Hidden Original Copy for Image File Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in managing edited image and video files, as they often require saving multiple versions or overwriting the original, leading to confusion and loss of access to the original content, especially in multi-user scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically saves an original copy of an image or video file in a hidden location, allowing users to edit without worrying about saving pre-edited files, while retaining metadata and enabling easy revert to the original version, with options for automatic deletion based on user-defined specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users save multiple versions of edited images, then the ability to revert to original is improved, but the complexity of file management deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to revert to originalVSAvoidfile management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a hidden copy of the original image file and stores it separately from the edited versions. This copy is automatically maintained and allows users to revert to the original state without manually managing multiple versions, thus improving reliability while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The original image file is extracted from the visible file structure and placed in a hidden location. This separation removes the original from the user's direct view and management complexity, while preserving it for potential recovery operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Quantity of substance

If users overwrite the original image with edited versions, then storage space is saved, but the ability to access the original deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoidaccess to original image

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary action by creating and storing a hidden copy of the original image before any editing occurs. This pre-prepared copy ensures that the original remains accessible even when edited versions are saved, preventing information loss while maintaining storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users access and edit the same images, then collaboration is improved, but file management confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user collaborationVSAvoidfile management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each user working on an image receives a copy of the original file. The hidden original copy mechanism ensures that all users can access the same baseline original without confusion about which version is the true original, facilitating smooth collaboration while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7647361B2Automatically maintaining metadata in a file backup system

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A technology for automatically saving an original copy of an image file in a location hidden from a user is disclosed. The technology accesses metadata associated with an image file and determines whether an original copy of the image file exists. Provided an original copy of the image file exists, an edited version of the image file along with an identifier is saved. If an original copy of the image file does not exist, an original copy of the image file is created, the original copy of the image file is stored, and an edited version of the image file along with an identifier is saved.