File Usage Recorder Classifying Files by Access Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in searching for and identifying relevant files in large and complex file systems, particularly in collaborative environments, where search queries based on file names or modified dates yield voluminous and often irrelevant results.
Innovation Solution
A file usage recorder program that determines usage data for files, classifies them into predetermined usage states based on interaction history, and generates a usage index to help software programs like search engines prioritize results by relevance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If search queries use file name or last modified date as search terms, then search functionality is provided, but search results become voluminous and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments files into distinct usage states (e.g., recently accessed, frequently accessed, rarely accessed) based on usage data. This segmentation allows search results to be divided into meaningful categories, reducing the perceived volume and improving navigability while maintaining comprehensive search functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the search parameter from traditional metadata (filename, modified date) to usage-based parameters (usage state, access frequency). This parameter transformation enables more effective search results by prioritizing files based on actual usage patterns rather than static attributes.
2Ease of operation
If search queries use file name or last modified date, then basic search is enabled, but relevant files are difficult to locate among voluminous results
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects usage data feedback (access patterns, user interactions) and uses this feedback to dynamically classify files into usage states. This feedback loop enables search results to be refined based on actual user behavior, improving relevance precision over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically classifies files into usage states without requiring manual user input or configuration. Files self-organize into categories based on their usage patterns, providing intelligent search results automatically while reducing the burden on users.
3Measurement precision
If usage data is collected and files are classified into usage states, then search relevance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The usage data collection and classification system serves multiple functions: it enables improved search relevance, provides file organization, supports usage analytics, and guides file management decisions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering value across multiple domains.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex new data structures, the system uses existing file metadata and usage logs to derive usage states. This copying approach leverages existing data rather than requiring entirely new data collection mechanisms, reducing the complexity burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A file usage recorder program that is executed on a processor is disclosed. The file usage recorder program may be configured to determine usage data for a plurality of files stored in a file system. The usage data may include, for each file, a plurality of usage instances by one or more users. The file usage recorder program may further be configured to classify each of the plurality of files as being in one of a plurality of predetermined usage states, based on the determined usage data. The file usage recorder program may further be configured to generate a usage index indicating the usage state of each of the plurality of files, and output the usage index for use by a software program.