RAM-Based File Storage for Network Device Software Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-connected devices with limited persistent memory storage face obsolescence as they cannot store and execute larger or updated operating programs due to capacity constraints, making it economically impractical to upgrade their memory.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a RAM-based file storage system where network-connected devices connect to an external computing device to download and execute operating programs from RAM, reducing the need for persistent memory storage and allowing for the execution of programs that exceed the device's storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If persistent memory storage capacity is increased to store larger operating programs, then device functionality and software update capability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary to store and manage operating programs. The network-connected device downloads these programs from the server into its RAM, eliminating the need for large persistent memory storage. This mediator approach allows the device to access updated software without increasing its own storage capacity or manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where the operating program is stored persistently on a network server and copied to the device's RAM memory when needed. This allows the device to execute full-featured operating programs without having permanent storage for them, resolving the contradiction between software capability and storage cost.
2Reliability
If persistent memory storage capacity is increased to accommodate future software updates, then device obsolescence is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network server acts as an intermediary that maintains and distributes updated operating programs. Devices can receive software updates by downloading new versions from the server to their RAM, without needing expanded persistent memory. This keeps devices current and prevents obsolescence while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static persistent storage to dynamic RAM-based storage with network connectivity. This allows the device to flexibly load different operating program versions as needed, adapting to software updates without physical hardware changes, thereby preventing obsolescence without increasing manufacturing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If persistent memory storage is minimized to reduce manufacturing cost, then device production cost decreases, but device adaptability to new software deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network server serves as an intermediary that provides software update capability to devices with minimal persistent memory. The device maintains only a small bootloader in persistent storage, which enables it to connect to the server, download, and load operating programs into RAM. This intermediary approach restores software adaptability without increasing device manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the operating program from the device's persistent memory and relocates it to external network storage. The device retains only the essential bootloader in persistent memory, while the main operating system is taken out and stored on the network server, allowing the device to adapt to software updates without local storage expansion.
4Ease of manufacture
If operating programs are stored in RAM instead of persistent memory, then manufacturing cost decreases, but data persistence capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network server acts as an intermediary for data persistence. When the device needs to preserve data, it stores information on the network server rather than relying on local persistent memory. This allows the device to use inexpensive RAM for storage while maintaining data persistence through the external server, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and data persistence capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A network-connected device, and methods for executing operating programs stored in a RAM-based file storage system, where the network-connected device includes a bootloader configured to be executed during a boot of the network-connected device. When executed, the bootloader causes the network-connected device to connect to an external computing device via a network, and to download an operating program. The network-connected device then stores the operating program in a RAM-based file storage system that is located in a simulated disk drive that resides in the RAM memory, and executes the operating program from within the RAM-based file storage system. In some embodiments, the network-connected device also is configured to store configuration files in the RAM-based file storage system, make changes to the configuration files stored in the RAM-based file storage system, and synchronize those changes with a remote persistent file store hosted by an external computing device.