Multi-function device ID with unique identifier

摘要

A computer system that recognizes multi-function devices and associates functions with multi-function devices. Each multi-function device may be represented by a multi-function object, allowing tools, applications or other components within the computer to take actions relating to the entire device or relating to a function based on the association of that function with other functions in the same device. These actions include displaying information about devices, instead of or in addition to information about functions. Actions also include selecting functions based on proximity within a device. Functions may be associated with a multi-function device using a unique device identifier provided by the device or generated for the function based on a connection hierarchy between functions and the computer. Devices may be configured to provide the same identifier regardless of the transport over which the device is accessed.

主权项

1. A method of managing multi-function devices, the method comprising:
when a multi-function device is connected with a host computing device:
determining if a predefined identifier is available for the multi-function device;when a predefined identifier is available for the multi-function device, using the predefined identifier as a unique device identifier of the multi-function device;when a predefined identifier is not available for the multi-function device:
determining whether the multi-function device is a removable device;when the multi-function device is determined to be a removable device, generating a value and using the generated value for the unique device identifier;when the multi-function device is determined to not be a removable device:
determining if the multi-function device that is not a removable device has a node in a tree of device nodes;when the multi-function device that is not a removable device has a node in a device tree: using a device identifier of a parent node, in the device tree, of the node as the unique device identifier;when the multi-function device that is not a removable device does not have a node in the device tree: generating a value and using the generated value for the unique device identifier; andstoring the unique device identifier, and using the unique device identifier as a device identifier for the multi-function device and using the unique device identifier as a device identifier for each of the functions, respectively.