Nested Memory Card Control for Parallel SD Backup Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras with a single SD card slot cannot record images in parallel to a backup SD card, limiting data redundancy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A memory system that integrates a first nonvolatile memory and a memory card with a second nonvolatile memory, allowing data to be written and read in parallel across both memories using a shared memory controller, with identification and address conversion tables to manage data distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera has only one SD card slot, then the device structure is simple, but data redundancy and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested memory card structure where a second memory card is inserted into a slot of the first memory card. This nesting approach enables dual-card functionality within a single slot infrastructure, achieving data redundancy without requiring an additional top-level slot in the camera body.
Solution Approach 2:
The first memory card is designed to serve dual functions: as a standalone storage medium when used alone, and as a host container for the second memory card when redundancy is needed. This multi-functionality allows the same physical component to adapt to different operational modes.
2Reliability
If a camera has two SD card slots for parallel recording, then data redundancy is improved, but the device structure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing two independent slots at the camera level, the patent nests a second memory card within the first memory card. This approach achieves parallel recording capability while maintaining a single-slot interface at the camera, thereby reducing structural complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of two separate memory card slots into a single slot by implementing a nested card structure. The camera's single slot accommodates the first memory card, which in turn houses the second memory card, merging dual-slot functionality into a unified structure.
3Productivity
If a single SD card is used, then the device structure is simple, but simultaneous parallel recording is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The nested memory card configuration enables simultaneous parallel recording by providing two independent nonvolatile memory units (first and second memory cards) that can operate concurrently, while maintaining a simple single-slot device structure through the nesting arrangement.
4Productivity
If an SD card adapter is used to house another SD card, then parallel recording becomes possible, but the system is not recognized as a unified memory system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second memory cards into a unified memory system by implementing a shared address space and unified control logic in the memory controller. This integration allows the host device to recognize the nested card structure as a single logical memory unit while enabling parallel recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller acts as an intermediary that manages the nested memory card structure, translating host device requests into coordinated operations on both the first and second memory cards. This intermediary layer enables unified system recognition while maintaining parallel recording functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system includes: a first nonvolatile memory; a first memory controller operatively coupled to the first nonvolatile memory through a first interface and to a host device; and a connection portion to which a memory card is connectable, wherein the memory card includes a second nonvolatile memory and a second memory controller configured to control the second nonvolatile memory. When the memory card is connected to the memory system, the first memory controller is configured to acquire an identifier of the second nonvolatile memory from the memory card, and in response to a write request from the host device, when an identifier of the first nonvolatile memory and the acquired identifier of the second nonvolatile memory match with each other, the first memory controller is configured to write data designated by the write request into the first nonvolatile memory and the second nonvolatile memory.