Peripheral Device Access via Remote Driver Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In home automation networks, existing systems face challenges in accommodating a wide range of sensors and devices with different technologies and protocols, requiring frequent updates and replacements of access devices, which is costly and restrictive for users and suppliers.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows remote access to peripheral devices via an extended communication network, using a control device to associate with host devices through an access device, enabling the management of software drivers in the network and dynamic resource allocation, allowing any type of peripheral device to be accommodated without prior support on the access device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the access device manages software drivers for peripheral devices, then the peripheral device can be operated, but the access device becomes complex and requires frequent updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software driver management function from the access device and relocates it to a remote host device. The access device no longer needs to store or manage drivers locally, instead forwarding peripheral device identifiers to the host device which then provides the appropriate driver through the network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a host device as an intermediary between the access device and the peripheral device. This host device acts as a remote driver management server, receiving device identifiers from the access device and returning the appropriate drivers, thereby eliminating the need for the access device to directly manage drivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the access device is updated to support new sensor technologies, then compatibility improves, but costs increase and user flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the host device universal by enabling it to support multiple different peripheral device types and protocols through software rather than hardware. A single host device can manage drivers for various sensor technologies (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, etc.) without requiring the access device to be updated for each new technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves driver management from the local dimension (access device) to the network dimension (host device). This dimensional shift allows the system to support new peripheral technologies by updating software on the host device rather than replacing or updating hardware at the access device level.
3Ease of operation
If the access device manages interface drivers for connected peripheral devices, then the peripheral device can be accessed, but the access device must be updated frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming driver management and update tasks from the access device and relocates them to the host device. The access device simply needs to communicate peripheral device identifiers to the host device, which then handles driver retrieval and installation, significantly reducing the time and effort required at the access device level.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for accessing a peripheral device via a wide area communication network. A control device (20) receives a data item indicating that the peripheral device (31) is connected via a series interface to an access device (30) having access to the wide area communication network. The control device sends to the home device (21, 22) a command (N2) for its association with the peripheral device using an address associated with the access device. The home device then sends a command for the transfer of the peripheral device resources to the access device. This association enables the home device to access the peripheral device remotely in order to use the latter via a driver for the peripheral device installed on the home device.