Embedded Device Driver Loading via Model Identifier Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency in loading drivers on embedded devices due to the need to search through multiple driver identifier combinations, leading to time-consuming processes as the number of components and manufacturers increases.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines a model identifier for each component, searches for the associated driver using a minimum operating system mirror, and loads it into memory, eliminating the need to generate or search through multiple driver identifier combinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple driver identifier combinations are generated and stored in registry for different component manufacturers, then driver compatibility is improved, but driver loading time increases and loading efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver compatibilityVSAvoiddriver loading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the driver identification process from the traditional registry-based combination search approach. Instead of searching through multiple driver identifier combinations in the registry, the system extracts and uses component model identifiers directly to locate and load the corresponding driver, significantly reducing the search space and loading time while maintaining compatibility across different manufacturers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the driver loading process into distinct steps: determining component model identifier, searching for associated driver using minimum operating system mirror, and loading driver into memory. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, particularly the driver search step which uses the model identifier to directly locate the driver without exhaustive combination searching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive driver support for multiple manufacturers is provided, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent support coverageVSAvoiddriver management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal driver loading mechanism that works across multiple manufacturers and component types through the use of model identifiers. The minimum operating system mirror and the driver loading process are designed to be manufacturer-agnostic, accepting any component model identifier and automatically locating the appropriate driver, thereby providing universal support without increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces component model identifiers as an intermediary between the hardware component and the driver software. This intermediary abstraction layer simplifies the driver management system by providing a standardized interface for identifying components from different manufacturers, eliminating the need for complex registry-based combination matching and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2966566B1Driver program loading method and embedded device
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2966566B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2966566B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2966566B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of computer technologies, and discloses a method and a device for loading a driver, where the method includes: determining a model identifier corresponding to a component included in an embedded device, and searching for a driver associated with the model identifier corresponding to the component; loading a found driver into a memory of the embedded device, and controlling the driver loaded into the memory of the embedded device to drive the component. In this solution, when a driver is loaded onto a component onto which a driver is to be loaded, an associated driver is searched for according to a model identifier of the component onto which the driver is to be loaded, and then the associated driver may be loaded. A combination of drivers of multiple components does not need to be searched for, or a combination of identifiers corresponding to drivers of multiple components does not need to be generated. Therefore, consumed time is reduced and loading efficiency is improved.