How to add support for a new device in BioEra

There are two possible ways:

• We do full implementation
• You do it yourself.

1. We develop the driver

Advantages:

• we do full implementation of the driver free of charge
• driver is fully integrated into BioEra
• information about the driver and the company is included in documentations
• device name is listed in DeviceSet element and can be selected using BioEra interface
• device name is added on main bioera page along with link to your company and logo image (if you provide it)
• the implementation takes about 2 weeks (assuming no unexpected problems), implementation starts after we receive the device
• we provide support and make sure that device works in all next versions of BioEra

Requirements:

• you need to send to us a device model which fully implements all required functions
• the device is provided free of charge and permanently, you can replace it later with another (newer) model (we send old device back when the new one arrives)
• you answer all our questions about the communication protocol details

Implementation type (select one):

• you provide a compiled driver/library with java interface, full API and simple example how to use it
• you provide a compiled driver/library with C++ interface, full API and simple example how to use it
• you provide full specification of the communication protocol, we implement it

Computer-device communication:

• most bioera devices communicates over serial port,  this includes all interfaces which emulate serial port e.g.: USB-to-Serial dongles, Bluetooth with serial interface, infrared links and others
• direct communication to USB,  you need to provide your driver to access USB stream of data

Redistribution:

• We include the driver (implemented or provided) along with each BioEra release.
• We do NOT include any additional software which is required for the device to function (e.g. dongle drivers which install serial port in system).

2. You do it yourself

Note, this option is rarely chosen but possible:

• you need some java programming knowledge
• you use CustomElement element to do it (there is an example of simple implementation in development manual)
• you implement full interface to the device (including serial port connections, transfer etc)
• you provide full support and make sure it is compatible with next BioEra versions (we provide support for the CustomElement)
• you are responsible for driver redistribution

Any questions about the above can be sent by email or posted on forum.