Data storage device with a predictive mechanism for informing about the technical condition

Abstract

This utility model relates to computing, specifically to storage devices with condition monitoring, and is designed for long-term and reliable data storage with predictive status alerts via an information display and visual and audible alarms. The technical result of the claimed utility model is to increase the reliability of data storage and ensure the user is always informed about the current and predicted technical condition of a flash drive.The claimed technical result is achieved by using a data storage device with a predictive technical condition reporting mechanism, characterized by comprising an IP68-rated enclosure with a sealed USB connector on the outside. An e-ink information display is also located on the outside of the enclosure, connected to a microcontroller located within the enclosure. The microcontroller is connected to an audible alarm and a light indicator located within the enclosure. The microcontroller is also connected via a USB bus to a USB interface controller. The USB interface controller is connected to a flash memory controller, and the flash memory controller is connected to at least one flash memory module, also located within the enclosure. The e-ink information display has a resolution of at least 300 dpi.The indicator light is a tricolor (RGB) LED and is optically coupled to the outer surface of the housing via a sealed fiber optic cable. The audible alarm is a piezoelectric emitter with sound output through a membrane-protected opening on the outer surface of the housing. The microcontroller supports connection to external sensors via UART, I2C, and SPI interfaces.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of computing technology, in particular to storage devices with a condition monitoring function, and is intended for long-term and reliable storage of data with predictive notification of the technical condition through an information display, light and sound alarm.

[0002] In today's world, we're seeing rapid growth in the volume of digital data used in various areas of human activity: from personal document management and multimedia to industrial automation, telemetry, medical equipment, transportation systems, and smart devices. USB flash drives remain a key tool for transferring, storing, and sharing this data due to their compactness, portability, and ease of use.

[0003] However, existing USB flash drives have a number of significant drawbacks. Firstly, users of data storage devices often encounter sudden drive failure, which leads to the irreversible loss of important data. This is due to the fact that NAND flash memory has a limited number of write cycles, and as this resource is exhausted, data storage reliability gradually decreases, eventually leading to complete device failure. Secondly, most existing drives do not provide the user with any information about the current technical condition of the memory or the estimated remaining lifespan. The user only becomes aware of the problem at the moment of failure, when the data has already been lost or damaged.

[0004] Analysis of the prior art shows that various devices are known that attempt to solve the problem of informing the user, but each of them has its own shortcomings.

[0005] A device is known (US 7516269B2, IPC G06F 1 / 00, G06F 12 / 00, G06F 13 / 00, G06F 3 / 06, G11C 7 / 24, H05K 5 / 00, G06F 3 / 14, 07.04.2009), which is a flash memory device with a USB interface, having an information liquid crystal display and a foldable USB connector. The disadvantages are high power consumption of the liquid crystal display, the inability to display information in the absence of external power supply, the lack of predictive information about the technical condition of the drive, as well as the lack of light and sound alarms.

[0006] A device (KR 101384340B1, IPC G06F 1 / 16, G06F 11 / 22, G06F 11 / 32, 14.04.2014) is a USB-interface memory device containing flash memory and a USB controller, with an LED used for indication. A disadvantage is the inability to display visual information, the lack of predictive information about the technical condition, and the absence of an audible alarm.

[0007] A known device (US 20100308112A1, IPC G06K 7 / 00, December 9, 2010) is a USB drive with an integrated display that displays the memory status as a percentage, with the display covering the entire surface of the casing. The disadvantages include reduced reliability due to the display covering the entire surface of the casing, the lack of predictive information about the technical condition, the absence of a light indicator and audible alarm, and the lack of a residual life forecast.

[0008] A known device (US 2008094788A1, IPC H05K 5 / 00, 24.04.2008) is a memory card containing a piezoelectric material that generates voltage when mechanically pressed by the user, and a display that is activated and displays information using the energy generated by this press. The disadvantages include the need for forced physical action to activate the display, the inability to automatically display information without user intervention, the use of a volatile display that does not retain information in the absence of power, the lack of a light indicator and audible alarm, a predictor of the remaining life, and housing protection, and the fact that the device is not a USB flash drive.

[0009] A known device (RU 152939, IPC G11B 33 / 10, June 27, 2015) is a USB flash drive with multiple e-ink display panels that display information generated by the processor. Disadvantages include the limited display of specific information, increased dimensions due to the use of multiple displays, the lack of an LED indicator, the absence of a piezoelectric sound emitter, and the lack of a predictive function for the remaining lifespan and technical condition of the drive.

[0010] A known device (CN 209842686 U, IPC G06K 19 / 077, December 24, 2019) is a USB flash drive with an e-ink information display and indicator light. Its drawbacks include the lack of an RGB LED, a piezoelectric sound emitter, no wear indicator or remaining lifespan prediction, and a lack of casing protection.

[0011] A known device (RU 200150 U1, IPC G06K 19 / 04, October 8, 2020) is a USB flash drive with storage for visual marking on a flat media, covered by a transparent lid. Disadvantages include the lack of a microcontroller for predicting the remaining life, the absence of a mathematical model for calculating reliability, the absence of an e-ink information display, the absence of an RGB indicator and audible alarm, and the lack of housing protection.

[0012] The prototype of the claimed device is a known device (US 8578063 B2, IPC G06F 3 / 00, 05.11.2013), which is a data storage device with the ability to automatically output information to a built-in electronic ink information display that does not require constant power, and the device is capable of displaying reliability statistics, including uptime, read / write error rate, temperature, and the level of fragmentation of the media. The disadvantages of the prototype include the inability to display analytical information on the residual reliability forecast, including the probability of failure and technical service life, while reliability statistics do not provide the user with complete and understandable information about the security of data storage, which may increase the risk of losing important information in the event of a device failure, the lack of an RGB LED indicator, a piezoelectric sound emitter, and a three-channel user information system.

[0013] Thus, even those devices capable of displaying some information typically use only a single information channel (a visual display or LED). The lack of redundant channels (RGB light and sound) reduces the likelihood of prompt user detection of a critical drive condition. Furthermore, when used in high humidity, dust, or adverse environments (e.g., in the field, in manufacturing, or on transport), conventional flash drives can fail due to moisture or dust ingress. Existing devices with displays and indicators typically lack adequate protection.Consequently, there is a technical problem: the lack of the ability in known data storage devices to predictively inform the user about the technical condition of the drive with the simultaneous use of visual (non-volatile high-definition display), light (multi-color) and sound notification channels in a sealed design suitable for operation in harsh conditions.

[0014] To solve the stated problem, the claimed utility model is proposed – a data storage device with a predictive mechanism for informing about the technical condition.

[0015] The technical problem, which the claimed utility model is aimed at solving, is the development of a data storage device, in which, due to the introduction of new design elements and their interrelations, the possibility of predictive informing the user about the technical condition of the drive is ensured with the simultaneous use of visual, light and sound notification channels in a sealed design, suitable for operation in difficult conditions,

[0016] The technical result of the claimed utility model is to increase the reliability of data storage and to ensure guaranteed information to the user about the current and predicted technical condition of the flash drive.

[0017] The claimed technical result is achieved by using a data storage device with a predictive mechanism for informing about the technical condition, characterized in that it contains a housing made with protection according to the IP68 standard with a sealed USB connector on the outside, wherein on the outside of the housing there is also an information display on electronic ink, connected to a microcontroller located inside the housing, wherein the microcontroller is connected to an audible alarm device and a light indicator located inside the housing, wherein the microcontroller is also connected via a USB bus to a USB interface controller, wherein the USB interface controller is connected to a flash memory controller, wherein the flash memory controller is connected to at least one flash memory module, also located inside the housing.

[0018] The e-ink information display has a resolution of at least 300 dpi.

[0019] The indicator light is made in the form of a three-color (RGB) LED and is optically connected to the outer surface of the housing through a sealed light guide.

[0020] The sound alarm device is made in the form of a piezoelectric emitter with sound output through a hole protected by a membrane in the outer part of the housing.

[0021] The microcontroller is designed with the ability to connect external sensors via UART, I2C, SPI interfaces.

[0022] The claimed utility model is illustrated by the following drawing:

[0023] - no way. 1 is a block diagram explaining the operation of a data storage device with a predictive mechanism for informing about the technical condition, where 1 is a sealed USB interface connector for connecting a flash drive to the host device, 2 is a USB interface controller that allows you to connect both a microcontroller and a flash memory controller to the USB bus at the same time, 3 is a flash memory controller, 4 is at least one flash memory module, 5 is a microcontroller, 6 is an audible alarm device made in the form of a piezoelectric element, 7 is a protective sound-conducting membrane that prevents dust and moisture from entering the housing, 8 is a three-color light indicator (RGB), 9 is a sealed light guide, 10 is an electronic ink (E-ink) information display with a resolution of at least 300 dpi, 11 is a connector for connecting external sensors via UART, I2C, SPI interfaces, 12 is a housing made with protection according to IP68 standard.The IP68 standard ensures complete dustproofness and protection against prolonged immersion in water to a depth of over 1 meter. This ensures the housing prevents dust, dirt, and moisture from penetrating even in harsh conditions: outdoors in the rain, in industrial facilities, on transport, in the field, or during short-term flooding. The sealed USB interface connector, sealed light guide for the three-color RGB indicator, and protective sound-conducting membrane are designed to maintain the IP68 rating.

[0024] The USB interface controller (2) communicates with external devices via the interface connector (1) using the USB 2.0 protocol. Depending on the type of interface controller installed, other data transfer protocols may be used. The USB interface controller (2) transmits data read and write commands to the flash memory controller (3), which communicates with the flash memory module or modules (4) and generates a status report.

[0025] The device includes a microcontroller (5) with a permanent machine-readable data carrier. The microcontroller software allows for the registration of data processing commands transmitted via the USB interface, the analysis of reliability indicators, the counting of the number of memory cell rewriting cycles, the comparison of this value with the maximum number of cycles, and the decision on the remaining reliability margin of the device, as well as the transmission of information to the information display (10) and the three-color LED indicator (8), and the activation of the sound alarm device (6). The microcontroller software is registered as a computer program "Evaluation of the resource of a flash drive with an information display" (No. 2019614405, 04.04.2019).

[0026] The microcontroller (5) records data processing and possible memory overwrites. Additionally, the microcontroller (5) is equipped with UART, I2C, and SPI hardware interfaces, routed to a separate sealed connector (11) on the housing. External sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, vibration, pressure) can be connected to this connector.

[0027] The microcontroller (5) uses the maximum number of write cycles set by the memory module manufacturer to calculate the capacity of the remaining memory cells subject to rewriting, reliability data, uptime, the number of rewrites, and memory reserves in the microcontroller's internal non-volatile memory. If the wear and aging of the memory cells approaches the limit, the microcontroller (5) activates the audible alarm device (6), implemented in the form of a piezoelectric emitter, which generates an audible signal warning the user of the risk of data loss. The microcontroller (5) also controls the color of the LED indicator (8), which displays the technical status of the flash memory module. The microcontroller (5) is connected to the information display (10), which shows information about the occupied and free memory capacity, as well as arbitrary information specified by the user.The information on the information display (10) is retained for a long time without power supply or an internal power source by using electronic ink (E-ink) technology.

[0028] The device operates as follows.

[0029] The user connects the USB interface connector (1) of the device to the corresponding connector on the host device, which can be a personal computer or other compatible device. The microcontroller (5) briefly blocks information exchange between the host device and the flash memory controller (3) and calculates and evaluates reliability indicators.

[0030] The microcontroller's non-volatile memory (5) stores information about its operation, including the number of rewrite cycles, as well as statistical data such as the amount of free and used memory, operating time, and operating temperature data.

[0031] Using this data, a mathematical calculation of the probability of failure-free operation (PFO) is performed based on a reliability model with an exponential distribution. The following formula (1) is used to calculate the PFO:

[0032] , (1)

[0033] where P(t) is the probability of failure-free operation;

[0034] – flash drive failure rate in cyclic mode, 1 / h;

[0035] – total operating time of the device, h.

[0036] At the same time calculated using formula (2):

[0037] , (2)

[0038] where πQ is the quality factor;

[0039] A1, A2, B1, B2 – dynamic coefficients.

[0040] The dynamic coefficients A1 and A2 depend on the number of times the device's memory is accessed and are selected from the tables in the MIL-HDBK-217F reliability datasheet (see Tables 1 and 2 for reference). However, it should be noted that specific flash memory characteristics may vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is recommended to refer to them for precise information.

[0041] Dynamic coefficient B1 is calculated based on the size of the drive memory and its operating temperature using formula (3):

[0042] , (3)

[0043] where B is the memory size in bits;

[0044] T j – temperature coefficient, which is calculated using formula (4):

[0045] (4)

[0046] where – operating temperature, °C;

[0047] – thermal resistance “junction-case”, °C / W;

[0048] – maximum dissipation power, W.

[0049] The microcontroller (5) uses data from external sensors to adjust the coefficients in formulas (3) and (4), which allows for a more accurate prediction of the remaining life under actual operating conditions.

[0050] These formulas (1-4) are based in part on data from the MIL-HDBK-217F reliability reference guide, as well as flash drive reliability reports from Backblaze, Kioxia, Micron, Samsung, SK hynix, Western Digital, and Seagate, supplemented by JEDEC methodologies and the Total Bytes Written (TBW) metric. TBW is the manufacturer's guaranteed total data volume in terabytes that can be written to a drive over its lifetime.

[0051] Then the technical condition (TC) of the device is calculated using formula (5):

[0052] ,(5)

[0053] where – the number of memory rewrite cycles performed;

[0054] – maximum number of memory rewrite cycles.

[0055] Then the predicted resource (T) is calculated, which determines the remaining operating time of the device using formula (6):

[0056] (6)

[0057] After calculating the probability of failure, the microcontroller (5) analyzes the resulting numerical value and determines the remaining safety margin of the device. It then displays a corresponding message on the information display (10), which it controls. In the event of a critically low safety margin, the microcontroller activates the audible alarm (6), which emits an audible signal warning the user of the danger of storing data on the worn-out flash memory device.

[0058] The information display (10) displays all calculated reliability characteristics, including the probability of no-failure operation, the current technical condition, and the predicted service life. The information display (10) displays information for an extended period of time without the need for a constant power supply thanks to the use of electronic ink (E-ink) technology. Thus, after calculating the reliability characteristics and displaying them on the display, the microcontroller (5) turns off the power to the display (10) and enables information exchange between the master device and the flash memory controller (3) via the USB interface via the USB interface connector (1), thereby implementing the functionality of a flash drive.

[0059] The microcontroller (5) also controls the color of the RGB LED indicator (8). If, following the reliability calculation, the memory module's technical condition exceeds 51%, the indicator flashes green. If the technical condition is below 50% but above 25%, the LED flashes yellow. If the technical condition drops below 25%, the indicator changes to red. The microcontroller (5) analyzes the data transmitted via the USB interface between the master device and the flash memory controller (3), determines whether a memory cell in the flash memory module or modules (4) has been overwritten, and stores the volume of overwritten memory and the device operating time in non-volatile memory for subsequent use in the reliability calculation process.

[0060] Thus, the claimed device differs from the prototype in its method of collecting data on flash memory cell rewrites and in the way it displays the calculated reliability characteristics for the specified technical specifications. The claimed device achieves the stated technical result of increasing data storage reliability and providing guaranteed user information about the current and projected technical condition of the flash drive.

[0061] Reference information for determining the dynamic coefficients A1 and A2 (source: MIL-HDBK-217F: Military Handbook: Reliability Prediction of Electronic Equipment. - US Department of Defense, 1991. - 323 p.).

[0062] Table 1

[0063] Determination of dynamic coefficient A1

[0064] by the number of memory rewrite cycles

[0065] Number of memory rewrite cycles, C Coefficient A1 Up to 100 0.0097 100 C 200 0.014 200 C 500 0.023 500 C 1K 0.033 1K C 3K 0.061 3K C 7K 0.14 7K C 15K 0.3 15K from 20K 0.39 20K from 30K 0.58 30K to 100K 1.93 100K With 200K 3.85 200K With 400K 7.5 400K With 500K 10

[0066] Table 2

[0067] Determination of dynamic coefficient A2

[0068] by the number of memory rewrite cycles

[0069] Number of memory rewrite cycles, C*103 Coefficient A2 Up to 300 0 300 C 400 1.1 400 C 500 2.3

Claims

1. A data storage device with a predictive mechanism for informing about a technical condition, characterized in that it contains a housing made with protection against dust penetration and against prolonged immersion in water to a depth of more than 1 m with a sealed USB connector on the outside, wherein on the outside of the housing there is also an information display on electronic ink connected to a microcontroller located inside the housing, wherein the microcontroller is connected to an audible alarm device and a light indicator located inside the housing, wherein the microcontroller is also connected via a USB bus to a USB interface controller, wherein the USB interface controller is connected to a flash memory controller, wherein the flash memory controller is connected to at least one flash memory module, also located inside the housing.

2. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the electronic ink information display has a resolution of at least 300 dpi.

3. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the light indicator is made in the form of a three-color (RGB) LED and is optically connected to the outer surface of the housing through a sealed light guide.

4. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the sound signaling device is made in the form of a piezoelectric emitter with sound output through an opening protected by a membrane in the outer part of the housing.

5. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the microcontroller is designed with the ability to connect external sensors via UART, I2C, SPI interfaces.

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