Virtual File System Intercepts Write Requests
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file input/output operations in computer systems cannot simulate write operations without modifying the original file, which is undesirable in scenarios like database backups where the original state needs to be preserved for recovery purposes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that intercepts write requests, stores change information in a delta file or database without modifying the original file, and intercepts read requests to return data from the delta file if changes have been made, allowing for virtualization of file input/output operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If write operations are performed to restore database information, then the backup copy can be modified to reflect changes, but the original backup state is lost and cannot be used for full recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual file system layer that acts as an intermediary between the backup copy and the restore operations. This virtual layer intercepts write requests and stores them as change information without modifying the original backup file. The virtual file system allows restore operations to be performed on a virtual copy while preserving the integrity of the original backup, enabling both granular restore capability and full recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the backup file through the virtual file system. Instead of modifying the original backup copy, the system creates a virtual representation that can be modified for restore operations. This virtual copy maintains the original backup's integrity while allowing simulated write operations to be performed, thus preserving both the original state and the ability to perform restore operations.
2Reliability
If a new copy of the database is created from the backup copy for restore operations, then the backup remains intact, but the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive for large databases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary change information from the restore operation requirements and stores it separately in the virtual file system. Instead of creating a complete copy of the entire database, the system extracts and stores only the changes that need to be applied. This allows restore operations to be performed by applying these extracted changes to the original backup, significantly reducing the time and resources required compared to creating a full copy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the restore operation into two independent parts: the original backup file which remains intact, and the change information stored in the virtual file system. This segmentation allows the restore operation to proceed by applying changes rather than copying the entire database. The change information can be applied incrementally and selectively, improving productivity while preserving the backup.
3Ease of operation
If the backup copy is modified during restore operations, then the database can be restored to a previous state, but the backup can no longer be used for full recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual file system serves as an intermediary layer that enables granular restore operations without affecting the original backup. It intercepts restore operations and stores them as change information, allowing the backup to remain intact for full recovery operations while still enabling granular restore capability through the virtual layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual file system that can adapt to different restore scenarios. The virtual file system can be activated for granular restore operations and deactivated or bypassed for full recovery operations. This dynamic behavior allows the same backup infrastructure to support multiple recovery options without compromising either capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and method for providing input/output virtualization for a file are disclosed. The system may include a filter program that intercepts a write request for a particular file and stores change information specifying the data and the write location indicated by the write request. However, the file itself is not modified. The filter program may also intercept a read request referencing the file and determine whether change information representing a write request to write data at the location specified by the read request has been previously stored. If so then the data specified by the change information is returned in response to the read request.