 30) each holding a card reader (26, 36) and a printer (24, 34) in a common housing are connected to a host computer (10) via USB hubs (22, 32). Then, the host computer 10 can recognize the card readers (26, 36) and the printers (24, 34) as independent devices from one another. Therefore, the host computer (10) can utilize the card readers (26, 36) and the printers (24, 34) as independent devices, respectively.

A method and apparatus for supplying auxiliary power to a peripheral is disclosed. The method includes supplying power from a first USB port of a host device to an input USB port of a USB hub device, supplying power through a downstream USB port of the USB hub device for use by a downstream USB device, supplying auxiliary power through a power output port of the USB hub device for use by a peripheral device that is coupled to an upstream port and supplying power from a second USB port of the host device to the peripheral device. The power received by the peripheral device is sufficient for its operation.

System and method for enumerating and / or enumerating a device. The device may be a USB portable device which adheres to a first standard, e.g., the USB specification, and may engage in enumeration with respect to a USB hub / USB host device. Where a battery included in the device is sufficiently low, the device may engage in low power enumeration, e.g., to begin charging the device using enumerated power. Low power enumeration may allow the device to enumerate even when the device is incapable of powering on. Additionally, or alternatively, the device may determine whether the hub / host device is capable of providing high power charging. If it is, the device may begin charging the battery of the device using power provided by the hub / host device at a high power level.