Dynamic File Descriptor Management via Intermediary Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional file representation techniques struggle to effectively manage and update file descriptors, leading to difficulties in distinguishing and locating files, especially with the increased storage capacity and diverse digital content types, resulting in random content presentation, outdated templates, and static information.

Innovation Solution

The development of enhanced file descriptors that are dynamically updated and generated by a network device or cloud-based service, utilizing content transformation and synchronization to provide relevant and up-to-date information, allowing for scalable and cost-efficient file management across various devices and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional file representation techniques are used, then files can be stored in large quantities, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and locate specific files

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of files storedVSAvoidfile location and identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces file descriptors as intermediary objects that mediate between the user and actual files. These descriptors contain structured metadata (names, icons, tags, hierarchical information) that enable efficient file identification and location without requiring users to directly manage or navigate through thousands of files. The descriptor acts as a searchable proxy that bridges the gap between large-scale storage and user-friendly access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms file representation from basic names to enriched descriptors with multiple parameters including hierarchical path information, semantic tags, generated icons, and metadata attributes. This parameter expansion enables multi-dimensional file identification and search capabilities, allowing users to locate files through various parameter combinations rather than relying on memory of file names or positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If file descriptors are manually managed and updated, then file information can be kept current, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile descriptor accuracyVSAvoidtime for descriptor updates
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where file descriptors automatically update themselves when underlying files change. File system monitors detect modifications, and the descriptor management system automatically regenerates descriptors with updated metadata, icons, and hierarchical information. This eliminates manual intervention while maintaining descriptor accuracy, allowing the system to serve itself in keeping file representations current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback loops between file system events and descriptor updates. When files are created, modified, or deleted, these events feed back to the descriptor management system, which then updates corresponding descriptors. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures descriptors remain synchronized with actual file states without requiring manual checking or updating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If file descriptors are generated by a centralized system, then consistency can be maintained, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile descriptor consistencyVSAvoidcentralized management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments descriptor management into modular components: file system monitors that detect changes, descriptor generators that create representations, and update distributors that propagate changes. This segmentation allows the centralized consistency management to be broken into manageable, independent modules that can be implemented and maintained separately, reducing overall system complexity while preserving consistency guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2856351B1Techniques to automatically manage file descriptors
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2856351B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2856351B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2856351B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques to automatically manage file descriptors are described. An apparatus may comprise a processor circuit and a file descriptor application operative on the processor circuit to manage file descriptors for content files, the file descriptor application arranged to receive a file descriptor request from a client application, generate a file descriptor or file descriptor construct information for a content file, and send a file descriptor response with the file descriptor or file descriptor construct information to the client application. Other embodiments are described and claimed.