NAS File Access via Metadata Without Dedicated Apps

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face insufficient storage space issues, and existing NAS devices require dedicated applications for data access, leading to inconvenient usage.

Innovation Solution

A data management method that allows access to NAS devices through non-dedicated applications on terminal devices by using metadata to facilitate seamless interaction, enabling unified management and synchronization across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated NAS application is used on terminal devices, then data access to NAS is reliable and secure, but user convenience and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access reliabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a file system layer as an intermediary between the NAS device and terminal applications. This file system layer provides a unified interface that translates diverse access requests into standardized operations, enabling reliable NAS data access while maintaining ease of use through familiar file system operations in various applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal file system interface that can be accessed by multiple types of applications (photo editors, video players, document viewers, etc.) without requiring dedicated NAS applications. This multi-functional interface maintains reliable data access while significantly improving user convenience across different use cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If cloud storage is used to back up data, then storage space requirement is met, but cost and privacy security are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidprivacy leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the NAS file system interface on the terminal device, allowing local applications to access NAS data through a simulated file system. This copying approach provides sufficient storage capacity while maintaining data privacy on the user's local device, eliminating the need for cloud storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If NAS device is used with dedicated application, then data access is secure, but adaptability to different applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access securityVSAvoidapplication compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal file system interface that can be accessed by multiple types of applications (photo editors, video players, document viewers, etc.) without requiring dedicated NAS applications. This multi-functional interface maintains reliable data access while significantly improving user convenience across different use cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a file system layer as an intermediary between the NAS device and terminal applications. This file system layer provides a unified interface that translates diverse access requests into standardized operations, enabling reliable NAS data access while maintaining ease of use through familiar file system operations in various applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12530316B2Data management method and corresponding device

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application discloses example data management methods. One example method includes obtaining, by a first terminal device, metadata of a target file in response to an access operation performed by a user on the target file through a first application, where the target file is stored in a local storage device, the first application is different from a second application, the second application is a dedicated application that is of the local storage device and that is installed on the first terminal device, and the first terminal device stores the metadata of the target file. The first terminal device sends an access request to the local storage device, where the access request includes the metadata of the target file. The first terminal device receives the target file sent by the local storage device.