Adaptive Read Error Correction Levels in Storage Arrays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprise storage systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting error correction efforts based on the availability of resources and error rates, leading to inefficiencies in data reconstruction and storage device performance.

Innovation Solution

The system dynamically adjusts the error correction effort level by receiving an error correction effort level from a storage array controller, identifying errors, determining if the required effort exceeds the specified level, and returning an error condition to the controller, allowing for configurable parameters to optimize data reconstruction using available resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If error correction effort level is increased to improve data reconstruction reliability, then reliability improves, but processing time and system resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reconstruction reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of error correction effort level based on real-time conditions. The storage device monitors error rates, resource availability, and data characteristics to adaptively select appropriate error correction algorithms and processing intensity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and processing time by making the system flexible rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (error correction effort level) based on detected conditions. When error rates exceed thresholds or resources become available, the system increases correction effort; otherwise, it reduces effort to maintain optimal performance, directly addressing the reliability-time tradeoff through parameter adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If error correction effort level is increased to reduce errors, then reliability improves, but device complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror reductionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the error correction process into multiple levels or stages with different effort levels. Instead of applying maximum correction effort uniformly, the system divides correction into progressive stages, selecting appropriate stages based on detected error conditions, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device autonomously monitors its own error rates and resource status, then self-adjusts the error correction effort level without external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies system architecture by eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining reliable error reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If dynamic adjustment of error correction effort is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the storage device continuously monitors error rates, resource availability, and correction outcomes. This feedback information drives automatic adjustment of error correction effort level, improving productivity through adaptive optimization while keeping control complexity manageable through rule-based decision logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3368983B1Dynamically adjusting an error correction effort level of a storage device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 PURE STORAGE INC
  • EP3368983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3368983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3368983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Dynamically adjusting an error correction effort level of a storage device, including: receiving, from a storage array controller, an error correction effort level to perform when attempting to read data from the storage device; identifying that an attempt to read the data resulted in an error; and determining whether an amount of error correction effort level required to attempt to correct the error exceeds the error correction effort level to perform when attempting to read data from the storage device.