Object-Based Storage Filename Metadata for File Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object-based storage systems lack compatibility with file-based storage systems, particularly in terms of metadata access and directory-like structures, leading to poor scalability and performance when translating between representations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporate metadata within the filename attribute field of objects in an object-based storage system, allowing a LIST operation to retrieve both filenames and associated metadata, mimicking directory read operations in file-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If metadata is stored separately from objects in object-based storage systems, then object retrieval is efficient, but compatibility with file-based systems deteriorates and additional queries are required for metadata access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges metadata and object identification by storing metadata within the filename attribute field of objects. This integration allows the filename to contain both the object identifier and associated metadata (such as directory structure information, access control lists, and timestamps), enabling file-based system compatibility while maintaining object-based storage efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If object-based storage systems translate between object representation and file representation, then compatibility with file-based systems improves, but performance deteriorates due to translation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of translating object-based storage to file-based representation, the patent inverts the approach by embedding file-based metadata structures within the object-based filename attributes. This allows file-based systems to interpret object metadata directly without translation, eliminating performance overhead while maintaining compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If directory structures are implemented in object-based storage systems, then compatibility with file-based systems improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the filename attribute field multi-functional by using it both as the object identifier and as a container for metadata including directory structure information. This universal usage of the filename field eliminates the need for separate directory structures, maintaining compatibility with file-based systems while avoiding additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An object-based data storage system implemented by a computer for storing data in a plurality of objects (16A, 16B, 25A, 25B). The data storage system comprises a storage medium (80) configured to store said plurality of objects. Each one of the plurality of objects comprises a plurality of fields including a data field (18) configured for storing said data therein and, a separate object ID attribute field (17) configured for storing identification information associated with the object. The information stored within the object ID attribute field of at least one (16A, 16B) of the plurality of objects comprises metadata other than identification information associated with the at least one object. A processor is configured to access the at least one object (16A, 16B) from amongst the plurality of objects stored within the storage medium at least to retrieve information stored within an object ID attribute field (17) hereof thereby to retrieve the metadata.