Emulation Circuit for USB Data Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-to-computer data migration solutions face issues with slow data transfer, high cost, low mean-time-between-failure, and difficulty in updating software due to the need for extensive flash memory, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A circuit that emulates a common hardware component, such as a CD-ROM device, to facilitate data transfer between computing devices, eliminating the need for extensive flash memory by using built-in controller circuitry powered by the USB bus, allowing symmetrical connection and easy software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flash memory is incorporated into the cable to store drivers and software, then data migration capability is enabled, but cost increases and mean-time-between-failure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes flash memory from the cable design and extracts the software storage function to the server computer. The cable becomes a simple communication conduit, while the server stores and provides drivers and migration software through the network connection, eliminating the unreliable flash memory component.
Solution Approach 2:
The server computer acts as an intermediary that provides drivers and software to the client computer through the cable connection. Instead of storing everything in the cable's flash memory, the server mediates the software delivery process, allowing updates and reducing failure points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flash memory is incorporated into the cable to store drivers and software, then data migration capability is enabled, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive flash memory component from the cable design. The cable is manufactured as a simple communication device, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. The software storage function is extracted and relocated to the server computer's existing storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed as a simple, low-cost communication device without expensive flash memory. The software and drivers are provided through the connection rather than being permanently embedded, allowing the cable to be a disposable or replaceable component at minimal cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flash memory is incorporated into the cable, then data migration capability is enabled, but data transfer speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flash memory storage function from the cable, allowing the cable to focus entirely on high-speed data communication. The extraction of storage functionality eliminates the bottleneck that would otherwise limit transfer speeds between the client and server computers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flash memory is incorporated into the cable, then data migration capability is enabled, but software updates become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic software delivery model where the server computer can push updated drivers and software to the client computer through the cable connection. This dynamic update mechanism replaces the static flash memory storage, allowing continuous improvements and bug fixes without physical cable replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The server computer serves as an intermediary that manages software updates by transmitting new drivers and applications to the client. This intermediary approach centralizes software management and enables easy updates without requiring direct user intervention or physical access to the cable's storage.
5Adaptability or versatility
If flash memory is incorporated into the cable, then data migration capability is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex software storage and management functions from the cable and relocates them to the server computer. The cable is simplified to a basic communication device with minimal complexity, while the server handles all software-related operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a technology by which a circuit, such as one incorporated into a USB-like cable, couples a client computing device to a server computing device. The circuit outputs identification information to each computing device to indicate that the circuit corresponds to a type of hardware device, (e.g., a CD-ROM player) and an attribute (e.g., a migration cable). The circuit then allows the communication of data between the first computing device and the second computing device. For example, the server recognizes the migration cable attribute and can emulate the CD-ROM device recognized by the client, whereby the server may provide data including software code to the client computing device by emulating the CD-ROM device. Via the software code, the client computing device is bootstrapped to recognize that it is connected to the server instead of the hardware device. Data may then be migrated from the client to the server.