Encoder Protocol Conversion for Interoperable Motion Device Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion-capable devices face challenges in interoperability due to the need to support multiple encoder protocols, leading to increased complexity and cost for device drivers, which can lock users into proprietary solutions and limit flexibility in maintenance and technology adoption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for data transmission in a device driver that converts encoder data from one protocol to another using controller protocol conversion rules, allowing the device controller to remain largely unchanged despite changes in encoder protocols, thereby reducing the effort required for protocol changes and enhancing interoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If device drivers support multiple encoder protocols natively, then interoperability is improved, but device driver complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol converter as an intermediary component that translates between different encoder protocols and the device controller's native protocol. This mediator handles protocol conversion externally, allowing the device driver to maintain a single native protocol while still supporting multiple encoder types through the converter layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the device controller with its native protocol, the protocol converter handling translation, and the encoder providing data. This segmentation isolates protocol-specific complexity to the converter module, preventing it from propagating to the core device driver.
2Reliability
If device drivers are customized for proprietary encoder protocols, then protocol-specific optimization is achieved, but user flexibility and maintenance freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol converter is designed as a universal interface that can handle multiple encoder protocols through configurable translation rules. This allows the same device controller to work with different encoder vendors and protocols without customization, providing users with flexibility while maintaining optimized performance for each protocol through the converter's translation layer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device drivers implement protocol conversion internally, then interoperability is improved, but processing overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol converter is pre-configured with translation rules and conversion logic for multiple encoder protocols. This preliminary preparation allows the converter to perform rapid protocol translation without requiring complex runtime decision-making or dynamic rule loading, thereby minimizing processing overhead and latency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device driver comprises a device controller and a first encoder provides encoder data according to a first encoder protocol capable of being converted to an associated first controller protocol. In the device driver, encoder data conforming to a first encoder protocol is received, wherein: the first encoder protocol is not the same as a second encoder protocol, the second encoder protocol is capable of being converted to an associated second controller protocol that is not the same as a first controller protocol associated with the first encoder protocol, and the device controller is configured according to the second controller protocol. The encoder data is converted, according to at least one controller protocol conversion rule, into converted controller data conforming to the second controller protocol that is thereafter provided to the device controller.