Universal Module Management Interface for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face complexity and diversity in managing modular devices due to the need for custom logic and single module interfaces, which complicates the management and configuration of peripherals connected to computing devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanism that uses side-band channels for custom communication protocols between computing devices and modules, allowing for the discovery, interrogation, and configuration of modules without requiring custom logic, and enabling secure communication through encryption keys, thereby simplifying the management of multiple modules via a human-readable interface like F10 Setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom logic and single module interfaces are used for each peripheral, then module-specific functionality can be optimized, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management interface that can handle multiple different module types through a standardized protocol. The computing device uses a single interface to discover, interrogate, and configure various modules (display, audio, input devices) without requiring separate custom logic for each module type, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary management layer that acts as a mediator between the computing device and modules. This layer handles the complexity of module-specific protocols and presents a simplified unified interface to the user, allowing the system to manage diverse modules through a single standardized communication path.
2Reliability
If multiple custom interfaces are maintained for different modules, then each module can be optimized, but the need to maintain custom logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication protocol that can reliably interact with multiple module types through a single standardized interface. This unified approach maintains communication reliability by providing consistent, predictable interaction patterns while eliminating the need to maintain and switch between multiple custom interfaces and logic paths.
3Device complexity
If a unified interface is used for all modules, then management complexity is reduced, but user awareness of module-specific parameters may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the unified interface dynamically queries module-specific parameters and presents them to the user through the standardized interface. When a user interacts with the unified interface, the system interrogates the connected module and returns relevant parameters, ensuring that module-specific information is preserved and visible while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments information presentation at the unified interface level, where the interface itself remains simple but can dynamically reveal module-specific parameters on demand. This allows the interface to maintain simplicity while providing detailed module information through structured queries and responses between the computing device and modules.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a method may include discovering, by a computing device, a module attached to the computing device, interrogating the module to determine parameters associated with the module, and updating a human-readable interface to include the parameters.