Peripheral Combiner Resolving Multi-Input Data Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems cannot efficiently manage simultaneous interactions from multiple designation peripherals, such as mice, touch screens, and graphics tablets, due to inconsistencies and conflicts when connected to a central unit, limiting collaborative work and universal usability.
Innovation Solution
A redialer device that processes data from multiple peripherals, transforming it into a consistent format as if it came from a single device, allowing simultaneous interoperability by recombining data from multiple inputs into a single output compatible with standard communication protocols, effectively creating a virtual single designation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple designation peripherals are connected to the central unit via dedicated links using standardized protocols, then each peripheral can be independently connected and recognized, but simultaneous operation of multiple peripherals becomes impossible due to conflicts and inconsistencies in data interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple designation peripherals into a single virtual peripheral that presents a unified interface to the central unit. The composition device aggregates data from multiple input peripherals (mouse, touchscreen, graphics tablet) and synthesizes it into a single coherent data stream that the central unit interprets as coming from one device, enabling simultaneous operation without conflicts
Solution Approach 2:
The composition device acts as an intermediary between the multiple designation peripherals and the central unit. It receives data from various peripherals, processes and reconciles the data according to a reference peripheral's coordinate system, and forwards the harmonized data to the central unit, thereby mediating the interaction and preventing data conflicts
2Reliability
If a single peripheral is used at a time to ensure functional clarity and data consistency, then operational conflicts are avoided, but collaborative work and multi-user productivity are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a reference peripheral that represents the combined functionality of all connected peripherals. This virtual peripheral maintains the data structure and coordinate system of the reference device while incorporating input data from multiple sources, allowing the system to process multiple inputs simultaneously with the reliability of a single peripheral interface
Solution Approach 2:
The composition device provides a universal interface that accommodates multiple types of designation peripherals (mouse, touchscreen, graphics tablet) simultaneously. By mapping all inputs to a common reference coordinate system, it enables multi-user collaborative work while maintaining the data consistency and functional clarity associated with single-peripheral operation
3Ease of operation
If specific software solutions are implemented to manage multiple peripherals, then coordinated actions can be achieved, but universality and compatibility across different operating systems and applications are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functionality into two distinct layers: the composition device handles the complex task of harmonizing multiple peripheral inputs at the hardware/data level, while the central unit and its software applications receive standardized single-peripheral data. This segmentation allows the software layer to remain universal and OS-agnostic, while the composition device provides the specialized multi-peripheral coordination capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If different coordinate systems are used for each peripheral to maintain their individual characteristics, then each device's unique functionality is preserved, but integration and coordinated interaction between peripherals become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by preserving the individual characteristics and coordinate systems of each peripheral at the source, then performing localized coordinate transformations at the composition device. Each peripheral's data is transformed according to its specific properties and mapped to the reference peripheral's coordinate system, maintaining local peripheral qualities while achieving global integration
Data Source
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AI summary
A combiner (10) allows a plurality of designation peripherals (A, B, C) to be connected to the same central unit (90) of a computer system (100). The combiner comprises the following: inputs (11A, 11B, 11C) for exchanging data with each of the designation peripherals, which data is normally exchanged with the central unit (90), an output (17) for exchanging data with the central unit (90), digital processing means for converting the data received by the combiner into transmitted data. The transmitted data complies with the content and the structure of the data that would be transmitted by a designation peripheral with a single active surface (16U) and individually corresponds, on the single active surface, with the actions performed by the designation peripherals (A, B, C). A plurality of designation peripherals connected to a combiner forms an assembly that is connected to a central unit of a computer system (100) and is considered to be a single designation peripheral.