Auto-Launching Measurement Programs via Generic USB Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scientists and engineers face difficulties in configuring and installing measurement devices with specific drivers, leading to time-consuming processes and high development costs, especially when drivers are lost or not readily available, resulting in system downtime.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically launching a measurement program upon device connection, where the measurement device can communicate with a host device using a generic driver, such as a built-in USB driver, and appears as a CD to the host, allowing the program to execute automatically without user input, eliminating the need for measurement device-specific drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If measurement device specific drivers are installed on the computer system, then communication between the host device and measurement device is enabled, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a generic driver that can communicate with multiple types of measurement devices through a standardized interface (USB). Instead of requiring separate specific drivers for each measurement device type, the system uses a single universal driver that works across different devices, thereby simplifying the configuration process while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer - a standardized communication interface and generic driver - that mediates between the host device and various measurement devices. This intermediary translates between the generic communication protocol and device-specific protocols, enabling communication without requiring specific drivers for each device type.
2Reliability
If measurement device specific drivers are developed and maintained, then communication with measurement devices is enabled, but development and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces development costs by creating a universal driver that serves multiple measurement device types. Instead of vendors needing to develop and maintain separate drivers for each device type and operating system combination, a single generic driver handles communication with all devices through the standardized interface, significantly reducing development and maintenance expenses.
3Reliability
If measurement device drivers are installed manually, then communication is established, but system downtime increases when drivers are lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the measurement device itself carry the necessary communication software or configuration data. When connected to a host device, the measurement device can automatically provide its own driver information or configuration files, enabling the host to communicate with the device without requiring manual driver installation or external software CDs, thus eliminating downtime when drivers are lost or damaged.
4Reliability
If scientists and engineers perform manual configuration of measurement devices, then proper setup is achieved, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement device to perform self-configuration by automatically providing its own driver information and communication settings to the host device upon connection. This eliminates the need for scientists and engineers to manually configure the device, reducing both the time required and the complexity of the configuration process while ensuring proper setup through automated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the measurement device with its own driver information and communication protocols stored on the device itself. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be automatically recognized and configured by the host device without requiring manual setup, thereby reducing configuration time and complexity while ensuring proper initial setup.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatically launching a measurement program in response to measurement device connection. The measurement device may be connected to a host device. The measurement device may store a measurement program. The host device may automatically detect the measurement device. However, a measurement device specific driver may not be required for communication between the host device and the measurement device. The host device may automatically execute the measurement program stored on the measurement device in response to the connecting. During execution, the measurement device may acquire data and provide the acquired data to the host device.