Dynamic Memory Partitioning for End-of-Life Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile user devices often run out of storage space due to reserved partitions for operating systems and updates, forcing users to delete content to make room for new files, even though these devices are no longer receiving software updates and are considered end-of-life.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows mobile user devices to increase storage space allocated to user content by repartitioning memory after determining that no further operating system updates will be provided, by transferring content to a server and reallocating space from update partitions to user partitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage space is reserved for operating system updates, then the device can receive future software updates, but user available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts partition sizes based on whether the device is receiving updates. When update service ends, the update partition is shrunk and user partition is expanded. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting storage allocation to the device's current lifecycle stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of partition size allocation based on the device's update status. By detecting when update service ends, the system changes the storage allocation parameters - reducing the update partition size and increasing user partition size - thereby resolving the storage space contradiction.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the device is maintained with regular software updates, then the operating system remains current, but storage space is continuously consumed by update partitions
Solution Approach 1:
When the device reaches end-of-life for updates, the system discards the need for the update partition and recovers that storage space for user use. The update partition is either removed or significantly reduced, and the freed space is allocated to user content, resolving the ongoing storage consumption issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of update service status and proactively reconfigures partitions before storage becomes critically full. By anticipating the end of update service and pre-adjusting partition sizes, the system prevents storage conflicts while maintaining update capability during the active update period.
3Quantity of substance
If users delete content to make room for new files, then new content can be stored, but existing user content is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically expanding user storage space through dynamic partition reconfiguration. Instead of requiring users to manually delete content, the system autonomously manages storage allocation by adjusting partition sizes, thereby providing new storage capacity without forcing users to lose existing content.
4Device complexity
If storage partitions are fixed at manufacturing, then device structure is simple, but storage allocation cannot adapt to device lifecycle changes
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure transitions from static to dynamic, allowing automatic reconfiguration based on device lifecycle events. The system maintains simplicity by using automated detection and adjustment mechanisms rather than complex manual configuration, enabling adaptability while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device provides, to a mobile user device, an instruction to increase a partition of a memory of the mobile user device, based on a determination that the mobile user device will not receive future software updates. The partition of the memory is accessible to a user of the mobile user device. The instruction causes the mobile user device to increase a storage space for the partition by a particular amount, and generate an indication of the increased partition. The device receives the indication of the increased partition.