Data Recorder Controller Segments Volatile and Nonvolatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage technologies, particularly nonvolatile memory technologies, face challenges in managing and archiving data effectively due to latency issues, redundancy, and the inability to keep pace with increasing data volumes, leading to difficulties in achieving robust and accessible data integrity and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A data recorder system comprising a read/write memory element, a non-volatile memory element, and a controller that coordinates data flow to write selected data from the read/write memory to the non-volatile memory upon a triggering event, enabling rapid data archiving and restoration with low latency and reduced redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic tape systems and hard drives are used for data storage, then data can be stored in nonvolatile memory, but access latency increases due to physical translation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into two distinct components: volatile memory for rapid data access and nonvolatile memory for data persistence. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance zone, with the volatile memory handling time-critical operations and the nonvolatile memory providing reliable long-term storage, thereby resolving the latency-integrity tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that manages data transfer between volatile and nonvolatile memory. This controller acts as a mediator that coordinates access patterns, pre-loads data from nonvolatile to volatile memory before access is needed, and manages the timing of data transfers, thereby reducing effective access latency while maintaining data integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple copies of datasets are stored for business continuity and disaster recovery, then data availability is improved, but storage redundancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple storage functions (primary storage, backup, and disaster recovery) into a unified hierarchical storage system. By combining volatile and nonvolatile memory resources under a single managed architecture, the system can maintain multiple copies of critical data across different memory types and locations, improving business continuity while optimizing overall storage utilization and reducing redundant capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data replication by implementing selective replication strategies where only critical data requiring business continuity are replicated across multiple locations in nonvolatile memory, while less critical data are stored in volatile memory with single-copy efficiency. This parameter change in replication scope and priority reduces overall storage redundancy while maintaining necessary business continuity capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If data is archived in nonvolatile memory, then data accessibility is improved, but management complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the controller that continuously monitors the state of data in both volatile and nonvolatile memory. The controller tracks data modifications, version changes, and access patterns, using this feedback information to automatically manage synchronization, update metadata, and coordinate data transfers. This feedback-driven approach simplifies management complexity by providing real-time visibility and automated response to storage state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the storage system to self-manage archival operations through automated controller logic that handles data synchronization, consistency verification, and metadata updates without requiring complex external management systems. The controller autonomously performs these management functions based on predefined policies and real-time system state, thereby improving data accessibility while reducing the operational burden and complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
A data recorder includes a first memory element including read/write capability, a second memory element including non-volatile memory and a controller for realizing memory management functions. The controller responds to a predetermined triggering event by writing selected data from the first memory element to the second memory element. The selected data include data units that have been modified after a prior triggering event.