KR100801217B1 - VIRTUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENTING VIRTUAL STORAGE BASED ON Ad-HOC NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a virtual storage system and method thereof based on a mobile ad hoc network. The virtual storage system includes a virtual storage management server configured and managed by one virtual storage including storage devices in a plurality of portable multimedia players (PMPs) existing on a network and the virtual storage management server. A database server that stores and manages information about files stored and managed in the internal storage of each portable multimedia player constituting the virtual storage, and stores and manages data transmitted from the virtual storage management server in its internal storage. And a portable multimedia player that executes a storage node program and a user program for using the virtual storage of the virtual storage management server. The virtual storage system manages and uses storage devices mounted in a portable multimedia player existing in a network as one virtual storage.

Ad hoc network, UPnP, virtual storage, PMP

Description

VIRTUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENTING VIRTUAL STORAGE BASED ON Ad-HOC NETWORK}

1 is a block diagram of an entire virtual storage system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of creating a storage node table by a virtual storage management server of a virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of storing a specific file in virtual storage of a virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of updating a specific file stored in the virtual storage of the virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of deleting a specific file stored in the virtual storage of the virtual storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of reading a specific file stored in the virtual storage of the virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: virtual storage system

100: virtual storage management server

110: database server

120: mobile device

122: storage node program

124: user program

The present invention relates to a virtual storage system and a virtual storage management method, and more particularly, to a virtual storage system using a universal plug and play (UPnP) technology based on a mobile ad hoc network, and a file input / output method using the virtual storage. will be.

Portable Multimedia Player (hereinafter referred to as 'PMP') is also called a portable multimedia player, a next generation portable convergence device, and its basic structure is the same as a conventional MP3 player, but unlike an MP3 player having only a music playback function, It can play and has the functions of a digital camera. In addition, PMP can be used as an electronic album for storing and playing back MP3 files, storing images, or taking pictures taken with a digital camera. It can also record TV, schedule, and access the Internet. As described above, a PMP having various functions also includes a memory having a predetermined capacity, that is, a storage device.

Meanwhile, Intel's Universal Plug and Play (hereinafter referred to as "UPnP") technology simplifies home networking. Its devices include personal computers, peripherals, intelligent appliances, and wireless devices. When connected to a network, it is a standard technology that allows other devices to be automatically recognized using the Internet and Web (WEB) protocols.

In particular, the UPnP AV system is based on UPnP technology and is composed of a control point, a media server, and a media renderer. In a UPnP AV system, when a user selects arbitrary contents and a media renderer of a media server using a control interface's user interface, the selected contents of the media server are delivered directly to the media renderer. The content is played in a media renderer.

However, even in the case of devices equipped with UPnP function, the content of the media server memory is limited in transferring the content from the device serving as the media server to the device serving as the media renderer. The capacity of is also limited. In addition, since the memory mounted on devices connected to the entire network cannot be integrated and managed, not only a large amount of content can be stored but also an efficient management of the entire memory is difficult.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a virtual storage system that uses storage devices mounted on a device equipped with UPnP technology based on a mobile ad hoc network as one virtual storage.

 Another object of the present invention is to provide a virtual storage management method capable of storing, updating, deleting, and reading a specific file in a virtual storage constructed by the virtual storage system.

Features of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem relates to a virtual storage system, the virtual storage system,

At least one mobile device having a UPnP function based on a mobile ad hoc network;

A virtual storage management server configured to build and manage one virtual storage including storage devices mounted on the mobile devices, and

A database server storing and managing information on files stored in storage devices of each mobile device constituting the virtual storage constructed by the virtual storage management server;

The mobile devices include a storage node program that stores and manages data transmitted from the virtual storage management server on its own storage device, and a user program that enables the virtual storage of the virtual storage management server to be used on a network. The storage devices installed in existing mobile devices can be used as one virtual storage.

The virtual storage management server of the above-described virtual storage system is preferably distributed and stored in a storage device of a plurality of mobile devices constituting the virtual storage.

In addition, the virtual storage management server of the aforementioned virtual storage system creates and manages a storage node table, the storage node table records information on mobile devices registered as storage nodes, and the database server stores each file. The object ID list preferably includes a strip unit ID constituting each file and storage node information in which each strip unit ID is stored.

Preferably, the mobile devices of the virtual storage system according to the above features are portable multimedia players (PMPs).

According to another aspect of the present invention, a virtual storage management method relates to a method for a virtual storage management server to build and manage a virtual storage in association with an external database server and mobile devices.

(a) the virtual storage management server searching for mobile devices present on a network;

(b) registering information about the retrieved mobile device in a storage node table in the virtual storage management server;

(c) receiving a file storage request message and a file to be stored from the mobile device on the network;

(d) assigning a file ID to the received file, transmitting the file ID to the database server, and registering the file ID;

(e) dividing the file into strip units and allocating strip unit IDs which are identification information for the divided strip units;

(f) selecting from the storage node table a storage node to store each divided strip unit;

(g) sending each strip unit to selected storage nodes;

(h) receiving object IDs generated after the strip unit is normally stored from the storage nodes;

(i) generating an object ID list by collecting object IDs received from the storage nodes;

(j) storing the generated object ID list in the database server to store the file on the virtual storage.

The virtual storage management method having the above-mentioned characteristics,

(k) receiving a file update request message, a file ID to update, and a file to update from the mobile device on the network;

(l) receiving an object ID list of the file ID from the database server;

(m) dividing the file into strip units,

(n) selecting from the storage node table a storage node for storing each divided strip unit;

(o) sending each strip unit to selected storage nodes,

(p) receiving object IDs generated after the strip unit is normally stored from the storage nodes;

(q) updating the object ID list by collecting object IDs received from the storage nodes;

(r) storing the updated object ID list in the database server, and updating the file on the virtual storage.

In addition, the virtual storage management method having the above characteristics,

(k) receiving a file deletion request message and a file ID to be deleted from the mobile device on the network;

(l) receiving an object ID list of the file ID from the database server;

(m) extracting storage node ID information for each strip unit from the object ID list;

(n) transmitting a delete request message of the object to storage nodes corresponding to the extracted storage node ID;

(o) receiving an object deletion confirmation message from storage nodes, and

(p) transmitting a delete request message of the object ID list for the corresponding file ID to the database server, and deleting the specific file stored on the virtual storage.

In addition, the virtual storage management method having the above characteristics,

(k) receiving a file read request message and a file ID from the mobile device on the network;

(l) receiving an object ID list of the file ID from the database server;

(m) extracting storage node ID information in which each strip unit is stored from the object ID list;

(n) transmitting an object read request message to storage nodes for the extracted storage node ID;

(o) detecting a strip unit from the messages received from the storage nodes, collecting the detected strip units and rearranging them according to the strip unit ID to complete one file, and

(p) Comprising the step of transmitting the completed file to the mobile device, it is preferable to read a specific file on the virtual storage.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail the configuration and operation of the virtual storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an entire virtual storage system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the virtual storage system 10 includes at least one mobile device 120 including a virtual storage management server 100, a database server 110, a storage node program 122, and a user program 124. It consists of Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described components will be described in detail.

The virtual storage management server 100 constructs and manages storage devices in a plurality of mobile devices existing in a network as one virtual storage, and stores the storage node table 102 which is information about mobile devices constituting the virtual storage. ) To create and manage. Here, the storage node table 102 stores storage node IDs which are identification information of each storage node, address information of mobile devices used as each storage node, and information on whether storage devices of the storage node are available. Include.

The virtual storage management server 100 distributes and stores one specific file as a storage device of a plurality of mobile devices constituting one virtual storage, and updates, deletes, and reads the specific stored file. A detailed description of the file storing, updating, deleting, and reading operations of the virtual storage management server will be described later.

The database server 110 stores and manages a file information management table for files stored in the virtual storage.

The file information management table includes a file ID which is file identification information and an object ID list for each file. The object ID list includes strip unit IDs constituting the file and a storage node in which the strip units are stored. Contains information about IDs.

The mobile device 120 includes a storage node program 122 for storing and managing data transmitted from the virtual storage management server in its internal storage device and a user program for using the virtual storage of the virtual storage management server. 124).

The storage node program 122 of the mobile device analyzes a request message transmitted from the virtual storage management server 100 and registers a storage node, creates an object, deletes an object, updates an object, and reads an object according to the request message. Each will be performed.

First, when the request message sent from the virtual storage management server is "storage node registration", a registration response message including its identification information, path information, and information on free space of the storage device is sent to the virtual storage management server. By transmitting, it registers in the storage node table of a virtual storage management server.

If the request message sent from the virtual storage management server is an "object creation request" message, the strip unit data is extracted from the request message, the strip unit ID for the extracted strip unit data is allocated and stored in the memory. An object ID including a strip unit ID and a storage node ID is generated, and an object creation response message including information about the object ID and the free space of the storage device is transmitted to the virtual storage management server 100.

If the request message sent from the virtual storage management server is an “object deletion request” message, the strip unit ID is extracted from the message, the strip unit corresponding to the extracted strip unit ID is deleted, and then the deleted message is deleted. The object deletion response message including information on the object ID and the free space of the storage device is transmitted to the virtual storage management server.

If the request message sent from the virtual storage management server is an "object update request" message, the strip unit ID and strip unit data to be updated are extracted from the request message, and the prestored strip unit data corresponding to the strip unit ID is extracted. Is deleted and updated with the extracted strip unit data. An object update response message including an updated object ID and information on free space of the storage device is created and transmitted to the virtual storage management server.

If the request message sent from the virtual storage management server is an "object read request" message, the strip unit ID is extracted from the request message, the strip unit data corresponding to the strip unit ID is read from the memory, and the read message is read. The object read response message including the strip unit data and the object ID is transmitted to the virtual storage management server.

The user program 124 of the mobile device accesses the virtual storage management server 100 to store a specific file in a virtual storage, or to search, read, delete, or update a specific file stored in the virtual storage. Provide a user interface.

Hereinafter, a process of creating the storage node table 102 by the virtual storage management server 100 of the virtual storage system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described sequentially.

First, the virtual storage management server 100 searches for the database server 100 on the network (step 200). Accordingly, the database server transmits a registration request message to the virtual storage management server (step 210), and the virtual storage management server performs an authentication procedure for the database server (step 220). At this time, if the authentication procedure for the database server is successful, an authentication confirmation message is transmitted to the database server (step 230), and in response, the database server transmits a confirmation message (step 240).

Next, the virtual storage management server 100 loads a storage node table in which information about mobile devices on a network performing a storage node function is stored (step 250). Here, the storage node table includes storage node identification information (ID), address information on mobile devices used as each storage node, and information on free space of a storage device of the storage node.

Next, the virtual storage management server 100 searches for a storage node on the network (step 260), and requests the retrieved storage node to be registered as virtual storage (step 270). Accordingly, an authentication procedure for the storage node is performed. If authentication is successful, the storage node identification information is allocated and registered in the storage node table (step 280). The virtual storage management server transmits a confirmation message indicating that the storage node is registered in the virtual storage (step 290), and the storage node transmits a confirmation message to the virtual storage management server (step 292).

Through the above-described process, the storage device of the mobile devices on the network can be used as one virtual storage.

Hereinafter, a process of storing a specific file in the virtual storage in the virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described sequentially.

First, the mobile device in which the user program is executed transmits a file storage request message and a file to be stored to the virtual storage management server (step 300). After receiving the file storage request message, the virtual storage management server allocates file identification information for the corresponding file (step 305), and transmits the file identification information to the database server (step 310). The database server further registers the received information in the database (step 315).

Next, the virtual storage management server divides the file into strip units having a size of 256 KB, allocates strip unit ID which is identification information to each divided strip unit, and then stores the registered data in the storage node table. Select the writable storage nodes among the nodes (step 320). At this time, one embodiment of a method for selecting writable storage nodes is a round-robin method. Next, an object creation request message is transmitted with the data information of the strip unit divided into the selected storage nodes (step 330). The data information of the strip unit includes strip unit ID and strip unit data.

The storage node receiving the object creation request message from the virtual storage management server extracts strip unit data from the object creation request message (step 340), and extracts a strip unit ID (step 342). Next, determine a space to store the strip unit and then store the strip unit (step 344). Next, an object ID including the strip unit ID and the storage node ID is generated (step 346), and an object creation response message including information about the generated object ID and the free space of the storage space is created to generate the virtual storage. Send to the management server (step 348).

The virtual storage management server receives the object creation response message, updates the writable field of the storage node table according to the received message, and generates an object ID list (step 350). In this case, the object ID list is composed of object IDs extracted by the virtual storage management server from object generation response messages received from a plurality of storage nodes.

The generated object ID list is transmitted to the database server (step 360), the database server further registers the received object ID list (step 365), and transmits a confirmation message to the virtual storage management server (step 370).

Next, the virtual storage management server transmits a message indicating that file writing is completed to the corresponding mobile device requesting file storage (step 380).

Hereinafter, a process of updating a specific file stored in the virtual storage in the virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described sequentially.

First, the mobile device on which the user program is executed transmits a file update request message and a file to be updated to the virtual storage management server (step 400). Upon receiving the file update request message, the virtual storage management server requests a list of file IDs and object IDs from the database server (step 410) and is transmitted (step 415).

Next, the virtual storage management server divides the file into strip units having a size of 256 KB, allocates strip unit IDs that are identification information for each of the divided strip units, and stores the registered data in the storage node table. Among the nodes, writeable storage nodes are selected (step 420). At this time, one embodiment of a method for selecting writable storage nodes is a round-robin method. Next, the object update request message is transmitted with the data information of the strip unit divided into the selected storage node (step 430). The data information of the strip unit includes strip unit ID and strip unit data for the strip unit.

The storage node receiving the object update request message from the virtual storage management server extracts strip unit data from the object update request message (step 440), and extracts the strip unit ID from the object ID (step 442). After determining a space to store the strip unit, the strip unit data is stored (step 444).

Next, an object update response message including information on the object ID and the free space of the storage device is created and transmitted to the virtual storage management server (step 446).

The virtual storage management server receives the object update response message and updates the writable field of the storage node table according to the received message (step 450). Next, the updated object ID list is transmitted to the database server (step 460), and the database server updates the received object ID list (step 465), and transmits an update confirmation message to the virtual storage management server (step 470). ).

Next, the virtual storage management server transmits a message indicating that the file update is completed to the corresponding mobile device requesting the file update (step 480).

Hereinafter, a process of deleting a specific file stored in the virtual storage in the virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described sequentially.

 The mobile device on which the user program is executed transmits a file deletion request message and file information to be deleted to the virtual storage management server (step 500). Upon receiving the file deletion request message, the virtual storage management server requests the object ID list for the file from the database server (step 510) and receives the received file (step 515).

The virtual storage management server extracts the storage node ID from the received object ID list, selects the storage node with reference to the storage node table (step 520), and transmits an object deletion request message to the selected storage node (step 520). 530).

The storage node receiving the object deletion request message from the virtual storage management server extracts a strip unit ID from the object deletion request message (step 540), and retrieves and extracts the extracted strip ID from the storage space (step 542). Next, an object deletion response message including an object ID and information on the free space of the storage device is created and transmitted to the virtual storage management server (step 548).

The virtual storage management server receives the object delete response message, updates the writable field of the storage node table according to the received message (step 550), and requests the database server to delete information on the corresponding file ID. (Step 560).

The database server deletes all information corresponding to the file ID according to the file deletion request (step 565), and then transmits a deletion confirmation message to the virtual storage management server (step 570).

Next, the virtual storage management server transmits a message indicating that file deletion is completed to the corresponding mobile device requesting file deletion (step 580).

Hereinafter, a process of reading a specific file stored in the virtual storage in the virtual storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in sequence.

 The mobile device on which the user program is executed sends a read request message for a specific file to the virtual storage management server (step 600). Upon receiving the file read request message, the virtual storage management server requests the object ID list for the file ID from the database server (step 610), and receives the object ID list (step 615).

Next, the virtual storage management server extracts the storage node ID from the object ID, retrieves the address for the storage node ID using the storage node table (step 620), and transmits an object read request message to the storage node. (Step 630).

The storage node that has received the object read request message from the storage management server extracts the script unit ID from the object ID, reads the script unit from the storage space allocated to the extracted script unit ID (step 642), and reads the read script. An object read response message including a unit and an object ID is sent to the virtual storage management server (step 644).

The virtual storage management server then extracts the script unit from the object read response message sent from the storage node (step 646).

By repeatedly performing the above process, the virtual storage management server collects script units, arranges the collected script units in order to complete a file (step 648), and then reads a file read response message together with the file contents. Transmit to mobile device (step 650).

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art do not depart from the essential characteristics of the present invention. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications which are not illustrated above in the scope are possible. And differences relating to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, storage devices embedded in mobile devices scattered over a network can be used as one virtual storage. Thus, the user can freely use the large-capacity virtual storage as if it is his storage device. In addition, mobile device users can freely use multimedia contents stored in others' mobile devices.

In particular, by forming virtual storage not only for individual users, but also within an enterprise, a research institute or a specific group, sharing information with each other can be done easily and quickly, thereby saving storage space.

In addition, the virtual storage management system according to the present invention is based on an ad hoc network, before the virtual storage management server searches for mobile devices existing on the network, the mobile devices existing on the network, the virtual storage management server, Database servers can be autonomous and spontaneous on an ad hoc network without the help of a fixed network.

Claims (15)

delete delete delete delete delete delete A virtual storage management method in which a virtual storage management server interworks with an external database server and a plurality of devices on a network to build and manage a single virtual storage, (a) the virtual storage management server searching for devices present on a network; (b) registering information about discovered devices in a storage node table in the virtual storage management server; (c) receiving a file storage request message and a file to be stored from any device on the network; (d) assigning a file ID to the received file, and transmitting and registering the file ID to the database server; (e) dividing the file into a plurality of strip units and assigning a strip unit ID to each of the divided strip units; (f) selecting storage nodes from the storage node table to store respective divided strip units; (g) sending each strip unit to selected storage nodes; (h) receiving object IDs generated after the corresponding strip unit is normally stored from the storage nodes; (i) generating an object ID list by collecting object IDs received from the storage nodes; (j) storing the generated object ID list in the database server And providing a file in the virtual storage. The method of claim 7, wherein the virtual storage management method, (k) receiving a file update request message, a file ID to update, and a file to update from any device on the network; (l) receiving an object ID list of the file ID requested to be updated from the database server; (m) dividing the received file into strip unit units; (n) selecting storage nodes from the storage node table to store respective stripped strip units; (o) sending each strip unit to selected storage nodes; (p) receiving object IDs generated after the strip unit is normally stored from the storage nodes; (q) updating an object ID list by collecting object IDs received from the storage nodes; (r) storing the updated object ID list in the database server And updating the file on the virtual storage. The method of claim 7, wherein the virtual storage management method, (k) receiving a file deletion request message and a file ID to be deleted from any device on the network; (l) receiving an object ID list for the file ID from the database server; (m) extracting storage node ID information for each strip unit from the object ID list; (n) transmitting a delete request message of the object to storage nodes corresponding to the extracted storage node ID; (o) receiving an object deletion confirmation message from storage nodes; And (p) transmitting a delete request message of the object ID list for the file ID to the database server; And a specific file stored on the virtual storage.  The method of claim 7, wherein the virtual storage management method, (k) receiving a file read request message and a file ID from any device on the network; (l) receiving an object ID list for the file ID from the database server; (m) extracting storage node ID information storing each strip unit from the object ID list; (n) sending an object read request message to the storage nodes for the extracted storage node ID; (o) detecting a strip unit from the messages received from the storage nodes, collecting and relocating the detected strip units to complete a file; And (p) transmitting the completed file to the requested device And a specific file read from the virtual storage. 11. The virtual storage management method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the devices are devices equipped with a universal plug and play (UPnP) function based on a mobile ad hoc network. A program that runs on mobile devices with Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) functionality based on mobile ad hoc networks. (a) transmitting its identification information and path information to the virtual storage management server according to a registration request from an external virtual storage management server to the storage node, and registering the identification information and path information in the storage node table of the virtual storage management server; (b) receiving a storage request message, a strip unit ID and strip unit data from the virtual storage management server; (c) after storing the strip unit data, generating an object ID consisting of the strip unit ID and a storage node ID which is its identification information; (d) transmitting the generated object ID to the virtual storage management server Storing the requested file from an external virtual storage management server so that the mobile device can operate as a storage node of the virtual storage system. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the storage node program is (e) receiving a delete request message from the virtual storage management server; (f) extracting a strip unit ID to be deleted from the deletion request message; And and (g) deleting the strip unit corresponding to the strip unit ID from the memory to delete the requested file from an external virtual storage management server. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the storage node program is (e) receiving a read request message from the virtual storage management server; (f) extracting a strip unit ID from the read request message; (g) reading a strip unit corresponding to the strip unit ID from a memory; And and (h) transmitting the read strip unit to the virtual storage management server to read the requested file from an external virtual storage management server. 15. The recording according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising the step of transmitting information on the free space of the storage device of the storage node to the virtual storage management server. media.

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