AUFS Filesystem for Flash Memory Storage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with flash memory, such as MP3 players and smart PCs, face inconvenience and increased costs when storage space is insufficient, as they either require data removal or replacement with a larger device, due to the non-expandable and costly nature of built-in flash memory.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines the storage space of a computer's storage device with a memory card using an Another Union File System (AUFS), allowing the system to detect and integrate memory cards, forming a combined storage space that can be managed by application software, enabling file movement between the device and card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If built-in flash memory is used in devices, then storage space is provided, but storage space cannot be expanded and replacement is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the built-in flash memory storage device with an external memory card through the AUFS filesystem to create a unified storage space. This merging allows the system to leverage both storage sources simultaneously, effectively increasing total storage capacity without requiring replacement of the built-in memory or adding complex hardware modifications.
2Quantity of substance
If storage space is insufficient in flash memory devices, then data removal or device replacement is required, but this causes inconvenience and extra cost
Solution Approach 1:
The AUFS filesystem provides universal access to both the built-in flash memory and external memory card as a single unified storage space. Users can store, retrieve, and manage data across both storage sources without needing to understand their separate locations or perform complex operations, significantly improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The AUFS filesystem acts as an intermediary layer between the built-in flash memory and external memory card. It presents a unified virtual storage space that abstracts the underlying hardware details, allowing users to access storage capacity without dealing with the technical complexities of connecting and managing multiple storage devices.
3Quantity of substance
If built-in flash memory is replaced with larger capacity, then storage space is increased, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the built-in flash memory with expensive high-capacity units, the system merges the existing built-in memory with more economical external memory cards. This combination achieves the desired storage capacity at lower cost by utilizing the price difference between the two storage sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the storage space by mounting the external memory card through AUFS, presenting it as an extension of the built-in memory. This virtual extension allows the system to access additional storage capacity without physically replacing the original memory hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing memory storage space and a computer system using the same uses a computer including a storage device and an expansion slot. The method has the steps of: detecting whether there is a memory card in the expansion slot; combining the storage space of the storage device and the memory card to form a combined storage space; and using application software to manage the combined storage space. At least one file stored in the combined storage space may be selected to move between the storage device and the memory card via the application software.