Storage Device Hotkey Control via USB Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB mass storage devices are treated as passive storage units when connected to other electrical devices, preventing users from controlling the connected devices or uploading files without operating the device itself.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a hot plug interface and hotkeys that generates control instructions, allowing an electrical device to detect and execute these instructions, enabling control of the connected device and file uploads without direct operation of the device, using a system with a storage unit, an electrical device, and hot plug interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage device follows the USB mass storage device class standard, then compatibility with various electrical devices is improved, but the storage device can only be accessed by the connected electrical devices and users cannot control the connected electrical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control instruction block as an intermediary element within the storage device's storage unit. This block stores control instructions that are transmitted to the connected electrical device through the USB interface, enabling the storage device to act as a controller rather than just a passive storage device. The intermediary block allows users to control the connected electrical device by operating hotkeys on the storage device without requiring direct operation of the electrical device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both storage capabilities and control capabilities. The device can function as a conventional USB mass storage device for data transfer while simultaneously serving as a control device through the hotkey system and control instruction block. This allows a single device to perform multiple functions: storing data, transmitting control instructions, and enabling user control of connected electrical devices.
2Device complexity
If the storage device is designed as a passive storage device, then device complexity is reduced, but users cannot operate the storage device to control connected electrical devices or upload files
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is segmented into distinct functional components: a storage unit for data storage, a control instruction block for storing control instructions, and hotkey interfaces for user input. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific function while working together as an integrated system. The control instruction block is a separate segment that专门 handles control instructions, while the storage unit handles data storage, and the hotkey interfaces handle user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device provides self-service capabilities by enabling users to control connected electrical devices and upload files directly from the storage device without requiring operation of the connected electrical device. The hotkey system allows users to initiate control actions and file uploads from the storage device itself, making the storage device autonomous in providing control functions.
3Ease of operation
If hotkeys are added to the storage device, then control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hotkey interfaces are merged with the existing USB interface and storage unit of the storage device. The hotkey system does not require separate independent hardware but is integrated into the existing device architecture. The control instructions generated by hotkey operations are stored in the existing storage unit's control instruction block, and transmitted through the existing USB interface, thereby combining multiple functions into a unified device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system with storage device includes a storage device and an electrical device. The storage device includes a storage unit, at least one hotkey and a first hot plug interface. The at least one hotkey generates a control instruction corresponding to the at least one hotkey when operated. The control instruction is written to a block for storing instructions of the storage unit. The electrical device includes a second hot plug interface and a processing unit. The storage device builds connection with the electrical device through the first hot plug interface and the second hot plug interface when the first hot plug interface is electrically connected with the second hot plug interface. The processing unit makes the second hot plug interface obtain the control instruction from the block for storing instructions of the storage unit through the first hot plug interface. The processing unit executes the control instruction.