Tagged File Management Across Distributed Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in efficiently locating and managing files across various directories and storage systems due to the large number of different types of files created, especially in modern computing devices with graphical user interfaces, where file organization and retrieval can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to annotate files with tags, which can be added to metadata, enabling automatic search and display of files with specific tags across multiple storage locations, including distributed storage systems, and allows for the creation, management, and sharing of tags with visual indicators and actions associated with them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through hierarchical file systems to locate files, then files can be organized in directories and subdirectories, but the large number of different types of files makes it difficult for users to find particular files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tags as an intermediary mechanism between files and users. Tags serve as a mediating layer that connects file metadata with user-friendly search criteria, allowing users to locate files through meaningful attributes rather than navigating complex directory hierarchies. The tag system bridges the gap between the structured file system and user search needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical navigation approach (browsing through directories and subdirectories) with an information-based search mechanism using tags. Instead of physically navigating through file system structures, users can search for files by applying semantic tags to metadata, substituting the mechanical browsing process with a more efficient information-filtering approach.
2Ease of operation
If application based storage systems are used to organize files, then users can easily organize and access data associated with applications, but files stored on distributed storage systems require additional steps to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tag system that operates across multiple storage domains including local application-based storage and remote distributed storage systems. The same tagging mechanism and search interface work consistently regardless of where files are stored, providing multi-functional access capabilities. Users can search for tagged files across different storage locations through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into different domains (local storage, distributed storage) while maintaining a unified search layer. The tag metadata is associated with files regardless of their physical location, allowing the search function to operate independently of storage architecture. This segmentation enables flexible access patterns where users can query across storage boundaries without encountering technical barriers.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions for implementing tagged management of stored items, wherein an embodiment can receive an input indicating the selection of a graphical representation of a file in the GUI of an operating system, and can also receive an input indicating the intent to attach a tag to the file. The system can perform an automatic search through the metadata of files associated with the user and the user account to find the set of files having the tag, responsive to the request to display the set of files. Having located the set of files, an operation can be performed to display the set of files having the requested tag, regardless of the storage location of the files.