GUI Relationship Graph for Image Backup File Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the relationships, timing, and statistics of image backup files in a backup job is complex due to the creation of image backup files through processes like collapsing, mounting, or copying, making it difficult to ascertain the current state of the backup job.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) relationship graph is employed to visually present parent-child relationships between image backup files, using nodes and links to represent image backup files and their relationships, enabling users to quickly grasp the current state of the backup job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image backup files are created through collapsing, mounting, or copying processes, then backup functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of managing relationships and statistics among backup files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup file management system into distinct visual components: nodes represent individual backup files while links represent relationships between them. This segmentation allows complex relationships to be broken down into manageable visual units, making it easier to understand and manage the backup job state without overwhelming the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface relationship graph as an intermediary between the complex backup file management system and the user. This intermediary visualizes the relationships and statistics in a simplified format, acting as a mediator that translates complex data into an easily interpretable representation, thereby reducing management complexity while preserving full backup functionality.
2Loss of information
If detailed relationships and statistics of image backup files are tracked, then backup job state can be accurately ascertained, but the difficulty of understanding and managing the backup job increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear or list-based representation of backup files to a two-dimensional graphical relationship graph. By adding the visual dimension of spatial arrangement and connecting lines, the system presents detailed relationship information in a way that is both accurate and easily comprehensible, allowing users to grasp complex backup job states at a glance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual differentiation through color coding or styling of nodes and links to represent different types of relationships and backup file states. This visual encoding allows detailed information to be conveyed through color changes rather than text, making the information both accurate and intuitively understandable, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Graphical user interface relationship graph for displaying relationships between image backup files in a backup job. In one example embodiment, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media store a program that causes a processor to generate and visually present, on an electronic display device associated with the processor, a graphical user interface (GUI) relationship graph for displaying relationships between image backup files in a backup job. The GUI relationship graph includes multiple image nodes each representing an image backup file of a source storage and a chain path including multiple links. Each of the links represents a parent-child relationship between one of the image nodes and another of the image nodes.