Storage Device Timer Control for Content Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices stop operation prematurely during content data transmission due to incorrect timing detection, leading to non-compliance with energy efficiency directives like the ErP directive, as the end timing of content data transmission is not constant and can be misinterpreted by existing timer-based shutdown mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a timer unit and a reproduction time detector in the storage device to set a count time based on the predefined reproduction time of content data, obtained from headers or a database, to prevent premature shutdown during data transmission, ensuring continuous operation until the content is fully transmitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a timer-based shutdown mechanism is used to comply with energy efficiency directives, then standby power consumption is reduced, but the device may stop operation prematurely during content data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The timer setting is made dynamic rather than fixed. The timer automatically adjusts its duration based on the reproduction time of the content data being transmitted. When content data transmission is detected, the timer is extended to match the reproduction time plus a predetermined margin, ensuring the device remains operational throughout the entire transmission process while still enabling power savings when idle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting whether content data transmission is in progress and using this information to control the timer behavior. The shutdown control unit monitors transmission status and adjusts the timer setting accordingly - extending it when transmission is active and allowing it to expire when idle, thus resolving the contradiction between power savings and operational reliability.
2Reliability
If the timer setting is extended to prevent premature shutdown, then operation continuity is maintained, but energy efficiency and compliance with ErP directive deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The timer setting dynamically adapts to operational conditions. Instead of being permanently extended, the timer length varies based on whether content transmission is occurring. During transmission, the timer is set to reproduction time plus margin; during idle periods, the timer returns to its original shorter setting, thus maintaining reliability when needed while preserving energy efficiency otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer parameter is changed based on operational state. The system detects content data transmission and modifies the timer setting from a fixed short duration to a variable duration that matches the reproduction time plus predetermined margin. This parameter change ensures operational continuity during transmission while allowing energy savings during idle states.
3Quantity of substance
If content data is transmitted in units of individual files due to buffer capacity limits, then buffer overflow is prevented, but time periods without transmission occur causing premature shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the start of content data transmission and proactively extending the timer setting before the transmission completes. By setting the timer to the reproduction time plus predetermined margin at the outset, the system ensures continuous operation throughout the entire transmission process, even when data is sent in individual file units with gaps between transmissions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A timer unit counts a predetermined time from arbitrary timing after the start of operation of a storage device and a reproduction time detector detects the reproduction time of content data. An operation controller carries out control to stop the operation of the storage device if detecting that neither an input section nor a transmitting section is operating after the counting of the predetermined time by the timer unit, and sets the reproduction time detected by the reproduction time detector as the predetermined time if the transmitting section transmits the content data.