Mobile Storage Docking Station Virtual Device Emulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional storage systems, such as Virtual Tape Libraries, are limited by fixed storage capacity and specific data storage protocols, restricting their versatility and ability to handle different data types efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a mobile random access storage device, linked with a docking station, to function as multiple virtual storage devices, allowing it to store and manage different types of data on various media types, such as sequential and random data, by providing multiple sub-addresses associated with a single address, enabling flexible data storage operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a Virtual Tape Library system is used to improve data transfer speed and provide redundant storage backup, then data transfer speed is improved, but the system is limited to fixed storage capacity and specific data storage protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidprotocol compatibility and storage capacity flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile random access storage device is designed to function as multiple virtual storage devices simultaneously, supporting different data storage protocols (sequential and random access) through a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve various storage needs without requiring separate dedicated devices for each protocol type, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed optimization for specific protocols and overall protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically assigns different virtual device identities and protocols to the same physical storage device based on operational requirements. The mobile storage device can switch between emulating sequential access tape drives and random access disc drives, providing adaptive protocol support that maintains high data transfer speeds for each specific protocol while expanding overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a Virtual Tape Library with fixed storage capacity is used, then redundant storage backup is provided, but the system cannot utilize replenishable storage capacity like mobile storage devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredundant storage backupVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the reliability benefits of redundant backup storage with the replenishable capacity of mobile storage devices. By combining the mobile random access storage device with the docking station and virtual device emulation layer, the system creates a unified storage solution that provides both redundant backup capabilities and expandable capacity through media replacement, resolving the contradiction between fixed capacity reliability and replenishable storage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple virtual storage devices are emulated on a single mobile storage device, then storage versatility and capacity are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage protocol compatibilityVSAvoidvirtual device emulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station serves as an intermediary between the mobile random access storage device and the host computer, managing the complexity of virtual device emulation. The docking station handles protocol translation, virtual device identity management, and coordination of multiple virtual devices, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the mobile storage device itself while still enabling enhanced storage versatility and protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7523289B2Random access storage system capable of performing storage operations intended for alternative storage devices

Publication Date: 2009.04.21 SPECTRA LOGIC CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for a storage system comprising at least one mobile random access storage device capable of storing first and second data on at least one docking station. The docking station is associated with an address wherein the address is identifiable by at least one host computer. A first and second sub-address are associated with the docking station wherein the first and second sub-addresses are identifiable by the host computer. The first sub-address corresponds to a first virtual device adapted for storing the first data on a first virtual media. The second sub-address corresponds to a second virtual device adapted for storing the second data on a second virtual media wherein the second virtual media is different from the first virtual media. The docking station is adapted to be responsive to the host computer as available for storing the first data at the first sub-address and the second data at the second sub-address when the docking station is operatively linked with the mobile random access storage device.