Vanity URL Mapping for Secure File Folder Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document storage managers do not effectively associate file folders with user identities, leading to security concerns and lack of organization, as they fail to identify the source of folders within the document storage system.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that register a domain name and map a URL, comprising a subdomain concatenated to the domain name, to an online file folder, allowing automatic generation and resolution of HTTP requests to the folder, thereby associating the folder with a user's online storage account.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If document storage managers store files without associating folders with user identities, then storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but security and organization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces domain names and URLs as intermediary identifiers that link users to their file folders. Instead of directly exposing file system paths or using generic storage identifiers, the system uses domain names (e.g., user@example.com) as a mediating layer that securely associates files with user identities while maintaining accessibility. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both secure user-specific access and ease of operation through familiar domain name resolution.
2Device complexity
If document storage managers use generic storage identifiers, then system complexity is reduced, but organization and user identification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes domain names multi-functional by using them for both user identification and file folder association. The same domain name that identifies a user also serves as the identifier for their file folder, eliminating the need for separate complex identification systems. This universal approach maintains low system complexity while preserving complete user identification information.
3Device complexity
If document storage managers do not implement URL mapping, then device complexity is reduced, but organization and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic URL generation and mapping based on domain names. When a user registers a domain name, the system automatically creates the corresponding file folder association and generates the appropriate URLs without requiring manual configuration. This self-service mechanism provides organized, secure file access through URL mapping while keeping the system simple and automatic.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method of the present invention provide for one or more server computers configured to register a domain name; receive a request to: generate a file folder linked to an online storage account owned by a user; and map a URL, comprising a sub domain concatenated to the registered domain name, to the file folder. The server(s) may be further configured to determine whether an alias for the URL, comprising the subdomain, is located in a DNS record for the domain name. The server(s) may automatically generate the file folder and map the URL to the file folder. Any HTTP requests comprising the URL received by the server(s) may be resolved to the file folder.