Controller Adaptability via Segmented Non-Volatile Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control mechanisms for peripheral devices face challenges in supporting new devices with different models, requiring additional controller designs and increasing production costs due to fixed control information sets stored in read-only memory.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method utilizing a non-volatile storage element and a controller with a read-only storage element, allowing flexible programming to store and read control information sets, enabling support for various peripheral devices without the need for additional controller designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control information sets for different peripheral devices are stored in read-only memory, then the controller can reliably control supported devices, but the controller cannot support new peripheral devices with different model numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two parts: a read-only memory element storing program code and a non-volatile storage element storing control information sets. This segmentation allows the controller to load different control information for different devices without redesigning the entire controller, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller that can control multiple types of peripheral devices by loading different control information sets from the non-volatile storage element. The same controller hardware can serve multiple device types, eliminating the need for separate controllers for each device model.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new controller is developed to support a new peripheral device, then the new device can be controlled, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely new controller hardware for each device, the patent copies or loads different control information sets from the non-volatile storage element into the controller's read-only memory. This allows the same physical controller to be used for multiple device types, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining support for new devices.
3Reliability
If control information sets are stored in read-only memory, then the controller has stable and reliable operation, but the control information cannot be easily modified for different requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores multiple control information sets in the non-volatile storage element during manufacturing. When a specific device is connected, the controller loads the appropriate pre-prepared control information into read-only memory. This preliminary preparation maintains reliability while enabling flexibility for different device requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for controlling at least one peripheral device includes a non-volatile storage element and a controller. The non-volatile storage element is used for storing at least one control information set. The controller is externally coupled to the non-volatile storage element and includes a read-only storage element which stores a segment of program code. The controller loads the segment of program code to execute the segment of program code for reading at least one portion of the control information set from the non-volatile storage element to control the operation of the peripheral device.