Directory Path Calculation Using Digit Extraction for File Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for managing file storage areas in distributed systems require large storage capacity and long search times due to the need for tables and indices, with hash functions like MD5 being computationally intensive and overdesigned for simple folder designation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing method that calculates a directory path using a hash function to store recording information without the need for tables or indices, by acquiring an identifier from URL address information, calculating a numerical value, and determining the directory using an integer and digit place computations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If hash functions like MD5 are used to determine directory paths, then file distribution uniformity is improved, but computational load increases and processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile distribution uniformityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the hash function by using a simplified algorithm that processes only specific digit places of the file identifier rather than the entire identifier. This parameter change reduces computational complexity while maintaining uniform distribution properties through selective digit processing and modular arithmetic operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary components from the file identifier for path determination, specifically using digit places from the identifier combined with directory level information. This extraction approach eliminates unnecessary computational steps while preserving the essential distribution characteristics needed for uniform file placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If tables and indices are used to manage file storage areas, then file retrieval accuracy is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase and search time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile retrieval accuracyVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for separate tables and indices by integrating the path determination logic directly into the hashing process. The directory path is determined through computational operations on the file identifier itself, extracting only the necessary directory level information without requiring additional storage structures for indexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computational intermediary process that directly transforms file identifiers into directory paths through mathematical operations. This intermediary calculation serves as a direct mapping mechanism, replacing the traditional table-based lookup system and eliminating the need for separate index structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If tables and indices are used to manage file storage areas, then file retrieval accuracy is improved, but search time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile retrieval accuracyVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the path determination functionality from the file management system by implementing a direct computational approach. The directory path is calculated through mathematical operations on the file identifier, eliminating the need for sequential or hierarchical searches through tables and indices, thus reducing search time to a constant operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of table lookups and index traversals with a mathematical computation system. The directory path determination is achieved through arithmetic operations including modular arithmetic and digit extraction, which execute in constant time regardless of the number of files, substituting the traditional mechanical search process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2546750B1Information processing method, information processing device, program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP2546750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2546750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2546750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An identification information acquisition unit (74) acquires identification information for identifying recording information to be recorded or read. A prime number acquisition unit (75) acquires a prime number corresponding to the identification information among prime numbers having the same number of digits. A computation unit (76) computes the sum of all of the digits of the identification information, the sum being the sum of the products obtained by multiplying the values of each digit of the identification information by the difference obtained by subtracting the differences corresponding to the digits from the acquired prime number. A path determination unit (77) determines a path indicating the directory, where the recording information is stored, from the sum. This method can be applied to an NFS (Network File System).