Multi-dimensional Snapshot Recovery in Cloud Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current snapshot-based data recovery methods in cloud environments lack the ability to efficiently reconstruct and restore data using multi-dimensional query capabilities, limiting their effectiveness in providing fine-grained data recovery services.

Innovation Solution

A cloud storage recovery engine that receives a snapshot restore request with parameters defining dimensions for data recovery, reconstructs snapshots from a single continuous snapshot stream, and instructs the restoration of selected snapshots, enabling multi-dimensional query capabilities and efficient data recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional snapshot-based data recovery methods are used in cloud environments, then the system can maintain simplicity in implementation, but the system lacks multi-dimensional query capabilities and fine-grained data recovery effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-dimensional query capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the snapshot stream into multiple logical snapshots based on different dimensions (time, storage location, data type). Each dimension can be queried independently, enabling multi-dimensional search capabilities without requiring a complete redesign of the snapshot storage structure. The segmentation allows the system to present multiple view points of the same underlying data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple dimensions for snapshot organization beyond traditional time-based ordering. These dimensions include storage location, data type, and other contextual parameters. By adding these additional dimensions, the system enables fine-grained query capabilities across multiple axes simultaneously, transforming a single-dimensional time series into a multi-dimensional data structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If snapshots are reconstructed from a continuous snapshot stream with multiple dimensions, then fine-grained data recovery is enabled, but the reconstruction process requires additional processing time and computational resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recovery precisionVSAvoidreconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary indexing and organization of the continuous snapshot stream during the initial processing phase. Metadata about different dimensions (time, location, data type) is extracted and stored in an optimized structure in advance. This preliminary action enables rapid querying and reconstruction later without repeating the full analysis process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates indexed copies of snapshot metadata organized by different dimensions. These copies allow the system to quickly locate and reconstruct specific snapshots without scanning the entire continuous stream. The copying mechanism enables parallel access paths for different query types, significantly reducing reconstruction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Quantity of substance

If a single continuous snapshot stream is used instead of multiple discrete snapshots, then storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to restore specific snapshots with fine-grained control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidsnapshot selection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the continuous snapshot stream to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same stream provides both efficient storage and fine-grained recovery capabilities by organizing data with embedded metadata that supports multiple query dimensions. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate storage mechanisms for different recovery scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indexing layer between the continuous snapshot stream and the recovery operation. This intermediary structure stores organizational metadata that enables easy selection and reconstruction of specific snapshots without disrupting the efficient continuous stream format. The intermediary acts as a bridge between storage efficiency and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12153819B2Multi-dimensional data recovery
Publication Date: 2024.11.26 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US12153819B2 patent drawing
  • US12153819B2 patent drawing
  • US12153819B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for multidimensional data recover. A snapshot restore request is received with at least one parameter defining at least one dimension for data recovery. At least one snapshot is reconstructed from a single continuous snapshot stream taken for a certain period of time based on the at least one parameter. A selected snapshot is received for data recovery selected from the at least one reconstructed snapshot. The selected snapshot is restored.