Data Storage Device Application Launch via User Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices require user knowledge of the host device's operating system to start applications, making it difficult for inexperienced users to access and restart applications, as they need to manually remove and reinsert the device each time.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a user input device that communicates application configuration data to the host device, allowing users to select and store application designation data, which triggers automatic execution of the selected application without requiring knowledge of the host device's operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autorun capability is used to start applications upon insertion of the data storage device, then application execution is automated, but the user cannot restart applications without removing and re-inserting the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores application designation data in the non-volatile memory array that identifies specific applications associated with the data storage device. This preliminary configuration allows the host device to automatically execute the designated application when the device is inserted, eliminating the need for manual navigation through the operating system. The application designation data is prepared in advance and communicated to the host device, enabling automated application execution without requiring user knowledge of the host device's operating system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual navigation through the operating system is required to find and run applications, then application execution is flexible, but inexperienced users cannot easily access applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces application designation data as an intermediary between the data storage device and the host device's operating system. This data structure contains application identification information that mediates the interaction, allowing the host device to automatically execute the designated application without requiring the user to navigate through the operating system. The application designation data translates the user's simple action of inserting the device into the specific application execution command, bridging the gap between user capability and system functionality.
3Device complexity
If the data storage device stores only data, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot trigger application execution on the host device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data storage device multi-functional by enabling it to both store data and trigger application execution on the host device. The non-volatile memory array stores not only user data but also application designation data that contains application identification information. This allows the data storage device to serve dual purposes: as a traditional data storage device and as an application launcher, eliminating the need for separate devices or complex user navigation to execute applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a non-volatile memory array, a user input device, and a host interface adapted to connect the data storage device to a host device and convey data to the host device. In response to a first operation of the user input device, application configuration data is communicated from the data storage device to the host device. The application configuration data is configured to trigger execution by the host device of a configuration application that includes a listing of a plurality of applications for display by the host device allowing a user to identify a selected application. In response to selection of an application, application designation data is generated and stored in the non-volatile memory array. In response to a second operation of the user input device, the application designation data is communicated to the host device to trigger automatic execution by the host device of the selected application.