Virtual Driver Interface Automates Device Driver Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in determining the appropriate device driver to use for interfacing an application with a device, often due to inadequate knowledge of available drivers and their compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A virtual driver interface is provided that determines which device driver to use based on a strategy, such as a priority list, look-up table, or date of creation, to automate the selection process and simplify user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device drivers are provided for a single device or class of devices, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual driver interface as an intermediary layer between the application and multiple physical device drivers. This virtual interface receives driver selection requests from applications, automatically determines the most appropriate driver based on predefined criteria (such as device type, version compatibility, or performance requirements), and routes the request to the appropriate physical driver. This mediator approach maintains high adaptability by supporting multiple drivers while reducing selection complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual driver interface serves multiple functions: it acts as a universal entry point for all applications regardless of which specific driver they need, provides automatic driver selection based on various criteria, and maintains a registry of multiple device drivers. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support diverse devices and drivers while presenting a simplified interface to users.
2Ease of operation
If automatic driver selection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual driver interface implements self-service by automatically determining which device driver to use without requiring user intervention. The system includes built-in logic that evaluates device characteristics, driver compatibility, and selection criteria to autonomously make the appropriate driver selection. This eliminates the need for users to manually search through and select drivers, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the virtual driver interface with knowledge of multiple device drivers and their characteristics before runtime. Driver registration and capability descriptions are established in advance, allowing the automatic selection process to quickly determine the appropriate driver when an application needs to interface with a device, without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a test and measurement application executing on a computing device is interfaced with one or more external device coupled to the computing device. A device driver is selected for use with one of the external device from two or more available device drivers that are each compatible with the external device. The device driver is coupled to a virtual driver interface that provides the test and measurement application with a standardized interface to any of the two or more available device drivers. The test and measurement application communicates with the external device through the virtual driver interface.