File Management System Access Control for Related Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file management systems face challenges in allowing access to related files regardless of their storage location, leading to increased file size and cumbersome handling when all related files are attached to a target file.
Innovation Solution
A file management system that includes a processor configured to obtain information about a target file and its related files, providing storage-location information or the related file itself to viewers, depending on access permissions, thereby enabling access to related files without requiring them to be stored at the same location as the target file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all related files are attached to the target file, then access to related files is ensured regardless of storage location, but the file size increases and handling becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the file association mechanism into two segments: (1) storing only essential metadata (file identifier, storage location information, association type) in the target file, and (2) storing the actual related file data separately in the file storage system. This segmentation allows the target file to remain small while still enabling access to related files through the stored metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the actual related file data from the target file structure and stores it separately in the file storage system. Only the necessary reference information (file identifier, storage location, association type) is retained in the target file, effectively taking out the bulk data while preserving the association relationship.
2Ease of operation
If related files are stored at the same location as the target file, then access is simplified, but flexibility in file storage management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the file management system with metadata storage) that mediates between the target file and related files regardless of their physical storage locations. The metadata contains storage location information that enables the system to locate and access related files anywhere in the storage system, making physical location irrelevant to the association.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension storage model (files must be physically co-located) to a multi-dimension model where files can be separated in physical space but connected through logical metadata dimensions. The association exists in the metadata dimension rather than requiring physical proximity.
3Quantity of substance
If storage location information is provided to viewers, then file size is reduced, but access is blocked when viewers lack permission to access the storage location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic file provision mechanism that adapts to the viewer's permission level. When a viewer accesses a target file, the system dynamically determines whether to provide storage location information (when permission exists) or to provision the actual related file (when permission is lacking). This dynamic response ensures both file size reduction and reliable access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the provisioned parameter based on permission status: when the viewer has permission, the system provisions storage location information (smaller data); when the viewer lacks permission, the system provisions the actual file content (larger data). This parameter change ensures optimal file size while maintaining access reliability for all user types.
Data Source
AI summary
A file management system includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to obtain information about a target file, a storage location of a related file relating to the target file, and a viewer, and, when the viewer is allowed to access the storage location of the related file, provide, to the viewer, storage-location information indicating the storage location of the related file, and, when the viewer is not allowed to access the storage location of the related file, provide the related file to the viewer.