Portable Storage Device Dispatching Server Connection Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable storage devices, such as USB drives, automatically connect to storage servers when plugged into a terminal, allowing unauthorized access if lost or stolen, and restrict user selection of storage servers, limiting communication services.
Innovation Solution
A distributed system comprising a portable storage device, storage servers, and a dispatching server that manages accessibility information, allowing users to select and dynamically change storage server connections, and prevent unauthorized access by mediating connections through the dispatching server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the USB device automatically establishes connection to storage server upon plugging into terminal, then connection setup is simplified and automated, but security is compromised allowing unauthorized access if device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispatching server as an intermediary between the portable storage device and storage servers. The dispatching server mediates connection requests by verifying authorization tokens before establishing connections. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining automated connection setup while adding a security layer that prevents unauthorized access, as the dispatching server will reject connection requests from unauthorized devices even if they possess the portable storage device.
2Ease of operation
If the USB device automatically connects to storage servers, then connection process is streamlined, but user control and selection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where the system can automatically connect to authorized storage servers based on current context (such as location or user preferences) while still allowing users to manually select different storage servers when needed. The connection behavior adapts between automatic and manual modes based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between streamlined operation and user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about available storage servers and connection status, allowing users to make informed decisions about which storage server to connect to. This feedback mechanism enables users to maintain control over their data storage choices while the system handles the technical complexity of connection management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage servers are made accessible through the portable storage device, then service versatility is improved, but connection management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatching server acts as a central intermediary that manages connections to multiple storage servers. Instead of the portable storage device directly managing connections to numerous storage servers (which would be complex), the dispatching server handles the complexity of maintaining and coordinating multiple connections, providing a simplified interface to the portable storage device while supporting diverse communication services.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
It is disclosed a distributed system for storing digital data. The distributed system comprises a portable storage device (1) suitable for being connected to a terminal (2), at least one storage server (41, 42) and a dispatching server (3). The dispatching server is suitable for retrieving accessibility information indicating that the at least one storage server is accessible by the portable storage device. The portable storage device is suitable for, when connected to the terminal, sending identification information to the dispatching server. The dispatching server is suitable for, upon reception of the identification information, using the identification information for retrieving the accessibility information and for sending the accessibility information to the portable storage device. The portable storage device is suitable for, upon reception of the accessibility information from the dispatching server, using the accessibility information for establishing a connection with the at least one storage server and for allowing the terminal to access it.