Cloud Server Multi-Device USB Control via Non-IP Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems are limited in controlling input/output operations involving multiple USB devices, leading to poor usability as they only handle output to a single device and not input/output operations with two or more devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system comprising a communication apparatus with both Internet and non-Internet protocol interfaces, a server that detects and decides operations for input and output devices connected via the non-Internet protocol interface, and an instructor to perform the decided operations, enabling control of multiple devices through a cloud server without the need for device drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the server controls only one USB device for output, then the system is simple, but the usability is poor when multiple devices are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the communication apparatus and multiple USB devices. The server detects connected devices, stores their information, decides operations based on device combinations, and instructs appropriate devices to perform operations. This intermediary approach enables complex multi-device control while maintaining simple client-side operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The server is designed to handle multiple USB devices simultaneously with different functions (input, output, storage). It detects various device types, stores their information in association with the communication apparatus, and can instruct different devices to perform different operations based on the detected combination, providing universal control capability.
2Ease of operation
If device drivers are required for each USB device, then device control is precise, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs automatic detection of USB devices and their combinations with the communication apparatus. The detection function automatically identifies connected devices and retrieves their information without requiring user intervention for driver installation or configuration, enabling plug-and-play operation while maintaining reliable device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The server stores device information and operation decisions in advance based on detected device combinations. By pre-storing the relationships between communication apparatuses, USB devices, and appropriate operations, the system prepares control logic beforehand, eliminating the need for runtime driver installation and ensuring reliable control from the moment of connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of this invention is directed to an information processing system including a communication apparatus including an IP interface and a non-IP interface and capable of connecting to the Internet, an input device, and an output device, and a server capable of communicating with the communication apparatus via the IP interface. The server stores the combination of the input device and the output device connected to the non-IP interface of the communication apparatus and an operation to be performed by the input device or the output device in association with each other, detects the input device and the output device connected to the non-IP interface of the communication apparatus, decides the operation to be performed by the input device or the output device upon detecting the input device and the output device connected to the non-IP interface of the communication apparatus, and instructs the input device or the output device to do the decided operation.