File System Snapshot Search for Coherent Query Results
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Searching a live file system is time-consuming and requires keeping it in a read-only state to prevent modifications, leading to incomplete searches due to changes in the file system hierarchy during the search process.
Innovation Solution
Taking a snapshot of the file system at the start of the search and performing the search on this static copy, with the option to take a subsequent snapshot and compute differences to merge search results, allowing for coherent and efficient retrieval of search results despite changes in the file system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a search is performed on a live file system, then the search can be performed without additional overhead, but the file system hierarchy may change during the search, leading to incomplete or incorrect results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes a snapshot of the file system hierarchy before initiating the search. This preliminary action freezes the hierarchy structure at a specific point in time, preventing changes during the search process. The search is then performed on this static snapshot rather than the live file system, ensuring complete and accurate results while maintaining search speed.
2Reliability
If the file system is kept in a read-only state during search, then coherence is maintained, but the file system cannot be modified, affecting normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file system into two independent views: a static snapshot for searching and a live file system for normal operations. The snapshot is created as a separate, immutable copy that can be searched without affecting the live system. This segmentation allows the file system to remain accessible and modifiable during normal operations while providing a coherent search view through the snapshot.
3Reliability
If a snapshot is taken before search, then a static view is obtained for coherent searching, but the snapshot may not include recent changes made during the search process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous snapshotting during the search process. Instead of taking a single snapshot before the search, the system takes multiple snapshots at different points during the search execution. This continuous action ensures that all changes made to the file system during the search process are captured in subsequent snapshots, which are then merged with the initial search results, preventing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention receive a search query from a user. In response to the search query, a snapshot of the file system in its current state is taken. A coherent search of the snapshot is performed using the search query. Results of the search are presented to a user. In other embodiments, a subsequent snapshot of the file system is taken after the first search is finished. A difference between the first snapshot and the subsequent snapshot is computed, and this difference is searched using the search query. Results of both searches are merged and results are presented to a user.