Driver Setting Data Segmentation for Electronic Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing driver setup packages for electronic devices, such as image sensors, are cumbersome and costly to modify or update due to large data sizes and the need for re-certification tests to prevent system crashes, limiting flexibility and increasing expenses.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a non-volatile storage unit to store and read setting data for the driver, allowing for customization and updates without modifying the driver itself, with the ability to load settings from the storage unit when activated, reducing the need for frequent certification and enabling additional control functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the setup package or setup information file is modified to meet different customer requirements, then the driver functionality is improved, but the complexity of modification and re-certification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the driver configuration into two parts: the core driver code (which remains unchanged and certified) and the setting data (which can be modified). The setting data is stored separately in a non-volatile storage unit, allowing customization without modifying the certified driver itself. This segmentation enables different customers to have customized settings while the core driver remains the same.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the setting data from the setup package and stores it in an external non-volatile storage unit. This separation allows the setting data to be modified independently without affecting the certified driver code. The driver can load settings from this external storage during operation, enabling customization without re-certification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the setup package data is modified, then customer requirements are met, but re-certification testing is required which costs time and money
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the driver system into certified core code and uncertified setting data, the patent allows setting data to be modified without triggering re-certification requirements. The setting data is loaded from external non-volatile storage during driver execution, not during installation, which avoids the need for re-certification when customizing for different customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-volatile storage unit acts as an intermediary between the certified driver and the customizable settings. The driver interacts with this storage unit to load settings during operation rather than during installation. This intermediary approach allows settings to be customized without modifying the certified driver code, thereby avoiding re-certification time and costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the driver is updated to add control functions, then the electronic device functionality is improved, but the driver size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts control function configurations from the driver code itself and places them in external non-volatile storage. The driver code remains compact and certified, while the additional control functions are implemented by loading different setting data from the external storage. This approach increases functionality without increasing driver size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the driver universal by designing it to load different setting data for different control functions from the non-volatile storage unit. Instead of having separate driver versions for different functions, a single certified driver can adapt to multiple functions by loading appropriate settings. This multi-functionality approach increases adaptability without increasing driver size.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling at least one electronic device is coupled to a host. The apparatus includes a controller and a non-volatile storage unit. The controller is controlled by a driver of the host to thereby control the operation of the electronic device. The non-volatile storage unit is externally coupled to the controller and used for storing data. When the driver is activated, it is determined whether the non-volatile storage unit stores a setting data utilized for the driver. If the setting data for the driver is stored in the non-volatile storage unit, the setting data of the driver is read out for setting the driver.