Point-in-time Backup Selector with Automatic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of managing numerous point-in-time backup copies of data objects for restore operations overwhelms users, as existing systems provide too much information, making it difficult to select the appropriate copy, often resulting in frustration and potential selection of less optimal options due to insufficient information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selecting point-in-time backup copies involve a graphical user interface on mobile devices that allows users to input desired restore points, with features like calendars, sliders, and drop-down menus to present a manageable number of options, automatically adjusting inputs to identify suitable backup copies and alerting users to unavailable points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent backup operations are performed to create multiple point-in-time copies, then data protection and recovery flexibility are improved, but the complexity of selecting the appropriate backup copy for restoration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of available backup copies into manageable groups based on time intervals (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly). The interface divides the chronological list of backups into discrete time-based segments, allowing users to navigate through organized time periods rather than facing an overwhelming continuous list of all available copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary selection interface that mediates between the user's restoration needs and the large set of available backup copies. This interface acts as a mediator by providing time-based filtering, default selection recommendations, and structured navigation options that translate user intent into appropriate backup copy selection without requiring users to directly evaluate all available copies.
2Loss of information
If all available point-in-time copies are presented to the user, then complete information is provided for optimal selection, but the user interface becomes overwhelming and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and highlights only the most relevant backup copies for the user's current needs, rather than presenting all available copies. The system extracts key information such as the most recent backup, backups at regular intervals, or backups matching specific time criteria, and presents these extracted options prominently while making other copies accessible but less prominent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail for different backup copies based on their relevance. Recently created backups or those matching user criteria receive more prominent display and detailed information, while older or less relevant backups receive simplified presentation. This allows the interface to provide complete information where needed while maintaining manageability overall.
3Measurement precision
If the interface provides detailed information about each backup copy, then users can make more informed selections, but the amount of information presented becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic information presentation where the level and type of information displayed adapts based on user interactions and context. Initially, only essential information (such as timestamp and file size) is shown. As users interact with the interface—such as selecting time ranges or indicating restoration priorities—the system dynamically adjusts to show more detailed information about relevant backups while keeping the overall interface clean and manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users manually search through numerous backup copies to find the appropriate one, then complete control over selection is maintained, but time is lost through trial-and-error attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing backup copies according to multiple criteria (time, size, type) and pre-calculating recommended selections based on common restoration scenarios. When a user initiates a restoration, the system has already prepared and sorted the relevant backup options, so the user does not need to manually search through all copies. Default recommendations are pre-computed based on the most recent backups or those matching typical restoration needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system observes user selections and interactions to learn about restoration priorities and patterns. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts future recommendations and organization to better match user needs, reducing the time required for subsequent restoration operations while maintaining user control over the final selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for selecting point-in-time copies of data objects for restore operations. A user operates a mobile device with a touch screen, which is connected to a backup server through a network. The user selects a given data object from a graphical user interface (GUI) to restore from a backup server and selects a point-in-time for restoration. The mobile device searches point-in-time (PIT) indicator data corresponding to PIT backup copies of the given data object. If the mobile device determines there is no PIT indicator for the requested point-in-time, then the mobile device identifies one or more backups that include the given data object, automatically selects one of the one or more backups as a proposed backup for restoration, and automatically adjusts the input of the user on the graphical user interface to identify the selected one of the one or more backups.