Peripheral Hardware Virtual Interface Cross-OS Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating custom peripheral hardware devices across different operating systems due to the lack of standardized device drivers and code for interaction, requiring custom drivers and code even with appropriate drivers provided.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral hardware device is designed with functional electronics and interface electronics that provide virtual network and serial interfaces, allowing communication with the operating system using standards like TCP/IP, CORBA, and Web Service calls, emulating physical interfaces to enable interaction without physical connections, and providing functionality such as co-processing and cryptographic acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom peripheral hardware devices are provided with appropriate device drivers for a particular operating system, then the device can interact with that specific operating system, but custom code is still required within the operating system to allow interaction, increasing device complexity and development effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual interface layer as an intermediary between the peripheral hardware device and the operating system. This virtual interface layer translates operating system-specific calls into device-specific operations, eliminating the need for custom device drivers and code for each operating system. The virtual interface acts as a universal mediator that enables cross-platform compatibility without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal virtual interface that can serve multiple operating systems simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate device drivers for different operating systems, the same virtual interface layer provides unified access to the peripheral hardware device across Windows, Linux, macOS, and other operating systems, achieving multi-functionality and cross-platform versatility.
2Ease of operation
If physical network and serial interfaces are used for peripheral hardware device communication, then standard device drivers can be used, but the peripheral device requires physical connections that may not be available or appropriate for all applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical network and serial interfaces that exist only in software space. These virtual interfaces replicate the functionality of physical interfaces without requiring actual physical connections. The virtual network interface provides TCP/IP stack functionality and the virtual serial interface provides UART functionality, all emulated through software rather than hardware connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical physical connections with software-based virtual interfaces. Instead of requiring actual cables, ports, and physical hardware connections for network and serial communication, the system uses software-emulated interfaces that provide the same communication capabilities through virtualization, eliminating dependence on physical infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface types are provided for a single peripheral hardware device, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but the interface electronics and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual interface layer that handles multiple interface types (network, serial, etc.) through a single unified structure. This virtual interface layer can be configured to provide different interface functionalities as needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interface electronics for each type while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple interface types into a single virtual interface layer that can emulate different communication protocols and physical interfaces. Instead of having separate hardware interface circuits for network and serial communication, the system combines these functions into one virtual interface layer that can be configured to provide the appropriate interface type based on software requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral hardware device may be provided for a computing system including a software operating system. The peripheral hardware device may include functional electronics configured to provide functionality for the peripheral hardware device. The peripheral hardware device may also include interface electronics configured to provide communication between the functional electronics and the software operating system, wherein the interface electronics are configured to provide both a virtual network interface and a virtual serial interface with the software operating system. Related computing systems are also discussed.