External Memory Access Control for Backup Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing apparatuses fail to prevent accidental removal of external memory units designated as backup destinations, leading to data backup failures even when there is no access to the external memory unit.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus with access control mechanisms that set and manage the accessible state of external memory units, specifically preventing unmounting of designated backup destinations during data access, and notifying users of removals to prevent data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external memory unit is set as accessible during data backup, then data can be stored in the external memory unit, but the external memory unit may be accidentally removed leading to backup failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control by transitioning the external memory unit between accessible and inaccessible states based on backup operations. During backup, the memory unit is set to accessible state; after backup completion, it transitions to inaccessible state, preventing accidental removal while maintaining operational flexibility when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting the external memory unit to inaccessible state before backup operations begin, and maintains this state throughout the backup process. This preliminary protection ensures the memory unit cannot be accidentally removed during critical backup operations.
2Reliability
If the external memory unit is set to inaccessible state during backup, then accidental removal is prevented, but legitimate access during backup is also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the accessibility state of the external memory unit based on the backup operation status. The memory unit is set to accessible state during backup operations to enable data writing, and transitions to inaccessible state when backup is complete or not ongoing, thus balancing reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If the system notifies user of external memory unit removal, then data loss is prevented, but user experience is degraded with additional notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by notifying the user when the external memory unit is removed while in an inaccessible state. This feedback mechanism alerts users to potential data loss risks and allows them to take corrective actions, such as setting the memory unit to accessible state or checking backup status.
Data Source
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AI summary
When an accessible state of an external memory means is instructed to be canceled and data is not being stored in the external memory unit, a data processing apparatus cancels an accessible state of the external memory unit if the external memory unit is not set as a backup destination, and does not cancel the accessible state of the external memory unit if the external memory unit is set as the backup destination.