USB Key Emulation System Multiplexing Storage Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems face challenges in efficiently accessing and managing multiple data storage devices via a single USB connection, as standard USB flash drives only allow communication with a single device, leading to increased costs when adding more hardware or USB controllers to support multiple endpoints.

Innovation Solution

A USB key emulation system that includes a USB hub, a USB bus, a USB controller, and a virtual media module, which communicates with multiple data storage devices as if they were a single USB key, allowing access to multiple storage devices without the need for additional endpoints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple USB controllers and endpoints are added to support multiple data storage devices, then the capability to access multiple devices is improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to access multiple devicesVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a USB hub that allows a single USB controller and endpoint to communicate with multiple data storage devices simultaneously. The hub acts as a universal interface that multiplexes the connection, enabling one endpoint to serve multiple devices without requiring additional USB controllers or endpoints, thereby maintaining system cost-effectiveness while improving multi-device access capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The USB hub serves as an intermediary device between the USB controller/endpoint and multiple data storage devices. It mediates the communication by receiving data from the single endpoint and distributing it to multiple storage devices, or aggregating data from multiple devices to the endpoint, thus enabling multi-device access without increasing the number of endpoints or controllers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single USB connection is used to access multiple data storage devices, then the system cost is reduced, but the ability to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidability to access multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication function by implementing a USB hub that can independently manage multiple data storage devices. Each storage device is connected to the hub, which segments the single USB endpoint connection into multiple independent communication channels, allowing simultaneous access to multiple devices while maintaining a single physical USB connection and avoiding additional hardware costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8001303B2USB key emulation system to multiplex information

Publication Date: 2011.08.16 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In an information handling system, a universal serial bus (USB) key emulation system includes a USB hub operable to communicate with a USB host, a USB bus communicatively coupled with the USB hub, a USB controller communicatively coupled with the USB bus via a set of endpoints, and a USB virtual media module communicatively coupled with the USB controller and operable to communicate data between the USB controller and a plurality of data storage devices as if the plurality of data storage devices are a single USB key.