Virtual External Memory for Mobile Terminal Application Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals that support only one external memory cannot operate specific applications without the external memory attached, leading to functionality issues such as inability to capture images or download applications.
Innovation Solution
The mobile terminal recognizes its built-in memory as a virtual external memory during the booting process, generating dummy signals to simulate the attachment and detachment of external memory, allowing continuous operation even without a physical external memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mobile terminal supports only one external memory, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because applications cannot operate when external memory is not attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual external memory by copying the functionality of a physical external memory into the system. The built-in memory is configured to emulate external memory behavior, providing a virtual image that allows applications to operate as if a physical external memory were attached, even when none exists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the physical memory hardware and the application software. This virtual memory manager acts as a mediator that translates application requests for external memory into operations on the built-in memory, enabling continuous operation without requiring actual external memory attachment.
2Reliability
If the mobile terminal uses built-in memory as virtual external memory, then the application operation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional software components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the built-in memory serve multiple functions: it acts as both the device's internal storage and as a virtual external memory for applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated external memory hardware while maintaining application operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual external memory is created by copying the interface and functionality of physical external memory into the system software layer, allowing applications to interact with it through the same APIs without requiring actual external memory hardware.
3Reliability
If the mobile terminal generates dummy signals to simulate external memory attachment, then the application operation reliability is improved, but the loss of information increases due to fake detachment/attachment signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual memory manager as an intermediary that sits between the physical memory hardware and the application layer. This mediator generates dummy attachment/detachment signals to maintain the illusion of external memory presence while actually managing the built-in memory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of external memory attachment status through dummy signals, allowing the system to believe external memory is attached when it is not physically present, thereby maintaining application reliability without actual hardware support.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for recognizing an external memory in a mobile terminal are provided. The apparatus includes an external memory manager for recognizing as if an external memory was attached without a separate external memory by defining a built-in memory as a virtual external memory after a booting process.