JP5356250B2 - Method and apparatus for launching a program application - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for launching a program application is provided. Here, configuration instructions are stored in a memory device and the configuration instructions are associated with multiple configurations. A configuration is selected from the multiple configurations when the memory device is coupled to a computing device. Thereafter, a configuration instruction associated with the configuration is retrieved from the memory device. The program application is launched and the configuration instruction is transmitted to the program application. A computing device is also provided. The computing device comprises a processor. The processor is configured to select a configuration from multiple configurations when the computing device is coupled to a memory device. The processor is further configured to retrieve a configuration instruction associated with the configuration from the memory device. In addition, the processor is configured to launch a program application associated with the configuration instruction and transmit the configuration instruction to the program application.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to memory technology, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for launching a program application.

  An operating system is a program application that essentially manages all other program applications (eg, file managers, device drivers, etc.) in a computing device. There are various operating systems available, and for a program application to run on a computing device, the program application must be compatible with the computing device's operating system. Compatibility is usually not a problem for most personal computers since only a few operating systems are available for personal computers, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. As a result, most program applications for personal computers have versions adapted to these most popular operating systems. Thus, the personal computer can run most program applications.

  However, portable computing devices such as mobile phones typically have a closed system with a custom operating system or a proprietary operating system. For example, a program application that is configured to run on one mobile phone manufactured by one manufacturer usually runs on a mobile phone manufactured by another manufacturer because the operating system is different. I can't. Most program applications that run on such computing devices are usually custom configured to run on one type of computing device, and therefore cannot be ported to other computing devices. As a result, there is a further need for continued efforts to improve the portability of program applications.

  Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for launching a program application. It is to be understood that the embodiments can be embodied in a number of ways including a method, circuit, system or device. In the following, several embodiments of the invention will be described.

  In one embodiment, a method for launching a program application is provided. Here, configuration instructions are stored in the storage device, and the configuration instructions are associated with a plurality of configurations. When the storage device is coupled to the computing device, a configuration is selected from the plurality of configurations. Thereafter, the configuration instructions associated with the configuration are retrieved from the storage device. The program application is activated and configuration instructions are sent to the program application.

  In another embodiment, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a processor. The processor is configured to select a configuration from a plurality of configurations when the computing device is coupled to the storage device. The processor is further configured to retrieve configuration instructions associated with the configuration from the storage device. Further, the processor is configured to launch a program application associated with the configuration instruction and send the configuration instruction to the program application.

  Other embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

  The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals indicate like structural elements.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a system of devices associated with launching a program application, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a general overview for launching a program application, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for launching a program application according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of a general overview for launching a program application according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for launching a program application according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a graphical user interface configured to display for selecting one or more configuration instructions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a graphical user interface configured to display for selecting one or more configuration instructions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of modules that may be included in a program application launch module, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a general overview of a computing device suitable for hosting a program application launch module and other program applications, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  A detailed description of one or more embodiments is provided below along with accompanying figures. Although a detailed description is provided in connection with such embodiments, it is not limited to any particular embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and includes numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for purposes of illustration, and the described embodiments may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical data that is known in the technical fields related to the embodiments has not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

  The embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for launching a program application. Connection of the storage device to the computing device causes configuration selection. Thereafter, configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration are retrieved from the storage device. Each configuration instruction is associated with a program application. The associated program application is launched and the corresponding configuration instruction is sent to the program application.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system of devices associated with launching a program application, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 102 includes a computing device 114 and a storage device 116. In one embodiment, the storage device 116 may be removably coupled to the computing device 114 via a mechanical interface 108 such as a pin and / or socket connector. In another embodiment, the storage device 116 can interface with the computing device 14 through a contactless interface. In a non-contact interface, for example, the computing device 114 can communicate with the storage device 116 through radio frequency identification (RFID) guidance technology. The storage device 116 is a memory storage device. As will be described below, an example of the storage device 116 is a memory card that uses a nonvolatile memory.

  Computing device 114 may include a variety of electronic devices that can access storage device 116. For example, access may include reading or retrieving configuration instructions stored in configuration file 118 from storage device 116. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, computing device 114 hosts program application 104. Program application 104 may be stored on computing device 114. Alternatively, the program application 104 is stored in the storage device 116 and the computing device 114 retrieves or loads the program application from the storage device. Program application 104 may include a variety of program applications. For example, program application 104 can be a multimedia player configured to play audio and video files. Further, for example, the program application 104 can be a web browser. It should be noted that in another embodiment, program application 104 may be hosted on storage device 116. The storage device 116 can include a processor (eg, a memory controller) that can execute the program application 104.

  Further, in one embodiment, computing device 114 can host program application launch module 120. As described in more detail below, program application launch module 120 is configured to retrieve configuration instructions from storage device 116 when the storage device is coupled to computing device 114, and program application 104 on computing device 114. Can be configured to launch and send configuration instructions to the program application.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart diagram of a general overview for launching a program application, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a message is received at 202 indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device. The message is a communication message indicating whether the storage device is coupled to the computing device. For example, the message may be a value of 1 (eg, one flag) indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device, or a zero value indicating that the storage device is not coupled to the computing device.

  It should be noted that the storage device is configured to store one or more configuration instructions associated with the one or more configurations. A configuration is associated with one or more program applications. In general, the configuration can determine how the program application is set up. For example, the configuration can determine the size of the font displayed in the web browser. In another example, the configuration may include setting a web browser home page to a particular internet site by determining a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with the internet site. . In yet another example, the configuration establishes operating system security settings such as, for example, disabling file sharing, enabling an anti-virus program application, and other security configurations. be able to.

  When the message is received, a configuration is selected from a plurality of configurations at 204. There can be multiple configurations, and one or more configurations can be selected automatically by the program application launch module or manually by the user. In one embodiment, the user can manually select a configuration. In another embodiment, the program application launch module can automatically select a configuration without user intervention. The program application launch module can automatically select a configuration based on, for example, information associated with or stored in a computing device or other memory card. Examples of information include the type of operating system hosted on the computing device, the serial number of the computing device stored on the computing device, the network identifier from the subscriber identity module (SIM) card, the telephone number from the SIM card, User name stored in the operating system, screen size of the display on the computing device, storage device type (eg, Secure Digital (SD) card (registered trademark), multimedia card (registered trademark), or other card type) ), Storage device serial number, and other information. For example, the computing device can have a display with various screen resolutions, eg, 640 × 480 pixels and 1,280 × 1,024 pixels. As a result, the program application launch module can select one specific configuration for a computing device having a 640 × 480 screen resolution and another having a different 1,280 × 1,024 screen resolution. Another configuration can be selected for this computing device. In another example, a mobile phone (ie, a computing device) can have various network providers. As a result, the program application launch module can select one specific configuration for one mobile phone with respect to one network provider and for one other mobile phone with respect to another network provider. One other configuration can be selected. Thus, the configuration of the program application can be customized based on various information.

  Reference is made to FIG. When a configuration is selected, one or more configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration are retrieved from storage at 206. Configuration instructions associated with the configuration determine the configuration. In other words, the configuration instruction is computer code that describes the configuration. Configuration instructions can include, for example, commands that instruct the program application to perform specific operations. Examples of commands can include the command “browse”, which can instruct a web browser to access a particular Internet site. Another example can include the command “copy”, which can instruct the operating system to copy a particular file. A third example can include the command “playback”, which can instruct the music player to play a particular music file. Configuration instructions can also include parameters. Examples of parameters can include data associated with the command. An example of a parameter may include a URL associated with the command “browse”. The URL is a string of characters used to specify a resource on the network. Another example of a parameter is a file name used to uniquely identify a file stored in, for example, a computing device or a storage device. The parameters can also include the desktop settings of the computing device, such as, for example, the background color, the type of font used on the desktop, and other desktop settings. With both commands and parameters, configuration instructions can enable or command the program application to perform various operations. For example, the configuration instructions may allow the program application to display text and / or graphics, such as a welcome or thank you text message displayed with the network provider's graphic logo. In another example, as described in more detail below, the configuration instructions can allow a program application (eg, a web browser) to automatically connect to an Internet site.

  Configuration instructions are stored in a storage device. Configuration instructions may be stored in various data structures, such as arrays, files, tables, databases, and other data structures. In one embodiment, the configuration instructions are stored in one or more configuration files, as described in more detail below. After the configuration instructions are retrieved, the configuration instructions are associated 207 with one or more program applications. For example, the program application launch module can associate (or associate) the configuration instruction “browse” with a web browser. In another example, the configuration instruction “playback” may be associated with a music player. In yet another example, the configuration instruction “view” may be associated with a video player. At 208, after the storage device is coupled to the computing device, the program application associated with the retrieved configuration instruction is launched on the computing device. In other words, the program application associated with the retrieved configuration instruction is executed or started on the computing device. The configuration instructions are then sent to the program application at 210.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for launching a program application according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 402 includes computing device 114 and storage device 116. The computing device 114 hosts the operating system 420, the program application 104, and the program application launch module 120. Storage device 116 is configured to store configuration instructions in configuration files 404 and 118. Configuration files such as configuration files 404 and 118 may be stored in a secret partition 418 of storage device 116 where many program applications such as program application 104 and operating system 420 cannot see or access the configuration file. It should be noted. In the example of FIG. 3, the configuration file 404 is stored in a secret partition 418 and the configuration file 118 is stored in a partition 420 that is visible to most program applications.

  When the storage device 116 is coupled to the computing device 114, the operating system 420 may receive an interrupt from the computing device indicating that the storage device 116 is coupled to the computing device. As a result, operating system 420 sends message 406 to program application launch module 120 indicating that storage device 116 is coupled to computing device 114. Program application launch module 120 receives message 406 from operating system 420 and selects a configuration. In one embodiment, the program application launch module 120 can select a configuration from a plurality of configurations based on information stored in the computing device 114. Information may be stored in computing device 114 and / or storage device 116. Program application launch module 120 may retrieve information from computing device 114 and / or storage device 116. Alternatively, the information can be provided to the program application launch module 120. As previously discussed, the information can be, for example, a serial number associated with computing device 114. If the selection is based on a serial number, the program application launch module 120 may be configured to select different configurations with different serial numbers. In another embodiment, the program application launch module 120 can select a configuration based on information from the storage device 116. For example, the selection can be based on the availability of configuration files such as configuration files 404 and 118 stored in storage device 116. Here, the configuration file 118 may not be accessible because the configuration file has been erased or protected to prevent modification to the configuration file. If one configuration file, such as configuration file 118, is neither accessible nor available, program application launch module 120 may select a configuration associated with another configuration file, such as configuration file 404. it can. For example, it should be understood that the storage device 116 may be formatted into various sectors such that the storage device can store data. Data stored in the partition 420 of the storage device 116 is erased during the formatting operation. However, the data stored in the secret partition 418 is maintained during the formatting operation. When the storage device 116 is formatted, the configuration file 118 stored in the partition 420 is erased, and the configuration file 404 stored in the secret partition 418 is not erased. Program application launch module 120 may initially attempt to read configuration file 118 from storage device 116. If the storage device 116 is formatted, the configuration file 118 is erased and the program application launch module 120 selects the configuration associated with the configuration file 404. On the other hand, if the storage device 116 is not formatted, the program application launch module 120 selects the configuration associated with the configuration file 118. Alternatively, the configuration file 118 can be protected. If the configuration file 118 is protected and the configuration file should be modified, the program application launch module 120 instead selects the configuration associated with the configuration file 404.

  Configuration instructions are stored in storage device 116, and when a configuration is selected, program application launch module 120 retrieves one or more configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration from storage device 116. In other words, program application launch module 120 selects and retrieves configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration from storage device 116. As previously discussed, configuration instructions can include commands and parameters. An example of a configuration instruction is “connect: http: //www.sandisk.com/”, where “connect” is a command and “http://www.sandisk.com/” , The parameters associated with this command. Here, the command “connect” is a command associated with the web browser, and the parameter “http://www.sandisk.com/” is a URL. Another example of a configuration instruction is “playback: <d>: \ music.mp3”, where the command “playback” is associated with the music player and the parameter “<d>: \ music” “mp3” is the directory path of the audio file. As shown in FIG. 3, the program application launch module 120 configures from the storage device 116 by making a request (410) to the storage device for a configuration instruction associated with the selected configuration. Instruction can be retrieved. In response, the program application launch module 120 receives a configuration command from the storage device 116 (412).

  Configuration instructions may be stored in various data structures, such as arrays, files, tables, databases, and other data structures. For example, in FIG. 3, configuration instructions are stored in configuration files 404 and 118. Configuration instructions associated with one configuration may be stored in one configuration file, such as configuration file 404 or 118. Thus, each configuration file 404 or 118 can be associated with one configuration. If there are multiple configurations, the configuration instructions are stored in multiple configuration files 404 and 118. Here, each configuration file 404 or 118 is associated with a different configuration. In other words, the storage device 116 can include a plurality of configuration files corresponding to a plurality of configurations. As a result, to retrieve the configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration, the program application launch module 120 looks for the configuration file associated with the selected configuration and configures the configuration file from the configuration file. Take out the instruction.

  Reference is made to FIG. After the configuration instructions are retrieved, program application launch module 120 associates one or more program applications, such as program application 104, with each configuration instruction. The computing device 114 can host various program applications such as web browsers, music players, photo editing applications, and other program applications. Each configuration instruction can be associated with or correspond to a different program application. Program application launch module 120 may be configured to recognize and associate each of the configuration instructions with a corresponding program application, such as program application 104. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the program application 104 can be a web browser, and if the program application launch module 120 retrieves a configuration instruction associated with the web browser, such as a “browse” command, the program Application launch module 120 associates the configuration instruction “browse” with a web browser (eg, program application 104). Thereafter, the program application activation module 120 activates the program application 104 associated with the extracted configuration instruction. It should be noted that the program application 104 is activated or executed on the computing device 114. The program application launch module 120 is programmed to launch the program application 104 directly or by calling other program applications such as an operating system 420 or an auto-boot module (not shown) to launch the program application. Can be configured to launch an application. After the program application 104 is activated, the program application activation module 120 sends a configuration command to the program application 104.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram of a general overview for launching a program application, according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a message is received at 302 indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device. The storage device is configured to store one or more configuration instructions associated with the one or more configurations. When the message is received, a configuration is selected from among a plurality of configurations at 304. The configuration may be selected based on information associated with or stored in, for example, a computing device or other storage device.

  Configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration are stored in the storage device. When a configuration is selected, configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration are retrieved from storage at 306. After the configuration instructions are retrieved, a selection (selection) of one or more configuration instructions is received 308. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration can be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) on the computing device. The GUI is configured to display or provide configuration instructions for selection. The user can manually select one or more configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration to send to the program application.

  When a selection of configurations is received, at 310, one or more program applications are associated with each of the selected configuration instructions. Thereafter, the program application associated with the selected configuration instruction is launched 312. The configuration instruction is then sent 314 to the program application.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a system for launching a program application according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system 502 includes a computing device 114, a first storage device 116, and a second storage device 504. The computing device 114 hosts the operating system 420 and the program application 104. First storage device 116 and second storage device 504 are removably coupled to computing device 114. The first storage device 116 and the second storage device 504 are memory storage devices. As described below, an example of the first storage device 116 is a memory card that uses a nonvolatile memory. In another example, the second storage device 504 is a smart card, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. The first storage device 116 is configured to store configuration instructions in the configuration file 506 . In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the second storage device 504 is configured to host the program application launch module 120, which can take the form of an applet. Further, as will be described below, the second storage device 504 can also store information 508.

  In FIG. 5, the second storage device 504 is already coupled to the computing device 114. The second storage device 504 can be, for example, a SIM card included in a computing device 114 in the form of a mobile phone. When the first storage device 116 is coupled to the computing device 114, the operating system 420 can receive an interrupt from the computing device indicating that the first storage device is coupled to the computing device. As a result, the operating system 420 activates 550 the program application activation module 120. When launched, the program application launch module 120 selects a configuration. In one embodiment, program application launch module 120 can retrieve information 508 from second storage device 504 and select a configuration from a plurality of configurations based on the information. As previously discussed, the information 508 stored in the second storage device 504 can include a variety of data. If the second storage device 504 is a SIM card, the information 508 can be associated with a mobile phone, such as an identifier, for example. The identifier may be configured, for example, to identify a network (ie, network identifier), user, phone number, or country (ie, country identifier) associated with the mobile phone. The network identifier and country identifier may be included in an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). The IMSI is a unique number associated with a networked mobile phone and can be stored on a SIM card. The IMSI can be 15 digits long, with a portion of those digits (eg, the first 3 digits) being a country identifier (eg, mobile country code (MCC)) The other part (eg, the next 12 numbers) can be a network identifier (eg, mobile network code (MNC). The mobile phone number is the Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN). MSISDN can be a 15-digit number that identifies the mobile phone number, so that if the selection is based on, for example, a network identifier, the program application launch module 120 is configured with various network identifiers and various configurations. It may be configured to select the Shon.

  The configuration instructions are stored in the first storage device 116, and when a configuration is selected, the program application launch module 120 sends the configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration from the first storage device 116. Select and take out. As shown in FIG. 5, the program application launch module 120 makes a first request (410) to the first storage device for a configuration instruction associated with the selected configuration. Configuration instructions can be retrieved from the storage device 116. In response, the program application launch module 120 receives a configuration command from the storage device 116 via the computing device 114 (412).

Configuration instructions may be stored in various data structures, such as arrays, files, tables, databases, and other data structures. As previously discussed, configuration instructions may be stored in multiple configuration files, each associated with a different configuration. Alternatively, a single configuration file, such as configuration file 506 , can contain configuration instructions associated with multiple configurations. In other words, configuration instructions associated with multiple configurations may be stored in one configuration file 506 . An identifier or separator can be included in the configuration file to associate or associate one or more configuration instructions with a particular configuration. As a result, to retrieve a configuration instruction associated with the selected configuration, program application launch module 120 looks for a configuration instruction in configuration file 506 associated with the selected configuration. , Retrieve configuration instructions from the configuration file.

表Ａにおいて、要素「Connect#flag:<url>www.sandisk.com</url> 」および「Play#flag:<d>:＼songa.mp3 」はコンフィギュレーション命令である。要素「Connect to SanDisk」および「Play Song A 」はコンフィギュレーション命令識別子である。コンフィギュレーション命令識別子はコンフィギュレーション命令を特定し、以下でより詳しく説明されるように、コンフィギュレーション命令識別子は計算装置によってユーザに対して表示または呈示され得る。コンフィギュレーション命令識別子は、例えば、テキストおよびグラフィカルユーザインターフェイス（ＧＵＩ）アイテム（例えば、アイコン、動画化されたアイコン、および他のＧＵＩアイテムなど）を含むことができる。各コンフィギュレーション命令は、対応するコンフィギュレーション命令識別子を持つことができる。例えば、表Ａにおいて、コンフィギュレーション命令識別子「Connect to SanDisk」は、コンフィギュレーション命令「Connect#flag:<url>www.sandisk.com</url> 」に関連付けられている。同様に、コンフィギュレーション命令識別子「Play Song A 」はコンフィギュレーション命令「Play#flag:<d>:＼songa.mp3 」に関連付けられている。計算装置はコンフィギュレーション命令識別子を表すために自身の識別子を割り当てることもできるということに留意すべきである。例えば、計算装置は、特定のテキストをコンフィギュレーション命令識別子にマッピングすることができる。その結果として、例えば、計算装置は、コンフィギュレーション命令識別子の同じセットをいろいろな言語で表示することができる。 The following Table A is an example of a configuration file that stores configuration instructions written in extensible markup language (XMLLE) associated with one configuration.

In Table A, elements “Connect # flag: <url> www.sandisk.com </ url>” and “Play # flag: <d>: \ songa.mp3” are configuration instructions. Elements “Connect to SanDisk” and “Play Song A” are configuration instruction identifiers. The configuration instruction identifier identifies the configuration instruction and, as described in more detail below, the configuration instruction identifier may be displayed or presented to the user by the computing device. Configuration instruction identifiers can include, for example, text and graphical user interface (GUI) items (eg, icons, animated icons, and other GUI items, etc.). Each configuration instruction can have a corresponding configuration instruction identifier. For example, in Table A, the configuration command identifier “Connect to SanDisk” is associated with the configuration command “Connect # flag: <url> www.sandisk.com </ url>”. Similarly, the configuration command identifier “Play Song A” is associated with the configuration command “Play # flag: <d>: \ songa.mp3”. It should be noted that the computing device can also assign its own identifier to represent the configuration instruction identifier. For example, the computing device can map specific text to configuration instruction identifiers. As a result, for example, the computing device can display the same set of configuration instruction identifiers in various languages.

表Ｂに示されているように、ＸＭＬの代わりに、コンフィギュレーション命令とコンフィギュレーション命令識別子とは、データの各ピースがタブによって分離されるデータフォーマットで書かれている。あるいは、コンフィギュレーション命令とコンフィギュレーション命令識別子とは、コンマまたは他の文字で分離され得る。 It should be noted that besides XML, configuration instructions stored in the configuration file can be in various formats. Table B below is another example of a configuration file that stores configuration instructions associated with a configuration.

As shown in Table B, instead of XML, configuration instructions and configuration instruction identifiers are written in a data format in which each piece of data is separated by a tab. Alternatively, the configuration instruction and the configuration instruction identifier may be separated by a comma or other character.

  In one embodiment, the program application launch module 120 sends all configuration instructions retrieved from the first storage device 116 associated with the selected configuration to the associated program application 104. it can. In another embodiment, program application launch module 120 can send selected configuration instructions associated with the configuration to program application 104. Here, after the program application launch module 120 retrieves the configuration instructions from the first storage device 116, the program application launch module may be further configured to receive a selection of one or more configuration instructions. The selection can be done manually by the user or automatically by the program application launch module 120 or other program application.

  In one embodiment, the user can manually select configuration instructions via a graphical user interface (GUI). Here, the retrieved configuration instructions can be displayed on the computing device with a GUI. The GUI displays or provides for selecting configuration instructions. 6A and 6B are diagrams of a graphical user interface configured to display one or more configuration instructions for selection, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, GUIs 614 and 616 are a set of menus displayed to the user on the display 602 of the computing device. In FIG. 6A, GUI 614 is a menu associated with a particular configuration. In general, a menu is a list of commands presented to the user. In addition to the configuration instructions, the program application launch module can also retrieve configuration instruction identifiers 604 and 606, such as the configuration instruction identifiers shown in Table A, from the storage device. The GUI 614 may be configured to display for selecting configuration instruction identifiers 604 and 606. For example, in conjunction with Table A above, the configuration instruction identifiers “Connect to SanDisk” and “Play Song A” can be retrieved along with the configuration instructions associated with them, and is shown in FIG. 6A. As shown, configuration instruction identifiers 604 and 606 may be displayed on GUI 614. The user can select one or more configuration instruction identifiers 604 and 606 displayed on the GUI 614. Since configuration instructions are associated with configuration instruction identifiers 604 and 606, the selection of configuration instruction identifiers corresponds to the selection of configuration instructions associated therewith. The configuration instruction identifiers 604 and 606 displayed on the GUI 614 include, for example, a method of clicking the mouse with the cursor positioned on one GUI area, a method of pressing a key on the keyboard, and another selection method. It can be selected by various techniques.

  The selection of configuration instructions provided or displayed for selection depends on the type of configuration selected. Configuration instructions associated with one configuration may be different from configuration instructions associated with other configurations. For example, FIG. 6B shows a GUI 616 that is associated with a different configuration than the configuration of FIG. 6A. Accordingly, the configuration instructions associated with the configuration of FIG. 6B are different from the configuration instructions associated with the configuration of FIG. 6A. As a result, the GUI 616 of FIG. 6B displays a set of configuration instruction identifiers 608, 610, and 612 for selection that is different from the set of configuration instruction identifiers shown in FIG. 6A.

シェーディング、パターン（例えば、中実、ハッチ、ストライプ、ドット、および他のパターン）、および色によって確定され得る。それらの領域は固定されるか、あるいはカスタマイズ可能であることにも留意すべきである。さらに、それらのＧＵＩを表示する計算装置は、レイアウトの固定されたセットを持つことができ、レイアウトを確定するために定義されたプロトコルまたは言語を利用するか、あるいはレイアウトを確定する外部構造が計算装置に報告され得る。 In addition to the menus shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, configuration instruction identifiers may be provided in other various GUIs such as buttons, menus, scroll bars, and other GUIs. 6A and 6B do not represent all available layout options, various suitable layouts can be designed for the area layout previously described in the illustration. The displayable appearance of an area (eg, menu area) can be any suitable geometric shape (eg, rectangle, square, circle, triangle, and other shapes), alphanumeric (eg, A, v, t, Q, 1, 9, 10, and other letters),

It can be determined by shading, pattern (eg, solids, hatches, stripes, dots, and other patterns) and color. It should also be noted that these areas are fixed or customizable. In addition, computing devices that display those GUIs can have a fixed set of layouts that utilize a defined protocol or language to determine the layout, or an external structure that determines the layout calculates Can be reported to the device.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after a selection of one or more configuration instructions has been received, the program application launch module 120 assigns one or more program applications, such as the program application 104, to each of the selected configuration instructions. Associate. Program application launch module 120 may be configured to recognize and associate each selected configuration instruction with a corresponding program application. Thereafter, the program application launch module 120 launches the program application 104 associated with the selected configuration instruction. After the program application 104 is launched, the program application launch module 120 sends the selected configuration instruction to the program application.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of modules that may be included in a program application launch module according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the program application activation module 120 includes an automatic activation module 702, a selector module 704, and a GUI generation module 706. The selector module 704 is configured to select a configuration and retrieve configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration. The selector module 704 may be further configured to receive a selection of one or more configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration. In one embodiment, the selection may be provided by a GUI generation module 706. The GUI generation module 706 is configured to generate and display a GUI such as a menu. The GUI is configured to display for selecting retrieved configuration instructions. As a result, the user can select one or more configuration instructions using the GUI generated by the GUI generation module 706, and the GUI generation module sends the selection to the selector module 704. When a selection of configuration instructions is received, the selector module 704 calls the auto-launch module 702 to launch the program application associated with the selected configuration instruction. The autoboot module 702 can launch the program application or call other program applications such as an operating system to launch the program application.

  It should be understood that in other embodiments, the program application launch module 120 may have fewer or more modules apart from those shown in FIG. For example, in another embodiment, the program application launch module 120 does not include the GUI generation module 706 because GUI generation may be moved to the operating system.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a general overview of a computing device suitable for hosting a program application launch module and other program applications, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the computing device 114 may use a computer program (eg, program application launch module), logic, application, method, process, or other software to access configuration instructions stored in the storage device. Can be used to perform. Examples of computing device 114 include desktop computers, servers, portable computing devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, computing engines within appliances, and other computer systems. As shown in FIG. 8, the host computing device 114 includes a bus 802 or other communication mechanism for communicating information that includes a processor 804, system memory 806 (eg, random access memory (RAM), Storage device 808 (eg, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disk drive, optical disk drive, and other storage devices), communication interface 812 (eg, modem or Ethernet card), display 814 (eg, cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal) Subsystems and devices such as a display device (LCD), input / output device 816 (eg, keyboard), and cursor control device 818 (eg, mouse or trackball) are interconnected.

  In some embodiments, the host computing device 114 performs certain operations by the processor 804 when executing one or more sequences of one or more program instructions stored in the system memory 806. Such program instructions may be read into system memory 806 from other computer readable media such as storage device 808. In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software program instructions to implement embodiments of the present invention.

  It should be understood that the term “computer-readable medium” refers to any suitable medium that participates in providing operations to execute program instructions to processor 804. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 808. Volatile media can include dynamic memory, such as system memory 806. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that make up bus 802. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave communication and infrared data communication. Common forms of computer readable media are, for example, magnetic media (eg, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, and other magnetic media), optical media (eg, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) and Other optical media), patterned physical media (eg punch cards, paper tape, any other physical media), memory chips or cartridges (eg RAM, programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable Programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, and other memory chips or cartridges, and any other media that can be read by a computer.

  In certain embodiments, execution of a sequence of program instructions to perform an embodiment may be performed by a single computing device 114. In other embodiments, two or more, such as computing device 114, coupled by communication link 820 (eg, a local area network (LAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network, and other communication links). Computer systems can cooperate with each other to execute a sequence of program instructions for implementing the embodiments. Further, computing device 114 may send and receive instructions, ie application code, including messages, data, and programs over communication link 820 and communication interface 812. The received program instructions can be stored on storage device 808 or other non-volatile storage to be executed as soon as the program instructions are received and / or to be executed later.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the storage device 901 includes a memory controller 902 that communicates with a memory 904. In general, the memory controller 902 controls the operation of the memory 904. Examples of operations include writing (or programming) data, reading data, erasing data, verifying data, and other operations. Further, the memory controller 902 is configured to generate a selection of configurations from among a plurality of configurations, retrieve configuration instructions, associate each configuration instruction with a program application, and other operations described above. Can be configured for.

  Storage device 901 can include a variety of non-volatile memory structures and technologies. Examples of memory technologies include flash memory (eg, NAND, NOR, single level cell (SLC / BIN), multilevel cell (MLC), split bit line NOR (DINOR), AND, high capacitive coupling ratio (HiCR), asymmetric Contactless transistors (ACT), and other flash memories), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), read only memory (ROM), Includes one-time programmable memory (OTP) and other memory technologies. In one embodiment, the storage device 901 can be a smart card using EEPROM, ROM, or other memory technology. Examples of smart cards include contactless smart cards, subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, and other smart cards. In another embodiment, the storage device 901 can be a flash memory card that uses flash memory. Examples of flash memory cards are Secure Digital (SD) Card® (compliant with standards maintained by the SD Card Association of San Ramon, Calif.), Multimedia Card® (Multimedia Card Association of Palo Alto, California) (According to standards maintained by "MMCA")), Mini SD (registered trademark) (compliant with standards maintained by the SD Card Association of San Ramon, California), Micro SD (registered trademark of San Ramon, California SD card) Compliant with standards maintained by the association), CompactFlash (registered trademark) (compliant with standards maintained by the CompactFlash Association of Palo Alto, California ("CFA")), SmartMedia (registered trademark in Yokohama, Japan) Stay Floppy disk card ("SSFDC") compliant with standards maintained by Forum), xD Picture Card (registered trademark) (compliant with standards maintained by xD Picture Card License Office in Tokyo, Japan), Memory Stick (registered trademark) (According to standards maintained by Memory Stick Developer Office), various branded products such as TransFlash® (manufactured by SanDisk Corporation), and other flash memory cards. In one embodiment, the storage device 901 can be implemented as a non-removable storage device.

  Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the embodiments are not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are to be construed as illustrative and not restrictive, and the embodiments should not be limited to the details provided herein, but may be It may be modified within the scope of the claims and the equivalents. In the claims, elements and / or operations do not imply any particular order of operation unless explicitly stated.

Claims (22)

A computing device using an operating system ,
An interface configured to connect to a storage device;
A processor,
Selecting a configuration from among a plurality of configurations associated with a plurality of configuration instructions stored in the storage device when the storage device is coupled to the computing device;
Retrieving configuration instructions associated with the configuration from the storage device;
Activating one of a plurality of program applications stored in the computing device, the activated program application being associated with the configuration instruction, and sending the configuration instruction to the program application An operable processor,
The configuration instructions, Ri Oh parameter or command associated with the program application,
When the storage device is coupled to the computing device, the operating system receives an interrupt from the computing device indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device, and the computing device receives the interrupt to the operating system. A computing device that sends a message to the program application launch module indicating that it is coupled to a device and receives such an indication, the program application launch module receives a message from the operating system and selects the configuration . The computing device according to claim 1,
The computing device is selected based on information stored in the computing device. The computing device according to claim 2, wherein
The computing device is a screen size of the display. The computing device according to claim 1,
The computing device is a mobile phone. The computing device according to claim 1,
The configuration instructions are stored in a configuration file, and the configuration file is a computing device associated with the configuration. The computing device according to claim 1,
The computing device is configured to store a plurality of configuration instructions associated with the plurality of configurations. The computing device according to claim 1,
The program application is activated after the storage device is coupled to the computing device. A method for launching a program application, comprising:
Executing on a computing device using an operating system , comprising:
Selecting a configuration from among a plurality of configurations associated with a plurality of configuration instructions stored in the storage device when the storage device is coupled to the computing device;
Retrieving a configuration instruction associated with the configuration from the storage device;
Activating one of a plurality of program applications stored in the computing device, wherein the activated program application is associated with the configuration instruction; and
Sending the configuration instructions to the program application on a computing device,
The configuration instructions, Ri Oh parameter or command associated with the program application,
When the storage device is coupled to the computing device, the operating system receives an interrupt from the computing device indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device, and the computing device receives the interrupt to the operating system. A method of sending a message to the program application launch module indicating that it is coupled to a device and receiving such an indication, wherein the program application launch module receives a message from the operating system and selects the configuration . The method of claim 8, wherein
The method wherein the configuration is selected based on information associated with the computing device. The method of claim 9, wherein
The method wherein the information is a type of operating system hosted on the computing device. The method of claim 8, wherein
The method wherein the configuration instructions are stored in a configuration file, and the configuration file is associated with the configuration. The method of claim 8, wherein
The program application is activated after the storage device is coupled to the computing device. A method for launching a program application, comprising:
Executing on a computing device using an operating system , comprising:
Receiving a message indicating that a storage device is removably coupled to the computing device;
Selecting a configuration from a plurality of configurations associated with a plurality of configuration instructions stored in the storage device;
Retrieving one or more configuration instructions associated with the selected configuration from the plurality of configuration instructions;
Receiving a selection of configuration instructions from among the one or more configuration instructions associated with the configuration;
Activating one of a plurality of program applications stored in the computing device, wherein the activated program application is associated with the configuration instruction; and
Sending the selected configuration instructions to the program application, and executing on a computing device;
The configuration instructions, Ri Oh parameter or command associated with the program application,
When the storage device is coupled to the computing device, the operating system receives an interrupt from the computing device indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device, and the computing device receives the interrupt to the operating system. A method of sending a message to the program application launch module indicating that it is coupled to a device and receiving such an indication, wherein the program application launch module receives a message from the operating system and selects the configuration . 14. The method of claim 13, wherein
The method wherein the configuration instructions are selected from a menu and the menu is configured to be displayed for selecting the one or more configuration instructions associated with the configuration. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein
The method wherein the configuration is selected based on information associated with the computing device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein
The method wherein the one or more configuration instructions associated with the configuration are stored in a configuration file, and the configuration file is associated with the configuration. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein
The method wherein the configuration instructions are configured to allow the program application to display text. A method for launching a program application, comprising:
Executing on a computing device using an operating system , comprising:
Receiving a message indicating that a storage device is coupled to the computing device;
Receiving information from the computing device;
Selecting a configuration from among a plurality of configurations associated with a plurality of configuration instructions stored in the storage device based on the information;
Retrieving one or more configuration instructions associated with the configuration from the storage device;
Receiving a selection of configuration instructions from among the one or more configuration instructions;
Associating one of a plurality of program applications with the configuration instructions;
Launching the program application associated with the configuration instruction;
Sending the configuration instructions to the program application on a computing device,
The configuration instructions, Ri Oh parameter or command associated with the program application,
When the storage device is coupled to the computing device, the operating system receives an interrupt from the computing device indicating that the storage device is coupled to the computing device, and the computing device receives the interrupt to the operating system. A method of sending a message to the program application launch module indicating that it is coupled to a device and receiving such an indication, wherein the program application launch module receives a message from the operating system and selects the configuration . The method of claim 18, wherein:
The method wherein the configuration instructions are selected from a menu and the menu is configured to be displayed for selecting the one or more configuration instructions associated with the configuration. The method of claim 18, wherein:
The plurality of configuration instructions are stored in a plurality of configuration files, and each of the plurality of configuration files is associated with a different configuration. The method of claim 18, wherein:
The program application is activated after the storage device is coupled to the computing device. The method of claim 18, wherein:
The message is sent from an operating system hosted on the computing device.

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