Multiplexer Storage Access for Concurrent Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating stored images on electronic devices, such as operating system or firmware, often diminishes the user experience by interrupting other applications and utilizing resources in a way that slows down the system, as existing technologies do not efficiently manage resource allocation during data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a multiplexer that adjusts access to storage devices via different device interfaces based on modes, allowing for concurrent data transfer without interfering with other applications, and securing access through password protection and security settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single device interface is used for data transfer to storage devices, then the system structure is simple, but other applications are interrupted and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage access function into multiple device interfaces (first device interface and second device interface), allowing different applications to use different interfaces simultaneously. This segmentation enables concurrent data transfers without mutual interference, improving user experience while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer provides multi-functionality by dynamically routing different device interfaces to the storage device based on operational modes. The same physical storage device can be accessed through different interfaces at different times, allowing the system to handle both secure updates and general data transfers through a unified storage device while maintaining interface diversity.
2Productivity
If resource allocation is not optimized during data transfer, then the system structure is simple, but system performance slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through a controller that adjusts device interface assignments based on operational modes and security settings. The system dynamically determines which interface should access the storage device at any given time, optimizing resource utilization for both secure update operations and general data transfers, thereby improving system performance without requiring complex static resource management structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary between multiple device interfaces and the storage device, managing resource allocation dynamically. It receives requests from different interfaces and routes them appropriately based on current operational mode and security requirements, enabling efficient resource management while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
3Reliability
If access to storage devices is not restricted, then the device structure is simple, but unintended access to sensitive data occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access control characteristics to different operational modes and data types. Secure update operations have restricted access with password protection and specific security settings, while general data transfers have more permissive access. This local differentiation of access quality ensures sensitive data protection without requiring uniform complex access control across all operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller and multiplexer together form an intermediary access control layer between device interfaces and the storage device. This intermediary enforces security policies by determining which interfaces can access the storage device under different modes, providing reliable secure storage while maintaining manageable access control complexity through centralized policy enforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an electronic device comprises a multiplexer, a first device interface coupled to the multiplexer, a second device interface coupled to the multiplexer, a storage controller coupled to the multiplexer, and a controller coupled to the first device interface. The storage controller is to control a storage device. The controller is to determine a mode based on a command for the controller to access the storage controller and, based on the mode, cause the multiplexer to adjust access of the second device interface to the storage controller.