Mounted File System Installation for RAM-Limited Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing software features on computing devices with limited memory, particularly those using RAM-based file systems, is impractical due to insufficient storage space, as conventional methods require copying all files into the file system, leaving no room for other applications.
Innovation Solution
A package file system is mounted onto a mount point in the target file system, with symbolic links created for feature files, allowing them to remain in non-volatile memory without being physically stored on the target file system, thus reducing memory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software feature files are copied into the target file system, then the software features become accessible and functional, but the file system storage space is consumed, leaving insufficient room for other applications on devices with limited memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating symbolic links (a type of copy) that reference the original feature files stored in the package file system, rather than copying the actual file contents into the target file system. This allows the system to access feature files through the symbolic links while consuming minimal storage space in the target file system, resolving the contradiction between feature accessibility and storage space consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses symbolic links as an intermediary mechanism between the target file system and the package file system. These symbolic links act as mediators that allow applications to access feature files stored in the package file system without requiring the files to be physically present in the target file system, thus maintaining accessibility while preserving storage space
2Adaptability or versatility
If all software feature files are stored in the target file system, then complete software functionality is achieved, but the device memory is exhausted, preventing installation of additional features or applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file storage into two distinct parts: the package file system (stored in non-volatile memory) and the target file system (stored in volatile memory). The package file system contains the actual feature files, while the target file system contains only symbolic links. This segmentation allows complete software functionality to be maintained through the package file system while keeping the target file system lightweight and preserving device memory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to file storage by implementing a layered file system architecture where the package file system exists as a separate layer from the target file system. This dimensional separation allows the system to access features from the package file system through the target file system interface, achieving complete functionality without consuming target file system storage space
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a technique for installing extension packages on a target computing device. The extension package is downloaded onto the target device and stored on disk or other non-volatile storage (e.g., flash memory). The target device mounts a file system in the extension package onto a mount point on the file system of the target device. The target device runs an installation script for each feature in the extension package. The installation script generates information so that access to the feature file from non-volatile storage. Because the feature files that constitute a feature are not physically stored on the target file system, the feature files do not consume the storage space of the target file system.