Virtual Catalogs for Attribute-Based Data Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data search methods are inefficient due to the need to memorize data paths and the generation of multiple irrelevant data items when searching for specific data, making it difficult to locate accurate data quickly and accurately.
Innovation Solution
A data file management and search system based on file attributes, which includes a user interface, attribute and relational database, content database, attribute management module, search engine, and data management module, allowing for the creation of virtual catalogs and flexible browsing trees using user-defined attributes to organize and locate data files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is classified into different catalogs using path-based organization, then data can be sorted and managed, but users must memorize complete paths to locate desired data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data organization into two independent dimensions: path-based catalogs for storage and attribute-based virtual catalogs for search. This separation allows users to access data through meaningful attributes rather than memorizing path structures, resolving the contradiction between organized storage and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-catalog system where attribute-based virtual catalogs act as intermediaries between users and the actual path-based data storage. Users search through attribute descriptions rather than paths, and the system translates these attribute queries into actual data locations, eliminating the need for path memorization.
2Ease of operation
If keyword-based search is used to locate desired data, then users do not need to memorize data paths, but the search generates multiple data items making it difficult to rapidly obtain desired data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the search parameter from generic keywords to structured file attributes. By organizing data according to defined attributes (such as file type, creation date, author, etc.) and searching based on these parameters, the system achieves both convenient user input and precise result filtering, eliminating the time loss from manual filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of data by attributes during the indexing phase. File attributes are extracted, standardized, and stored in advance in attribute-based virtual catalogs. When users search, they query these pre-organized attributes rather than filtering raw keyword results, significantly reducing the time needed to locate desired data.
3Productivity
If traditional search methods are used without attribute-based organization, then data can be searched using keywords, but rapid and accurate filtering of data is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attribute-based organization system that works across different data types and storage locations. The same attribute structure and virtual catalog mechanism can organize various file types uniformly, enabling both rapid searching and accurate filtering through consistent attribute parameters regardless of data diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data file management and search method based on file attributes is disclosed. At least one data file, externally imported or generated by a user, is retrieved. Attributes of the data file are edited, a virtual catalog corresponding to the data file is generated, and a catalog tree is built according to the data file and the virtual catalog. The virtual catalog and the data file are displayed by a user interface. A search operation is performed based on a search command to locate at least one required virtual catalog or data file among multiple data files and virtual catalogs. A basic operation is implemented on the located virtual catalog or data file.