Web Services Platform for Device-Independent Hardware Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face the burden of installing multiple device-specific drivers to access and control network accessible peripheral hardware devices, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when accessing devices at new locations where necessary drivers may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A web services platform provides a common, device-independent interface that exposes hardware device capabilities as web services, allowing seamless access and control of heterogeneous devices without the need for device-specific drivers, using web service adapters to create a unified interface for devices with similar functions and capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If device-specific drivers are installed to access hardware devices, then device functionality is enabled, but system complexity and installation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a device adapter as an intermediary component that sits between the client device and the network hardware device. The device adapter translates device-specific protocols and interfaces into standardized web service interfaces, eliminating the need for client-specific drivers while maintaining full device functionality. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling device access without requiring complex driver installations on client devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal device adapter architecture that can handle multiple types of network hardware devices through a common web service interface. Instead of requiring separate drivers for each device type, a single universal adapter framework provides multi-functional support across printers, scanners, and other network devices, significantly reducing system complexity and installation burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device drivers are installed to support various hardware devices, then device compatibility is improved, but maintenance burden and update complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device adapter serves as a maintenance-friendly intermediary layer that centralizes device-specific logic. When device compatibility issues arise or updates are needed, changes are made only in the adapter component rather than distributing updates to multiple client devices. This maintains high device compatibility while dramatically reducing maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts device-specific functionality from the client device into a separate device adapter component. This extraction allows the client device to remain simple and stable, while all device compatibility logic is concentrated in the removable and updatable adapter layer, making maintenance and updates much easier to manage.
3Ease of operation
If device-specific drivers are used to access network devices, then device control is enabled, but accessibility at new locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The universal device adapter provides location-independent device control by implementing standardized web service interfaces that work across different network environments. Users can access and control network hardware devices at any location without needing to install location-specific drivers, as the universal adapter handles all device-specific protocols centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The device adapter acts as a portable intermediary that can be deployed at different locations to provide consistent device control capabilities. Instead of requiring users to have location-specific drivers installed, the adapter mediates between the user's client device and the local network devices, enabling seamless access across different physical locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that enable seamless access and control of hardware device resources through a common, device-independent interface without the need for device-specific drivers. For instance, system and methods are designed to expose capabilities/functions of hardware devices as web-based services which can be invoked to provide specific services based on the capabilities of the hardware devices.