Virtual Directory Creation for File Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in locating files, such as video files, across multiple partitions on electronic devices and external devices due to non-uniform storage locations and reliance on memory for precise file retrieval, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to create a virtual directory by traversing storage regions, extracting attribute information like name, play address, and episode information of designated files, and organizing them into a structured directory for easy access, allowing users to quickly locate desired files.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If files are stored in multiple partitions across electronic devices and external devices, then storage capacity is increased, but file location complexity increases and retrieval efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidfile retrieval efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file retrieval process by creating a virtual directory that separately manages different types of files (video files, audio files, image files, etc.) in distinct categories. This segmentation allows users to quickly locate specific file types without searching through all partitions, thus maintaining storage capacity while improving retrieval efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual directory as an intermediary layer between the physical storage partitions and the user. This virtual directory aggregates file information from multiple partitions and presents a unified, organized view, enabling efficient file location without requiring users to navigate through complex partition structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If users rely on memory to locate files in specific partitions, then no additional storage structure is needed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structure simplicityVSAvoidfile location ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically organizing files into a virtual directory structure based on file attributes (type, name, episode information) before the user needs to retrieve them. This pre-organization eliminates the need for users to rely on memory and manually search through partitions, significantly improving file location ease without adding physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If files are distributed across non-uniform storage locations, then storage flexibility is improved, but file location precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidfile location precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal virtual directory structure that can handle multiple file types and storage locations simultaneously. This multi-functional approach maintains storage flexibility by supporting files distributed across various partitions while improving location precision through unified attribute-based organization and consistent directory structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9892131B2Method, electronic device, and storage medium for creating virtual directory

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 XIAOMI INC

AI summary

A method for creating a virtual directory includes locating at least one file of a designated type by traversing a storage region, extracting attribute information of the at least one file, and creating a virtual directory according to the attribute information of the at least one file. The attribute information including at least two of a name, a play address, or episode information of the at least one file.