Document Version Pruning via Time-Based Archive Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of document versions leads to significant storage space requirements for maintaining revision history, necessitating a more intelligent management approach to reduce archive storage while maintaining utility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automatic pruning mechanism that selectively deletes older document versions based on factors like age, time elapsed, and author identity, using a formula to determine which versions to retain, thereby optimizing storage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all document versions are retained in the archive, then the completeness and utility of the revision history is improved, but the storage space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes redundant or less important document versions from the archive while retaining key versions. The pruning mechanism selectively deletes older versions based on criteria such as age, time elapsed, and author identity, thereby reducing storage space while maintaining the essential utility of the revision history.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of archive management by introducing a pruning formula that dynamically determines which versions to retain or delete. This formula considers multiple parameters including document age, time elapsed since previous versions, and author identity, transforming static archive retention into a dynamic, parameter-based selection process.
2Quantity of substance
If a pruning mechanism is implemented to delete older versions, then storage space is reduced, but the risk of losing important historical information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pruning decision is based on a formula that continuously evaluates the importance of each version. The system monitors multiple factors including time elapsed, author identity, and document characteristics, using this feedback to make intelligent pruning decisions that balance storage reduction with information preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of document versions using a pruning formula before actual deletion occurs. This preliminary action assesses the potential value of each version based on multiple criteria, ensuring that only versions deemed less important are deleted, thereby maintaining archive integrity while reducing storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recent versions are retained preferentially, then the relevance and utility of the archive is improved, but the storage requirements for older versions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-based pruning intervals. The pruning formula considers the age of document versions and applies different retention policies at different time intervals, preferentially retaining recent versions while allowing older versions to be pruned. This periodic approach ensures the archive remains relevant while controlling storage growth.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to determine a proximate save time difference between a target version of electronic content and a next (proximate in time and newer) version of the electronic content. An aged save time difference may be determined as the time difference between the current time and either one of the target version or the next version. The target version of the electronic content may be pruned from a plurality of revisions of the electronic content if the proximate save time difference is less than a selected fraction of the aged save time difference. The plurality of revisions, less the pruned revisions, may be displayed along a historical time line as part of a graphical user interface.