Virtual Device Mounting for Remote Hardware Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in executing applications on electronic devices lacking necessary hardware, as existing solutions require installing custom applications and are time-consuming and user-unfriendly.

Innovation Solution

A cross-platform mechanism that establishes virtual devices to simulate real hardware and transfer data between devices, allowing devices to execute applications without hardware limitations by using virtual input and output devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom applications are installed to access remote hardware, then hardware functionality can be accessed, but installation time and user effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual device copies (virtual camera, virtual microphone, virtual speaker) that replicate the functionality of remote physical hardware. These virtual copies allow the demanding electronic device to access remote hardware capabilities without requiring custom application installation, as the virtual devices are integrated into the system through automated device mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a device mounting mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the demanding electronic device and the providing electronic device. This intermediary automatically establishes connections and manages virtual device creation, eliminating the need for users to manually install and configure custom applications while enabling hardware access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom applications are installed to control remote hardware, then remote hardware can be controlled, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote hardware controlVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By creating virtual device copies that mirror remote hardware interfaces, the system allows users to control remote hardware through familiar, built-in device interfaces rather than learning new custom applications. The virtual camera, for example, provides the same user interface and control mechanisms as a native camera, simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The device mounting mechanism provides universal access to various types of hardware (camera, microphone, speaker, etc.) through a standardized virtual device interface. This multi-functional approach allows a single automated mounting system to handle multiple hardware types without requiring separate custom applications for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual devices are established to simulate real hardware, then hardware limitations are overcome, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware flexibilityVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device mounting mechanism operates autonomously to detect available hardware, create appropriate virtual device copies, and establish connections without requiring manual configuration. The system self-manages the complexity of virtual device creation and hardware abstraction, presenting a simplified interface to users while handling system architecture complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated device mounting mechanism serves as an intermediary layer that manages the complexity of virtual device integration. It handles hardware detection, virtual device creation, and connection management, isolating system complexity from users and applications while enabling flexible hardware access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10089260B2Control method and system for accessing data among different electronic devices

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

A system for accessing data among at least two different electronic devices is provided. The system includes a demanding electronic device and a providing electronic device. The demanding electronic device is utilized to establish an input virtual device to execute an application on the demanding electronic device. The providing electronic device is utilized to establish an output virtual device for transmitting data from the providing electronic device to the demanding electronic device via the output virtual device, wherein the data corresponds to the application, and the providing electronic device is physically separated from the demanding electronic device. The input virtual device is established to use a first peripheral of the providing electronic device as a built-in peripheral of the demanding electronic device.