NAS Email Interface for Software-Free Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Network-attached storage (NAS) devices require proprietary software for access and management, which can be inconvenient for users, as they need to install additional software on their devices and may not integrate with existing software environments.

Innovation Solution

Enabling users to access and manage NAS devices using email messages, where commands are sent to a NAS email address, and responses are received via email, allowing natural communication with the NAS device without additional software installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary software is used for NAS device access and management, then data security and device control are improved, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional software installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an email server as an intermediary between the user and the NAS device. The email server receives email messages containing commands, translates them into appropriate NAS operations, and sends responses back via email. This intermediary layer allows users to interact with the NAS device using familiar email clients without installing proprietary software, while the NAS device maintains its security protocols through the standardized email interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary software is required for NAS device management, then device control and functionality are improved, but device complexity and software requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsoftware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the NAS device accessible through a universal interface (email) that works across different platforms and devices without requiring platform-specific proprietary software. The email-based command interface can be accessed from any email client, web interface, or mobile device, making the NAS device universally accessible while maintaining full functionality through standardized email protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If email-based access is implemented for NAS devices, then ease of operation and user convenience are improved, but integration with existing software environments may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsoftware integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to leverage their existing email clients and accounts to manage NAS devices without requiring integration with proprietary software environments. The NAS device independently processes email commands and generates responses using standard email protocols, allowing users to self-serve with familiar tools rather than requiring the system to adapt to various software environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10652193B2Managing and accessing data storage systems

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for managing and/or accessing distributed data storage. A server computing device or network attached storage (NAS) device may include a message processing module to send and receive electronic-mail (email) messages. The message processing module is configured to cause the NAS device to perform NAS operations based on messages (e.g., email messages from users) and to send email messages with the results of the NAS operations to users.