Virtual Disk Image Interoperability via Metadata Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual machine management systems lack the ability to seamlessly import and export virtual disk images across different management systems, limiting interoperability and flexibility in managing virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables the import and export of virtual disk images by retrieving metadata, creating volumes, downloading data, and compressing/encrypting it for transmission between disparate virtual machine management systems, allowing for cross-system sharing and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machine management systems use different management solutions (e.g., oVirt, VMware, OpenStack), then each system can be optimized for its specific management approach, but interoperability and the ability to exchange virtual disk images between systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that acts as a mediator between different virtual machine management systems. This intermediary retrieves virtual disk images from source systems, converts them to a standardized format, and delivers them to destination systems. The conversion process includes obtaining image metadata, converting the image format, and handling the transferred image, thereby enabling interoperability without requiring direct integration between disparate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming virtual disk images from one format specification to another. The conversion process modifies key parameters including file format, metadata structure, and image organization to make them compatible with the target system's requirements. This allows the same virtual disk image to be adapted across different management systems with varying technical specifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual disk images are transferred between different management systems, then system flexibility and interoperability are improved, but the complexity of the transfer and conversion process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex conversion logic into a separate, dedicated conversion system that operates independently from both source and destination management systems. This extraction isolates the complexity of format conversion, metadata handling, and image transformation into a self-contained module, allowing the original management systems to remain simple while still achieving cross-system interoperability through the intermediary service.
3Reliability
If virtual disk images are converted and transferred between systems, then interoperability is enabled, but data loss or corruption may occur during the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first obtaining and analyzing the source virtual disk image's metadata before initiating the conversion process. This preliminary step allows the conversion system to understand the source image's structure, format, and characteristics, enabling it to perform the conversion in a way that preserves data integrity. The metadata retrieval and analysis occur before any transformation, ensuring that the conversion process is informed and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms during the conversion process by continuously monitoring the conversion status and handling errors that may occur. The system retrieves the transferred image after conversion and verifies its integrity, providing feedback loops that ensure data quality. This feedback approach allows the system to detect and correct potential data loss or corruption issues that arise during the conversion and transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device receives a first command to export a first virtual image to a server, wherein the first virtual disk image comprises a plurality of volumes that comprise a read-only base volume and at least one additional volume that comprises changes to the base volume. The processing device generates a map of the first virtual disk image, wherein the map identifies, for each offset in the first virtual disk image, which of the plurality of volumes contains most recent data for the offset. The processing device uses the map to read data at offsets of the virtual disk image from the plurality of volumes. The processing device transmits the data to the server.