Image Reading Device Dual-Class Driver Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices face challenges in smooth data transmission when a scanner class driver is not installed on the connected personal computer, leading to potential data overflow issues with mass storage class drivers, which can hinder image transmission.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device employs a dual-class driver communication system, using both a human interface class driver and a mass storage class driver simultaneously to transmit data and commands, allowing for concurrent communication paths that prevent data overflow and ensure smooth image transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only mass storage class driver is used when scanner class driver is not installed, then the personal computer can read images directly, but the volume of data allowed to be transmitted may be exceeded causing transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two separate class drivers: human interface device class driver for control commands and mass storage class driver for data transmission. This segmentation allows each driver to handle specific types of data within its capacity limits, preventing overflow issues while maintaining comprehensive communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that routes different types of data through appropriate communication paths. Control commands are transmitted through the human interface device class driver, while image data is transmitted through the mass storage class driver, acting as intermediaries that prevent data type mismatches and overflow errors.
2Reliability
If scanner class driver is installed, then smooth image transmission is achieved, but the personal computer requires additional software installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image reading device universally compatible by implementing both human interface device class driver and mass storage class driver. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate with either driver type, eliminating the need for users to install specific scanner drivers while maintaining reliable image transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter configuration by enabling dual class driver support. The device can dynamically switch between using human interface device class driver alone or in combination with mass storage class driver, adapting to different installation scenarios and reducing complexity for end users.
3Reliability
If dual class drivers are used simultaneously, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication responsibilities between two class drivers, with each driver handling specific data types. This clear segmentation simplifies the control logic compared to a single complex driver, as each driver's function is well-defined and isolated, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a reading portion and a communication portion. The reading portion reads an image. The communication portion performs communications with an external device by using a first class driver and a second class driver simultaneously. The communication portion includes a first transmission portion, a receiving portion, and a second transmission portion. The first transmission portion transmits to the external device, using the first class driver, data that are used for executing an application that enables the external device to issue a command to the image reading device. The receiving portion receives a command to read an image from the external device using the second class driver. The second transmission portion transmits to the external device, in a case where the receiving portion has received the command to read an image, using the second class driver, an image that has been read by the reading portion.