FAT Cluster Number Reversion to File ID and Offset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flash memory in devices like cellular telephones is managed by non-FAT flash file systems, as FAT file systems are not suitable for flash memory, leading to the need for additional USB device drivers in computers to access data, and existing solutions do not efficiently convert FAT cluster numbers to file IDs and offsets in non-FAT flash file systems.

Innovation Solution

The process involves reverting FAT cluster numbers to file IDs and offsets in non-FAT flash file systems, using data structures and processes like FindPosition(n) to quickly determine file positions, optimizing sector read and write operations, and integrating this functionality into devices to allow external computers supporting FAT file systems to access non-FAT flash memory volumes without requiring specific USB drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a FAT file system is used in flash memory, then compatibility with external computers is improved, but suitability for flash memory deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with external computersVSAvoidsuitability for flash memory

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a translation layer that acts as an intermediary between FAT file systems and non-FAT flash file systems. This translation layer converts FAT cluster numbers to file IDs and offsets in the non-FAT system, enabling compatibility with external computers while maintaining the superiority of non-FAT systems for flash memory management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a non-FAT flash file system is used, then suitability for flash memory is improved, but compatibility with external computers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for flash memoryVSAvoidcompatibility with external computers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the parameter representation by converting FAT cluster numbers into file IDs and offsets specific to non-FAT flash file systems. This parameter transformation enables the system to maintain internal non-FAT architecture while presenting FAT-compatible interfaces to external computers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If FAT cluster number conversion is implemented, then access efficiency to non-FAT flash file systems is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-establishes mapping relationships between FAT cluster numbers and non-FAT file IDs/offsets. By preparing this conversion mapping in advance, the system achieves efficient access without requiring complex real-time conversion algorithms during data operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8255612B2Method, apparatus and system for reverting FAT cluster number to file ID and offset of non-FAT flash file system

Publication Date: 2012.08.28 INTEL NDTM US LLC

AI summary

A device includes a processor connected to a memory. The device further includes a module having a process. The module is integrated in a memory file manager (MFM). The process operates to allow an external computer access to MFM volumes in the memory. A method includes reverting a file allocating table (FAT) cluster number to a file ID and file offset of a non-FAT flash memory file system.