Offline File Access via Metadata Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face limitations in accessing and managing file information from external storage devices, as they require continuous connection to identify and utilize files, which burdens storage capacity and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor that copies file and folder information from connected external devices, generates a list, and allows user selection for storage and execution even after disconnection, maintaining access and usage without the external device being connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all files and folders of the external device are copied and stored in the electronic device, then the electronic device can access files even when disconnected, but this creates a burden on the storage capacity of the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary file information (metadata, names, paths) from the external device and stores it in the electronic device's storage, rather than copying entire files. This allows the electronic device to maintain access capability when disconnected while minimizing the burden on storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of file information (not the actual files) from the external device and stores it in the electronic device. This virtual copy enables offline access to file listings and selection, while the actual files remain on the external device, thus preserving storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If the external device needs to be connected to identify and execute files, then file access is reliable, but this reduces user convenience and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by copying file information from the external device to the electronic device's storage before disconnection occurs. This preliminary copying of metadata enables the electronic device to display and allow selection of files even when the external device is disconnected, improving user convenience without compromising the ability to access files when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If files are separately stored in the electronic device for offline access, then accessibility is improved, but this increases device complexity and storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by storing only essential file information (names, paths, metadata) rather than complete file copies. This selective storage provides offline access capability while keeping storage requirements minimal and management complexity low, as the electronic device only needs to manage metadata rather than full file contents.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein may include a display, an input device, a connecting terminal, a storage, and a processor. The processor may be configured to: copy information about files and folders stored in an external device; generate a list of the files and the folders stored in the external device; receive a first user input for selecting one or more of the files or folders included in the list of the files and the folders; copy the selected file or folder from the external device and store the copied file or folder in the storage; and maintain the display of the list of the files and the folders even after the external device is disconnected. Various other embodiments are possible.