Block-Aligned File Storage Using Selective Partial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage methods are inefficient and resource-intensive, often resulting in inaccurate and inflexible information storage due to files not aligning with physical disk block sizes, leading to wasted space.
Innovation Solution
A method where a processor identifies files exceeding multiple physical disk blocks by a fractional value, divides them into portions, stores the first portion uncompressed in one block, and compresses the second portion to fit within the next block, eliminating wasted space by optimizing storage at a sector/block level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are stored without alignment to physical disk block sizes, then storage flexibility is maintained, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides files into multiple portions that align with physical disk block boundaries. When a file does not align with block boundaries, it is segmented into a first portion that fits within a block and a second portion that occupies the remaining space, eliminating wasted storage space while maintaining data integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameter by compressing the second portion of files to fit within remaining block space. By applying compression algorithms to the second portion, the system adapts the file size parameter to match the available storage block capacity, thereby eliminating wasted space
2Loss of substance
If compression is applied to all files, then storage efficiency improves, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compression selectively rather than uniformly to all files. Only the second portion of files that do not align with block boundaries is compressed, while the first portion remains uncompressed. This localized application of compression reduces computational overhead while still eliminating wasted storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies compression only to the extent necessary to fit the second portion of files within remaining block space, rather than compressing entire files. This partial action approach minimizes processing time and computational resources while achieving the storage optimization goal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for implementing a storage optimization process is provided. The method includes identifying a file for storage on a storage device. The storage device determines that the file comprises a file size that exceeds multiple physical disk blocks of the storage device by a fractional value. The file is divided into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a file size such that the first portion fits entirely within a first single block of the storage device. The second portion comprises a size such that the second portion exceeds a size of a second single block of the storage device by the fractional value. The first portion is stored within the first single block. The second portion is compressed such that a resulting compressed file fits entirely within the second single block.