Peripheral Device Class Identifier Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral device vendors face challenges in updating software packages, such as drivers and installers, due to the need for new hardware identifiers for each device, leading to increased costs and complexity in retesting, recertification, and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vendor-specific peripheral device class identifier is generated by combining a vendor identifier, namespace identifier, and namespace entry identifier, allowing multiple devices to share the same setup record and driver, reducing the need for individual updates and simplifying the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a new hardware identifier is assigned to each peripheral device, then device identification precision is improved, but software package complexity and update costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware identifier is segmented into multiple components: vendor identifier, device class identifier, and device instance identifier. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precise device identification while reducing software complexity by handling different identifier components at different levels of the software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to device identification by organizing identifiers into multiple levels (vendor level, device class level, device instance level). This dimensional organization transforms the flat identifier structure into a hierarchical one, enabling more efficient software management and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a new hardware identifier is assigned to each peripheral device, then device identification precision is improved, but retesting and recertification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the identifier into vendor identifier and device-specific identifier components, the patent enables selective updating. When a device is updated, only the device-specific portion needs to change, while the vendor identifier remains constant, reducing the scope of required retesting and recertification.
Solution Approach 2:
The vendor identifier serves multiple functions: it identifies the vendor, groups vendor-specific devices, and enables vendor-level software updates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate identification mechanisms, thereby reducing retesting and recertification requirements.
3Measurement precision
If a new hardware identifier is assigned to each peripheral device, then device identification precision is improved, but distribution costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical segmentation of identifiers enables modular software package distribution. Vendors can distribute vendor-specific base packages that work across multiple devices, and only need to distribute device-specific updates when necessary, significantly reducing distribution costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of distributing complete software packages for every possible device configuration, the patent implements partial updates by distributing only the specific identifier components that have changed. This reduces distribution overhead while maintaining precise device identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral device class identifier is generated for a class of peripheral devices, and is used to identify a setup record that indicates how to install or otherwise set up the class of peripheral devices on a computing device. The peripheral device class identifier is a combination of three components: a vendor identifier, a namespace identifier, and a namespace entry identifier. The vendor identifier is an identifier of the vendor of the class of peripheral devices. The namespace identifier is an identifier of different collections or groups of types of peripheral devices or types of functionality of peripheral devices. The namespace entry identifier is an identifier of a particular type of peripheral device (or particular functionality) of the different collections or groups of types of peripheral devices (or types of functionality of peripheral devices).