Embedded Device Configuration via OS Protocol Cloaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring embedded devices in computing environments require dedicated software or drivers, which are cumbersome and incompatible across different operating systems, especially for enterprise users lacking administrative access.
Innovation Solution
The method involves cloaking the embedded device's identity to communicate using basic operating system protocols typically reserved for peripherals, allowing configuration through file system manipulation commands without additional software, leveraging inherent communication channels for basic devices like printers and storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated software or drivers are installed to communicate with embedded devices, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to installation and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling embedded devices to communicate with host devices using standard operating system protocols (print spooler, serial port, parallel port) that are already built into common operating systems. Instead of requiring device-specific drivers, the system uses universal communication channels that work across different platforms, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a communication interface layer that translates embedded device commands into standard operating system protocols. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the embedded device and the host device, enabling communication without requiring direct driver installation on the host system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized drivers are installed for embedded devices, then communication functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for end users who expect devices to work straight away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring embedded devices with standard communication protocols and interfaces during manufacturing. The devices are prepared in advance to use universal protocols (print spooler, serial port) that are already present in operating systems, eliminating the need for users to install additional software or drivers upon first use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling embedded devices to autonomously communicate with host devices using built-in operating system protocols without requiring user intervention for driver installation or configuration. The devices self-configure and establish communication channels automatically, making them plug-and-play compatible with various operating systems.
3Reliability
If enterprise users lack administrative access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to install required software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using universal communication protocols that are built into operating systems and do not require administrative privileges to install. Enterprise users can interact with embedded devices through standard interfaces (print spooler, serial port) that work without elevated permissions, maintaining both security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary communication layer that operates at the operating system level without requiring direct software installation or administrative access. This intermediary protocol layer enables secure communication between embedded devices and host devices while respecting user permission constraints, allowing operation without elevated privileges.
4Stability of the object's composition
If outdated or incompatible software versions are used, then backward compatibility is improved, but communication functionality deteriorates due to incompatibility with modern operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by updating the communication interface parameters to match modern operating system protocols while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems. The system adapts communication parameters dynamically to work with both older and newer operating systems, ensuring versatility without requiring outdated software versions.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for configuring an embedded device (200) of a first type in a computing environment by means of a host device (100), wherein the embedded device (200) comprises a computing unit (204), which is adapted to provide configurable functionality according to externally input configuration items, and the host device (100) comprises an operating system running thereon, wherein the operating systems provides respective means for communication with a number of predetermined types of embedded devices, the method comprising the following steps: coupling the embedded device (200) with the host device (100), wherein the computing unit (204) identifies the embedded device (200) to the host device (100) as a second type of device, wherein the second type may be different from the first type or operate in a different manner and is comprised of the predetermined types of devices, presenting or offering a user of the host device (100) with a means for entering configuration items, retrieving the configuration items entered by the user and supplying them to the embedded device (200) by a means for communication with the second type of device provided by the operating system, receiving the configuration items by the computing unit (204) of the embedded device (200); and performing configuration of the embedded device (200) according to the received configuration items by the computing device (204).