File Management via UUID-Based Logical Associations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional file management systems are inefficient in managing multiple logical associations for electronic files, requiring multiple copies and lacking an integrated view of file associations, which wastes storage and complicates file organization.
Innovation Solution
A file management system that uses a virtual file system module, media retrieval/storage engine, and data store with Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) to create and manage logical associations between files, allowing attributes to be indexed and stored independently of file names, enabling efficient linking and attribute assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple copies of a file are created to associate with multiple logical groupings, then the file can be associated with multiple logical paths, but physical storage space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of files through symbolic links instead of physical copies. Each symbolic link is a small data structure (typically 64-128 bytes) that references the original file, allowing multiple logical associations without duplicating the actual file content. This resolves the contradiction by providing multiple file associations while consuming minimal storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file system layer with symbolic links as an intermediary between the user and physical storage. The symbolic link acts as a mediator that maps logical file paths to physical storage locations, enabling flexible file associations without direct file duplication. This intermediary layer decouples logical file organization from physical storage requirements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional file systems are used to manage multiple logical associations, then files can be organized hierarchically, but an integrated view of file associations is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that track and display the complete association history of files through symbolic links. When a file is accessed, the system can trace back through the chain of symbolic links to show all logical associations, providing users with comprehensive information about file relationships. This feedback loop prevents loss of association context while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to file organization by introducing symbolic links that create a graph-based structure instead of traditional hierarchical trees. This allows files to have multiple parents and associations across different directories, providing an integrated view of file relationships that conventional hierarchical systems cannot achieve.
3Ease of operation
If hierarchical folder structures are used for file organization, then logical grouping is facilitated, but creating multiple logical groupings requires multiple file copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates lightweight virtual copies (symbolic links) instead of heavy physical file copies. Each symbolic link is a minimal data structure that references the original file, allowing users to create multiple logical groupings without the complexity of managing multiple physical file instances. This reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of logical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the symbolic link mechanism universal, allowing it to function as a multi-purpose tool for file association. The same symbolic link infrastructure supports multiple logical groupings, file sharing, shortcuts, and association tracking, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and simplifying overall file management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide, among other things, an improved system and method for building logical associations (links) between files and for assigning attributes to the files and/or links. In embodiments of the invention, such attribute data is indexed in a data store according to Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) in each file header.