Selective Data Snapshot via Tag-Based Subset Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating point-in-time copies of data typically require downtime and cannot generate snapshots of less than the entire data set, limiting their application in scenarios where only specific subsets of data need to be preserved.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects modifications to data units within a collectively managed set of data, uses tags to determine which units to preserve, and selectively generates snapshots of specific subsets by comparing request tags with unit tags, allowing for the preservation of only the desired data values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-in-time copies are created of the entire data set, then data integrity and completeness are ensured, but storage space and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data set into multiple subsets using tagging mechanisms. Each data item is assigned tags that identify which subsets it belongs to. When creating a point-in-time copy, the system selectively copies only the subsets specified in the snapshot request, rather than copying the entire data set. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data integrity for the requested subsets while significantly reducing storage space requirements by excluding unrelated data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the data set have different copy preservation states. Using a tag comparison mechanism, the system determines which specific data items belong to the requested snapshot subsets and preserves their original values, while allowing modifications to data items outside these subsets. This selective preservation maintains integrity for relevant data while reducing overall storage requirements.
2Reliability
If point-in-time copies are created of the entire data set, then complete data recovery is possible, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data set into tagged subsets and only processes the specific subsets requested in the snapshot operation. The system compares tags of data items against the requested subset identifiers, processing only those items that match. This segmentation dramatically reduces processing time and computational resources compared to processing the entire data set, while still ensuring complete recovery capability for the requested subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing snapshot operations on only the necessary portions of the data set rather than the entire set. By using tag comparison to identify and process only the relevant subsets, the system achieves sufficient data recovery capability for the requested data while avoiding the excessive processing overhead of copying or validating the entire data set.
3Reliability
If traditional snapshot methods are used, then all data is preserved, but the ability to selectively preserve specific subsets is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by organizing data into tagged subsets and providing mechanisms to selectively snapshot specific subsets. The tagging system allows data items to be associated with multiple subsets, and the snapshot operation can target one or more specific subsets by comparing tags. This provides both comprehensive preservation capability (by snapshotting all subsets) and selective preservation capability (by snapshotting specific subsets), enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a tagging and subset management system that can serve multiple functions: organizing data into logical groups, enabling selective snapshot operations, supporting data recovery, and providing flexible data management. The same tag-based mechanism that enables selective preservation also supports comprehensive preservation when needed, making the system adaptable to various data management requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If selective subset snapshots are implemented, then storage efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to tag management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating lightweight tag structures that reference data items rather than duplicating the actual data. Each data item has associated tags that are simple identifiers or bitmaps indicating subset membership. When creating a selective snapshot, the system copies only the tag information for matching items and the corresponding data, rather than managing complex metadata structures. This copying approach improves storage efficiency while keeping the tag management system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods selectively generate a point-in-time copy of less than all of the data items within a collectively-managed set of data items. One method involves detecting a modification to a first unit of data within a collectively managed set, subsequent to generation of a selective snapshot of the collectively managed set, and then accesses a first tag associated with the first unit of data. Based on a value of the first tag, the method determines whether the first unit of data is included in a subset of the collectively managed set. The subset includes at least two of the units of data and fewer than all of the units of data in the collectively managed set. Based upon whether the unit of data is included in the subset, the method selects whether to preserve an original value of the first unit of data.