Dynamic Backup Storage Expansion Without Deletion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for expanding backup storage space for logical corruption protection require deleting the existing space and recreating it, which is resource-intensive and leaves the storage volume vulnerable to data loss during the transition.

Innovation Solution

A method that monitors current usage of the backup storage space, compares it to a capacity threshold, and conditionally increases the size by adding additional extents without deleting the existing space, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on predetermined parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the backup storage space is expanded by deleting and recreating it, then the storage capacity is increased, but the processing overhead increases and data protection is temporarily compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup storage space capacityVSAvoiddata protection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic expansion of backup storage space by adding extents to the existing backup volume while it remains active. The system allows the backup storage space to grow incrementally as extents are added, rather than requiring complete deletion and recreation. This dynamic approach maintains data protection continuity while increasing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-allocating and adding extents to the backup storage space before they are fully needed. The extents are added in advance to the existing backup volume, preparing the storage space for future growth without interrupting current backup operations or compromising data protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of stationary object

If the backup storage space is expanded by deleting and recreating it, then the storage capacity is increased, but the processing overhead and time required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup storage space capacityVSAvoidexpansion processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables incremental and dynamic expansion of backup storage space by adding extents to the existing volume. This allows capacity increases to occur progressively over time rather than requiring a single lengthy deletion and recreation process, significantly reducing the time lost to expansion operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous backup operations during the expansion process. By adding extents to the existing backup storage space rather than deleting and recreating it, the system ensures that backup operations continue uninterrupted, eliminating the time loss associated with stopping and restarting backup processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Volume of stationary object

If the backup storage space is expanded by deleting and recreating it, then the storage capacity is increased, but the complexity of the expansion process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup storage space capacityVSAvoidexpansion process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a simplified dynamic expansion process where extents can be added to the existing backup storage space using straightforward operations. This dynamic approach replaces the complex multi-step process of deletion, recreation, and data migration with a simpler incremental addition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of stationary object

If the backup storage space is expanded by deleting and recreating it, then the storage capacity is increased, but the vulnerability to data loss during transition increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup storage space capacityVSAvoiddata corruption risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains dynamic data protection throughout the expansion process by keeping the existing backup storage space active and functional. Since the backup volume is not deleted or taken offline during expansion, the protective barrier against data corruption remains in place, eliminating the vulnerability window that exists during deletion and recreation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for expansion by adding extents to the existing backup storage space in advance, creating a cushion of additional capacity before it is needed. This preliminary expansion preparation ensures that data protection is maintained throughout the process, as the existing backup structure remains intact and functional while capacity is being increased.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11947808B2Expanding storage capacity for implementing logical corruption protection

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computer-implemented method according to one aspect includes monitoring a current usage of a backup storage space for a storage volume; comparing the current usage to a capacity threshold; and conditionally increasing a size of the backup storage space, based on the comparing and a predetermined size limitation.