IoT Virtual Device Integration for External Peripheral Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart devices struggle to seamlessly integrate and utilize the capabilities of external peripherals, such as cameras, due to limitations in operating systems that only recognize and control integrated devices, thereby compromising the quality and capability of communication experiences.
Innovation Solution
A device manager is implemented to manage both built-in and external devices, creating a 'virtual camera' that simulates external devices as if they were built-in, enabling access to their functionalities through APIs, and managing device selection based on context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system only recognizes and control integrated devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a device manager as an intermediary component that mediates between applications and external devices. The device manager creates virtual devices that translate external device capabilities into formats compatible with the operating system's existing application interface, enabling seamless integration without increasing application complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual device copies (virtual camera, virtual microphone, virtual speaker) that replicate the functionality of external physical devices. These virtual copies present themselves to applications as if they were built-in devices, allowing applications to interact with external devices through standard interfaces without direct knowledge of their external nature
2Adaptability or versatility
If external peripherals are connected to a smart device, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing and utilizing external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device manager implements a universal interface that allows all external devices to be accessed through the same mechanism as built-in devices. Applications can access external peripherals through standard device interfaces without requiring device-specific code or configuration, making external devices as easy to use as internal ones
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual device acts as an intermediary that transparently handles the complexity of external device access. Applications interact with the virtual device through familiar interfaces, while the device manager manages the actual connection and communication with external peripherals, shielding users from operational complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications are developed to work with external peripherals, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases for application developers
Solution Approach 1:
By creating virtual device copies that mimic built-in devices, the patent allows existing applications to work with external devices without modification. Developers don't need to write new code for external device support - the virtual devices present themselves as standard device types that existing applications already know how to access
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for leveraging internet of things (IoT) devices that can communicate and interact with one another. In some implementations, at least one external device within proximity to an end-user device is determined. Context information of the end-user device is determined. Based on the context information of the end-user device, a connection with the at least one external device is established. Functionality corresponding to the at least one external device is identified. A virtual device associated with the at least one external device is identified. The identified virtual device is provided to the end-user device for performing the functionality of the at least one external device by the end-user device.