Combined Cache-Overflow Memory Dynamic Space Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face inefficiencies due to separate management of cache and overflow data, leading to wasted memory space and inflexible allocation, as cache data and overflow data are stored in separate memories with static allocation, resulting in inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A combined cache-and-overflow memory structure that dynamically reallocates space using a single hash key for both cache and overflow data, prioritizing overflow entries over cache entries when necessary, allowing for efficient intermixing of data types within a single memory area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cache data and overflow data are stored in separate memories with static allocation, then data access speed is improved, but memory space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate cache memory and overflow memory into a single unified memory structure. This unified memory allows dynamic allocation of space between cache entries and overflow entries, eliminating the wasted space that occurs when overflow memory is allocated but not fully utilized. The single memory structure maintains fast access speeds while improving overall memory space utilization through flexible space management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic allocation within the unified memory, where the space available for cache entries and overflow entries can change based on actual usage patterns. When overflow conditions are rare, more space is available for cache operations. When overflow data increases, the system dynamically adjusts to allocate appropriate space, preventing the static allocation inefficiency where overflow memory remains unused.
2Ease of operation
If separate partitioned memory is used for cache and overflow data, then data management is simplified, but memory efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cache and overflow data management into a single unified memory structure with a unified hash key indexing system. This approach maintains operational simplicity by using the same hash key mechanism for both cache and overflow data, while simultaneously improving memory efficiency through dynamic space allocation. The unified structure eliminates the need for separate partition management while preserving ease of data access through consistent hashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified memory structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both cache memory and overflow memory depending on the data type and access patterns. The same memory space and hashing mechanism handle both regular cache operations and overflow conditions, making the system more versatile and efficient without complicating the data management approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If static fixed space is allocated to cache data, then memory allocation is simplified, but adaptability to changing data needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static fixed space allocation with dynamic allocation in the unified memory structure. The space available for cache entries is no longer fixed but adjusts automatically based on the amount of overflow data present. When overflow conditions are rare, the cache can utilize more space. When overflow data increases, the system dynamically reallocates space to accommodate both cache and overflow needs, providing adaptability without complicating the allocation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of memory space allocation from fixed to variable. The available space for cache and overflow entries is determined by actual usage patterns rather than predetermined fixed values. This parameter change allows the memory system to adapt to varying data needs while maintaining a relatively simple allocation process through automatic adjustment based on hash key collisions and overflow conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cache-and-overflow memory handles both cache and overflow data in a single hardware structure so as to increase speed and reduce supporting hardware structure needed to implement an effective memory system. A single hash value can be used to access either a cache data value or an overflow data value stored in the combined cache-and-overflow memory. If there are a small number of overflow entries, the combined cache-and-overflow memory provides more availability for cache entries. However, overflow entries are provided priority over cache entries. As a result, the combined cache-and-overflow memory dynamically reallocates its space to efficiently store as much as cache as possible until space is needed for overflow data. At that time, the cache data is evicted in a priority order to make space for the overflow data.