Interface Device for Unknown I/O Devices Using Signal Index Charts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data process devices, especially closed-type systems like tablets and smart TVs, face challenges in expanding I/O device support due to the need for specific driver programs, leading to limited compatibility and high maintenance costs, while open-type systems like personal computers struggle with insufficient USB ports and cumbersome driver installations for multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with a transmission module, signal processing module, and USB interface that generates and processes control and feedback signals, using device index charts to identify and support unknown I/O devices without requiring new driver programs, enabling operation across various devices through wired or wireless connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed-type driver program installation policy is used to improve system safety and lower operation difficulty, then system safety and ease of operation are improved, but I/O device compatibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface device as an intermediary between the closed-type data process device and unknown I/O devices. This interface device includes a transmission module, signal process module, and USB interface that translate and process signals, enabling the closed system to communicate with devices it wasn't originally designed to support without compromising system safety
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device enables self-service functionality by automatically generating device index charts and identifying I/O devices without requiring manual driver installation. The system can autonomously recognize and adapt to new devices through the interface device's signal processing capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If driver programs are updated to support new I/O devices, then I/O device compatibility is improved, but maintenance cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device performs preliminary actions by pre-generating device index charts that contain device description units and interaction description units. This preparation work is done in advance, allowing the system to quickly recognize and support new I/O devices without requiring time-consuming driver updates or system callbacks
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB ports are provided to support multiple I/O devices, then I/O device expandability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device serves as a universal hub that can support multiple different types of I/O devices through a single USB connection. The signal process module can handle various device protocols and generate appropriate device index charts for different device types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated USB ports for different device categories
4Adaptability or versatility
If driver programs are installed for each I/O device, then I/O device support is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating device index charts and identifying I/O devices through the interface device's signal processing. The driver program can autonomously determine whether a device is known or unknown and establish appropriate device index charts without requiring manual driver installation for each device
Solution Approach 2:
A single driver program with universal capabilities can handle multiple different I/O devices through the interface device. The device index chart mechanism provides a universal interface that translates various device protocols into a format the driver can process, eliminating the need for device-specific driver installations
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device capable of supporting an unknown I/O device comprises: a transmission module, used for receiving a control signal sent by an I/O device and sending a feedback signal to the I/O device; a signal process module, used for generating a control indicating signal according to the control signal and generating the feedback signal according to a feedback indicating signal; and a USB interface, used for sending the control indicating signal to a data process device and receiving the feedback indicating signal from the data process device; wherein, information content of the control indicating signal and information content of the feedback indicating signal both comprise the information of a first device description unit and a first interaction description unit contained in a first device index chart.