Block I/O Device Offloading Data Compression from Host CPU
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data compression and decompression methods require significant CPU and memory resources from host processing systems, slowing them down and limiting their ability to handle large volumes of data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A block I/O device is used to perform data compression and decompression, offloading these computationally intensive tasks from the host processor via a high-speed data bus, utilizing a controller and memory to execute compression algorithms according to standardized protocols like NVMe, allowing for parallel processing across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data compression is performed using host CPU and memory resources, then compression can be achieved, but system performance slows down due to intensive computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data compression function from the host processor and implements it in the storage device controller. The controller now contains dedicated compression hardware and algorithms, separating this computationally intensive task from the general-purpose host CPU. This extraction allows the host to maintain high performance while the storage device handles compression independently, resolving the contradiction between compression capability and system responsiveness.
2Reliability
If lossless compression algorithms are used to reduce bits by eliminating statistical redundancy, then data integrity is maintained, but CPU and memory resources are heavily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device controller performs compression and decompression operations autonomously without requiring host processor intervention. The controller contains its own compression algorithms and executes them self-service style, managing the entire compression pipeline independently. This self-service approach maintains data integrity through reliable compression while eliminating the energy consumption burden from the host processor.
3Productivity
If compression is performed at the volume level by the host to pack compressed data of different lengths, then storage efficiency improves, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression function into discrete, manageable components within the storage device controller. Instead of requiring the host to manage complex compression packing operations, the controller handles segmentation of data into compressible units, applies compression algorithms, and manages the packing of compressed data of varying lengths. This segmentation transfers complexity from the host to the storage device, improving storage efficiency without increasing host processing burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing data. A host processor and host memory are coupled to a block I/O device. The host processor issues compress and decompress commands to the block I/O device in accordance with a high-speed data storage and retrieval protocol. The block I/O device compresses/decompresses the data specified in the compress/decompress command, thus relieving the host processor of performing the compression/decompression and freeing the host processor for other tasks.