Communication Interface Adapter Dynamic PID Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software programs cannot control peripheral devices without APIs provided by the supplier, limiting their functionality, and identical default PIDs assigned to communication interface adapters can cause incorrect targeting of instructions.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface adapter with a microcontroller, communication interface hub, and switch unit, allowing dynamic PID assignment to ensure unique identifiers for each adapter, enabling control of peripheral devices regardless of API availability and preventing incorrect targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software programs rely on supplier-provided APIs to control peripheral devices, then the control functionality is limited to devices with available APIs, but the program's dependency on external suppliers increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer (driver or control software) between the application program and the peripheral device. This intermediary handles device control through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for application programs to depend on supplier-specific APIs. The intermediary translates generic control commands into device-specific operations, enabling universal device control while keeping application programs simple and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control interface that can manage multiple types of peripheral devices through a common set of commands. Instead of requiring separate API implementations for each device, the system provides a unified control mechanism that works across different device types and suppliers, thereby increasing versatility without increasing software complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If identical default PIDs are assigned to communication interface adapters during production, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but device identification accuracy deteriorates when multiple adapters are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary automatic PID assignment through detection software that runs when the system is first used. The software automatically detects duplicate PIDs and assigns unique identifiers to each adapter before the user needs to use them. This preliminary action eliminates identification conflicts while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as no manual configuration is needed during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality where the detection software automatically resolves PID conflicts without user intervention. When multiple adapters with identical PIDs are detected, the software autonomously assigns unique PIDs to each device, eliminating the need for manual configuration and ensuring accurate device identification while keeping the manufacturing process simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication interface adapter (1) is provided to include a first communication interface (11) to be electrically connected to a computer device (2), a second communication interface (12) to be electrically connected to the peripheral device (3), a microcontroller (13), a communication interface hub ( 14)electrically connected to the first communication interface (11) and the microcontroller (13), and a switch unit (15) electrically connected between the communication interface hub (14) and the second communication interface (12). The switch unit (15) is controlled by the microcontroller (13) to make or break connection between the communication interface hub (14) and the second communication interface (12).