External Storage Partition Switching for Automatic Application Execution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automatically executing applications on external storage devices are limited, as they require pre-programming applications into a CD-ROM partition, which cannot be updated, and do not allow for the automatic execution of third-party applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves logically dividing the storage unit into a first and second partition, emulating the first partition as a CD-ROM, and using an auto-execution file and switch program to automatically execute the application stored in the second partition when the device is connected to a computer host, allowing for easy updates and execution of additional applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If applications are pre-programmed into a CD-ROM partition for automatic execution, then the operating system can automatically execute the provided applications, but the files in the CD-ROM partition cannot be updated and third-party applications cannot be added
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is divided into multiple partitions: a first partition formatted as CD-ROM for automatic execution, and a second partition (general partition) for storing additional applications. The switch program switches between these partitions, enabling both automatic execution capability and flexibility to update/add applications.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch program is introduced as an intermediary component that manages the transition between the first partition (CD-ROM format) and the second partition (general partition). This switch program enables the system to leverage both the automatic execution capability of CD-ROM and the flexibility of general storage partitions.
2Reliability
If a CD-ROM partition is used for automatic execution, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the device complexity increases to support partition switching and multiple formats
Solution Approach 1:
The switch program automatically detects the connection status of the external storage device and performs partition switching without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of partition formatting and switching, providing a simple user experience while maintaining reliable automatic execution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage unit is divided into multiple partitions with different formats, then both CD-ROM automatic execution and general storage flexibility are achieved, but the manufacturing and initialization process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is pre-divided into multiple partitions during manufacturing, with the first partition formatted as CD-ROM and the second partition formatted as general storage. The switch program is pre-installed to automatically manage partition switching, eliminating the need for complex user-side initialization processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An application executing method for automatically executing an application stored in a storage unit of an external storage device in an operating system (OS) of a computer host is provided. The method includes dividing the storage unit into a first partition and a second partition; emulating the first partition as compact disc-read only memory (CR-ROM); storing a switch program in the first partition; and storing the application in the second partition. The method also includes providing only the first partition to be accessed by the OS and automatically executing the switch program by the OS to decouple and re-couple the external storage device to the computer host. Additionally, the method further includes providing only the second partition to be accessed by the OS and executing the application when the external storage device is re-coupled to the computer host.