Expandable SSD Storage via Authorization Unlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices with modest solid-state drive (SSD) storage capacity face inconvenience and cost when their storage becomes full, as they must either resort to cloud storage or purchase a new device with larger capacity, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system that allows users to expand their SSD storage capacity within the device by authorizing access to additional memory through a centralized authorization server, using a memory access enablement controller, authorization controller, and memory access adjustment controller to manage and unlock additional memory space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a mobile device is equipped with a modest SSD storage capacity to save money, then the initial cost of the device is reduced, but the storage capacity becomes insufficient when users need to store larger quantities of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage capacity by allowing the SSD to transition from an initial restricted capacity to an expanded capacity. The system dynamically adjusts the accessible storage space based on authorization status, enabling the storage capacity to adapt to user needs over time without requiring a new device purchase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the SSD with a larger total storage capacity than initially made available to the user. The additional storage space is prepared in advance but remains inaccessible until authorization is obtained, allowing users to expand storage later without hardware changes.
2Quantity of substance
If cloud-based storage systems are used to store additional data, then storage capacity is expanded, but convenience and cost are reduced due to additional expenses and reliance on external systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the local SSD storage with the possibility of expansion within the same device ecosystem. Instead of relying on external cloud storage systems, the solution combines the existing SSD hardware with a software-based authorization mechanism to provide seamless local storage expansion, maintaining data accessibility and eliminating cloud dependency.
3Quantity of substance
If a new mobile device with larger SSD storage capacity is purchased, then storage capacity is increased, but cost and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SSD universally adaptable by enabling it to serve multiple capacity configurations within a single device. The same physical SSD can initially provide modest storage and later be authorized to provide expanded storage, eliminating the need for users to purchase different device models based on storage requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If the entire NVM capacity is made accessible from the beginning, then storage capacity is maximized, but wear leveling and endurance are reduced due to uniform usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by initially making only a portion of the NVM capacity accessible to the user, while reserving other portions. This creates different usage patterns across different regions of the NVM, allowing wear leveling algorithms to distribute wear more effectively across the entire physical capacity, thereby improving overall endurance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes technologies and techniques for use by a data storage controller—such as a controller for use with a NAND or other non-volatile memory (NVM)—to provide a user-expandable memory space. In examples described herein, a customer may choose to purchase access to only a portion of the total available memory space of a consumer device, such as a smartphone. Later, the customer may expand the user-accessible memory space. In one example, the customer submits suitable payment via a communication network to a centralized authorization server, which returns an unlock key. Components within the data storage controller of the consumer device then use the key to unlock additional memory space within the device. In this manner, if the initial amount of memory the consumer paid for becomes full, the consumer may conveniently expand the amount of user-accessible memory.