Metadata Enhanced Filenames for Cross-Platform File Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a consistent method to easily access and retain custom metadata for electronic files across different platforms and file systems, leading to metadata loss when files are moved and increased network traffic due to the need to download additional data to access metadata.
Innovation Solution
Storing metadata in filenames by using a second set of characters that can be parsed to determine file metadata without downloading additional file data, allowing metadata to be accessed and processed directly from directory listings, regardless of the file system or platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metadata is stored in the file itself using standard or custom formats, then metadata can be accessed with the file, but additional network steps and data transfer are required to download the file or parts thereof to access the metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata from the file content and stores it separately in the filename itself. This allows the metadata to be accessed independently of the file download, eliminating the need to download the entire file or additional data to access metadata. The metadata is 'taken out' from the file body and embedded in the filename structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filename is segmented into multiple parts including a metadata portion and a name portion. The metadata portion contains encoded metadata information that can be parsed independently. This segmentation allows the system to access only the metadata portion without downloading the actual file content, improving transaction speed while maintaining metadata accessibility.
2Reliability
If metadata is stored in the file itself, then metadata is available with the file, but the amount of data transferred over the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata from what would otherwise be separate file data and embeds it in the filename. This extraction eliminates the need to transfer additional metadata data over the network, as the metadata is already contained within the filename that must be transferred anyway to access the file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the metadata and filename into a single structure where the filename contains both the traditional name information and embedded metadata. This combining reduces total data transfer volume by eliminating redundant metadata transmissions while ensuring metadata availability alongside the filename.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metadata for different files is encoded in different formats, then custom metadata can be stored, but custom code is required for each format to extract the metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal filename structure that can accommodate multiple types of metadata information through a standardized encoding scheme. The metadata portion of the filename uses a consistent format that can represent different types of custom information without requiring different extraction codes. This universal structure handles diverse metadata needs while maintaining uniform processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by encoding metadata as structured text within the filename rather than using separate binary formats. This parameter transformation allows different types of metadata to be represented using the same text-based encoding scheme, enabling a single extraction routine to handle all metadata types without requiring format-specific code.
4Adaptability or versatility
If files are moved between different platforms, then file portability is improved, but portions of metadata associated with the file may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata from platform-specific file structures and embeds it in the filename, which is a universal component recognized across all platforms. This extraction ensures that metadata travels with the file regardless of the destination platform, preventing metadata loss during file transfers between different operating systems and storage platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal filename structure that maintains metadata integrity across different platforms. The standardized metadata encoding in the filename is recognized and preserved by various file systems and platforms, ensuring that metadata portability matches file portability without requiring platform-specific adaptations or risking metadata loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for metadata enhanced filenames. A filename is received, the filename including a first set of characters that represents a name for the electronic file, and a second set of additional characters. The filename is parsed to identify the second set of additional characters. Metadata associated with the electronic file is determined based on the second set of additional characters without downloading additional data of the electronic file. The electronic file is processed based on the determined metadata.