Memory Storage Device Self-Service Factory Reset via Backup Unit

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of portable memory storage devices face challenges in restoring them to factory settings due to abnormal operations, which often require sending the devices back to manufacturers for maintenance, resulting in time and cost inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that includes a rewritable non-volatile memory module with a backup physical unit accessible only by a specific command set, allowing users to restore the device to factory settings by transmitting and writing customized data from a host system, utilizing a memory controller to manage physical units and execute commands for data recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users send the memory storage device to the manufacturer for maintenance, then the device can be restored to factory setting, but it requires long waiting time and additional cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice restoration capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to restore their memory storage devices to factory settings independently without requiring manufacturer intervention. The device includes a backup area that stores factory setting data, and users can execute restoration operations through specific commands provided in the user manual, making the system self-serviceable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-stores factory setting data in a dedicated backup area within the memory storage device during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that restoration data is readily available on the device itself, eliminating the need to retrieve data from external manufacturer servers or physical media during the restoration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If users send the memory storage device to the manufacturer for maintenance, then the device can be restored to factory setting, but it incurs additional cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice restoration capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to restore their memory storage devices to factory settings independently without requiring manufacturer intervention. The device includes a backup area that stores factory setting data, and users can execute restoration operations through specific commands provided in the user manual, making the system self-serviceable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the factory setting data and stores it in a dedicated backup area within the memory storage device. This copy allows the device to be restored without needing to access the original manufacturer systems, eliminating the need for expensive professional service

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the manufacturer maintains all products from various regions, then device restoration is possible, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal device supportVSAvoidmaintenance process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-stores factory setting data in a dedicated backup area within the memory storage device during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that restoration data is readily available on the device itself, eliminating the need to retrieve data from external manufacturer servers or physical media during the restoration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to restore their memory storage devices to factory settings independently without requiring manufacturer intervention. The device includes a backup area that stores factory setting data, and users can execute restoration operations through specific commands provided in the user manual, making the system self-serviceable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8966161B2Memory storage device and restoring method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 PHISON ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A memory storage device and a repairing method thereof are provided. The memory storage device has a rewritable non-volatile memory module having multiple physical units. The physical units include at least one backup physical unit which is configured to be accessed only by a specific command set and stored with at least one customized data. The method includes receiving a specific read command from a host system for reading the backup physical unit and transmitting the customized data therein to the host system when the memory storage device is capable of receiving and processing commands from the host system, the specific read command belongs to the specific command set; and writing the customized data from the host system into a corresponding physical unit to restore the memory storage device to a factory setting when receiving the writing command from the host system for writing the customized data.