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`Z
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`. (cid:128)~
`
`5
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`LU
`
`(,3
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`T
`
`U.~. UTILITY Patent Application
`
`ISSUING CLASSIFICATION
`
`ORIGINAL
`
`I
`CLASS
`SUBCLASS
`~’
`~/o
`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION
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`CLASS
`710
`-71~
`
`CROSS REFERENCE(S)
`
`SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS p,~R BLOCK)
`~)o .....
`>i
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`,/,.~
`¯ a(*
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`/
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`#¢,/~
`
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`
`[] Continued on Issue Slip Insidp File Jacket
`
`ISCLAIMER
`’~TDERMINAL
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`[] The term cf this patent
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`~The term cf this patent shall
`t not-extend beyond~tlLe expiration date
`OI~, 103
`cf U.S Patent. No. %
`
`/
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`r.o~,~ L~
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`NOTICE OF: ALLOWANCE MAILED
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`~,~
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`"q~-~ ~O’~
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`(cid:128) SUPERVISORY PATENT EXAMINER
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`ISSUE FEE . .
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`TECHNOLOGY CEI~TER ?tO0 Amount Due Date Paid /.,
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`[] The terminal
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`~.
`,. ¯
`1,~~
`_~ ,ss°.-..c,.u.E.
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`WARNING:
`I The, Inform~tion disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure rn~y he prohibited .by the United States Code Title 35, SactLons 122, 181 8nd 3~8.
`Possession outside the U,S. Patent & Trademark Office Is rsstr!~ted to authorized employees ~nd sontrasters only.
`
`Form PTO-436A
`(Rev. 6/~9)
`
`FILED WITH: [] DISK (CRF) [] FICHE [] CD-R~/
`(Alia(cid:128)heal In pocket on fight In~l~e
`,;tm~ ..~awln~ L_.. ~t~~, ~ ’
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`EXHIBIT 1008
`IPR Petition for U.S. Patent No. 6,012,103
`
`Page 1
`
`

`

`0
`
`PATENT NUMBER
`
`--
`
`U.~. UTILITY Patent Application
`o.I.P.E. PATENT DATE
`
`I ICAN NI= D ~f I~"’~’~H O.A.
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`09/878488
`
`System for’ t-e,zzot-~fi,.q.L4rin9 ~ F, er.i.F, IqeFa.l ,:]~vi,:::,~ by. ,d,::,~JrMl,c,a,:.~ir~’~
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`
`12/99
`
`ORIGINAL
`
`I
`SUBCLASS
`
`CLASS
`~/0
`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`ISSUING CLASSIFICATION
`CROSS REFERENCE(S)
`
`CLASS
`710
`
`SUBCLASS(ONESUBCLASS pER BLOCK)
`
`#
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`[] Continued on Issue Slip Inside File Jacket
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`~ TERMINAL
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`[] The term of this patent
`subsequent to
`has been disclaimed.
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`~" The term of this patent shall
`%
`/not extend beyond the expiration date
`o~ u.s Patent. No. ~, OI ;: 105
`
`(o, 2qq,~
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`/
`IHOMAS LE~.
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`ISUPERVISORY PATEN] EXAMINEf~
`TECHNO!.OGY CENTER 210(~
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`~Examlner~’~’’’~) 7/~’-
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`Print Claim for O.G.
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`[] The terminal months~
`this patent have been disclaimed.
`/
`/
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`WARNING:
`The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure may be prohibited by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122, 181 and 368.
`Possession outside the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Is restricted to authorized employees and contractors only.
`
`Form PTO-436A
`(Rev. 6/99)
`
`FILED WITH; [~ DISK (CRF) ~] FICHE O CD-R~I~
`(Attached In pocket on right In~e~p)
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`(FACE)
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`Page 2
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`

`

`69~78488
`
`CONTENTS
`
`Date Received
`(Incl. C. of M.)
`or
`Date Mailed
`
`paper.
`
`INITIALS
`
`Date Received
`(Incl. C. of M.) -
`or
`Date Mailed
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`Page 3
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`SEARCHED
`
`SEARCH NOTES
`(INCLUDING SEARCH STRATEGY)
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`Sub.
`
`Exmr.
`
`Date
`,//~/o~
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`Date
`
`Exmr.
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`"711
`
`¢ ~,o
`
`/
`
`INTERFERENCE SEA~ED
`Sub.
`Class
`
`D~,~..r Exmr.
`z~o I/
`
`7o~
`
`"/ll
`
`l~
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`(RIGHT OUTSIDE)
`
`Page 4
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`

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`: ISSUE SLIP S~APLE A,RgA,[for ad~t~onal: cross i:eferences)
`
`~ :,.:.~NO, ~ i
`
`DATE
`
`O.I,P;E, C~AS~!FIER
`FORMALITY REVIEW ’
`RESPON.ciE I~ORMALITY REVIEW
`
`Tctezq
`
`It-Z.l- o~
`
`INDEX OF CLAIMS
`................................. Rejected
`N ................................. Non-elected
`v’
`I ................................. Interference
`.................................. Allowed
`A ................................. Appeal
`-- (Through numeral)... Canceled
`0 ................................. Objected
`4- ................................. Restricted
`
`Claim
`
`°
`
`101
`10~
`lO~
`104
`105
`
`107
`108
`lO9
`lO
`111
`112
`113
`114
`115
`116
`117
`11~
`11c
`
`120
`
`121
`122
`123
`124
`
`125
`
`126
`127
`128
`129
`
`130
`
`132
`
`13[
`la6
`~37
`138
`139
`140
`141
`!4~
`14~
`
`144
`145
`14~
`147
`
`14[
`14~,
`15(
`
`.~l’aim
`
`Date
`
`q-
`
`EO
`’ 51
`’ 52
`53
`
`54
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`56
`57
`58
`59
`60
`61
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`62
`63
`64
`65
`66
`67
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`68
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`69
`
`70
`
`71
`
`72
`73
`
`74
`
`75
`
`76
`
`77
`78
`79
`80
`81
`82
`83
`84
`
`85
`86
`
`87
`88
`89
`9O
`91
`92
`
`93
`94
`95
`
`96
`97
`98
`
`If more than !50 clams or 10 actions
`stap e addit ona! ;sheet here
`
`(LEFT INSIDE)
`
`Page 5
`
`o
`
`. .,.,)
`
`Date
`
`II
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`,-
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`I
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`~" - -"r"-- "q ~ --
`
`~i~/~i~; ~ i
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`

`

`Page 1 of 1
`
`COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`WASHINGTON, D.C. 20231
`w’~tw, uspto,gov
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 2050
`
`CLASS
`710
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`2182
`
`ATTORNEY
`DOCKET NO.
`0325.00251 c2
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFIGE
`
`IIM:IIIIHIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`
`Bib Data Sheet
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`091878,488
`
`FILING DATE
`06/1112001
`
`RULE
`
`IIIIII
`
`APPLICANTS
`Ronald H. Sartore, San Diego, CA;
`Steven P. Larky, Del Mar, CA;
`
`** CONTINUING DATA ******** .................
`THIS APPLICATION IS A CON OF 091476,923 01/04/2000 PAT 6,249,825 ~--(,
`WHICH IS A CON OF 08/886,923 07/0211997 PAT 6,012,103
`
`f ,=
`
`** FOREIGN APPLICATIONS ********************
`
`IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED
`’* 08/08/2001
`
`/
`
`Foleign Priority claimed [] yes [~ no
`
`~TATE OR
`INDEPENDENT
`TOTAL
`SHEETS
`[] yes’no []
`fCOUNTRY
`CLAIMS
`DRAWING
`CLAIMS
`Met after
`net35 USC 119 (a-d)conditions
`20
`CA
`7
`3
`/
`£
`/’
`
`derified and
`~,cknowledged
`~.DDRESS
`21363
`
`L
`
`Allow~,~
`.
`Examiner’s ~ignature
`
`Initials
`
`//
`/.
`
`I’ITLE
`p p
`I g
`System for reconflguring a eri heral device downloadn information
`e} y
`a physical disconnection and reconnection l~ reconfi~lure the device
`
`a
`from host and electronically simulating
`
`[] All Fees
`
`[] 1.16 Fees (Filing! .......................................................... .......
`
`in Paper
`hor
`FILING FEE FEES: Aut ity has I:feen given
`RECEIVED kiD. to charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT time )
`~qo
`for f~llowing:~
`710
`
`’ji--I 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`
`[] 1.17 Fees ( Processing Ext. of
`
`1
`
`/
`1
`
`f
`
`[] Other
`
`[] Credit
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO.
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`06/14/c~001 !~’~’111 00~00045 0oA178488
`0,1 FC’IOI
`
`710.00 OP
`
`PTO-1556
`(5/87)
`
`*U.S. GPO: 2000-468-987/39595
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.., ,CFrq
`
`25
`
`ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`A system and method for reconfiguring a peripheral device connected by a computer
`
`bus and port to a host from a first generic configuration to a second manufacturer specific
`
`configuration is provided in which the configuration of a peripheral device may be
`
`electronically reset. A peripheral interface device for a standardized computer peripheral
`
`device bus and port is also provided in which a physical disconnection and reconnection of
`
`the peripheral device is emulated to reconfiBure the bus and port for a particular peripheral
`
`device.
`
`~ ~:i~i~
`
`ii,
`
`PA\6421 Ig,4 ’
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`SYSTE~FOR RECONFIGURING A PERIPHERAL]3J~VICE
`BY DO~VNLOADIN~INFORMATION FROM A HOST AtND
`
`ELECTRONICALLY ~IMULATING A PHY___zSICAL DISCONNECTION
`.-kiND RECONNECT[ON TO RECONF[GURE THE DEVICE
`
`This is a conti~lualion of U.S. Serial ~o. 09/476,923, filed January
`
`which is a continuatiCn of U~S. Patent No. 6, 012, 103, issued January 4,
`
`,%
`
`(’/(cid:128), 2000,
`
`2000.
`
`8ac~[. Lhe Inve=ntion
`
`This invention relates generally to a system and method for connoting a computer
`
`system to a computer bus and in particular to a system and method for interfacing a computer
`
`system to a standard-universal serial peripheral device bus.
`
`;L :,:J
`
`1: i!
`
`’%~i!
`
`rm a typical computer system, a computer having a microprocessor may be connected
`
`to a plt~-atity of peripheral devices, such as a printer or a modem, by one or more electrical
`
`buses and. several different communications ports. Different peripheral, devices have
`
`interfaces with difYereat form factors and electrical characteristics, and these communications
`
`ports are used for a variety of different peripheral devices. A typical desktop computer may
`
`have a modem, a printer, a keyboard and a mouse connected to it. The modem may be
`
`connected to a serial port, the printer may be connected to a parallel port, the keyboard may
`
`15
`
`be connected to a dedicated keyboard port and the mouse may be connected to a dedicated
`
`mouse poe. Each of these communication ports may have different elem.rical characteristics,
`
`require different connectors and each has a different cane that runs from the peripheral
`
`device to the connector which connects to the computer communications port. For example,
`
`the serial per< the paralle[ port, the keyboard port and th~ mouse port all have different
`
`20
`
`characteristics, cables and different connectors. The result is a large number of diverse
`
`Page 9
`
`

`

`interfaces and cables that must be used. In addition, the electrical design of these
`
`communications ports typically requires that the computer be turned offbefore connecting
`
`and!or disconnecting a peripheral device from the port because the port may be permanently
`
`damaged otherwise. This prompted the design of a single standardized peripheral interface
`
`connection system which reduces the need for multiple connectors and cables, and permits
`
`the connection and disconnection-of a peripheral device while the computer is turned on.
`
`A new emerging technology called the Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a system
`
`intended to create a single standardized peripheral device connection system. The USB
`
`l0
`
`makes the task of connecting peripheral devices to computers easier and more reliable since it
`
`!!~;if::i~
`
`2: :?:=:
`
`........ ii
`
`uses a. standardized connector and form fnctor, and makes operating those peripheral devices
`
`with the computer, easier and more reliable than with the various different types of
`
`communication ports. The computer to which these peripheral devices are connected by the
`
`USB is known as the "host computer’’. The USB replaces the multiple cable and connector
`
`15
`
`types with a single standardized connection system. The USB also permits the connection
`
`and disconnection of USB compatible peripheral devices while the computer is turned on
`
`which eliminates the typical turning off and rebooting of the computer in order to connect or
`
`disconnect a peripheral device to the computer.
`
`2O
`
`When a peripheral device is first connected to the USB and the host computer
`
`through a standard USB communications port, the presence of the connected peripheral
`
`device is detected and a configuration process of the USB for the connected periphera!
`
`. )
`
`Page 10
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No, ~" -1120
`
`3
`
`device, -known as device enumeration, begins. The enumerationprocess assigns a unique
`
`LTSB address to the conaected peripheral device, queries the connected peripheral device
`
`about its requirements and capabilities, writes data about the connected peripheral device into
`
`lke host computer’s operating system, and ioads the appropriate so’rare device driver from
`
`a storage location into the host computer’s operating system. During the query, a data table
`
`stored in the peripheral device, which contains the particular peripheral device’s configuration
`
`informatio~ is read from the peripheral device into the host computer’s memory. Upon
`
`completion of the enumeration process, the connected peripheral device is recognized by ~.he
`
`host computer’s operating system and may be used by application software being executed by
`
`the microprocessor of the host computer. The association of the device with the software
`
`devicedriver cannot be subsequently changed.
`
`a q:r,q
`
`In a set-iN bus system, such as the USB, the only opportunity for associating software
`
`device drivers with a peripheral device is at the time when the peripheral device is pluggea
`
`into the USB and the enumeration process occurs. Thus, to alter the configuration or
`
`personality of a peripheral device, such as downloading new code or configuration
`
`information into the memory of the peripheral device, the host computer system must detect a
`
`peripheral device connection or a disconnection and then a recormection.
`
`20
`
`The USB provides a number of advantages, as described above, over standard
`
`peripheral device connection techniques. The USB, however, does not provide a system and
`
`method for easily altering the configuration data for a peripheral device. In addition, the
`
`1?A\647. [ 18.4
`
`1,i
`
`Page 11
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket NG
`
`_ .-11
`U*-n 20
`
`USE ,also does not provide a method for easily ch~ging the software device driver
`
`associated with a particular peripheral device.
`
`Thus, there is a need for a system and method for interfacing to a universal serial bus
`
`5
`
`which avoids these and other problems of known systems and methods, and it is to this end
`
`:that the present invention is directed.
`
`Summm-v of the Invention
`
`The invention provides a universal serial bus interface system and method in which
`
`the confi=maration information for a plurality of different peripheral devices may be stored in
`
`the host computer rather than in the peripheral devices themselves. The fle,’dbiliW of the
`
`universM serial bus is thereby increased because each peripheral device does not need to store
`
`configuration information. In addition, the configuration information for any peripheral
`
`device may be easily modified to accommodate changes in the peripheral devices or to take
`
`advantage of other peripheral device features because it is located in the file system of the
`
`host computers. The comq=maration information may include configuration data,
`
`microprocessor code to be executed on the CPU in the peripheral device, and logic
`
`conSguration data. The configuration information may be downloaded from the host
`
`20 computer into the peripheral device.
`
`PA\642 [ 18.4
`
`Page 12
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. C!---i 120
`
`In addition, the universal serial bus interface system and method permits the
`
`config-uration information associated with the peripheral device to be electronically altered to
`
`:match changes in the peripheral devices. Instead of physically disconnecting and
`
`reconnecting a peripheral device to reconfigure it, a peripheral device may be electronically
`
`disconnected and then reconnected to the USB (e.g. the disconnect/connect cycle may be
`
`electrically simulated) so that a change in the configuration information for a particular
`
`peripheral device may be implemented. One of many advantages of the electrical simulation
`
`of the disconnect and reconnect cycle is that since the peripheral device is physically
`
`connected to the bus during the electrical simulation the peripheral device may utilize the
`
`electrical power supplied by the bus to operate the peripheral device. If the peripheral device
`
`is physically disconnected as in a conventional USB system, the peripheral device would
`
`require its own electrical power source. Thus, the computer system may, without human
`
`assistance, reconfigure a peripheral device connected to the USB.
`
`In addition, the universal serial bus interface system and method may be a single
`
`semiconductor chip whict~ may be incorporated into a plurality of peripheral devices made by
`
`a plurality of manufacturers. The chip may initially have a genetic configuration (e.g., not
`
`specific to a particular peripheral device). Then, the appropriate configuration information
`
`for a particular peripheral device and manufacturer may be downioaded to the chip, an
`
`i!=::;:{i
`
`2’ii::!i
`
`....... ii
`
` il;?s
`
`2O
`
`electronic simulation of the disconnection and reconnection of the peripheral device occurs,
`
`the peripheral device is recognized as a new, manufacturer specific peripheral device and the
`
`appropriate software device driver is loaded into the memory of the host computer.
`
`PA’t642 [ 18.4
`
`ix , t÷¢
`
`Page 13
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.<~", "-1120
`
`In accordance with the invention, a system and method for reconfig!aring a peripheral
`
`device connected by a computer bus and port to a host computer is provided in which a host
`
`computer detects a peripheral device connected to the port in which the peripheral device has
`
`a first configuration. A second set ofcomqguration information may be downloaded from
`
`~:he host computer into the peripheral device over the computer bus, and the configuration of
`
`the peripheral device is electronically reset from said first configuration to a second
`
`configuration based on the second set of configuration information.
`
`!! ~ !i
`
`iii:
`
`%;,:;!;
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a peripheral interface device for a
`
`standardized computer peripheral device bus and port is provided in which a peripheral
`
`device is physically connected to a computer system through a computer peripheral bus and
`
`port and the peripheral device has a first configuration. A second set of configuration
`
`information may be received from a computer system, and a physical disconnection and
`
`reconnection of the peripheral device is simulated to recomfigure the peripheral device to a
`
`,;econd configuration based on the second configuration information.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`2O
`
`Figure 1 !~’ff dtauram ilIustrating a conventional universal serial bus system in a
`
`computer4ystem;
`
`PA\642118.4
`
`#
`i
`
`Page 14
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.
`
`~:r - -1120
`
`Figure,2 is a diagram illustrating a universal serial bus system in accordance with the
`
`invention; ,,
`
`Figure _3 is a diagram illustrating a conventional universal serial bus interface circuit;
`
`Figure 4,i,s’a diagram illustrating a universal serial bus interface circuit in accordance
`
`with the invention;
`
`Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral device with a first configuration being
`
`connected to a computer system through a USB port and configured in accordance with the
`
`invention;
`
`Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral device being configured with a second
`
`configuration in accordance with the invention;
`
`" -Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral device being reconfigured with a third
`
`configuration in accordance with the invention; and
`
`Figure 8 is a flowchart ilIustrating a method for changing the configuration
`
`information for a peripheral device connected to a universal serial bus in accordance with the
`
`invention.
`
`Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
`
`The invention is particularly applicable to a universal serial bus interface system and
`
`2O
`
`method. It is in this conte,’ct that the invention will be described. It will be appreciated,
`
`however, that the system and method in accordance with the invention has greater utility,
`
`~mch as with other different computer buses and standardized interfaces.
`
`PA\642 l 18.4
`
`<.iv
`
`Page 15
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No.. it- " -1120
`
`Fig~are 1 is a diagram illustrating a standardized bus interface, such as a conventional
`
`computer system 20, that may include a host computer system 22 and a peripheral device 24.
`
`The peripheral device is connected to the host computer by a universal serial bus (USB) 26.
`
`5
`
`The host computer may include a central processing unit (CPU) 28 connected to a USE
`
`interface (I/T) circuit 30, and the USB standard provides a universal electrical and physical
`
`interface for the peripheral devices via bus 26. The CPU executes software application code
`
`[ocated in a memory 31 and communicates data to and from the peripheral device through the
`
`USB interface and the USB 26. The host computer may also inciude an operating system 32
`
`which may include a software device driver 33. The peripheral device 24 may include a USB
`
`interface circuit 34, a CPU 36 and a non-xzolatile memory 38 that may store configuration
`
`information describing the characteristics of the peripheral device. The non-volatile memory
`
`2:; 5:[;
`!, : ~!
`
`may be a read only memory (ROM) or an erasable programmable read only memory
`
`CEPROM).
`
`When the peripheral device is initialiy connected to the USB, an enumeration process
`
`is conducted in which the host computer determines the characteristics of the peripheral
`
`device by receiving the configuration information from the memory 38 within the peripheral
`
`device, and con:figures the USB according to the characteristics of the peripheral device. As
`
`20
`
`shown, the configuration information about the characteristics of the peripheral device in a
`
`conventional USB system is stored in a non-volatile memory 38 on the peripheral device.
`
`The data about the characteristics of the peripheral device is programmed into the non-
`
`PA\642118.4
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`Attorney Docket No.
`
`~r-~ ,
`,~ -1120
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`volatile memory at the factory, and the characteristics of the peripheral device may not be
`
`easily altered. !n addition, the memory in the peripheral device stores all of the configuration
`
`information about the peripheral device which may require a large amount of memory in the
`
`peripheral device.
`
`Once the enumeration process has been compieted, the CPU of the host computer
`
`may load an appropriate sotMvare device driver 33 for the peripheral device and the sol’are
`
`applications being executed by that CPU of the host computer may communicate with tha
`
`ii;: ~;;=~i:
`
`!! . 11
`
`peripheral device using the USB. When the first peripheral device is disconnected and
`
`another peripheral device is connected to the USB, the enumeration process for the new
`
`peript~eral device may be conducted and another sof~cware device driver may be loaded. The
`
`configuration of the peripheral device cannot be easily altered. Now, a universal serial bus
`
`system and method in accordance with the invention will be described.
`
`Figure 2 is a diagram ilIustrating a computer system 50 that may have a universal
`
`serial bus system in accordance with the invention. The computer system may include a host
`
`computer 52 connected to a peripheral device 54 by a universal serial bus (USB) 60. The
`
`host computer may include a CPU 62, a memory 64, an operating system 65 and a USB
`
`interface circuit 66. One or more peripheral device drivers, such as a first peripheral device
`
`2O
`
`dri’v’er 68, may be stored in the operating system 65. Each device driver contains information
`
`about the proper configuration oftheUSB for a particular class of peripheral devices. The
`
`operating system within the host computer may also contain a plurality of different
`
`PA\642118.4
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`Attorney Docket No., "r- -1120
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`10
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`configuration i~’ormation sets 70, which may include configuraiion data for a particular
`
`peripheral device (including which device driver to use), microprocessor code to be executed
`
`by a CPU located in the peripheral device, or logic cont~guration data to configure logic
`
`circuits in the peripherai device. This invention advantageously enables these configuration
`
`information sets to be updated or altered easily since they are located in the host computer
`
`~md not in a non-volatile memory in the peripherat device.
`
`The peripheral device 54 may include a USB interface system 71 and a CPU 72. ’["he
`
`(i(;
`
`:i.~ :;:h
`
`USB interface system may include an alterable memory 74 such as a random access memory
`
`(RAM) or a flash electrically erasable programmable read only memory (flash EPROM), and
`
`a USB interface circuit 76. The memory 74 may initially contain an identification code to
`
`indicate which configuration information set should be downloaded to the peripheral device.
`
`The USB interface system 71 may be a semiconductor chip containing the USB interface
`
`circuit as ,,yell as the memory that may be added onto the peripheral device. The USB
`
`interface circuit in accordance with the invention is designed to meet USB standard
`
`specifications, such as communications protocols, electrical specifications and the USB form
`
`factor, and may permit the peripheral device to be disconnected and connected to the USB
`
`without the physical disconnection or connection of the peripheral device, as described
`
`beiow.
`
`2O
`
`The various configuration information sets are stored in the host computer so that
`
`they may be easily updated or altered and then, using the electronic disconnect and reconnect
`
`PA\6421 Ig.4
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`i(
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`Attorney Docket No. ±_ ¯
`
`-ll20
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`11
`
`:method in accordance with the invention, the peripheral devices attached to the host
`
`,computer may be dynamically reconfigured using the updated confi~maration information sets
`
`-without the necessitT to physically disconnect and reconnect the peripheral devices.
`
`5
`
`In operation, during the initial factory configuration of the peripheral device with the
`
`USB interface system in accordance with the invention, the memory may store an
`
`identification code indicating the appropriate configuration information set to be loaded.
`
`Thus, when the peripheral device is first connected to the USB, the configuration information
`
`:Lr:;
`
`i;:ii
`
`70, including any microprocessor code applicable to the peripheral device and the appropriate
`
`:.d0 configuration data for the peripheral device may be downloaded over the USB into the
`
`memdw 74 of the peripheral device 54 as’shown by the dashed arrow 78. The electrical
`
`simulation of the disconnection and reconnection of the peripheral device from the USB, as
`
`described below, may be initiated and a re-enumeration process may occur. During the re--
`
`enumeration process, the newly downloaded configuration information may be used to
`
`ii~
`
`::..::
`
`:i:::::;,F
`
`i~’q5 :ceconfigure the USB for the peripheral device and the host computer may select the
`
`appropriate sol%rare device driver 68 for the peripheral device based on the configuration
`
`information and load the device driver into memory 64 as shown by arrow 80. For example,
`
`a plurality of different peripheral devices manufactured by different companies may each
`
`include a USB interface system in accordance with the invention. The USB interface system
`
`20
`
`for each peripheral device is identical (e.g. has a USB interface circuit and a memory) except
`
`that each memory may contain an identification code that is unique to, for exarnplel a
`
`particular manufacturer. When one of the peripheral devices is connected to the USB and the
`
`PA\6421 l 8.4
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No. ~_-, ~,!-"-1120
`
`12
`
`host computer, the appropriate configuration information for the peripheral device, based on
`
`the identification code, is down!oaded over the USB to the memory of the peripheral device
`
`and the appropriate sotM, care de,doe driver is loaded into the memory of the host computer.
`
`Thus, a plurality of different peripheral device may include the same USB interface system
`
`hardware since the configuration information is located in the operating system of the host
`
`computer. Now, a conventional USB interface circuit and the universal serial bus interface
`
`circuit in accordance with the invention that permits the electronic disconnection and
`
`=.
`
`reconnection of the peripheral device will be described.
`
`..... 10
`ilia!lilt
`
`, i~ ~:~
`,i~: ii:::il
`L~’LI
`
`Fibre 3 is a diagram illustrating a conventional host computer universal serial bus
`
`interface circuit !00 and a peripheral device USB interface circuit 101. The host computer
`
`USB interface !00 may include two USB data leads 102, 103 that may be labeled D+ and D-,
`
`which are both connected to Hound through a resistor 112, ! 13 respectively. The peril~heral
`
`device USB interface 10! may include a buffer amplifier 104, having a first normal output of
`
`the buffer (D+) 106 and a second inverted output of the buffer (D-) !08. The D+ output of
`
`the buffer may be connected to a supply voltage, which may be 3.3 volts for example,
`
`through a 1.5 k~ resistor 1 ! O, In operation, the host computer detects the connection of a
`
`peripheral device by monitoring the voltage levels of one of the two USB data leads. In
`
`particular, in the computer host, the D+ data iine is terminated with a 15 k~Q resistor 112 to
`
`2O
`
`ground. Thus, when the D+ line is not connected to a peripheral device, tb_e measured
`
`voltage of the D+ Iine is approximately zero voIts and the host computer determines that no
`
`peripheral device is connected to the USB port. When a peripheral device is connected to the
`
`1~’A\642118,4
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`

`

`.Attorney Docket No. ~-_ ~" "-1120
`
`13
`
`USB port, the 1.Sk~ resistor 110 connected to a supply volta~e of the peripheral device USB
`
`interface 101 adds a voltage to the D+ line and the D+ line at the host computer is pulled to
`
`above 3 volts which is detected as a connected peripheral device by the host computer and
`
`the host computer begins the enumeration process. Now, the USB interface circuit in
`
`5 accordance with the invention will be described.
`
`Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a USB interface circuit for a peripheral device in
`
`accordance with the invention which permits the peripheral device to be electronically
`
`disconnected and/or reconnected to the USB without physically disconnecting and
`
`reconnecting the peripheral device from the USB (e.g., the electric simulation of a
`
`il¸ ~’ il
`
`H::a
`il ii
`
`i;a.=
`
`.... { ......
`
`disconnect/connect cycle). As with the cdnventional USB interface, the host computer USB
`
`interface circuit 100 may include two USB data leads 102, I03 which may be labeled as D+
`
`and D- as shown. As above, each data lead is connected to ground through a resistor and a
`
`1.5 k_Q resistor 112 connects the D+ data lead to ground. A peripheral device USB interface
`
`15
`
`circuit 120 in accordance with the invention will now be described.
`
`The peripheral USB interface circuit 120 may include a buffer amplifier 122, a first
`
`buffer output 124 labeled D+ and a second buffer output 126 labeled D-. In accordance with
`
`the invention, the D+ data lead may be connected to a supply voltage, which may be 3.3
`
`2O
`
`volts, through a 1.5 k52 resistor 128 and an electrical switch 130, that may be a
`
`semiconductor switch such as a field effect transistor (FET). The electrical switch may have
`
`a contrci lead 132 which may control the operation of the electrical switch. The electrical
`
`PA\642118.4
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`Page 21
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`Attorney Docket No .... ~*- -’-1120
`
`14
`
`switch is normalIy controlled by the peripheral device, but the host computer may download
`
`configuration information containing a command instructing the peripheral device to actuate
`
`the electrical switch. Thus, both the peripheral device itself and the host computer may
`
`control the electrical switch. As above, when no peripheral device is physically connected to
`
`the USB, the host computer reads zero volts on the D+ data lead.
`
`When : peripheral device is connected to the USB, the electrical switch permits the
`
`peripheral device to disconnect and then reconnect itself to the USB without the physical
`
`disconnection of the peripheral device fi-om the USB. In particular, if the peripheral device is
`
`’:4!
`
`i(i:i;!~o
`
`physically connected to the USB, but the electrical switch is open, the D+ data lead is no
`
`~onger connected to the supply voltage as:d the host computer determines that the peripheral
`
`clevice has been disconnected even though the peripheral device is still physically connected
`
`to the USB. Similarly, when the electrical switch is closed again, the D+ data lead is again
`
`connected to the supply voltage and the host computer will detect that the peripheral dev:ce
`
`15
`
`has been reconnected to the USB. Therefore, the physical disconnection and/or connection
`
`of the peripheral device may be effected without actually physically disconnection and/or
`
`connecting the peripheral device. This eiectronic disconnection and reconnection of the
`
`peripheral device, as described above, in combination with the storage of the configuration
`
`information sets on the host computer permits the configuration of the p eripheral devices to
`
`2O
`
`be changed easily without requiring the physical disconnection and reconnection of a
`
`peripheral device. Now, an example of a system for connecting a plurality of different
`
`PA\642118.4
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`Page 22
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`

`

`Attorney Docket No. ~- 2" "-1120
`
`15
`
`peripheral dev

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