Multi-Partition Media Storage for Cross-Platform Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media storage devices are limited in cross-platform compatibility due to different file formats and structures, leading to incompatibility issues between devices, especially with portable hard drives and optical media, and Internet delivery often sacrifices quality and security.

Innovation Solution

A media storage device with a microcontroller that formats multiple partitions with diverse file structures to interact with a variety of devices, presenting itself as a fixed or removable drive as needed, allowing seamless access across different platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a media storage device is formatted to work with one device (such as a computer), then compatibility with that device is improved, but compatibility with other devices (such as game systems or smart televisions) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-platform compatibilityVSAvoidfile structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into multiple partitions, each formatted with different file systems (e.g., FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+) to correspond with different device types. This segmentation allows each partition to be optimized for specific device compatibility while maintaining overall versatility through the multi-partition structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The media storage device is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting various file systems across different partitions. This enables a single device to serve multiple purposes - working with computers, game systems, smart televisions, and other electronic devices - thereby achieving universal compatibility without requiring separate specialized storage devices.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different media storage devices are formatted to different file structures to allow interactions with different devices, then device-specific compatibility is improved, but portability and management of the media devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device compatibilityVSAvoidmedia device management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into multiple partitions, each formatted with different file systems (e.g., FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+) to correspond with different device types. This segmentation allows each partition to be optimized for specific device compatibility while maintaining overall versatility through the multi-partition structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects the type of device it is connected to and selects the appropriate partition to mount and access. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual selection of file systems or partitions by the user, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the complex multi-file system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Volume of stationary object

If the size of media storage unit has increased, then storage capacity for video and audio files is improved, but compatibility issues with different devices worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcross-platform compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into multiple partitions, each formatted with different file systems (e.g., FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+) to correspond with different device types. This segmentation allows each partition to be optimized for specific device compatibility while maintaining overall versatility through the multi-partition structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of file system format across different partitions to accommodate various device requirements. By varying the file system parameter while maintaining large storage capacity, the system achieves both high-capacity storage and broad compatibility across different platforms and device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3701365B1Media storage device including multiple partitions
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 URFLASH LLC
  • EP3701365B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3701365B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3701365B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and devices for enabling compatibility of media storage devices with a wide range of external devices are generally provided herein. More specifically, methods and devices disclosed herein allow a single media storage device to be accessed by external devices that are incapable of accesses the same file structure(s) and/or file type(s). A media storage device may include a plurality of logical units, each with one or more partitions. A file system on a first partition of a first logical unit may be selected for compatibility with one external device, while a file system on a second partition of a second logical unit may be selected for compatibility with a second, different external device. The media storage device may present as a fixed disc for further interoperability.