Host Computer Shared Storage via Transfer Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing data from another host computer's hard disk drive are complex, requiring the target computer to be booted and involving cumbersome procedures with external memory devices or network setups.
Innovation Solution
A host computer with a shared storage device design that includes a transfer switch allowing electrical connection between the data storage device and an external interface, enabling access without booting the computer system by switching between positions to connect the data storage device to the motherboard or external interface for data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the target host computer is booted and external memory devices or network equipment are used to access data, then data can be accessed from another host computer's hard disk drive, but the accessing procedure becomes complicated and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the computer system into two independent operational modes through the transfer switch: a first mode where the data storage device connects to the motherboard for normal computer operation, and a second mode where the data storage device connects to the external interface for direct external access. This segmentation allows data access without booting the computer, simplifying the procedure while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer switch enables dynamic reconfiguration of the data storage device's connection state, allowing it to switch between connecting to the motherboard (when computer is on) and connecting to the external interface (when computer is off). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system configuration to the operational state, enabling simple external access without requiring the computer to be booted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target host computer is booted and network equipment is connected to access data remotely, then data can be accessed through Internet or LAN, but the arrangement of network wiring or wireless network equipment becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage device from the computer system's internal configuration and enables its direct connection to external interfaces through the transfer switch. This extraction allows the data storage device to be accessed externally without requiring the complex network equipment and wiring arrangements, while still achieving remote access capability by eliminating the need for network infrastructure.
3Productivity
If external memory card or mobile memory stick is used to copy data, then data can be transferred between computers, but the data accessing procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data storage device directly with the external interface of the computer through the transfer switch configuration, eliminating the need for intermediate external memory devices. This merging allows direct data access and transfer between computers without requiring copying through external memory cards or sticks, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A host computer formed of a motherboard, a power supply unit with a power switch, a data storage device and an external interface is disclosed to have a transfer switch switchable between a first switch position and a second switch position, the transfer switch having three contacts in the first switch position for electrically connecting the motherboard to the power supply unit and the data storage device to the power supply unit and the motherboard to the external interface, and two contacts in the second switch position for electrically connecting the data storage device to the external interface through a data transmission interface and the data storage device to said power supply unit respectively. This design allows access to the data storage device, achieving the effect of sharing the data storage device without booting the computer system.