Backup Image Data Capture via Volume Mounting and Path Remapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for restoring data from backup images are tedious and inefficient, especially when users need to extract selected files and application settings, and often require manual intervention, which is impractical for application settings and restoring data to dissimilar operating environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that mounts a backup image as a volume on a host computer, re-maps file paths in the database to allow for the capture of specific files and configuration settings from the backup image, enabling selective data restoration to a new environment without requiring the original system to be operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual extraction is used to extract selected data from backup, then some files can be extracted, but the process is tedious and nearly impossible for application settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated extraction of selected data from backup images without requiring manual intervention. The software automatically mounts backup images, extracts files and application settings, and restores them to the new operating environment, making the system self-sufficient in performing the extraction task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate software layer that acts as a mediator between the backup image and the new operating environment. This intermediary software automatically handles the complex processes of mounting backup images, extracting data, and restoring files and settings, eliminating the need for manual extraction operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire operating environment is restored from backup, then all data is recovered, but the user cannot select only specific files and settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup restoration process into distinct components: mounting the backup image, extracting specific files, capturing application settings, and restoring selected data. This segmentation allows users to selectively restore only the needed components rather than the entire operating environment, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic restoration capabilities where users can adjust their selection of data to be restored based on their specific needs. The software dynamically adapts the restoration process to extract and restore only the selected files and settings, rather than following a fixed entire-environment restoration approach.
3Reliability
If backup image is mounted and database is accessed, then configuration data can be captured, but file paths need to be re-mapped based on the volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual file path mapping operations with automated software processes. The system automatically mounts backup images, accesses databases, captures configuration data, and re-maps file paths based on the mounted volume without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for capturing data from a backup image are described. In one example, the backup image is mounted on a volume in a host computer. The backup image includes files, a first portion of which include an operating system. A database in the backup image is mounted. The database stores configuration data for use by the operating system. The configuration data includes file paths referencing at least one of the files. The file paths are re-mapped based on the volume. The data is captured from the backup image using the database as mounted and the file paths as re-mapped.