Data transmission device, data transfer system and data transfer method

Abstract

The invention relates to a data transmission device, which comprises a double-sided pluggable port, a memory and a processor, the double-sided pluggable port comprises a plurality of upper-row pins and a plurality of lower-row pins, the upper-row pins and the lower-row pins are oppositely arranged, the upper-row pins comprise a first identification pin, and the lower-row pins comprise a second identification pin. The processor is connected to the double-sided pluggable port and the memory, and is used for outputting data stored in the memory through the double-sided pluggable port when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin position, and outputting data stored in the memory through the second identification pin position when the specified signal is detected through the second identification pin position. And outputting a data request signal through the double-sided pluggable port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a data transmission device, a data transfer system, and a data transfer method. Background Art

[0002] Portable hard drives (VHDs) are convenient tools for data storage and transfer. Users simply insert the VHD into their personal devices to store or transfer data. However, these data transfers require manual intervention, making the process time-consuming and prone to errors. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides a data transmission device, a data transfer system, and a data transfer method.

[0004] A data transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a double-sided pluggable port, a memory, and a processor. The double-sided pluggable port includes a plurality of upper rows of pins and a plurality of lower rows of pins respectively disposed opposite to each other. The plurality of upper rows of pins includes a first identification pin, and the plurality of lower rows of pins includes a second identification pin. The processor is connected to the double-sided pluggable port and the memory, and is configured to output data stored in the memory through the double-sided pluggable port when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin, and to output a data retrieval signal through the double-sided pluggable port when the specified signal is detected through the second identification pin.

[0005] A data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a portable hard drive and a data transmission device. The data transmission device includes a double-sided pluggable port, a memory, and a processor. The double-sided pluggable port is used to connect to the portable hard drive and includes a plurality of upper rows of pins and a plurality of lower rows of pins respectively arranged opposite to each other. The plurality of upper rows of pins includes a first identification pin, and the plurality of lower rows of pins includes a second identification pin. The processor is connected to the double-sided pluggable port and the memory, and is used to output data stored in the memory to the portable hard drive through the double-sided pluggable port when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin, and to output a data retrieval signal to the portable hard drive through the double-sided pluggable port when the specified signal is detected through the second identification pin.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a data transfer method is applicable to a data transmission device and a portable hard drive. The data transfer method includes the following steps performed by the data transmission device: when a designated signal of the portable hard drive is detected through a first identification pin of a plurality of upper pins of a double-sided pluggable port, the stored data is output to the portable hard drive through the double-sided pluggable port; and when the designated signal of the portable hard drive is detected through a second identification pin of a plurality of lower pins of the double-sided pluggable port, a data retrieval signal is output to the portable hard drive through the double-sided pluggable port.

[0007] By employing the above structure, the data transmission device, data transfer system, and data transfer method disclosed in this invention, through the provision of an identification pin on both the upper and lower pins of the double-sided pluggable port, enable the data transmission device to perform a first function of outputting data or restoring data when it detects a specified signal (i.e., detects that the portable hard drive is inserted with its first side) via the first identification pin; and to perform a second function of retrieving data or backing up data when it detects a specified signal (i.e., detects that the portable hard drive is inserted with its second side) via the second identification pin. This reduces the additional operations required for data transmission, optimizes the data transfer process and efficiency, and saves time.

[0008] The above description of the content of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of protection of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a data transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a data transfer system illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a double-sided pluggable port of a data transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a data transfer method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0014] 10: Data transmission device

[0015] 11: Double-sided pluggable port

[0016] 111: Top row foot position

[0017] 111a: First identification pin position

[0018] 112: Lower row of feet

[0019] 112a: Second identification pin position

[0020] 12: Memory

[0021] 13: Processor

[0022] 14: User Interface

[0023] 20: Portable Hard Drive

[0024] S11-S14: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention in the embodiments is sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Based on the content, scope of protection, and drawings disclosed in this specification, those skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following embodiments further illustrate the viewpoints of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a data transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the data transmission device 10 includes a double-sided pluggable port 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13. The double-sided pluggable port 11 includes a plurality of upper rows of pins and a plurality of lower rows of pins respectively arranged opposite to each other. The plurality of upper rows of pins includes a first identification pin, and the plurality of lower rows of pins includes a second identification pin. The processor 13 is connected to the double-sided pluggable port 11 and the memory 12, and is used to output data stored in the memory 12 through the double-sided pluggable port 11 when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin, and to output a data retrieval signal through the double-sided pluggable port 11 when the specified signal is detected through the second identification pin.

[0027] In this example, the data transmission device 10 may be a personal computer. The reversible port 11 includes multiple pins, some for transmitting and receiving data, and others for identifying connected external devices. The pins of the reversible port 11 may be divided into upper and lower rows. The reversible port 11 can be connected to either the front or back of a connector; that is, either the upper or lower row of pins of the reversible port 11 can be connected to a connector. For example, the reversible port 11 may be a Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB Type-C) port, but the invention is not limited thereto. The memory 12 may be a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory. The processor may be a microcontroller, a central processing unit, or a programmable logic controller, etc.

[0028] When an external device is connected to the data transmission device 10 via the reversible plug-in port 11, the processor 13 can determine whether the external device is connected to the reversible plug-in port 11 via the front or back side. Specifically, when the processor 13 detects a specified signal (i.e., detects that the external device is inserted with the front side facing out) through the first identification pin, it can output the data stored in the memory 12 through the reversible plug-in port 11. And when the processor 13 detects the specified signal (i.e., detects that the external device is inserted with the back side facing out) through the second identification pin, it can output a data retrieval signal through the reversible plug-in port 11. That is, when the processor 13 detects a specified signal through the first identification pin, it can transfer the data in the memory 12 to the external device, or back up the data in the memory 12 to the external device. When the processor 13 detects a specified signal through the second identification pin, it can send a data retrieval signal to the external device, or allow the external device to restore external data to the memory 12 of the data transmission device 10.

[0029] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the data transmission device 10 in this example may further include a user interface 14 connected to the processor 13. The processor 13 may further be used to issue a confirmation message through the user interface 14 when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin. In this example, the user interface 14 may be a screen. Specifically, when the user inserts an external device into the reversible port 11 with one side facing up, the processor 13 may issue a confirmation message through the user interface 14 based on the specified signal detected by the first identification pin or the second identification pin, to ensure that the user can perform the desired function. Furthermore, when the user inserts an external device (such as a portable hard drive) with the backup side facing up into the data transmission device 10, the user can select to back up all data or only select to back up specific data to the portable hard drive through the settings options on the user interface 14. At the same time, the user interface 14 may also provide an option to restore factory settings, allowing the user to restore the data transmission device to its factory state while selecting backup.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a data transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the data transfer system 1 includes a data transmission device 10 and a portable hard drive 20. The data transmission device 10 includes a double-sided pluggable port 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13. The double-sided pluggable port 11 is used to connect to the portable hard drive 20 and includes a plurality of upper rows of pins and a plurality of lower rows of pins respectively arranged opposite to each other. The plurality of upper rows of pins includes a first identification pin, and the plurality of lower rows of pins includes a second identification pin. The processor 13 is connected to the double-sided pluggable port 11 and the memory 12. When a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin, the processor 13 outputs data stored in the memory 12 to the portable hard drive 20 through the double-sided pluggable port 11. When the specified signal is detected through the second identification pin, the processor 13 outputs a data retrieval signal to the portable hard drive 20 through the double-sided pluggable port 11.

[0031] Figure 2 Data transmission device 10 and Figure 1 The data transmission device 10 is basically the same as the one described above, and will not be repeated here. In this example, the portable hard drive 20 has a connector corresponding to the reversible port 11, specifically a Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB Type-C) connector. When the portable hard drive 20 is connected to the data transmission device 10 through the reversible port 11, the processor 13 can determine whether the portable hard drive 20 is connected to the reversible port 11 from the front or the back. Specifically, when the processor 13 detects a specified signal through the first identification pin (i.e., detects that the portable hard drive 20 is inserted with the front side facing up), it can output the data stored in the memory 12 to the portable hard drive 20 through the reversible port 11. And when the processor 13 detects the specified signal through the second identification pin (i.e., detects that the portable hard drive 20 is inserted with the back side facing up), it can output a data retrieval signal to the portable hard drive 20 through the reversible port 11.

[0032] In other words, when the processor 13 detects a designated signal through the first identification pin, it can transfer or back up the data from the memory 12 to the portable hard drive 20. When the processor 13 detects a designated signal through the second identification pin, it can send a data request signal to the portable hard drive 20, or allow the portable hard drive 20 to restore the stored data to the memory 12 of the data transmission device 10. Thus, when the portable hard drive 20 is coupled to the data transmission device 10 with its front side facing up, it can back up the data of the data transmission device 10; when it is coupled to the data transmission device 10 with its back side facing down, it can restore the backed-up or stored data to the data transmission device 10. The portable hard drive 20 can also be used to restore the factory settings of multiple data transmission devices 10. In one embodiment, the two opposite surfaces of the portable hard drive 20 can be provided with different patterns for user identification.

[0033] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, the data transmission device 10 in this example may further include a user interface 14 connected to the processor 13. The processor 13 may further be used to issue a confirmation message through the user interface 14 when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin. In this example, the user interface 14 may be a screen. Specifically, when the user inserts the portable hard drive 20 into the reversible port 11 with one side facing down, the processor 13 may issue a confirmation message through the user interface 14 based on the specified signal detected by the first identification pin or the second identification pin, to ensure that the user can perform the desired function.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a double-sided pluggable port of a data transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the first identification pin 111a of the reversible port 11 is located in a specific sequence from left to right among the plurality of upper pins 111, and the second identification pin 112a is located in the same specific sequence from right to left among the plurality of lower pins 112. With this configuration, when the connector of the portable hard drive is connected to the reversible port 11 with the front side facing up, the data transmission device can detect a specified signal through the first identification pin 111a; and when the connector of the portable hard drive is connected to the reversible port 11 with the back side facing down, the data transmission device can detect a specified signal through the second identification pin 112a.

[0035] Please combine Figure 2 refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a data transfer method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the data transfer method includes execution using a data transmission device 10 in conjunction with a portable hard drive 20. Step S11: Detect a specified signal through a reversible port; Step S12: Determine whether the specified signal comes from the first identification pin of the upper pin row or the second identification pin of the lower pin row; If it is the first identification pin, then execute step S13: Output the stored data to the portable hard drive through the reversible port; If it is the second identification pin, then execute step S14: Output a data retrieval signal to the portable hard drive through the reversible port.

[0036] The execution of steps S11 to S14 above and Figures 1 to 3 The description is essentially the same and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the above data transfer method may further include: when a specified signal is detected through the first or second identification pin, issuing a confirmation message through the user interface. Specifically, the user interface may be a screen. When the user inserts the portable hard drive into the reversible port with one side facing down, the processor can detect the specified signal based on the first or second identification pin and issue a confirmation message through the user interface.

[0037] Based on the embodiments of the data transmission apparatus, data transfer system, and data transfer method described above, optional embodiments are provided below. In one embodiment, the processor of the data transmission apparatus may be further configured to receive verification information via a double-sided pluggable port before outputting data stored in the output memory or outputting a data retrieval signal, and to confirm that the verification information matches pre-stored information. That is, in Figure 4 Before steps S13 and S14, the processor of the data transmission device can first verify the authentication information of the portable hard drive (or external device). Through this authentication mechanism, the data transmission device of the present invention can not only conveniently back up data to or restore data from the portable hard drive, but also improve data security. Specifically, when an arbitrary and mismatched portable hard drive is inserted into the data transmission device, the data transmission device can first verify the portable hard drive to avoid backing up important data to other suspicious portable hard drives, and also to avoid obtaining harmful data, such as virus program code, from suspicious portable hard drives.

[0038] In another embodiment, the processor of the data transmission device can be further configured to receive a driver from a portable hard drive (or external device) via a reversible plug-in port and install the driver. Further, the processor of the data transmission device can be configured to, upon detecting a specified signal via the first or second identification pin, initiate the driver and then output data stored in memory via the reversible plug-in port or output a data retrieval signal via the reversible plug-in port. Specifically, Figure 2 The portable hard drive 20 can pre-store a driver. When the portable hard drive 20 is connected to the double-sided pluggable port 11 of the data transmission device 10, the processor 13 of the data transmission device 10 can install the driver to obtain software resources and start the driver and specific operation interface to perform data backup or data restoration functions.

[0039] By employing the above structure, the data transmission device, data transfer system, and data transfer method disclosed in this invention, through the provision of an identification pin on both the upper and lower pins of the double-sided pluggable port, enable the data transmission device to perform a first function of outputting data or restoring data when it detects a designated signal (i.e., detecting that the portable hard drive is inserted with its first side) via the first identification pin; and to perform a second function of retrieving data or backing up data when it detects a designated signal (i.e., detecting that the portable hard drive is inserted with its second side) via the second identification pin. This reduces the additional operations required for data transmission, optimizes the data transfer process and efficiency, and saves time. Furthermore, by pre-installing a driver in the portable hard drive, the data transmission device can automatically install the driver and start the supporting software system when the portable hard drive is connected to the data transmission device to perform subsequent data restoration or data backup, facilitating user operation.

Claims

1. A data transmission device, characterized in that: Include: A double-sided pluggable port includes a plurality of upper row pins and a plurality of lower row pins respectively arranged opposite to each other, wherein the plurality of upper row pins include a first identification pin, and the plurality of lower row pins include a second identification pin; a memory; as well as A processor is connected to the double-sided pluggable port and the memory, and is used to output the data stored in the memory through the double-sided pluggable port when a specified signal is detected through the first identification pin, and to output a data request signal through the double-sided pluggable port when the specified signal is detected through the second identification pin.

2. The data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein The first identification pin is located at a specific sequence from left to right of the plurality of upper row pins, and the second identification pin is located at the specific sequence from right to left of the plurality of lower row pins.

3. The data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein The processor is further configured to receive a verification message through a double-sided pluggable port before outputting the data stored in the memory or outputting the data request signal, and confirm that the verification message matches a pre-stored message.

4. The data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further used for receiving a driver through the double-sided pluggable port and installing the driver.

5. The data transmission device according to claim 4, wherein: The processor is used for outputting the data stored in the memory or the data request signal through the double-sided pluggable port after starting the driver when the designated signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin.

6. The data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a user interface connected to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured to send a confirmation message through the user interface when the designated signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin.

7. A data transfer system, characterized in that: Include: a portable hard drive; and A data transmission device comprising: a double-sided pluggable port for connecting to the portable hard drive, comprising a plurality of upper and lower rows of pins disposed opposite to each other, wherein the plurality of upper row pins include a first identification pin, and the plurality of lower row pins include a second identification pin; a memory; as well as A processor is connected to the double-sided pluggable port and the memory, and is configured to output data stored in the memory to the portable hard drive through the double-sided pluggable port when a designated signal from the portable hard drive is detected through the first identification pin, and to output a data retrieval signal to the portable hard drive through the double-sided pluggable port when the designated signal is detected through the second identification pin.

8. The data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein: The portable hard drive has a front side and a back side, and is used to back up data of a first device when coupled to the front side, and to restore the backed-up data to a second device when coupled to the back side, wherein the first device and the second device are the data transmission devices.

9. The data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein: The first identification pin is located at a specific sequence from left to right of the plurality of upper row pins, and the second identification pin is located at the specific sequence from right to left of the plurality of lower row pins.

10. The data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is further configured to receive a verification message through the double-sided pluggable port before outputting the data stored in the memory or outputting the data request signal, and confirm that the verification message matches a pre-stored message.

11. The data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is further used for receiving a driver through the double-sided pluggable port and installing the driver.

12. The data transmission device according to claim 11, wherein: The processor is used for outputting the data stored in the memory or the data request signal through the double-sided pluggable port after starting the driver when the designated signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin.

13. The data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein: The data transmission device further includes a user interface connected to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured to send a confirmation message through the user interface when the designated signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin.

14. A data transfer method, characterized in that: Applicable to a data transmission device and a portable hard disk, the data transfer method includes executing, using the data transmission device: When a designated signal of the portable hard disk is detected by a first identification pin of a plurality of upper pins of a double-sided pluggable port, the stored data is output to the portable hard disk through the double-sided pluggable port; as well as When the designated signal of the portable hard disk is detected through a second identification pin of the plurality of lower pins of the double-sided pluggable port, a data acquisition signal is output to the portable hard disk through the double-sided pluggable port.

15. The data transfer method according to claim 14, wherein: The first identification pin is located at a specific sequence from left to right of the plurality of upper row pins, and the second identification pin is located at the specific sequence from right to left of the plurality of lower row pins.

16. The data transfer method according to claim 14, wherein: Also includes: Before outputting the stored data or the data request signal, a verification message is received through the double-sided pluggable port, and the verification message is confirmed to match a pre-stored message.

17. The data transfer method according to claim 14, wherein: Also includes: A driver is received through the double-sided pluggable port and installed.

18. The data transfer method according to claim 17, wherein: Also includes: When the designated signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin, the driver is started and the stored data is output through the double-sided pluggable port or the data request signal is output through the double-sided pluggable port.

19. The data transfer method according to claim 14, wherein: Also includes: When the designated signal is detected through the first identification pin or the second identification pin, a confirmation message is sent through a user interface.

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