Storage Emulation Module for Simulated Data Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in testing and demonstrating storage management systems without the need for physical hardware, as existing systems require hardware components to perform storage operations, making simulation difficult.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for performing simulated storage operations using data structures and schemas to create a virtual interface for software modules, allowing them to mimic the behavior of storage devices and perform storage operations without actual hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical storage hardware is used to perform storage operations, then storage operations can be executed, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of testingVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual representations of storage devices using data structures and schemas that replicate the interface and behavior of physical storage hardware. These virtual storage devices allow testing and demonstration of storage management software without requiring actual physical storage components, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical storage hardware with a software-based simulation system. Instead of using actual storage devices with mechanical components, the system uses data structures, schemas, and software modules to emulate storage operations, eliminating the need for physical hardware while preserving the essential functionality for testing and demonstration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If storage management system components are installed on physical hardware, then storage operations can be performed, but installation and configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures virtual storage devices using data structures and schemas that define their characteristics, attributes, and functionality before testing begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming physical hardware installation and configuration, allowing users to immediately begin testing storage management operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By creating virtual copies of storage devices through data structures and schemas, the system eliminates the need for physical hardware installation. These virtual representations can be instantiated and configured instantly without the time required to physically install and configure storage devices, thereby significantly reducing installation time and improving testing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If software modules interface with physical storage devices, then real storage operations can be performed, but hardware dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting flexibilityVSAvoidhardware dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces virtual storage devices as intermediaries between software modules and physical storage hardware. These virtual devices act as mediators that enable software to perform storage operations without direct dependency on physical hardware, allowing for flexible testing and demonstration while eliminating hardware dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7536291B1System and method to support simulated storage operations

Publication Date: 2009.05.19 COMMVAULT SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present invention includes a system for simulating the performing of data storage operations. The system may include a storage manager component, at least one media management component directed by the storage manager component to manage storage operations to at least one storage device, and a storage emulation module adapted to simulate the characteristics of the at least one storage device. Under the direction of the storage manager, the emulation module may be adapted to simulate storage operations to one or more storage devices performed by one or more of the media management components.