Unified File System via Aggregated Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data synchronization products require manual effort to identify and access files across multiple devices, leading to duplication of files and inefficient file management, as they either replicate data locally or store it online with additional server copies, and lack a unified view of files across disparate sources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for constructing a unified file system based on aggregated metadata from disparate sources, which scans and identifies basic, extended, and application-specific attributes of files to create a unified metadata library, allowing users to browse and operate files across devices as if they were locally stored, without replication, by differentiating local and remote data and creating a virtual representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local install file replication software is used to synchronize files across devices, then file access speed and reliability are improved, but file duplication increases storage requirements and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies (pointers) instead of physical file copies. Each device maintains a virtual file system where remote files are represented by pointers to their actual location on remote devices or servers, eliminating the need to duplicate actual file data while maintaining fast access through local pointer storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file system manager as an intermediary layer between the user and the distributed file storage system. This manager handles pointer resolution, file access coordination, and synchronization logic, allowing users to access files across devices without manual path navigation while the system manages the complexity of distributed storage
2Adaptability or versatility
If online backup/storage based file replication is used to synchronize files across devices, then storage scalability is improved, but file duplication increases total storage requirements including server copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local device storage with remote server storage into a unified virtual file system. Files can be stored on any device or server in the network, and the file system manager presents a unified view to users, combining the benefits of local fast access and remote scalable storage without requiring duplicate copies on each device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal file access system that works across different device types, operating systems, and storage locations. The same file can be accessed from any device in the network through the unified file system, making the storage system multi-functional and adaptable to various scenarios without duplicating files
3Device complexity
If manual browsing is used to locate files across multiple devices, then file system simplicity is maintained, but user time and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically scanning, indexing, and organizing files across all devices in the network before users need to access them. The file system manager pre-establishes the virtual file system structure and maintains pointers to all files, so users can immediately access files without manual searching or path navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the file system manager that automatically handles file location, pointer resolution, and access coordination without user intervention. The system autonomously manages the complexity of distributed file storage while providing users with simple, intuitive file access similar to local file operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for constructing a file system based on aggregated metadata from disparate sources is described. The system scans basic attributes of files in a file system, extended attributes of the files in the file system, and application-specific attributes of files that are managed by corresponding applications in the file system. The system generates an aggregate metadata library for the corresponding files based on the basic attributes, extended attributes, and application-specific attributes and builds a unified file system based on the aggregate metadata library.