Virtual Storage Gate System for Distributed File Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inefficiencies in managing and accessing files scattered across multiple data repositories due to the lack of centralized management, leading to limited access and unnecessary duplication in cloud storage networks.
Innovation Solution
A distributed file management system with a central storage device that receives file access requests, transmits location information, and updates a central access log and index, enabling remote access to files across various data repositories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cloud storage networks are used to store and access files, then file accessibility is improved, but file duplication and transfer overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of files through symbolic links rather than physical duplication. The file system generates virtual file objects that reference original files on remote data repositories, allowing multiple access points without duplicating actual file data. This resolves the contradiction by providing cloud-like accessibility while eliminating redundant storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file server as an intermediary between users and data repositories. This server manages file access requests, maintains file location information, and coordinates communication between clients and remote storage. The intermediary enables seamless file access across distributed repositories without requiring direct client-to-repository connections, reducing transfer overhead while maintaining accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If files are scattered across multiple data repositories, then storage capacity is improved, but file management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple distributed data repositories into a unified virtual file system. The file server consolidates file location information, access control, and management operations into a single centralized system that presents a unified namespace to users. This allows storage capacity to scale across multiple repositories while management complexity remains centralized and simplified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into independent data repositories while maintaining unified management through virtualization. Each repository operates independently for storage capacity, but the file server segments and organizes file access through virtual file objects and symbolic links. This segmentation allows storage to scale across multiple devices without proportionally increasing management complexity.
3Extent of automation
If cloud storage networks require file transfer to access files, then centralized control is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing symbolic links and virtual file objects that point to files on remote data repositories. When users need to access files, the system already has the location information cached and ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming file transfers. The centralized file server maintains this location information in advance, enabling rapid access while preserving centralized control over file management.
Data Source
AI summary
An example embodiment includes a distributed file management system. The distributed file management system includes a central storage device that is communicatively coupled to data repositories configured to store one or more files. The central storage device includes a processor and a tangible computer-readable storage medium. The tangible computer-readable storage medium is communicatively coupled to the processor and has computer-executable instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to perform operations. The operations include receiving file access requests from the data repositories. The operations also include transmitting location information of files requested in the file access requests. The location information includes internet protocol (IP) addresses of the data repositories on which the files are stored. The operations also include receiving updated file indices from the data repositories indicating remote access to files and updating a central access log and a central file index to include the updated file indices.