Image Deduplication via Soft Links in Cloud Documents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Collaborative writing tools lack intelligence for identifying and purging duplicate image content across sections of a document, leading to redundant storage and increased file size in cloud computing environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify similar images in a document, designate one as a master copy, and replace the others with either a duplicate copy or a soft link pointing to the master copy, reducing storage needs by maintaining only one instance of the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple copies of similar images are stored in a document, then the visual content is preserved across different sections, but the file size and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses soft links (virtual copies) instead of actual image copies. When an image is inserted into a document, the system creates a soft link object that references the master image rather than storing a full copy. This allows the image to appear in multiple locations while consuming minimal storage space, resolving the contradiction between preserving visual content and reducing storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple image references into a single master image storage location. Instead of maintaining separate copies of similar images in different document sections, the system consolidates them by creating soft links that all point to the same master image file, thereby reducing redundant storage while maintaining visual integrity across the document
2Productivity
If collaborative writing tools allow multiple authors to edit different sections of a document, then the document can be created more efficiently, but duplicate content is more likely to be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback mechanism that monitors image insertions in real-time. When an image is added to the document, the system automatically checks for existing similar images and creates soft links accordingly, providing immediate feedback to prevent redundant content from being stored. This automated process works seamlessly in collaborative environments without requiring authors to manually check for duplicates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and deduplicating images without requiring user intervention. The soft link creation process happens automatically when images are inserted, allowing multiple authors to work efficiently while the system autonomously prevents redundant content accumulation
3Adaptability or versatility
If all image data is stored in the cloud, then accessibility and collaboration are improved, but the storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies (soft links) of images in the cloud document structure. Instead of storing multiple physical copies of the same image data, the system stores lightweight soft link objects that reference the master image. This maintains cloud-based accessibility and collaboration capabilities while dramatically reducing the actual storage capacity consumed
Solution Approach 2:
The soft link mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables cloud-based collaboration and accessibility while reducing storage requirements. The same soft link structure supports both the adaptability needs of cloud computing and the efficiency needs of storage optimization, making the system universally applicable to various cloud storage scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for image deduplication in a file are provided. A method includes identifying a plurality of similar images (e.g., similar intent images) in an electronic document. The method also includes designating one of the plurality of similar images as a master copy. The method also includes replacing each remaining one of the plurality of similar images, other than the master copy, with one of (i) a duplicate copy of the master copy and (ii) a soft link pointing to the master copy.