Writable Clone Data Structure Using Mapping Tree Change Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory cloning methods generate redundant metadata, leading to wasteful use of time and memory storage, especially when dealing with large files or datasets, as they duplicate metadata even when only minor changes are made.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and method that utilize a mapping tree with change indicators to differentiate between parent and clone data fragments, allowing for efficient access and modification by storing only the necessary changes, thereby avoiding redundant data duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clone is generated by copying the metadata of the parent, then the clone can be edited and used independently, but redundant metadata is generated wasting significant time and memory storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary change information from the clone's metadata rather than copying the entire metadata structure. The mapping tree is modified to store only the differences between parent and clone data fragments, eliminating redundant metadata while preserving clone editability through selective metadata storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the metadata structure asymmetric between parent and clone. The clone's mapping tree contains change indicators that point to either parent data fragments or clone-specific data fragments based on whether changes exist at each logical address, optimizing storage by storing only where differences occur
2Reliability
If a duplicate of both data and metadata is generated for a large file, then a complete copy is created, but the process is time consuming and requires large amounts of memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified copying mechanism where the clone initially points to the parent's data fragments through the mapping tree without duplicating the actual data. The clone becomes independent only when changes are made, at which point only the modified data fragments are stored, dramatically reducing copy time and memory requirements while maintaining data integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the clone's mapping tree structure that references the parent's data fragments before any actual data copying occurs. This allows the clone to be created instantly with full functionality, and data duplication only happens on-demand when modifications are made
Data Source
AI summary
A memory system including parent data and clone data is disclosed, where the clone data represents a clone of the parent data. The system determines whether clone data to be accessed is different from corresponding data in the parent. The system also determines a physical location of the data to be accessed based on whether the data to be accessed is different from the corresponding parent data. The system also accesses the data based on the physical location.