Non-Volatile Storage Device Self-Service File Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-volatile mass storage devices, such as USB dongles, are inflexible in managing serial numbers and software authentication, requiring manual user intervention and burdensome logistics for tracking and updating, which complicates manufacturing and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating processing circuitry on the non-volatile mass storage device to locally access memory as a file system, automatically generating files containing state information like serial numbers or version numbers upon connection to a host device, enabling dynamic storage and simplifying the registration and authentication processes by reducing the need for user input and host device software support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tracking and host-based file system access are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to user intervention requirements and software burden
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile mass storage device autonomously generates files containing state information (serial numbers, version numbers) and manages its own registration data without requiring user intervention or host device software support. The device serves itself by automatically creating and maintaining the necessary files for registration and authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-generates files with state information at the time of connection to the host data processing device, rather than waiting for user input or host software to create these files. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual user intervention and host-based file system operations.
2Productivity
If host-based software support is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of manufacture deteriorate due to software distribution and tracking logistics
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile mass storage device independently manages its own registration and authentication files without requiring supporting software on the host device. The device self-generates and maintains all necessary state information files, eliminating the productivity burden of software distribution, installation, and updates across multiple host systems.
3Ease of operation
If manual user input is required for registration, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user burden
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically generates files containing state information such as serial numbers and version numbers without requiring the user to manually enter or retrieve this information. The entire registration data preparation process is automated within the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-prepares all registration and authentication files at the moment of connection to the host, eliminating the need for user intervention during the registration process. This preliminary generation of state information files streamlines the user experience.
4Ease of manufacture
If serial number tracking through manufacturing chain is required, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to logistics complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously generates and manages its own serial number and state information files without requiring external tracking systems or manual alignment through the manufacturing supply chain. Each device independently creates its identification data, simplifying manufacturing logistics while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-volatile mass storage device is provided comprising memory circuitry accessible to a host data processing device via a communication link. The non-volatile mass storage device comprises processing circuitry for locally accessing the memory circuitry of the file system and is capable of triggering generation of a file for storage on the memory circuitry by connection of the non-volatile mass storage device to the host data processing device. The generated file comprises information dependent upon a state of the non-volatile mass storage device. A corresponding method of operating a non-volatile mass storage device is provided and a computer program is provided for obtaining the information dependent upon the state of the non-volatile mass storage device, for locally accessing the memory circuitry and for generating the file for storage on the memory circuitry.