Light-Emitting Storage Device Using SATA Interface for LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gaming market demands advanced light effects in computer peripherals, such as LEDs on DRAM modules and graphic cards, but existing solutions require additional control interfaces, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting storage device and method that utilizes inherent elements and control interfaces within a computer to control LED switching, colors, and effects without the need for additional components, using a storage device controller, processor, and light-emitting units connected through host controller interfaces, with defined command formats for controlling light-emitting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional control interfaces (bus bars) are configured to transmit light-emitting control signals, then light control functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing SATA host controller interface to serve dual purposes: both data transmission for storage operations and light-emitting control signals. The controller firmware is designed to distinguish between data commands and light control commands, allowing the same physical interface to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light-emitting control function with the existing storage controller interface. By combining the light control signal transmission through the SATA interface with the existing data communication pathway, the system eliminates the need for separate bus bars and control wires, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining light control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control interfaces are added for LED control, then light-emitting control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing SATA interface is made universal by programming the controller firmware to recognize and process both traditional SATA data commands and light-emitting control commands through the same physical connection. This eliminates the need for additional controlled components and interfaces during manufacturing, thereby reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing controller infrastructure to serve the light control function. The controller firmware automatically distinguishes between data operations and light control operations, allowing the system to control LEDs using its own existing resources without requiring external additional control hardware or interfaces.
3Device complexity
If inherent computer interfaces are used for LED control, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the interpretation of existing interface signals. The controller firmware is programmed to detect specific command formats and parameters within the SATA interface communications, transforming standard data commands into light control operations. This allows precise control of light parameters (color, brightness, timing) through parameter manipulation rather than additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of adding separate control wires and bus bars with a software-based solution. By substituting the physical expansion approach with firmware-based command interpretation, the system achieves precise light control through software parameter manipulation rather than additional hardware connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting storage device and a light-emitting control method are provided. The device includes a storage device controller, a processor, and at least one light-emitting unit. The storage device controller is electrically connected to a host through a host controller interface for controlling the access of the light-emitting storage device. The processor is electrically connected to the storage device controller to connect to the host. The at least one light-emitting unit is electrically connected to the processor. When the host transmits a control signal to the storage device controller through the host controller interface and the control signal is judged as a signal for controlling the at least one light-emitting unit by the storage device controller, the storage device controller transmits the control signal to the processor to control a light-emitting mode of the at least one light-emitting unit.