Multimedia USB Server with One-by-One Data Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia servers and USB hubs are limited in the number of accessible USB media data storage devices and consume excessive energy due to their design, restricting the ability to manage a large number of electronic devices and USB storage devices efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia server with multiple USB connections and a processing unit that establishes exclusive one-by-one data connections between electronic devices and USB storage devices, allowing up to 64 USB connections, and implementing a cascading architecture with switchboards to manage a large number of devices while optimizing power supply to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a USB hub is used to connect multiple USB storage devices, then the number of accessible devices is increased, but the system complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the connection architecture by introducing a server as an intermediary between USB storage devices and electronic devices. Instead of directly connecting multiple devices to a hub, the server manages individual connections, dividing the system into storage management (server) and data consumption (electronic device) functions. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary component that mediates between USB storage devices and electronic devices. It establishes one-by-one data connections, managing the interaction between storage and consumption sides. This intermediary approach simplifies the connection model compared to direct hub connections while enabling efficient resource management.
2Quantity of substance
If a USB hub provides power to all connected devices, then all devices remain accessible, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The server implements periodic or on-demand power supply to USB storage devices based on actual data access requirements. Instead of continuous power supply like traditional hubs, the server activates power only when data connections are established, creating a periodic action pattern that matches actual usage and significantly reduces energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing power selectively to specific USB storage devices that are currently being accessed, rather than uniformly powering all connected devices. This localized power supply approach ensures energy is consumed only where and when needed, optimizing the energy efficiency of the storage system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NAS servers are used to manage multiple media files, then data sharing capability is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a storage management system and a data sharing platform. It can handle multiple types of USB storage devices and support various electronic devices simultaneously, providing universal data access without requiring specialized NAS hardware. This universal approach maintains versatility while reducing system complexity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If conventional USB hubs are used, then device connectivity is simplified, but the number of manageable devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a flat, direct connection model (hub to devices) to a hierarchical model with the server as an intermediate layer. This dimensional change in the connection architecture enables the system to manage a much larger number of devices by introducing abstraction and management layers, effectively expanding the scalable capacity beyond physical hub limitations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multimedia server means, comprising a plurality of universal serial bus, USB, connections and a processing means configured to establish a one-by-one data connection between a USB data storage device connected to a first one of the plurality of USB connections and an electronic device connected to a second one of the plurality of USB connections.