Browser-Based Two-Tiered Classification Editor for File Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filesystems lack effective mechanisms for enforcing policies regarding content types, leading to unmanaged storage of unauthorized files, compliance issues with regulations like HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley, and inadequate data collection and reporting capabilities, resulting in inefficient management and potential risks for corporations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for classifying objects in file systems using a two-tiered classification editor that enables users to define and manipulate expressions through a browser-based interface, allowing for real-time filtering and policy enforcement by extracting and analyzing metadata to classify files and implement rules dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional filesystems are used without classification mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but policy enforcement capability and data management effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification system between the filesystem and policy enforcement. This intermediary layer processes metadata, evaluates expressions, and maps objects to classes without modifying the core filesystem structure. The classification engine acts as a mediator that translates complex policy requirements into actionable filesystem operations, enabling policy enforcement while maintaining filesystem simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the policy enforcement function into separate components: metadata extraction, expression evaluation, and classification mapping. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and maintained, reducing the complexity burden on the filesystem itself while enabling sophisticated policy capabilities through modular processing layers.
2Productivity
If comprehensive metadata collection and classification is implemented, then data management effectiveness and compliance are improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary metadata extraction and classification during filesystem operations such as file creation, modification, or access. By preparing classification data in advance and maintaining updated metadata indexes, the system avoids time-consuming analysis during critical operations. Expression evaluation is pre-compiled and cached, enabling rapid classification decisions without real-time computational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The classification system incorporates feedback mechanisms where classification results are fed back into metadata storage and indexing structures. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from previous classifications and optimize future processing by caching results and adjusting metadata extraction strategies, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining comprehensive data management capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic expression manipulation is enabled, then adaptability to different classification criteria is improved, but ease of operation and user friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides template-based expression templates that users can copy and modify rather than creating expressions from scratch. Pre-defined expression patterns for common classification scenarios (e.g., file type filtering, date range queries, attribute matching) are available as reusable templates, reducing the operational burden while maintaining flexibility for custom classification needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to manipulate complex expression syntax, the system provides parameter-based configuration interfaces where users adjust simple parameters (such as value ranges, boolean conditions, or attribute selections) to achieve desired classification results. The underlying expression engine automatically translates these parameter changes into executable classification logic, maintaining flexibility while simplifying user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for defining classes of objects which entails defining and manipulating expressions. A two-tiered classification editor operates to enable a user to define and manipulate expression in real time through a browser-based user interface. The first tier comprises a group editor for enabling a user to define groups. The second tier comprises an expression editor for enabling a user to define and manipulate an expression comprising a set of groups and one or more relationships between the groups. Each group may comprise a set of conditions, each of which may be based on a possible attribute of an object. Via the expression editor, a user can drag and drop to create and modify these expressions on-the-fly. When a user is done manipulating an expression on the second tier, the user is returned to the first tier, which may present the expression as modified.