Data Protection System with Local Cache and Remote Backup Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many individuals fail to create regular backups of their computer data, leading to potential loss due to hardware failure or accidental file deletion, as they do not have a reliable system for data protection.

Innovation Solution

A data protection system that creates backup copies of new or changed files during a backup cycle, seamlessly switching between local and remote storage based on the availability of external backup storage, using a cache on primary storage when external storage is unavailable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backup copies are stored locally on primary storage, then data protection is maintained when external storage is unavailable, but storage space on primary storage is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The backup system segments storage into multiple locations: local cache storage on the primary device and remote backup storage. Backup copies are segmented and stored in different locations based on availability, allowing the system to maintain data protection while managing storage space efficiently across both local and remote resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cache storage mechanism acts as an intermediary between primary storage and remote backup storage. When remote storage is unavailable, the cache serves as a temporary holding location for backup copies, ensuring data protection is maintained without permanently consuming primary storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If backup copies are stored remotely on external storage, then primary storage space is freed, but data protection is compromised when external storage is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoiddata protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary backup actions by creating cache copies on local storage before attempting remote backup. This preliminary local caching ensures that even if remote storage becomes unavailable, data protection is already in place and not compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cache storage provides a cushioning layer between primary storage and remote backup storage. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when remote storage is unavailable, there is already a protective backup layer in place, preventing data protection compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system continuously monitors backup storage availability, then seamless switching between local and remote backup is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor backup storage availability and automatically adjust backup behavior. When remote storage is detected as unavailable, the system receives feedback and switches to local cache backup; when available, it switches back to remote backup, achieving seamless adaptation without complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The backup system performs self-service by automatically detecting storage availability changes and switching between backup locations without user intervention. The system monitors its own state and autonomously adjusts its backup strategy, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8788774B2Protecting data during different connectivity states
Publication Date: 2014.07.22 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US8788774B2 patent drawing
  • US8788774B2 patent drawing
  • US8788774B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to data protection. In aspects, during a backup cycle, backup copies may be created for files that are new or that have changed since the last backup. If external backup storage is not available, the backup copies may be stored in a cache located on the primary storage. If backup storage is available, the backup copies may be stored in the backup storage device and backup copies that were previously stored in the primary storage may be copied to the backup storage. The availability of the backup storage may be detected and used to seamlessly switch between backing up files locally and remotely as availability of the backup storage changes.