Memory Card Device with Relay Server for Direct File Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless LAN compatible memory card devices can only upload files to a preset server and do not allow direct access to files stored on the device, limiting user functionality to only those files transferred to the server.

Innovation Solution

A memory card device with a communication module that enables bi-directional communication by establishing a tunneling connection through a relay server on the Internet, allowing the device to connect to a virtual network independently of the connected equipment, using a system area with a local communication protocol stack and an application program to control data in the user area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a memory card device uses a preset server for file upload, then file transfer to cloud service is enabled, but direct access to files on the memory card device is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile access capabilityVSAvoidcommunication architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay server as an intermediary component that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between the memory card device and user devices. The relay server mediates the connection by receiving connection requests from user devices, establishing direct communication channels with the memory card device, and facilitating file transfers without requiring files to be uploaded to centralized cloud storage first.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the memory card device connects to digital device only, then power supply is available, but independent network communication cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory card device employs periodic connection attempts to the digital device for power supply while independently maintaining network communication capabilities. The device periodically checks for power availability from the digital device and activates wireless communication only when power is detected, enabling independent network communication without continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the memory card device establishes independent virtual network connection, then bi-directional communication is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication independenceVSAvoidsoftware architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory card device integrates multiple functions into a unified system: it can operate as a storage device when connected to digital devices, as a wireless communication device when power is available, and as an independent network node through the relay server. The application program provides universal file access functionality that works across different connection modes and digital device types, simplifying the user interface despite the complex multi-mode operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2662775B1Memory card device
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 FREEBIT
  • EP2662775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2662775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2662775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method capable of performing bi-directional communication by only a memory card device and without depending on the environment of the connecting device and the like. This memory card device has a housing in which a wireless communication module and memory module are mounted, and in the this memory module are provided a system area that cannot be access by a digital device in which the memory card device is mounted, and a user area that can be accessed by the digital device; wherein an operation system (OS), a file server program that operates together with the operation system to control data that is stored in the user area, and a communication module that connects the server program to a virtual network by way of a relay server on the Internet, and makes it possible to control the data that is stored in the user area from the Internet side by way of the server program are installed in the system area.