Virtual Machine Storage Compression for Dynamic Space Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud computing environments, virtual machines often face challenges in dynamically adjusting their allocated physical resources, particularly data storage space, which can lead to insufficient free space for operations requiring more storage than currently available but less than the total allocated, hindering efficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects the need for additional storage space by selecting and compressing inactive or unnecessary files within the virtual machine, using the compressed space for temporary operations, and then decompressing and restoring the original files post-operation, thereby optimizing data storage allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the virtual machine allocates a fixed amount of data storage space, then the system stability and resource management are improved, but the flexibility and adaptability for operations requiring variable storage space deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the virtual machine's storage space to transition between different states (compressed and decompressed) based on operational needs. The storage space is no longer static but can dynamically adjust its capacity by compressing files when additional space is needed and decompressing when space is sufficient, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of storage capacity by applying compression algorithms to files within the allocated storage space. This transforms the fixed storage parameter into a variable one, allowing the virtual machine to effectively increase or decrease its usable storage space without changing the underlying allocated resources, thus maintaining stability while gaining adaptability.
2Quantity of substance
If the virtual machine compresses files to obtain additional free storage space, then the available storage capacity is improved, but the system complexity and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the virtual machine to automatically manage its own storage space through compression and decompression operations. The system monitors its own storage needs and performs compression when additional space is required, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex manual management, thus reducing overall system complexity despite the added functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compressing files that are likely to be needed for future operations. Instead of compressing files reactively when space is completely exhausted, the system proactively compresses files in advance to maintain a buffer of free storage space, reducing the frequency and intensity of compression operations and thereby lowering computational overhead.
3Quantity of substance
If the virtual machine deletes target files to create free storage space, then the available storage capacity is improved, but the data integrity and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating compressed versions of files rather than deleting the originals. The compression process generates a space-efficient representation of the data that can be decompressed back into the original file, effectively creating a reversible copy that preserves data integrity while freeing up storage space, thus maintaining reliability while increasing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by temporarily discarding the uncompressed form of files in favor of their compressed versions to free up space, with the guarantee that the original data can be fully recovered through decompression. This reversible process ensures that no data is permanently lost, maintaining reliability while providing the necessary storage flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively manages data storage by temporarily increasing free space within the virtual machine, enabling operations that require more storage than initially available without altering the total allocated space, thus enhancing resource utilization and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
select a plurality of target files that are stored in the data storage space allocated to the virtual machine, and then compress the target files to obtain additional free data storage space
Implementation Method 2
decompress the compressed files, store the decompressed target files in the data storage space allocated to the virtual machine
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and computer program product include non-transitory computer readable storage media having program instructions executable by a processor to detect that an operation to be performed in a virtual machine needs more data storage space than the current amount of free data storage space available to the virtual machine. Target files are selected, compressed and stored, and the target files are deleted to obtain additional data storage space to support the operation. In response to completion of the operation, temporary files used by the operation are deleted, the compressed files are decompressed, the decompressed target files are stored, and the compressed files are deleted.