Backup File Linking via Data Partition Segmentation

The patent segments the backup file linking process by data partitions instead of treating all files chronologically. Each incremental backup file is segmented into partitions corresponding to specific data volumes, allowing independent identification and linking of relevant partitions to the correct full backup files. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple chronological processing at the file level while implementing partition-level segmentation to ensure data consistency.

The patent introduces data partition identifiers as an intermediary between incremental backup files and full backup files. Instead of directly linking files based on timestamp, the system uses partition identifiers to mediate the linking process, ensuring that each incremental partition is correctly associated with its source full backup file. This intermediary mechanism prevents data inconsistencies while maintaining efficient linking.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing backup files into data partition segments. Each segment is independently identified and processed, allowing the de-duplication process to efficiently compare only relevant partitions between incremental and full backup files. This segmentation maintains simple linking logic while dramatically improving de-duplication efficiency by avoiding unnecessary comparisons of unrelated data.

The patent implements local quality by applying different linking strategies to different data partitions within the same backup system. Each partition can be linked to the most appropriate full backup file based on its specific content and revision history, rather than applying a uniform chronological linking rule to all data. This localized approach optimizes de-duplication efficiency for each partition while maintaining overall system simplicity.

The patent segments the restoration process by data partitions, allowing selective restoration of only the required partitions rather than restoring entire backup files. Each partition is independently linked to its correct source full backup file, ensuring restoration accuracy. The segmentation enables the restoration operation to remain simple at the user level while implementing precise partition-level recovery in the background.

The patent extracts and processes only the specific data partitions that need to be restored, rather than handling complete backup files. By extracting the relevant partition data and linking it to the appropriate full backup file, the system achieves both operational simplicity and restoration accuracy. Unnecessary partitions are excluded from the restoration process, preventing incorrect data restoration.