Data Storage Device Remote Management via Mobile App

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage systems lack a user-friendly, remote interface for end users to manage data snapshots, permissions, and security features on removable data storage devices, particularly for retail flash drive products.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device app interface is provided to remotely trigger data management activities on data storage devices, including creating and resetting snapshots, setting permissions, and managing security features, using a wireless communication link such as Bluetooth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile device app interface is provided for remote data management, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendly remote interfaceVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A mobile device application serves as an intermediary between the end user and the data storage device controller. The application provides a user-friendly interface that communicates wirelessly with the storage device, allowing users to manage snapshots and permissions without directly interacting with complex storage protocols or host systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the user interface layer (mobile application), the communication layer (wireless interface), and the data management layer (device controller). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the user experience while managing complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If snapshots are used for data protection, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to data copying overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoidbackup process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Snapshots are created on-demand when users initiate them through the mobile application, rather than continuously in the background. This allows users to control when protection is needed, reducing unnecessary copying operations while maintaining data protection when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copy-on-write technology where data blocks are only copied when they are modified after the snapshot is taken. This reduces the time and resources required for snapshot creation and maintenance compared to traditional full copying methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If remote management capabilities are added to data storage devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidcommunication interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device application leverages the universal wireless communication capabilities of modern mobile devices (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) to provide remote management functionality. This allows the storage device to gain remote management capabilities without adding dedicated communication hardware, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12242378B2Data storage device management system

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Devices and techniques are disclosed wherein an end user can remotely trigger direct data management activities of a data storage device (DSD), such as creating a data snapshot, resetting a snapshot, and setting permissions at the DSD via a remote mobile device app interface.