Virtual File System for Transparent Modified Content Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems fail to detect and provide modified data content when accessed by applications not configured to recognize separately stored changes, leading to inconsistencies in data access and usage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses a file identifier to represent an item, allowing modification procedures to be performed on demand, providing modified content through a virtual file system, and enabling storage and retrieval of modifications separately from the original item, applicable to various content types such as image, audio, video, and document content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modifications are stored separately from the original item, then the original data integrity is preserved, but applications not configured to recognize separately stored changes cannot detect the existence of modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual file system as an intermediary layer between the original item and applications. This virtual file system receives access requests, identifies the original item, retrieves separately stored modifications, applies them to generate modified content, and returns the result. This mediator enables applications unaware of separate modification storage to still access modified content transparently, resolving the contradiction between preserving original data integrity and ensuring modification detection.
2Ease of operation
If modifications are applied on-demand through a virtual file system, then transparent access to modified content is achieved, but additional processing time is required for each access request
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing modifications and storing them in an organized manner within the virtual file system. When access requests are received, the system has already prepared the modification data structures, enabling faster retrieval and application. Additionally, the system caches modified content after first-generation, so subsequent accesses retrieve pre-generated modified content rather than re-applying modifications, significantly reducing processing time for repeated accesses.
3Loss of information
If the original item is modified directly, then modification detection is simplified, but the original data integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the item into two distinct components: the original item and separately stored modifications. This segmentation allows the original item to remain unchanged and intact, preserving data integrity, while modifications are stored as separate entities that can be independently managed and applied. The virtual file system orchestrates the combination of these segmented components, enabling modification detection without compromising the original data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making modified content available includes storing an item comprising contents. A modification procedure to be performed on the item to modify the contents is identified. The method includes generating a file identifier to represent the item such that, upon a request to access the item being received, the modification procedure is performed on the item using the file identifier and the modified contents are provided in response to the request. A method for making modified content available includes receiving a request to access a file identifier that represents an item comprising contents. After receiving the request, a modification procedure to modify the contents is performed. The modification procedure is identified using the file identifier. The modified contents are provided in response to the request. A system includes an application program, a repository and a redirector.