ATA Command Extension for Individual HDD Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems using SATA standards for connecting storage devices and RAID controllers limit access to individual storage devices, making security enhancements by fault prediction and password incomplete, and require dedicated communication lines that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method using an ATA standard interface to control multiple storage devices, employing a Select Channel command to specify and access individual storage devices, allowing normal commands to be transmitted to either the selected device or a master device based on set conditions, eliminating the need for dedicated communication lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated communication line is added separately from SATA IFs to enable individual storage device access, then security enhancement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing SATA interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both data transmission and device selection operations. The host can issue device selection commands through the normal SATA protocol to specify target storage devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication lines while maintaining individual device access capability for security operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the device selection function with the data transmission function by integrating device selection commands into the existing SATA command set. This merging allows the host to select specific storage devices and transmit commands to them through the same SATA interface, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If a dedicated communication line is added separately from SATA IFs to enable individual storage device access, then security enhancement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SATA interface is designed to handle multiple functions including device selection, data transmission, and command issuance. By making the existing interface multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated communication hardware, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing costs while maintaining security enhancement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing SATA infrastructure is utilized to its full potential by enabling it to perform device selection and individual device access operations. This self-service approach leverages already-present hardware and protocols, avoiding the need for additional investment in dedicated communication lines and reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If the host acknowledges the RAID apparatus as one master storage device, then connection simplicity is improved, but individual storage device accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic device selection where the host can switch between viewing the RAID apparatus as a single unit and accessing individual storage devices within it. By introducing device selection commands that can dynamically specify target devices, the system maintains connection simplicity while enabling individual device accessibility when security operations are required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RAID apparatus into individually addressable storage devices through the introduction of device selection commands. While the physical connection remains simple with the RAID apparatus as a single entity, the logical structure is segmented to allow the host to select and access specific storage devices within the RAID array for security operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An extended command is defined in compliance with the ATA standard. A selection number for selecting one of HDDs, one or more designated ATA commands, and an accessible time period including an available count are added to the extended command. As a result, designated normal ATA commands can access a certain one of the HDDs for a certain time period.