USB Port Flash Memory Management Storage Without Booting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing computer systems in large companies face inefficiencies in storing and accessing management information, as RFID chips are cumbersome and require booting up the system for data access.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a USB port with flash memory, switches, inverters, and a controller allows management information to be stored and accessed without booting the computer system, using main and standby power to control data access via a designated USB port connected to internal USB flash memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If RFID chip is used to store management information, then data can be read without booting the system, but the system becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the management information storage capability with the existing USB port and flash memory components that are already present in modern computers. Instead of adding a separate RFID chip system, the invention merges the storage function into the existing USB flash memory infrastructure, allowing management information to be stored and accessed via the USB port without requiring the computer to be booted, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining the benefit of quick data access
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the existing USB port and flash memory serve dual purposes: both for general data storage/transmission that users expect, and for storing management information that can be read by scanners. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated RFID hardware while achieving the same time-saving benefit for management information access
2Reliability
If additional storage device is added to store management information, then data can be stored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management information storage function with the existing flash memory component that is already integrated into the computer's USB port infrastructure. By combining these functions into a single existing component rather than adding a separate storage device, the system achieves reliable management information storage without increasing the number of components or device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flash memory and USB port are made multi-functional, serving both general-purpose data storage that users expect and specialized management information storage that can be accessed by external scanners. This universality eliminates the need for additional dedicated storage devices while ensuring management information is reliably stored and accessible
3Loss of time
If USB port is used for management information storage, then data can be accessed without booting, but power control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of the USB port's function based on power state. When standby power is available (computer off), the port is configured for scanner access to read management information. When main power is available (computer on), the port switches to normal data I/O operations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to automatically provide the appropriate function based on operational state without requiring complex manual control
Solution Approach 2:
The USB port and flash memory system automatically determines its own operational mode based on the presence of standby versus main power. The switches and control logic are designed to self-configure the port for either scanner access or normal data operations without requiring external control signals, making the power control mechanism relatively simple while still achieving the benefit of quick management information retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing management storage via a USB port of a computer system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flash memory, a first and second switches, a first and second inverters, a designated port, and a controller. Coupled to the flash memory, the first and second switches are controlled by a main power of a computer system in a complementary manner. The first and second inverters, which are powered by a standby power of the computer system, are coupled to a respective control input of the first and second switches. The designated port, which is coupled to the flash memory via the first switch, allows data to be read from and written to the flash memory without booting up the computer system. On the other hand, the controller, which is coupled to the flash memory via the second switch, allows data to be read from and written to the flash memory by the computer system only after the computer system has been booted up.