File Copying via Unique Identifiers to Reduce Search Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital processing systems, copying files from one directory to another is inefficient, especially when dealing with embedded systems with limited resources and files having substantial overlapping names, which leads to high computational requirements and potential security exposure due to file name similarities.
Innovation Solution
Generating unique identifiers for files using the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) and determining new locations and names based on these identifiers to store files in a target directory, reducing search complexity and enhancing security by using a hierarchical structure that minimizes comparisons and obscures file content information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If files are copied using original names to a target directory, then file identity is preserved, but search complexity increases and security is compromised due to overlapping names
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file identification process into two parts: internal unique identifiers (UUIDs) for system operations and original filenames for user reference. This segmentation allows the system to use simplified unique identifiers for search and management operations, reducing search complexity while preserving file identity through the mapping between UUIDs and original names.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that associates original filenames with generated unique identifiers (UUIDs). This intermediary layer allows the system to operate with simplified unique identifiers for efficiency while maintaining the ability to retrieve and display original filenames when needed, thus reducing search complexity without losing file identity information.
2Ease of operation
If files are copied using original names, then file recognition is simplified, but security is exposed due to name similarities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different aspects of file handling: unique identifiers (UUIDs) provide security and distinction for system operations, while original filenames maintain recognizability for user interaction. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve both security through UUIDs and ease of recognition through preserved filenames in the mapping structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to file identification by introducing unique identifiers (UUIDs) as a separate layer from original filenames. This dimensional addition allows the system to operate with secure, distinctive identifiers for critical operations while keeping original filenames available for user-friendly recognition, thus addressing security concerns without compromising ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If files are stored in a flat directory structure, then access is simple, but computational resources increase for file searches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization by assigning unique identifiers (UUIDs) and establishing a mapping structure before file operations. This preliminary action creates an efficient lookup mechanism that reduces computational resources needed during subsequent file searches and access operations, while maintaining the simplicity of a flat directory structure for user access.
4Reliability
If unique identifiers are generated for all files, then security and search efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy or mapping layer that associates original filenames with unique identifiers (UUIDs). This copying approach allows the system to use simplified UUIDs for efficient search and security operations while maintaining the original filename structure for user reference, thus improving search efficiency without significantly increasing actual device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present invention stores files of a source directory in a target directory. In an embodiment, a unique identifier is generated for each of the files and a new location and a new name are generated for the file. The new location represents the specific sub-directory of the target at which the file is stored. The file is stored at the new location with the new name. Such storing in a new location with a new name can be advantageously used to address various issues in corresponding environments. In one environment, the target directory is stored in an embedded system, with limited resources and the source directory contains several files with substantial overlapping names (which can require substantial resources to search for a specific file). The unique identifiers are generated according to media transfer protocol (MTP), which generates an object identifier for each of the files/directories, etc.