Dynamic Hardware Configuration Descriptor for Runtime Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware devices struggle with dynamic configuration and real-time customization, as writing computer-readable code is cumbersome and memory limitations restrict the number of use cases, especially for complex scenarios where users without coding expertise are involved.
Innovation Solution
A hardware configuration descriptor is used to dynamically configure hardware interfaces and control runtime behavior, allowing devices to obtain and apply configuration settings from a server, enabling users to select virtual hardware devices and specify computer-readable instructions without extensive coding knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware devices use static configuration with pre-written code, then device functionality is reliable and stable, but adaptability to different use cases is limited and memory consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts configuration data from the hardware device itself and stores it externally on a server. The hardware configuration descriptor is stored on a server and downloaded to the device only when needed, separating the configuration storage from the device memory. This allows multiple use cases to be supported without increasing device memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration system where a single hardware device can be dynamically reconfigured for multiple different use cases by downloading different hardware configuration descriptors from a server. The same physical device can serve different functions (e.g., traffic light controller, blinker, button) by changing its configuration rather than having dedicated hardware for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware devices allow dynamic configuration, then adaptability to different use cases improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user and the hardware device configuration. The server stores hardware configuration descriptors, validates them, and manages the configuration data. This intermediary handles the complexity of configuration management, authentication, and storage, while the hardware device itself remains relatively simple, needing only to download and apply configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hardware configuration descriptors as data copies that describe the desired hardware state. Instead of modifying the actual hardware directly through complex procedures, the system uses descriptive data files (JSON format) that contain all the configuration information. The hardware device reads these descriptor copies and applies the configurations, simplifying the modification process.
3Manufacturing precision
If hardware configuration requires writing computer-readable code, then precise control over device behavior is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for non-programmers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex programming code with simplified hardware configuration descriptors in JSON format. These descriptors are data files that describe hardware behavior without requiring programming knowledge. Users can configure hardware by working with structured data files rather than writing code, maintaining precision while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms configuration from a code-writing task to a parameter-setting task. The hardware configuration descriptor contains specific parameters (pin assignments, I/O directions, analog/digital modes, pull-up/down settings) that users can modify directly. This changes the interaction model from programming to parameter configuration, making it accessible to non-programmers while maintaining precise control over hardware behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are some implementations of systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products for dynamically configuring a hardware device. A hardware configuration descriptor can be customized, where the hardware configuration descriptor includes a set of hardware interface attributes for use in configuring hardware interfaces of a hardware device and indicates one or more web addresses corresponding to computer-readable instructions configurable to control operation of the hardware device during runtime. The hardware configuration descriptor can be transmitted to the hardware device responsive to a request from the hardware device. The hardware device automatically applies the hardware configuration descriptor to configure its interfaces and subsequently accesses the web addresses during operation of the hardware device.