File Archive System Variable Block Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Block-based file systems on handheld devices inefficiently store small files, wasting memory space and requiring full block allocation, while existing solutions fail to effectively group and access related files as a single block.
Innovation Solution
A file archive system that stores multiple files as a single compressed file, utilizing a loadable file system with a file manager that manages directory navigation and file storage, allowing files and information blocks to be mingled without fixed block sizes, and using active/inactive bits to optimize space usage and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If block-based file system is used to store files, then files can be organized in directories, but small files waste disproportionate memory space due to fixed block sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional fixed block structure into variable-sized blocks. Each file is divided into blocks of varying sizes depending on the file content and requirements, allowing precise allocation without wasting space on small files while maintaining directory organization capabilities through the archive structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of block size from fixed to variable. By allowing blocks to have different sizes based on actual file needs, the system eliminates the waste associated with fixed block sizes while small files still benefit from the archive's organizational structure.
2Device complexity
If fixed block size is used for file storage, then allocation is simplified, but storage efficiency decreases for small files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic block size allocation where blocks can vary in size based on file requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize storage efficiency for each file while maintaining a manageable allocation process through the archive's structured approach to file management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the block size parameter from fixed to variable, enabling efficient storage of small files without excessive complexity in the allocation mechanism. The archive structure provides the necessary framework to manage variable blocks while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If files are stored as separate blocks, then access is straightforward, but related files cannot be efficiently grouped together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges related files into a single archive file, which appears as a single block to the user but contains multiple individual files. This combining approach allows related files to be efficiently grouped together while maintaining straightforward access through the archive interface, eliminating the need for separate block management.
Solution Approach 2:
The archive structure serves multiple functions: it groups related files, provides a unified access interface, and maintains individual file integrity. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both simple access and effective file grouping simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If directory structure is stored as separate blocks, then navigation is simple, but space is wasted on empty blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the directory structure with the file storage by embedding directory information within the archive file itself. This eliminates the need for separate directory blocks, allowing navigation to remain simple while preventing space waste on empty directory blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The directory structure is nested within the archive file rather than existing as a separate block. This nesting approach allows the directory to be stored efficiently within the archive's structure, eliminating empty blocks while maintaining simple navigation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A file archive system for storing multiple files and directories as a single file. The file archive system could be used on a hand-held computer or other computing device. The file archive system in a preferred embodiment has an operating system with a loadable file system. In another embodiment, the file archive system includes a file archive structure for storing multiple files as a single file.