Peripheral Device Driver Setup via Virtual Data Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require physical connection and hardware-specific device drivers for peripheral devices, limiting their installation and operation, especially for devices without matching device identifiers or necessary electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A method to create and initialize a peripheral device by extracting, modifying, and storing setup information to create a data structure that initiates the setup process without physical connection, allowing devices with multiple functional capabilities to emulate other devices and use compatible setup data, even without signed drivers or PnP capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical connection and hardware-specific device drivers are required for peripheral devices, then device identification and driver matching are reliable, but device installation and operation are limited, especially for devices without matching device identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the peripheral device by extracting setup information from an existing device and modifying it with a new device identifier. This virtual device model allows the system to install and operate peripheral devices without requiring physical connection or hardware-specific drivers, as the setup information is copied and adapted from a compatible existing device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single setup information file to serve multiple device types by allowing extraction from one device and modification for another. The system becomes universal in that the same mechanism can install different peripheral devices using adapted setup information from any compatible source device, eliminating the need for device-specific installation procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If setup information is extracted and modified from existing devices, then devices without hardware-specific drivers can be installed, but the reliability of device operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces setup information files as an intermediary between the peripheral device hardware and the operating system. By extracting and modifying these intermediary files rather than directly manipulating hardware or drivers, the system maintains reliable device operation while enabling flexible installation of devices without hardware-specific drivers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary extraction and modification of setup information files before actual device installation. By preparing the setup information in advance with the correct device identifier and configuration, the system ensures reliable device operation from the start, avoiding potential issues that would arise from ad-hoc driver installation
3Productivity
If all setup operations are completed without physical device connection, then installation time is reduced, but the ability to verify device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary setup operations including extraction, modification, and installation of setup information files before the physical device is connected. This preliminary action dramatically reduces installation time, while the system retains the ability to verify device functionality after connection by comparing actual device behavior against the installed setup information configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus may be configured to create setup information, and perform the initialization and performance of an installation of a peripheral device of an electronic device. One example method may include storing a device identification (ID) of the peripheral device, extracting data and creating a data structure from existent setup information. The method may also include replacing a device ID in the data structure with the device ID of the peripheral device, and creating and storing a setup information file from content of the data structure. The method may also include creating and passing a request to at least one of a device driver of an interface of the peripheral device and a bus that initiates the installation of the peripheral device. The peripheral device may not be connected to the electronic device.