Virtual Flash Storage for Digital Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for digital devices do not effectively expand storage capabilities beyond internal flash storage, leading to limitations such as data loss when applications are uninstalled and the need for network connectivity to access applications, which is not feasible for all devices, especially mobile ones.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtualized flash storage solution that transparently uses external storage, such as cloud storage or USB devices, to store applications and data, allowing seamless relocation and access without the need for internal installation, and leveraging usage patterns to cache frequently used applications for quick launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are stored in internal flash storage, then application access speed and reliability are improved, but storage capacity is limited and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension internal storage to multi-dimensional storage by introducing network storage as an additional dimension. Applications can be stored remotely in the cloud or on external devices, expanding the storage space beyond the physical constraints of internal flash memory while maintaining fast access through intelligent caching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary caching layer that mediates between internal flash storage and network storage. Frequently accessed application components are cached in internal memory, while less frequently used components remain in network storage, optimizing both access speed and storage utilization.
2Speed
If applications are installed on internal flash storage, then application launch speed is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-caching application components that are likely to be accessed based on usage patterns, user behavior analysis, and application metadata. This allows applications to launch quickly from cache while avoiding the need to permanently install all applications on internal storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic storage management where the system adaptively determines which application components to cache in internal memory based on real-time usage patterns, network conditions, and available storage space. This dynamic approach optimizes launch speed while minimizing the need for large internal storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If applications are stored remotely, then internal storage requirements are reduced, but network connectivity is required for application access
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively caching application components in internal storage based on predicted usage patterns, user behavior, and application metadata before they are actually needed. This ensures that frequently accessed components are available offline while reducing the need for continuous network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by autonomously managing the caching and uncaching of application components based on usage patterns and network availability. The system automatically determines what to cache, when to cache it, and when to remove it, adapting to changing conditions without user intervention.
4Quantity of substance
If more internal flash storage is provided, then more applications can be installed, but manufacturing costs and device pricing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making internal flash storage serve multiple functions: storing frequently accessed application components, caching data, and providing fast boot functionality. This multi-functional use of limited internal storage reduces the need for large storage capacity while maintaining high performance for commonly used applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of application components, storing frequently accessed portions in internal flash storage while keeping the full application packages in network storage. This copying strategy allows fast access to essential components while avoiding the cost of providing full storage capacity for all applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual installation module running on a user device determines that at least one application file chunk is to be stored in a memory of the user device prior to being executed, wherein the application file chunk includes a subset of the data of the application and is stored on a remote storage device that correspond to an application to be executed by the processing device. The virtual installation module determines when a request to execute the application on the user device will be received and stores the at least one application file chunk from the remote storage device in the memory of the user device based at least in part on when the at least one application file chunk will be utilized during execution of the application.