Storage Control Interface for Host-Independent Device Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage devices require a connection to a host system to receive and process commands, limiting user flexibility in scenarios where a host is not available.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control device that can send commands to the data storage device without a host connection, using mechanisms like wavelength emitters or fingerprint scanners to map inputs to specific commands, enabling host-independent control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a host connection is required to send commands to the data storage device, then the device can be controlled through standard host interfaces, but the user cannot perform operations when a host is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to send commands without hostVSAvoidHost dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the user and the data storage device. This control device contains a controller that can communicate with the storage device's controller independently of a host system, enabling command transmission without host dependency while maintaining standardized communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The data storage device is designed with multi-functionality by accepting commands from both traditional host systems and the alternative control device. The controller is configured to recognize and process commands from multiple sources, making the device adaptable to different operational contexts without requiring host connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the data storage device accepts commands only from hosts, then the control architecture remains simple and standardized, but user flexibility is limited in scenarios without host availability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOperational flexibility without hostVSAvoidControl architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control architecture is segmented into separate functional components: the host interface module and the control device interface module. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple control sources independently, increasing adaptability while managing complexity through modular design where each module handles specific communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If host connection is mandatory for device control, then command processing follows established protocols, but the device cannot perform standalone operations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCommand processing reliabilityVSAvoidStandalone operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The data storage device is configured to serve itself by accepting and processing commands from the control device without requiring external host system intervention. The controller can execute commands received from the control device directly, enabling standalone operations while maintaining reliable command processing through established communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260072615A1Host independent control of storage devices using control devices

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A data storage device can include a non-volatile memory, a sensor configured to detect an input from a control device, and control circuitry configured to: receive commands from one or more hosts or one or more control devices; detect an input from a control device using the sensor; determine whether the data storage device is connected to a host; in response to determining that the data storage device is not connected to a host, determine a command associated with the input, wherein the input is mapped to a specified command not involving data transfer; and perform one or more operations associated with the command.