Tag-Based Storage Context Mapping for Logical Data Operations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems do not enable clients to store, retrieve, or manipulate data based on the logical context of the data, requiring clients to specify physical locations or file names for data operations.
Innovation Solution
The system generates a set of tags and a unique name for each data block, associating them in a database, allowing services to be provided based on the received tags and unique names, enabling context-based operations such as data backup, restore, and maintenance through a controller that interacts with a media storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clients specify physical locations or file names for data operations, then data storage and retrieval can be performed, but clients cannot operate data based on logical context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tag set as an intermediary between the client and the physical storage system. The tag set contains logical context information (tags) that mediates data operations without requiring clients to specify physical locations. The system maps these logical tags to physical data block addresses, enabling context-based operations while abstracting away storage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into distinct functional layers: a client interface layer that accepts logical context queries, a tag management layer that handles tag set generation and matching, and a physical storage layer that manages data blocks. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If manual data management procedures are used, then clients have direct control over data operations, but automation of procedures like backup and maintenance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation through tag-based rule engines that automatically trigger data management procedures. When data blocks are tagged with specific contexts, the system autonomously performs backup, restore, copy, and maintenance operations based on predefined rules associated with those tags, eliminating the need for manual client intervention while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors tagged data blocks and automatically adjusts data management actions. The tag set serves as feedback information that enables the system to detect data context changes and automatically initiate appropriate procedures, balancing automation with client-defined control policies.
3Productivity
If multiple data management procedures are manual, then clients can control each operation, but data management efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tag set structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies data blocks, describes their logical context, triggers automated procedures, and enables efficient searching and filtering. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate management systems into a single unified tag-based approach, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing a storage system may include generating, for a data block, a set of tags and a unique name. A set of tags may represent a context. A service related to the data block may be provided in response to receiving at least one of: a tag, a set of tags and a unique name.