Distributed Virtual Storage for Portable Media Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable storage methods are limited by the need to store files in their entirety at a physically identifiable location, leading to issues with privacy, security, and mobility, as well as the risk of loss or theft of storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A method of storing files by determining portions, modifying each portion with logical operations, assigning unique names, and storing all portions except the terminal one on a remote server, with the terminal portion stored locally, allowing for secure and flexible access across locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If files are stored in their entirety at a physically identifiable location, then storage and retrieval are simple and direct, but privacy and security are compromised and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides files into multiple portions and stores them at different physical locations. The first portion is stored locally on portable media, while subsequent portions are stored remotely on servers. This segmentation prevents complete file reconstruction if the portable media is lost or stolen, thereby improving security and privacy while maintaining file accessibility through distributed storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If files are stored on portable media drives, then mobility and portability are enhanced, but the risk of loss or theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments file storage between portable media and remote servers. Only a portion of the file (first portion) resides on the portable media drive, while other portions are distributed across remote servers. This reduces the value of the portable media if lost or stolen, as complete file reconstruction becomes impossible without the remote portions, thus maintaining mobility while reducing theft risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces remote servers as intermediaries between the user and complete file storage. The servers hold portions of files that cannot be accessed or reconstructed without the corresponding local portion on portable media. This intermediary architecture enables mobile access to files while distributing risk, as neither the portable media nor servers alone contain complete file information.
3Quantity of substance
If files are divided into parts for efficient storage, then storage efficiency improves, but all parts must be linked and kept together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides files into multiple portions for efficient distributed storage across different media types and locations. Unlike traditional segmentation that requires all parts to be linked and stored together, this invention allows portions to be stored independently at different locations (local portable media and remote servers), reducing management complexity while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to file segmentation by distributing portions across different physical locations and storage media types. Instead of storing all file parts in a single location or media type, the system stores portions across portable media and remote servers, enabling efficient storage while simplifying management through location independence.
Data Source
AI summary
Storing a file on a virtual file system associated with a portable media drive. The virtual file system includes the portable media drive and allocated storage of a plurality of storage servers. The file is partitioned into a local portion and at least one remote portion. The local portion is stored on the portable media drive and the remote portions are transferred to a process server. The process server treats each portion as an independent file and stores it to an appropriate storage server without reference to the original file, to other portions, or to the user. For a virtually compressed file, the storage size of the file on the virtual file system is calculated as a function of the storage size of the local portion on the portable media drive.