Dynamic Interface Switching in Multi-Port Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage devices with multiple interfaces cannot switch or modify the interface order while connected to a computer, requiring disconnection or rebooting, which hampers user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with multiple interfaces that includes an effective interface setting unit to switch the active interface based on user instructions, ensuring seamless switching without disconnection or rebooting, and includes a file sharing unit that stops services before interface changes to prevent data loss and ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage device uses a fixed interface precedence order, then the device operates stably with predictable behavior, but the user cannot switch interfaces without disconnection or rebooting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interface selection by allowing the effective interface to be changed during device operation through software control. The interface precedence order is no longer fixed but can be dynamically adjusted by receiving switching instructions and reconfiguring which interface is active for data access, enabling users to switch between interfaces without physical disconnection or rebooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of interface selection from a static predetermined order to a dynamically modifiable configuration. By allowing the interface precedence to be modified during operation through received instructions, the system transitions from a fixed state to a flexible state where the effective interface can be reconfigured without affecting the physical connection or requiring system restart.
2Ease of operation
If the storage device allows interface switching during operation, then user convenience is improved, but data corruption or loss may occur during file sharing services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting whether file sharing services are active before executing interface switching. When a switching instruction is received, the system first checks the operational state of file sharing services and only permits the interface switch if no data transfer is in progress. This preventive check before the actual switching action prevents data corruption by ensuring the system is in a safe state for interface reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If the storage device requires disconnection to switch interfaces, then data integrity is maintained, but user convenience and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation during interface switching by dynamically changing which interface is effective without requiring physical disconnection. The system maintains operational continuity by allowing the logical interface configuration to change while the device remains connected, thus improving productivity without compromising data integrity through proper state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the interface switching request and the actual data transfer operations. By managing the transition state and coordinating with file sharing service status, this intermediary ensures that interface switching occurs only when safe, thereby maintaining data integrity while enabling continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a plurality of interfaces for connection to an external device, a storage unit that stores data, an effective interface setting unit, and a switching instruction receiving unit. The effective interface setting unit sets one of the plurality of interfaces as an effective interface that may access the storage unit. The switching instruction receiving unit receives an effective interface switching instruction during operation of the storage device. The effective interface setting unit switches the interface set as the effective interface based on the effective interface switching instruction.