Interface Redirection for Composite Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server/client model-based information handling systems, there is a need to efficiently share and redirect local interfaces of composite devices across a network, allowing peripheral devices connected to one client device to be made available to other information handling systems, while minimizing resource usage and administrative complexity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves redirecting individual interfaces of a composite device from a client device to a server, where they are mounted as virtual devices, allowing sharing with other systems. This is achieved through a redirection hook driver that changes device identifiers, parses interface descriptors, and uses an interface redirection function driver to create virtual devices, which are then coordinated by a proxy module for seamless operation across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If local interfaces of composite devices are shared across a network through redirection, then resource utilization and sharing efficiency are improved, but device complexity and administrative overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a composite device into multiple independent virtual devices, each representing a specific interface or function. This segmentation allows individual interfaces to be independently redirected and shared across the network, improving resource utilization while managing complexity through modular organization. The host system divides the composite device's functionality into separable virtual representations that can be selectively shared.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a device manager as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of interface redirection and virtual device creation. This mediator manages the redirection of local interfaces to remote systems, handles device identifier changes, and coordinates the creation of virtual devices. By centralizing these management functions, the system reduces administrative overhead while enabling efficient resource sharing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device identifiers are changed to enable redirection, then interface sharing capability is improved, but compatibility and detection difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual devices that are functional copies of the original local interfaces. These virtual devices replicate the interface functionality and characteristics, allowing them to be shared across the network while maintaining compatibility with remote systems. The virtual devices serve as copies that preserve the essential properties of the original interfaces without requiring physical presence at the host system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies device identifiers as a parameter change to enable redirection functionality. By changing identification parameters while maintaining functional equivalence, the system allows interfaces to be redirected to remote systems. This parameter modification enables the interface to be recognized and accessed by remote systems while preserving its operational characteristics.
3Quantity of substance
If client devices have minimal resources in a server/client model, then total cost of ownership is reduced, but local interface availability and performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends interface availability from the local physical dimension to the network dimension by creating virtual devices that can be accessed remotely. Instead of requiring physical local connections, the system enables access to device interfaces through network connections, adding a new dimensional aspect to interface availability. This allows minimal-resource client devices to access peripheral device interfaces through the network as if they were locally connected.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method performed by one or more computing devices includes identifying, at a first computing device, a composite device having one or more interfaces; calling a driver in conjunction with an initialization of the composite device; identifying the one or more interfaces associated with the composite device; determining whether to redirect any of the one or more interfaces to a second computing device; and redirecting to the second computing device any of the one or more interfaces that were determined to require redirection.