Multifunction Device Control Intermediary for Application Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction devices require dedicated software development for each new model or function change, increasing the burden of software development and limiting the use of application programs optimized for single-function devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device with multiple application execution units, a port control unit, and interfaces that allow multiple application programs to communicate through a single connection port, filtering and passing data to enable the use of multifunction devices without optimizing each application program for the device's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated device driver programs are developed for each multifunction device model, then the multifunction device can be controlled with optimized functionality, but the software development burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between application programs and the multifunction device. This control device includes a port control unit that receives data from the multifunction device and distributes it to multiple application execution units, and multiple interfaces that correspond to different application programs. The intermediary translates and adapts communication between applications and the device, eliminating the need for each application to be optimized for the specific multifunction device configuration.
2Productivity
If application programs are optimized for multifunction device specifications, then the device can be used more efficiently, but the programs cannot be used with other multifunction device models
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with universal functionality to support multiple application programs simultaneously. The port control unit universally receives data from the multifunction device through a connection port, and the multiple interfaces universally adapt this data for distribution to different application execution units. This universal design allows the same control device and application programs to work with different multifunction device models without requiring model-specific optimizations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple application programs are designed to cooperate with each other for multifunction device control, then comprehensive device functionality can be achieved, but the complexity of program design and integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device segments the control functionality into multiple independent interface units, each corresponding to a specific application program. The port control unit divides the incoming data stream from the multifunction device and directs it to the appropriate application execution units through dedicated interfaces. This segmentation allows each application program to operate independently without requiring complex inter-program cooperation or integration logic.
Data Source
AI summary
When using a multifunction device having plural devices providing the multiple functions, a control device, a method of controlling the multifunction device, and a program enable programs that are not optimized for the multifunction device to use the multifunction device. A host computer controlling a multifunction device through application program execution units executes plural application programs each corresponding to at least one of the multiple devices. A port control process receives data from the multifunction device through a USB port, exclusively controls data output by the application program execution units, sends the data from the USB port to the multifunction device, and filters and passes data received from the multifunction device by the port control process to the application program execution units.