Backup Set Comparison via Pinned and Sliding Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, managing multiple backup sets is time-consuming and error-prone due to the need to search through large numbers of objects across many backup sets for granular restore operations, especially when comparing different versions of data.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) is implemented to display and manage multiple backup sets, allowing administrators to pin and slide individual objects across views for visual comparison, with features like merged views and live copies to facilitate efficient object identification and restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple backup sets are maintained for data protection, then data protection and recovery options are improved, but the complexity of managing and comparing objects across backup sets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup sets into a first group and a second group, displaying them in separate views within the graphical user interface. This segmentation allows administrators to manage and compare backup sets systematically without overwhelming complexity, as each view can be independently navigated and compared.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging backup set views side-by-side in the graphical user interface. This dimensional arrangement enables visual comparison of objects across different backup sets simultaneously, transforming the management task from sequential searching to parallel visual inspection, thereby reducing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If granular restore operations are performed by searching through large numbers of objects, then restore precision is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing backup sets into groups and pre-displaying objects in the graphical user interface before the actual restore operation. This preliminary arrangement allows administrators to quickly locate and compare objects without searching through large numbers of objects sequentially, thereby reducing search time while maintaining restore precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of backup set objects within the graphical user interface, allowing administrators to compare object versions across different backup sets without actually restoring or moving the original objects. This copying approach enables precise identification of objects to be restored while minimizing time consumption and reducing errors associated with manual searching.
3Measurement precision
If administrators manually search and compare objects across backup sets, then accuracy of object selection is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple backup set views into a single integrated graphical user interface that displays both the first group and second group of backup sets simultaneously. This merging allows administrators to compare objects across different backup sets within one unified interface, improving operational efficiency while maintaining the accuracy of object selection through systematic side-by-side comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for simultaneous comparison of multiple backup sets maintained in a computer system are described. A plurality of backup sets of data maintained in a computer system including a hierarchy of objects is managed. In some examples, a graphical user interface (GUI) is displayed on a display coupled to the computer, the GUI having views configured show a first group of backup sets from the plurality of backup sets. Individual objects of a selected backup set in the first group of backup sets are pinned in a pinned view of the views in response to a first command. A second group of backup sets from the plurality of backup sets is shown in the views in response to a second command by sliding individual objects of at least one backup set in the plurality of backup sets across at least one unpinned view of the views with respect to the individual objects of the selected backup set in the pinned view.