Universal Driver Using Markup Language Parsing for OS Independence

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in installing device drivers specific to their computer's operating system, and the process of replacing devices requires reinstalling these drivers, which can be cumbersome and requires multiple versions to accommodate different systems.

Innovation Solution

A device driver processing method that uses a mark-up language parsing unit to convert mark-up language documents into binary data, allowing devices to be controlled without a specific operating system-specific driver, utilizing a port control unit to output the converted data to the device, and allowing for separate management of output format, model-dependent, and port information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a device driver specific to the operating system is installed, then the device can be controlled and operated, but the installation process becomes complex and requires multiple versions for different operating systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice installation easeVSAvoiddriver installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single device driver that can operate across multiple operating systems. Instead of developing separate drivers for each OS version, the invention uses a universal driver architecture that adapts to different operating systems, eliminating the need for users to select and install different driver versions based on their specific OS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the device and the operating system. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of OS-specific protocols and translations, allowing the universal driver to communicate effectively with various operating systems without requiring OS-specific driver versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of device drivers are provided for different operating systems, then device compatibility is improved, but the burden on manufacturers to maintain and distribute multiple versions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating system compatibilityVSAvoiddriver distribution burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for manufacturers to create and maintain multiple driver versions by implementing a universal driver that inherently supports multiple operating systems. This single driver solution reduces the manufacturing burden of distributing, updating, and supporting numerous OS-specific driver versions while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple OS-specific drivers into a single unified driver. Instead of maintaining separate driver codebases for different operating systems, the invention combines these functions into one driver that automatically adapts to the host operating system, significantly reducing the burden on manufacturers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a device driver is reinstalled on a new computer, then the device can be used on the new system, but the process is time-consuming and troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiddriver reinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables seamless device portability by using a universal driver that works across different computers and operating systems. When users move their devices to a new computer, the universal driver automatically adapts without requiring reinstallation, saving users significant time and effort compared to traditional OS-specific drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal driver incorporates self-service capabilities that allow it to automatically detect the host operating system and configure itself without user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually reinstall drivers when switching computers, as the driver automatically adapts to the new environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If device drivers are made OS-specific, then device control precision is improved, but user familiarity and ease of installation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control reliabilityVSAvoiduser installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains device control reliability by introducing an intermediary layer that handles OS-specific communication protocols. This intermediary component ensures precise and reliable device control while shielding users from the complexity of OS-specific driver installation, allowing the universal driver to maintain high reliability across different operating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of requiring users to manually select and install OS-specific drivers with an automated system. The universal driver automatically detects the operating system and configures itself, substituting the manual selection process with automated recognition and adaptation, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9690526B2Method, computer and printer system for converting binary data indicates printer status information into mark-up language data
Publication Date: 2017.06.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US9690526B2 patent drawing
  • US9690526B2 patent drawing
  • US9690526B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for driving a device that enables using a device without using a conventional device driver that is dependent on the operating system of the computer. The method has a binary data conversion step which receives a mark-up language document written in a mark-up language and converts the mark-up language document to binary data composed of commands and data that can be processed by the device. The method also includes a binary data output step in which the converted binary data is output to the device.