Drive Message Router for JBOD Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems require a separate communication link to control status lights, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in systems where a direct link between the server and lights is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage device emulator that allows commands to be passed from a server to a light bar on a JBOD device via a storage protocol, eliminating the need for a separate communication link by using internal bus communications, where the drive message router is connected to the motherboard and lights through a disk drive protocol, and light patterns are stored in solid state memory for sequential illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate communication link is used to control status lights, then the lights can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and cable requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light control function with the existing storage protocol communication path. The light controller receives commands through the same bus used for storage device communication, eliminating the need for a separate communication link. This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining light control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage protocol bus is given multi-functionality by enabling it to carry both storage data and light control commands. The light controller is designed to interpret specific protocol commands for light control, allowing the same communication infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated links.
2Reliability
If a separate communication cable is connected to the motherboard controller, then direct light control is achieved, but the number of cables and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light control communication into the existing storage device communication path. The light controller connects to the bus through the same interface used for storage devices, eliminating the need for separate cables. This approach maintains reliable control while reducing the physical quantity of cables required in the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different communication protocols are supported, then device compatibility increases, but the communication interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light controller is designed to operate within the existing storage protocol framework, using the same communication interface and protocol as storage devices. This universal approach allows the system to maintain protocol compatibility without adding complex multi-protocol support, as the light control functions are embedded within the already-supported storage protocol paradigm.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described are generally directed to a mass storage unit possessing a plurality of non-volatile data storage devices each possessing non-transitory mass storage memory hardware, a drive message router possessing with a plurality of different light sequence instructions retained therein, a motherboard that is connected to each of the non-volatile data storage devices and the drive message router via a bus that is adapted to transfer data via a data storage protocol arranged for mass data storage, a bezel electrically connected to the drive message router via an electrical cable that is adapted to transfer signals in a non-data storage protocol, a plurality of lights visibly disposed on the bezel. The drive message router is adapted to receive a data packet in the data storage protocol from the motherboard via the bus. Once received, an execution instruction is extracted from the message to carry out a subset of the light sequence instructions in a particular order. A sequence of electrical signals is transmitted from the drive message router to the plurality of lights based on the subset of the light instructions via the electrical cable. The plurality of lights are illuminated as dictated in the sequence of electrical signals.