Optically Transmissive Storage Unit for Parallel Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of electronic devices and storage systems leads to limitations in communication speed and complexity, particularly in high-capacity storage devices, where parallel access is hindered by limited bus width and complex circuitry.
Innovation Solution
The use of optically transmissive components and devices allows for omnidirectional communication via optical signals, enabling parallel and simultaneous access to information storage units, reducing the need for electrical connections and eliminating bus width limitations, and allowing flexible circuit layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of components and connections in electronic devices is increased to meet performance demands, then processing speed and functionality are improved, but circuit complexity and heat dissipation problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through complex conductive paths with optical signal transmission through optically transmissive components. Light signals can pass through the housing and components without being blocked, eliminating the need for complex internal wiring and connection paths, thus reducing circuit complexity while maintaining or improving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optically transmissive components (housing, control unit, memory element) as intermediaries that allow optical signals to pass through the storage device. These components act as mediators that enable direct optical communication between external light sources and internal storage elements, bypassing the need for complex electrical connection networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more conductive layers are added to integrated circuits to achieve required communication paths, then connectivity between components is improved, but manufacturing complexity and heat dissipation problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical conductive layers with optical transmission through transmissive materials. Instead of adding multiple metal layers for signal routing, the system uses optically transmissive housing and components that allow light to pass through directly, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the same connectivity function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of discrete components on a PCB is increased, then functionality is improved, but connection path complexity increases and PCB area may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the PCB-based electrical connection system with an optical transmission system. Components can be arranged in three-dimensional space without requiring complex planar connection paths, as optical signals can pass through the transmissive housing and components directly, reducing both connection path complexity and spatial requirements.
4Speed
If parallel access to storage locations is implemented, then information retrieval speed is improved, but bus width limitations prevent efficient parallel access in high capacity devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical bus transmission with optical signal transmission. Multiple optical signals can pass through the transmissive components simultaneously without interfering with each other, enabling true parallel access to multiple storage locations without being constrained by electrical bus width limitations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances retrieval speed by enabling parallel access to all information storage units, reduces the complexity of circuit designs, and increases processing speed without relying on bus width, thus addressing the limitations of existing storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal may propagate unguided from an external light-emitting device to a light-receiving device arranged in an information storage unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage device (300, 400) and to a method of controlling a storage device (300, 400). A storage device (300, 400) according to the invention comprises a plurality of information storage units (101, 201, 302), each comprising an optically transmissive memory element (104, 306), an optically transmissive light- receiving device (102, 304), and an optically transmissive control unit (103, 305) connected to the memory element (104, 306) and the light-receiving device (102, 304). The components are optically transmissive such that a request for information data stored on the optically transmissive memory element (104, 306) may be received from any direction. Thereby, an optical signal (316, 309, 422) comprising a request for information may be received by several light-receiving devices (102, 304) simultaneously enabling a fast retrieval of information data stored on a storage device (300, 400) comprising several information storage units(101, 201, 302).