Virtual Device Storage Management for Cloud Task Cleanup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing file systems, such as traditional Linux file systems, inefficiently manage disk-space usage and cleanup, leading to slow allocation and cleanup of computing resources in cloud computing environments.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for managing storage space by creating a virtual device linked to an anonymous file with a maximum size, mounting a filesystem inside the virtual device, and unmounting it upon task completion to efficiently allocate and release data space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional file systems are used for disk-space management, then data space can be allocated, but cleanup is inefficient and slow requiring whole storage device scanning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk-space allocation and cleanup efficiencyVSAvoidtime for cleanup operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage management by creating separate virtual devices (loop devices) for different computing tasks. Each virtual device is isolated and can be independently mounted and unmounted, allowing cleanup to occur locally without scanning the entire storage device. This segmentation enables efficient resource allocation and release by operating on individual virtual devices rather than the whole storage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If virtual devices are created for each computing task, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing resource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidstorage management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic mounting and unmounting of virtual devices. When a computing task is assigned, the system automatically creates and mounts the appropriate virtual device. When the task completes, the virtual device is automatically unmounted and cleaned up. This automation reduces manual intervention and simplifies management despite the increased number of virtual devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a universal mechanism using loop devices that can serve multiple computing tasks. The same loop device infrastructure is reused across different tasks, with each task getting its own mounted instance. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to handle diverse computing tasks with a single versatile virtual device framework, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12443445B2Systems and methods for managing storage space

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 MOBILEYE VISION TECH LTD

AI summary

A system for managing storage space for a computer may include at least one processor programmed to determine a maximum data space for a computing task. The at least one processor may also be programmed to create a file having a maximum size equal to or greater than the maximum data space. The at least one processor may further be programmed to create a virtual device linked to the file and mount a filesystem inside the virtual device. The at least one processor may also be programmed to mount the virtual device. The at least one processor may further be programmed to determine that the computing task is completed. The at least one processor may further be programmed to unmount the virtual device.