File Name Hash Lookup in Extensible File Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current file system formats for portable storage media lack flexibility in handling increasing storage size capacities and applications, leading to inefficiencies in file name lookup and management.
Innovation Solution
An extensible file system format is introduced, featuring primary and secondary directory entry types that can be custom defined, with a file name hash mechanism to improve lookup efficiency by reducing the set of possible directory entries and utilizing pre-calculated hash values for common file names, along with uppercase conversion for case-insensitive operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional file system formats are used for portable storage media, then device compatibility is maintained, but flexibility for increasing storage size capacities and applications is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The file system format is segmented into distinct components including directory entry sets, file allocation tables, and volume boot records. Each component operates independently with defined structures, allowing the system to scale to larger storage capacities while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical directory structure with primary and secondary directory entries, adding dimensional organization to the file system. This allows files to be accessed through multiple pathways and organizes large storage spaces in a structured manner that maintains flexibility while controlling complexity
2Speed
If traditional file name lookup methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but lookup speed and efficiency deteriorate with large numbers of files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-computed hash values for file names that are stored alongside directory entries. When a lookup is needed, the hash of the target file name is computed and compared against pre-stored hashes, dramatically speeding up the lookup process while avoiding the need to compare against every file name in large directories
Solution Approach 2:
Hash values serve as an intermediary layer between the file name and the actual file location. Instead of directly comparing file names (which can be slow with variable lengths), the system uses hash values as a fast comparison key, only performing full file name comparison when hashes match
3Measurement precision
If case-sensitive file name operations are implemented, then precision in file identification is improved, but compatibility with operating systems performing case-insensitive operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The file system implements different quality characteristics in different parts of the file name handling process. Hash computation can be case-sensitive for precision, while the actual file name storage and display can accommodate case-insensitive requirements. This allows the system to maintain both precision in identification and compatibility with various operating systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method of updating a file record on at least one of a first one or more computer readable storage media including writing at least three contiguous DirectoryEntry data structures corresponding to a directory entry set, the directory entry set corresponding to a file, the writing occurring to the at least one of a first one or more computer readable storage media.