USB Mass Storage Data Control Apparatus for Simplified File Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data and signal transfer methods between data control apparatuses and external equipment, such as host computers, are complex and burdensome for users, requiring intricate programming and address settings, especially in temporary setups like experiment sites, where equipment is frequently modified.
Innovation Solution
A data control apparatus with a user interface, operation control section, USB device interface, file system control section, and USB mass storage class control section, which identifies itself as external storage, allowing easy data transfer in CSV format without the need for complex programs or address settings, using USB connections for seamless file exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated communication interface (RS232C or GP-IB) is used for data transfer, then data transfer between data control apparatus and external equipment is achieved, but user burden increases due to requiring dedicated commands and program creation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the data control apparatus to function as both a dedicated communication device and a USB mass storage device. The same hardware interface (USB) is used for multiple purposes: general data control operations and simple file-based data transfer, eliminating the need for specialized communication protocols and reducing user burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file system as an intermediary layer between the operation control section and the USB device interface. This file system handles data formatting, storage, and retrieval automatically, mediating between the complex internal operations and the simple USB file access interface, thereby reducing the user burden of program creation.
2Reliability
If network connection is used for data transfer, then data exchange between data control apparatus and external equipment is enabled, but setup complexity increases due to requiring unique address assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the address assignment complexity from the data transfer setup by removing the need for network addressing entirely. Instead of using network protocols that require IP addresses and routing, the system uses direct USB mass storage connectivity, which automatically identifies devices without manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB mass storage interface performs self-service by automatically enumerating devices and assigning addresses when connected. The host computer automatically detects the data control apparatus as a storage device and configures communication parameters without user intervention, eliminating the manual address assignment required in network setups.
3Ease of operation
If removable storage medium is used for data transfer, then data can be transferred between data control apparatus and external equipment, but compatibility issues arise due to rapidly changing storage medium standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function directly into the data control apparatus by implementing a USB mass storage interface that presents the internal memory as a virtual removable drive. This combination eliminates the need for physical removable media while maintaining the convenient file-based transfer interface, and uses standardized USB protocols that ensure long-term compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage interface parameter from physical removable media (Floppy, JPEG, etc.) to virtual removable storage via USB mass storage class. This parameter change maintains the familiar file-based interaction model while using a stable, universally supported communication protocol that is unlikely to become obsolete.
Data Source
AI summary
A data control apparatus has a user interface section, an operation control section which operates based on an instruction from the user interface section, a USB device interface section which is connected to an external equipment, and controls USB communications with the external equipment, a file system control section which transfers data to and from the operation control section, and controls a file, an internal storage which stores data from the file system control section and data from the external equipment, and a USB mass storage class control section which controls a USB mass storage class, wherein the USB device interface section controls so that the external equipment identifies the data control apparatus as an external storage, and transfers to and from the external equipment.