File Organization Using Universal Time Code for Chronological Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of file organization across multiple devices and time zones, where different devices use varying naming conventions and time standards, leads to challenges in arranging files chronologically when uploaded to a central storage system, potentially resulting in files with the same name being overwritten.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that assigns a unique identification code to files based on their creation time, adjusted for time zone, allowing for chronological ordering and renaming files to ensure standardized naming conventions, thus maintaining chronological order across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If files are organized by file name or device-assigned naming convention, then files can be easily identified and accessed, but files from different devices and time zones cannot be arranged in meaningful chronological order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal time code as an intermediary element that mediates between device-specific file names and chronological ordering requirements. The universal time code serves as a standardized reference that translates various device time formats and time zones into a common temporal framework, enabling accurate chronological sorting without disrupting the original file naming conventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the time parameter from device-specific formats (different time zones, local clocks) into a standardized universal time code parameter. This parameter change allows files to be sorted chronologically based on a unified time reference while preserving the original file names for identification purposes.
2Loss of time
If files are organized by creation time from different devices, then chronological order can be achieved, but files with the same name from different devices may overwrite each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file identification system into two independent components: the original device-assigned file name for identification purposes, and a newly generated unique identifier based on universal time code for ordering and differentiation purposes. This segmentation allows files to be sorted chronologically while maintaining their original names and preventing overwrites through the unique identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the time information in the form of a unique identifier derived from the universal time code. This copied time-based identifier is attached to each file to ensure chronological ordering and prevent overwrites, while the original file names remain unchanged for user recognition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized storage system accepts files from multiple devices with different naming conventions, then cross-platform accessibility is improved, but file organization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal time code system that serves multiple functions: it provides a common temporal reference for chronological sorting, generates unique identifiers for file differentiation, and maintains compatibility with various device time formats and time zones. This universal approach simplifies the organization system while preserving cross-platform accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a time that a file was created and associating an ID with the file based on the file creation time is disclosed. The system adjusts the creation time by a time zone offset. In the case of image files, the file creation time may be based on information associated with the image: (1) by the camera that took the picture (exchangeable image file data); (2) when the photo was last modified in memory (file modification time data); (3) based on the raw date and time the photo file was created (file date-time data); and (4) when the photo was imported onto a client device. The system may rename the file with this adjusted creation time to create a standardized name. As a result, the standardized name provides a filename nomenclature that is based on the actual or estimated time of when the file was created.