USB Memory Partition Address Conversion via TCP Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of USB terminations in electronic entities restricts the simultaneous use of multiple memory partitions, as conventional solutions are inadequate for handling a large number of concurrent partitions, leading to insufficient communication means.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that convert addresses between a main file system and individual partition file systems, allowing the host station to communicate with all partitions using only two USB terminations, by employing a TCP server to manage network disks and perform address conversions, effectively creating a single partition interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of USB terminations is increased to support more memory partitions, then the number of simultaneously accessible partitions increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single USB termination that serves multiple functions by acting as a network interface for multiple virtual memory partitions. Instead of requiring one dedicated termination per partition, one termination provides universal access to all partitions through network protocols, allowing the same physical interface to handle multiple logical storage units simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network interface and file system as intermediary layers between the USB termination and the memory partitions. This mediator translates USB communication protocols into network protocols, enabling a single termination to communicate with multiple partitions through virtual file systems without requiring direct dedicated connections to each partition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple USB terminations are provided for each memory partition, then each partition can be independently accessed, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution provides universal access to all memory partitions through a single USB termination by implementing network protocol support. The same physical termination can be configured to access different partitions through software-based file systems, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated terminations and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining independent partition accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of file systems for each memory partition that can be accessed through the single USB termination. Instead of physically duplicating termination hardware for each partition, virtual file system copies are created in software, allowing the same physical interface to present multiple logical access points to different partitions.
3Device complexity
If a single USB termination is used for all memory partitions, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously access multiple partitions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic partition mounting and unmounting capabilities through the network interface. The single USB termination can dynamically establish connections to different memory partitions as needed, allowing multiple partitions to be accessed sequentially with high efficiency. The system can mount multiple virtual file systems and manage their access dynamically, providing near-simultaneous access capability through rapid switching and network protocol efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The device has a transmission control protocol server (122) including an address conversion unit provided with a conversion table. The unit converts addresses between a main file system and accurate file systems of logical partitions (116-1, 116-2, 116-N) of a physical memory (114) such that a host station (200) addresses data of the partitions in the main file system, to an electronic entity i.e. universal serial bus (USB)key (100). The main file system is constituted of virtual network disks (210-1, 210-2, 210-N). An independent claim is also included for a method for accessing a physical memory of an electronic entity connected to a host station.