Dynamic RAID Volume Splitting for Mobile Power Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation of RAID in mobile computer systems, which requires multiple hard disks for data redundancy, significantly consumes battery power, limiting the operational time of laptops and other mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A power-based storage device management logic that dynamically adjusts the power state of storage devices based on available power sources, splits RAID volumes when battery power is low, records changes in a change log, and re-establishes redundancy when AC power is available, allowing for efficient power conservation and faster re-mirroring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RAID is implemented using multiple hard disks for data redundancy, then fault tolerance is improved, but battery power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power state of storage devices based on available power sources. When AC power is available, both disks are active to maintain RAID redundancy. When battery power is detected, the system transitions to a power-saving mode where only one disk remains active, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to restore redundancy when power is restored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple hard disks are kept active for RAID, then data redundancy is maintained, but operational time on battery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata redundancyVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the storage subsystem based on power availability. The power state parameter is adjusted from 'active' to 'standby' or 'off' for secondary disks when battery power is detected, extending operational time. When AC power is restored, the parameter is changed back to maintain redundancy, thus adapting the system behavior to power conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If RAID mirroring is continuously maintained, then fault tolerance is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The RAID system is segmented into active and standby components based on power availability. When AC power is present, full RAID mirroring is maintained. When battery power is detected, the system segments the storage subsystem by keeping only the primary disk active and placing the secondary disk in a low-power state, thus reducing power consumption while preserving the ability to restore mirroring when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7769947B2Management of data redundancy based on power availability in mobile computer systems

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods that may be implemented in a mobile computer system. An exemplary method may include initiating a split of a storage volume of the mobile computer system. The storage volume may comply with a fault tolerant storage technology. Suitable technologies include, but are not limited to, those based on Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks (RAID). In one aspect, the initiation of the split of the storage volume may be based, at least in part, on power availability. Then, a reduction of a power consuming state of a first storage device of the volume may be initiated.