Hardware Audio Virtualization Device Bypasses Software Overhead
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems require special software on the target computer to virtualize audio devices, which can compromise security and are inflexible, with increased infrastructure and overhead.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system that uses an audio virtualization device with a network interface and USB input/output interface to translate audio device data between a client computer and a target computer, allowing remote audio device virtualization without special software on the target computer, using a hardware device connected via USB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If special software is installed on the target computer to virtualize audio devices, then audio device virtualization can be achieved, but security is compromised and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB audio device that acts as an intermediary between the remote client and the local target computer. The USB device receives audio data from the target computer and transmits it over the network to the client, eliminating the need for special software on the target computer. This hardware-based approach maintains security while achieving audio virtualization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If special software is installed on the target computer to virtualize audio devices, then audio device virtualization can be achieved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The USB audio device serves as a hardware intermediary that simplifies the system architecture. Instead of requiring complex software installations and configurations on the target computer, the USB device handles audio data transmission through standard USB and network interfaces, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based virtualization system with a hardware-based USB audio device. This substitution eliminates the need for special software installations, drivers, and complex infrastructure on the target computer, using instead standard USB audio device mechanics that are universally supported.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional audio-over-IP systems are used with special software on both local and remote PCs, then audio device virtualization is achieved, but flexibility is reduced and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The USB audio device acts as a mediator that requires no special software installation on the target computer. It connects to the target computer via standard USB port and communicates over the network using standard protocols, making the system easier to deploy and operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB audio device is a self-contained hardware solution that automatically manages audio data transmission between the target computer and remote client. It requires no software installation, driver configuration, or complex setup on either the target or client computer, enabling plug-and-play operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided to allow personal computer users to virtualize a local audio device so that they can remotely connect to a server and interact with the server as if the local audio device was physically connected to the server. They connect a remote audio target hardware device to the target system through a physical USB connection, and the device interacts with the local user's computer over a network. The target system is unaware that the audio device is not connected directly to the system through a physical connection, and the target system does not need special software to implement the remote audio device. The audio target hardware device connected to the target computer may be physically connected and disconnected.