Context-Aware File Variant Storage for Cross-Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in accessing data files across different computing devices due to varying network capabilities and physical characteristics, such as low-speed connections and display sizes, making it difficult to share and access files without portable storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A file system with variants of files is implemented, utilizing a cloud-based networked environment where files are stored in a virtual system with separate data storage, allowing for context-aware durability and customization of file variants for specific client devices, enabling seamless access and reduced data durability for optimized performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are stored in a cloud-based virtual file system with separate data storage, then ubiquitous access to data files across diverse devices is enabled, but data durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage into two distinct systems: a virtual file system that provides ubiquitous access and a separate data storage system that ensures durability. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data mapping system as an intermediary between the virtual file system and the data storage system. This intermediary maintains durable mappings between virtual files and their underlying data, enabling reliable access while preserving durability through the mapping relationship.
2Adaptability or versatility
If file variants are generated for different client devices, then context-aware customization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual file system that can serve multiple types of client devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops) through a single unified interface. The system generates appropriate file variants automatically based on device capabilities, eliminating the need for separate file systems for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects client device characteristics and generates appropriate file variants without requiring manual intervention. The virtual file system self-adapts to different devices by monitoring client capabilities and selecting or generating suitable variants, reducing the burden on users and system administrators.
3Ease of operation
If data is stored in a virtual file system with separate data storage, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the file system interface that presents a simplified, device-independent view to users. This virtual layer copies the essential file operations (read, write, delete, navigate) while abstracting away the underlying storage complexity, allowing users to interact with files as if they were directly on the device without understanding the distributed architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for context-aware durability of variants of files. A first data store is associated with a first level of data durability, and a second data store is associated with a second level of data durability that is lower than the first level of data durability. A data object is stored in the second data store when the data object is a derivative of another data object stored in the first data store. A data object is stored in the first data store when the data object is not a derivative of another data object stored in the first data store.