Hierarchical Directory Structure for Object Storage Traversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object storage systems lack a directory structure, making it complex and inefficient to traverse objects within containers, requiring users to rely on relational databases for file listing, which complicates operations and reduces traversal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An object information processing method and apparatus that creates a hierarchical directory structure by determining the parent directory of a target object based on its address identifier, searching for the corresponding metadata storage area, and updating the metadata to establish an association relationship between the parent directory and the target object, allowing for efficient traversal of subdirectories and sub-files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a flat data organizational structure is used in object storage systems, then the system performance is improved, but the traversal efficiency of objects within containers deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical directory structure where directories can contain subdirectories and objects, creating nested containers within containers. This allows objects to be organized in parent-child relationships with address identifiers that reflect the hierarchy (e.g., /parent/child/object), enabling efficient traversal from root to target objects while maintaining the flat storage backend for performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a logical hierarchical dimension to the flat storage structure by introducing directory levels and parent-child relationships. The address identifier system incorporates path information that represents multiple hierarchical levels, transforming the single-dimensional flat structure into a multi-dimensional organizational space that improves traversal efficiency without compromising storage performance.
2Power
If a flat data organizational structure is used in object storage systems, then the system performance is improved, but the operation complexity increases due to reliance on relational databases for file listing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the object storage system self-sufficient by embedding directory metadata directly within the storage structure. Each directory object contains metadata about its contents (subdirectories and objects), eliminating the need for external relational databases. The system manages its own hierarchical structure and file listing operations natively, reducing operational complexity while maintaining performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If objects are placed directly in root storage space without containers, then the organizational flexibility is improved, but the structured management and traversal capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage space into hierarchical directories and containers rather than a single flat space. Objects can be placed in appropriate directories based on organizational needs, providing structured management. The hierarchical segmentation allows efficient traversal by navigating through parent directories to child objects, making it easier to manage and access objects systematically while maintaining flexibility through the address identifier system.
Data Source
AI summary
An object information processing method includes obtaining an information creation request. The information creation request carries a first address identifier of a target object. The target object includes a subdirectory or a sub-file. The method further includes determining a second address identifier of a parent directory to which the target object belongs according to the first address identifier, searching for an information storage area storing metadata of the parent directory according to the second address identifier, and performing data updating for the information storage area according to the first address identifier to create an association relationship between the parent directory and the target object in the metadata.