Remote Specialty Device Interoperation via Software Interface Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Specialty devices, including specialty printers, often lack initial device driver support from operating systems, making them inaccessible for direct communication and control through standard software applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system providing an alternative applications programming interface (API) via a specialty device module or specialty printing module, allowing software applications to interface and control specialty devices remotely without requiring specific device drivers, using a uniform resource locator (URL) for communication and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If specialty devices are designed without standard device driver support, then device versatility and specialized functionality are improved, but device accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialty device module as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between standard operating systems and specialty devices. This module provides the necessary device drivers and communication protocols, allowing specialty devices to be accessed through standard interfaces without requiring direct device driver installation. The intermediary translates between standard system calls and device-specific commands, resolving the contradiction between specialized functionality and ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The specialty device module is designed to provide universal access mechanisms that work across multiple operating systems and device types. By creating a standardized interface layer that can adapt to different specialty devices, the system achieves multi-functionality while maintaining ease of operation. The module can handle various device protocols and communication methods through a unified interface, allowing users to access diverse specialty devices without learning device-specific operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If device drivers are required for each specialty device, then device control precision is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice controlVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple device driver functions into a single specialty device module that can handle various specialty devices. Instead of requiring separate device drivers for each device type, the module consolidates driver functionality, communication protocols, and control mechanisms into one integrated component. This reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable device control through unified management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The specialty device module performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication protocols and control interfaces before device operation. The module automatically detects and configures appropriate communication methods, eliminating the need for manual device driver installation and system configuration. This preliminary setup ensures reliable device control while simplifying the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote access to specialty devices is enabled, then operational flexibility is improved, but network security requirements and system reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The specialty device module acts as a secure intermediary that manages remote access to specialty devices. It implements authentication, authorization, and encryption mechanisms to protect network communications. The module verifies device identities, manages access credentials, and secures data transmissions between remote users and specialty devices, enabling operational flexibility while maintaining network security and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11513975B1System for providing remote interoperation between devices

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 AMANI MAJID

AI summary

The invention provides an alternative applications programming interface (API) for a software application to interface with and to control and coordinate the operation of a variety of specialty devices, including a barcode scanning device and a label printing device. In some embodiments, this alternative API is provided via a software application interface module (SAIM) that is remotely accessible to a software application module (SAM) via a computer network. The SAIM provides for interface and control of specialty devices that would otherwise be un-accessible to a software application module (SAM), via employment of a device specific interface module (DSIM), which functions like a device driver to specialty devices that can be geographically distributed away from the software application module (SAM) and sway from the software application interface module (SAIM), and also function in circumstances where the software application module (SAM) is mobile.