Peripheral Device Driver Transfer via Internal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in using peripheral devices like image scanners without installing device drivers or software, particularly due to security restrictions and the need for internet access or physical media like CD-ROMs, and existing solutions are cumbersome or require administrator privileges.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral device equipped with a storage unit for controlling programs and a communication unit to send these programs to an information processing device, allowing the device to operate without installed software, and a control unit to manage operation based on stored instructions, enabling recognition as a mass storage device or image processing unit depending on driver availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device driver is installed in the computer to enable peripheral device usage, then the peripheral device can be used, but security restrictions prevent general users from installing device drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the peripheral device itself carries and transfers the necessary driver software to the computer. Instead of requiring the user to install the driver manually (which requires administrator privileges), the device acts as a self-contained carrier that automatically provides the driver to the computer through the communication interface, bypassing the need for user-side installation permissions.
2Ease of operation
If device driver distribution is done via CD-ROM, then installation is possible, but the user needs to have the physical media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driver software from the physical CD-ROM medium and integrates it directly into the peripheral device's internal storage. This eliminates the need for separate physical distribution media, as the driver is now inherently part of the device itself and can be transferred electronically through the communication interface.
3Ease of operation
If device driver is downloaded via Internet, then installation is possible, but internet connection and correct URL input are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the peripheral device automatically provides its own driver software to the computer without requiring the user to search for, download, or manually configure anything. The device contains the driver internally and autonomously transfers it to the computer through the communication interface, making the entire process transparent to the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the peripheral device stores and transfers its own control program, then software installation in the computer is avoided, but the device must function as both storage and processing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the peripheral device to simultaneously serve as both a data processing unit and a software storage/transfer unit. The device contains its own control program in storage memory, can process data according to this program, and also functions as a portable software distribution medium by transferring the control program to the computer through the communication interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is applicable to a peripheral device which performs processing based on information from an information processing device. The peripheral device of present invention is characterized by a storage unit, which stores in it a program of controlling of designated processing, and stores in it data for controlling the peripheral device, and by a communication unit which sends the program stored in the storage unit to the information processing device, and by a control unit which controls operation of the peripheral device based on an instruction information written into the storage unit upon execution of the program on the information processing device.