Programmatic Storage Access via Scheduled Power Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current data storage systems are vulnerable to malicious attacks, as they often provide continuous access, exposing backup storage to infections and breaches, especially in networked computer systems, leading to data loss and liability issues for businesses.

Innovation Solution

A controlled access data storage system with programmatically activated data storage units, using a power control module to limit access to specific times and instances, independent of data transfer operations, and requiring physical proximity for authorized activation through a programming interface or manual override.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If continuous access is provided to backup storage units, then operational accessibility is maintained, but exposure to malicious code increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational accessibilityVSAvoidexposure to malicious code

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of backup storage units based on scheduled time periods. Storage units are activated only during designated windows when backup operations are expected to occur, and remain deactivated otherwise. This periodic on-demand activation maintains operational accessibility when needed while minimizing exposure to malicious code during non-use periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If backup storage units are kept inactive during nonuse, then exposure to malicious code is reduced, but operational accessibility is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure to malicious codeVSAvoidactivation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling activation time periods in advance based on expected backup operation windows. Storage units are activated automatically at predetermined times before actual backup needs arise, ensuring readiness without requiring last-minute activation. This eliminates activation delays while maintaining security during non-use periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If manual control over activation is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against malicious codeVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic activation based on pre-configured time schedules. Once initial time periods are set, the storage units autonomously activate and deactivate according to the schedule without requiring ongoing manual intervention. This provides strong security control while minimizing operational complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10474379B2Controlled access to storage

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 NE ONE LLC

AI summary

Provided herein are controlled access data storage systems including a plurality of data storage units housed in a support enclosure; a port multiplier for providing data access to the plurality of data storage units; and a power control module for providing programmatic activation of one or more of the plurality of data storage units according to a time-based schedule, wherein the programmatic activation schedule operates independently of data transfer operations accessing one or more of the plurality of data storage units.