Storage Device Thumbnail Data Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices face significant space constraints due to the large size of thumbnail data embedded in media files, which can occupy substantial space, especially in large-scale scenarios like data centers, making it costly to store tens of thousands of additional files.
Innovation Solution
The storage device is configured to remove thumbnail data from media files during storage and recreate it when needed, using control circuitry to manage semiconductor or magnetic technologies, and employing a media file detector, thumbnail module, and encoder to process and modify file structures transparently for the host device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thumbnail data is embedded in media files, then file usability is improved (users can easily distinguish between files), but storage space is significantly reduced (making it costly to store tens of thousands of additional files)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts thumbnail data from media files during the write operation to the storage device. The control circuitry identifies thumbnail data within incoming media files and separates it from the main file content, storing only the essential media data on the storage medium. This extraction eliminates the space consumption of embedded thumbnails while preserving file usability through alternative thumbnail generation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of media files during the write operation, identifying and removing thumbnail data before storage. By anticipating the space efficiency needs and pre-processing files during ingestion rather than dealing with space constraints during retrieval or storage planning, the system optimizes storage capacity utilization from the outset.
2Quantity of substance
If thumbnail data is removed from media files, then storage space is saved, but file usability deteriorates (making it harder to distinguish between files)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates thumbnail copies of media files through alternative mechanisms. When media files are stored without embedded thumbnails, the system generates thumbnail representations through software-based image processing or by creating separate thumbnail files. These copied thumbnail representations are then used for file identification and display purposes, maintaining usability without the storage overhead of embedded thumbnails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the stored media files and the user interface. Instead of directly embedding thumbnails in stored files, the system uses an intermediary process that generates thumbnail representations on-demand or stores them in a separate metadata structure. This intermediary layer preserves file usability while allowing the actual stored files to be space-efficient.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thumbnail data is embedded in media files, then file structure is complete, but processing complexity increases (requiring host device to account for removal and recreation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality within the storage device's control circuitry. The system automatically identifies, removes, and processes thumbnail data during write operations without requiring host device intervention. The control circuitry independently manages the thumbnail removal and file structure modification, eliminating the need for host devices to account for thumbnail handling and reducing overall system processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of embedding physical thumbnail data within media file structures with a software-based processing approach. Instead of modifying the fundamental structure of stored media files to include thumbnails, the system uses software to generate and manage thumbnail representations separately. This substitution simplifies the stored file structure while maintaining the ability to provide thumbnails through computational processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device is configured to reduce the file size of media files stored on the device by removing thumbnail data. In response to determining that a data file received from a host is a media file having thumbnail data and a file size, the control circuitry is configured to modify the media file to remove the thumbnail data and reduce the file size of the media file, and then store the modified media file. In response to receiving a request for the data file from the host, the storage device responds by retrieving the modified media file from the storage medium, generating second thumbnail data corresponding to the original thumbnail data, remodifying the media file to add the second thumbnail data to the request; and providing the remodified media file to the host.