File System Item Serialization with Entity Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer file systems have limited capabilities for organizing and managing file relationships, relying primarily on user-defined folder structures and lacking standardized methods for serializing and de-serializing file system items and associated entities, which hinders efficient data transfer and reconstruction across systems.
Innovation Solution
A serialization system that identifies and serializes file system items and associated entities, including headers for random access, and a de-serialization system that reconstructs items and entities, facilitating their transfer and storage across different systems through APIs for copying, moving, and transferring items and their associated entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional file systems use tree structure folder format for organizing files, then file organization is simple and easy to implement, but file relationships are limited in scope and primarily dependent upon explicit user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file system into distinct components: items (files/folders), entities (metadata, properties, relationships), and associations (links between items). This segmentation allows complex relationships to be represented through structured entities and associations rather than rigid folder hierarchies, enabling versatile file organization while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by adding entity-association layers beyond the traditional single-dimension folder hierarchy. Items can have multiple entities attached with various association types (parent-child, related-to, contained-in), creating multi-dimensional relationship structures that expand organizational capabilities without deepening folder nesting complexity.
2Productivity
If file systems lack standardized serialization methods, then implementation is simpler for individual systems, but data transfer and reconstruction across systems is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal serialization format that can represent diverse file system items and entities through standardized structures. The serialization system uses generic item and entity templates with type identifiers, allowing different file system objects to be serialized through a common protocol, enabling cross-system data transfer while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where item and entity data are serialized into transportable byte streams that can be replicated across systems. The serialization process creates complete copies of item structures with all associated entities and relationships encoded in a standardized format, enabling efficient data transfer and reconstruction without requiring complex system-specific protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If file properties are stored within the byte stream in application-specific formats, then application flexibility is maintained, but properties are not structured as objects and lack standardized names
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms unstructured byte stream properties into structured entity objects with standardized parameters. Each property becomes an entity with defined attributes, data types, and standardized names, while the serialization format includes type identifiers that preserve application-specific semantics. This allows properties to be accessed and manipulated through consistent object interfaces while maintaining application flexibility through type differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces entities as intermediary objects between the file system core and application-specific properties. Entities serve as standardized containers that mediate between the structured file system item model and application-specific data requirements, providing uniform access patterns while supporting diverse property types through entity classification and type identification mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for serialization and/or de-serialization of file system item(s) and associated entity(ies)is provided. A file system “item” comprises a core class which can include property(ies). Through serialization, a consistent copy of the item and associated entity(ies), such as fragment(s), link(s) with other item(s) and/or extension(s),if any, can be captured. The serialization system includes an identification component that identities entity(ies) associated with an item and a serialization component that serializes the item and associated entity(ies). The serialization component can further serialize a header that includes information associated with the item and associated entity(ies). The header can facilitate random access to the item and associated entity(ies). The serialization system can expose application program interface(s) (API's) that facilitate the copying, moving and/or transfer of an item and its associated entity(ies) from one location to another location.