Universal Input Event Translator for Device Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems lack a universal, easy-to-use mechanism for input event translation and re-mapping across various standard and non-standard devices, particularly for users with special needs or those requiring customized input behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A software program that allows users to select and configure input event translators to intercept and process incoming events, enabling re-mapping, filtering, and modification of input events from one type to another, including options for time delay and swallowing events, providing a flexible interface for customizing input device behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-standard input devices are used to provide more intuitive control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for custom device drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that sits between nonstandard input devices and the operating system. This translator intercepts input events from diverse devices, translates them into standard input event formats, and delivers them to applications without requiring custom device drivers for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of custom device drivers with a software-based event translation system. Instead of writing low-level device drivers for each nonstandard device, the system uses a universal translator that handles device abstraction and translation at the input event level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard device inputs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases for users with special needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic input event translation where the translation behavior can be configured and modified at runtime. Users can customize translation rules, event mappings, and device behaviors through programmable interfaces, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal input translation system that can handle multiple device types and translation scenarios through a single platform. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including event translation, filtering, modification, and re-mapping for various input devices and applications.
3Measurement precision
If custom device drivers are written for each nonstandard device, then measurement precision of input events is improved, but loss of time increases due to the thankless and difficult task of driver development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service input event translation where the system automatically handles device-specific translation rules and configurations. The translator includes built-in capabilities to recognize and translate events from various device types without requiring manual driver writing for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configuration to define translation behavior for different device types. Instead of writing custom drivers, users can configure translation parameters and rules that define how input events from specific devices should be translated, allowing precise event handling through software configuration rather than driver development.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal computer event translator, which can be implemented as a computer program for execution on a personal computer, handheld device, or other computer processing platform, provides configurable event translation to map essentially any type of computer input event into essentially any other type(s) of computer input event. The program detects occurrences of desired types of input events, which may be generated via a particular input device, a timer, or another program or processing running on the computer, and provides rules-based translation processing of those events. For example, the program can translate mouse events into keyboard events, MIDI or other port events into mouse or keyboard events, or into custom events. One incoming input event can spawn one or more translated input events of one or more types; conversely, different types of incoming input events can be mapped to a single type or multiple types of translated input events.