Multi-User Storage Device with Dynamic Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information storage systems lack flexibility in utilizing storage units, as they are often dedicated to backup purposes and cannot be used for other functions, limiting their utility forms.
Innovation Solution
An information storage device and system that includes separate storage areas for different users, allowing for data sharing and access control over a network, enabling the storage unit to be used by multiple users and adapting to varying storage needs by changing access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage unit is dedicated to backup purposes, then data redundancy and reliability are improved, but the flexibility and versatility of the storage unit are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a backup storage device for another user's information storage device, while simultaneously being accessible by the owner for their own data storage needs. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by allowing the storage unit to provide both backup redundancy and flexible utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic switching of storage area availability between different users based on instructions. The storage area can be made available or unavailable to the own user depending on backup requirements, enabling the storage unit to adapt its function dynamically between backup mode and normal use mode.
2Reliability
If a storage unit is dedicated to backup purposes, then data protection is improved, but the productivity and utility of the storage unit are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit simultaneously provides backup protection and productive utility by allowing the owner to store their own information in the storage area when not needed for backup purposes, thereby eliminating idle time and maximizing the productive use of the storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the storage area availability based on backup instructions, allowing the storage unit to serve itself by switching between backup and normal storage functions without requiring separate dedicated devices, thereby improving overall system productivity.
3Reliability
If access rights to storage areas are restricted for backup purposes, then data security is improved, but the ease of operation and data sharing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system dynamically adjusts permissions based on operational mode: when the storage area is designated for backup purposes, access is restricted to ensure security; when not needed for backup, the storage area becomes fully accessible to the own user for data sharing and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different access rights are applied to different storage areas based on their current function: the second storage area used for backup has restricted access rights, while the first storage area available to the own user has full access rights, allowing data sharing and operations to proceed without restriction.
Data Source
AI summary
An information storage device is a device that communicates over a network with another device that is used by another user different from an own user who uses an own device, and includes a storage unit including a first storage area available to the own user and a second storage area available to the other user, an information output unit that outputs information of the own user stored in the first storage area to the other device over the network, an information writing unit that stores information of the other user output by the other device over the network, in the second storage area, and a use control unit that controls whether the second storage area is available to the own user on the basis of an instruction of the other user.