On-Demand Feature File Hydration for OS Storage Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in managing storage space efficiently due to the inclusion of both frequently and seldom used features, where conventional methods of removing seldom used feature files can lead to inadvertent rendering of desired functionalities inoperable.
Innovation Solution
A computing device is configured with some feature files in a hydrated state and others in a dehydrated state, automatically downloading and hydrating dehydrated feature files on demand to maintain accessibility without constant storage consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all feature files are stored locally to ensure accessibility, then feature accessibility is improved, but storage space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feature file system is segmented into multiple batches, where each batch can be independently managed as hydrated or dehydrated. This allows selective local storage of only necessary feature batches, improving storage efficiency while maintaining accessibility for frequently used features.
Solution Approach 2:
Feature file batches are pre-configured with metadata including download locations and dependencies. When a feature is accessed, the system can quickly determine what needs to be downloaded and hydrate the appropriate batches without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time decisions.
2Quantity of substance
If seldom used feature files are removed to free storage space, then storage space is improved, but feature reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Placeholder files serve as intermediaries between the dehydrated feature batches and the feature access requests. These placeholder files contain metadata that enables automatic downloading of the actual feature files when needed, ensuring that removing seldom-used features does not compromise their functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the hydration state of feature batches based on usage patterns and storage availability. Feature files transition between hydrated (locally stored) and dehydrated (downloaded on-demand) states, allowing the system to optimize between storage space and feature reliability based on current conditions.
3Ease of operation
If manual selection of feature files for removal is implemented, then user control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages feature file hydration and dehydration without requiring manual user intervention. It monitors feature usage, determines which batches should be hydrated or dehydrated, and executes the appropriate actions autonomously, freeing users from complex manual management while maintaining control over storage usage.
4Quantity of substance
If feature files are downloaded on-demand, then storage space efficiency is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Related feature files that are frequently accessed together are grouped into the same batch. When one feature is accessed, its companion files are automatically downloaded as well, preventing subsequent delays when those companion files are needed, thus reducing overall access time while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads or pre-downloads feature batches that are likely to be needed based on usage patterns, application requirements, or dependency analysis. This preliminary action reduces the latency of on-demand downloading by anticipating future access needs before they occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device saves storage space by foregoing writing the payloads for batches of feature files to local storage and then automatically downloading payloads for individual batches of feature files as associated features are called upon. In various embodiments, an operating system (OS) that includes both frequently used and infrequently used features is executing on the computing device. Batches of feature files for the frequently used features of the OS may be hydrated on the computing device whereas batches of feature files for the infrequently used features of the OS may be left dehydrated on the computing device. When an infrequently used feature is requested, the computing device automatically downloads a corresponding batch of feature files. Then, the computing device may fulfill the request by implementing the infrequently used feature. Thus, predetermined batches of feature files remain immediately accessible at the computing device without consuming storage space unless called upon.