Application Offloading to Network Storage for Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face storage constraints due to limited space, leading to the need for efficient management of applications and data to free up space without disrupting user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data management module that offloads application files, associated data, and application state information to network storage, allowing for seamless onloading based on user input, predicted usage patterns, or upcoming events, while maintaining metadata for application restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications and application data are kept on the electronic device, then user experience and application functionality are maintained, but storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the storage dimension from local device storage to network storage, allowing applications to be stored remotely while maintaining local accessibility. This dimensional shift resolves the contradiction by providing storage capacity beyond physical device constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a network storage intermediary that mediates between the electronic device and application storage. The device can offload applications to network storage while maintaining the ability to retrieve and execute them, thus preserving functionality while freeing local storage space.
2Quantity of substance
If applications are offloaded to network storage, then storage space on the device is freed, but application accessibility and launch speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading or caching frequently accessed applications in local storage before they are needed, or by preparing network storage resources in advance. This reduces the impact on launch speed when applications are offloaded to network storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic application management where the system continuously monitors usage patterns and dynamically adjusts which applications are kept locally versus offloaded to network storage. Frequently used applications are maintained locally for fast access, while less frequently used applications are offloaded to free storage space.
3Ease of operation
If frequently used applications are kept on the device, then application accessibility is maintained, but storage space is consumed by infrequently used applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between frequently used and infrequently used applications, maintaining different storage locations for each category. Frequently used applications are kept in local storage for easy access, while infrequently used applications are stored in network storage, optimizing both accessibility and storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the storage parameter (local vs. network storage) based on application usage frequency. By monitoring usage patterns and adjusting storage location parameters dynamically, the system maintains ease of operation for frequently used applications while freeing storage space for less frequently used applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may offload an application to a network storage to free up storage on the electronic device. For instance, an application file and, in some cases, associated application data and/or saved application state information may be stored at the network storage and deleted from the electronic device. Subsequently, a data management module may receive an instruction to onload the application back onto the electronic device, such as in response to a user input that selects the offloaded application, a determination that an upcoming activity may include use of the offloaded application, or a determination that a user usage pattern indicates that the offloaded application is likely to be used. In response, the data management module may download the corresponding application file from the network storage. In some cases, the electronic device may also receive associated application data and/or saved application state information from the network storage.