Direct NFS/CIFS Folder Attachment Through Virtual Media Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote file sharing solutions require conversion of NFS/CIFS share folders to ISO/*.IMG files, leading to increased memory consumption and dependency on external tools.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a virtual media service with a lookup table and virtual *.IMG file to directly attach NFS/CIFS folders to a host, eliminating the need for conversion and reducing memory usage to less than 2% of the original folder size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NFS/CIFS share folders are converted to ISO/*.IMG files for attachment, then compatibility with host systems is achieved, but memory consumption increases and dependency on external tools is created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with host systemsVSAvoidmemory consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual media service as an intermediary between the NFS/CIFS share folder and the host system. This virtual service creates a virtual image data file that maps to the network share without requiring actual conversion to ISO/*.IMG format, thereby maintaining compatibility while reducing memory consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the NFS/CIFS share folder structure in the form of a virtual image data file. This virtual copy contains only the necessary metadata and directory structure (FAT structure, root directory region) without the actual data content, enabling host compatibility without full data duplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If NFS/CIFS share folders are converted to ISO/*.IMG files, then host system compatibility is achieved, but dependency on external conversion tools is created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost system compatibilityVSAvoiddependency on external tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual media service enables self-service by automatically creating the virtual image data file and lookup table when a folder attachment request is received. The system performs the conversion and mapping operations internally without requiring external conversion tools, thereby eliminating dependency while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If actual data content is stored in the attached image file, then complete file access is achieved, but memory consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile access capabilityVSAvoidmemory consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image file structure into two parts: a small virtual image data file containing only metadata (FAT structure, root directory region) and a separate network share containing the actual data content. The lookup table maps between these segments, enabling efficient access without storing duplicate data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the virtual image data file contains references to the actual data in the network share through the lookup table. This nested arrangement allows the small virtual structure to encapsulate access to the large data content without duplicating it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12450202B2Unique method to directly attach NFS/CIFS share folder to host, without converting to ISO/IMG file

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A method for processing data, comprising receiving a folder attached request at a virtual media service operating on a processor, creating a virtual image data file and lookup table in response to the folder attached request at the virtual media service, preparing content to be populated into a master boot record region in response to the folder attached request and generating a virtual USB device in response to the populated master boot record.