External Controller Module for Mobile Device USB Driver Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices require substantial development and integration costs to update USB driver software and reconfigure with new or different USB peripheral devices, especially in large-scale upgrades or replacements.
Innovation Solution
An external controller module with processor circuitry and storage circuitry that intercepts and redirects USB device driver updates, allowing the mobile device to communicate with new or updated peripheral devices without modifying the mobile device's operating system, and maps each peripheral device to a composite USB type for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB driver software is installed in the mobile device to enable communication with peripheral devices, then the mobile device can function with the peripheral devices, but substantial development and integration costs are incurred when updating or replacing mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
An external controller module is introduced as an intermediary device between the mobile device and USB peripheral devices. This controller includes a USB host interface that connects to the mobile device and USB device interfaces that connect to peripheral devices. The controller runs its own operating system with embedded device drivers, acting as a mediator that enables peripheral device compatibility without requiring driver installation or modification on the mobile device itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB driver software is installed in the mobile device to support new peripheral devices, then the mobile device can communicate with new peripheral devices, but the mobile device operating system must be updated or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: the mobile device with its existing operating system, and an external controller module with its own embedded operating system and device drivers. This segmentation allows the controller to be updated independently to support new peripheral devices without modifying the mobile device's operating system, thereby reducing system complexity and modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The external controller serves as an intermediary that handles all driver-related operations. It includes a USB host controller that communicates with the mobile device and device-specific interfaces for peripheral devices. The controller's embedded operating system manages device driver execution, intercepting and handling driver updates locally without requiring changes to the mobile device's operating system.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple USB peripheral devices are connected via a USB hub, then more peripheral devices can be connected to the mobile device, but the mobile device must still install and manage drivers for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The external controller module acts as an intermediary USB hub with embedded driver management capabilities. It includes multiple USB device interfaces for connecting peripheral devices and a USB host interface for connecting to the mobile device. The controller's operating system automatically manages device drivers for all connected peripherals, eliminating the need for the mobile device to install or manage individual drivers for each peripheral device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An external controller module is configured for electrically coupling a mobile device to the one or more peripheral devices. The external controller module includes an interface port for coupling to a communication port of the mobile device and a number of interface ports for coupling the external controller module to respective peripheral devices. The controller module operating system includes device driver program code for facilitating electrical communication between the peripheral device and the mobile device without installing the device driver program code on the mobile device.