Dynamic Storage Allocation Record Format Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage allocation techniques in computer systems face inefficiencies due to high storage fragmentation, leading to poor performance in managing and accessing storage allocations, especially when fragmentation is high or low.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic storage allocation record format that switches between extent list and bitmap formats based on fragmentation levels, allowing the storage system to compactly record allocation information and maintain high performance across varying fragmentation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If storage allocation record is formatted as extent list, then storage compactness is improved, but allocation performance deteriorates when fragmentation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic format selection mechanism that automatically switches between extent list format and bitmap format based on the fragmentation level of storage regions. When fragmentation is low, extent list format is used for compactness; when fragmentation is high, bitmap format is used for better allocation performance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for compactness when possible and performance when necessary.
2Productivity
If storage allocation record is formatted as bitmap, then allocation performance is improved, but storage compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different storage formats to different storage regions based on their local fragmentation characteristics. Low-fragmentation regions use extent list format for compactness, while high-fragmentation regions use bitmap format for performance. This local quality approach allows each region to use the format best suited to its specific conditions, resolving the contradiction between compactness and performance at the regional level.
3Loss of substance
If extent list format is used, then storage compactness is improved, but access time increases when fragmentation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of storage format representation based on fragmentation conditions. Instead of using a single static format, the system transitions between extent list representation (compact but slow when fragmented) and bitmap representation (less compact but fast when fragmented). This parameter change allows the system to maintain both compactness and fast access time by selecting the appropriate representation based on current fragmentation levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic format switching is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors storage fragmentation levels and automatically adjusts the format selection accordingly. The fragmentation analysis provides feedback about storage conditions, and this feedback drives the format switching decision. This feedback loop enables high adaptability while keeping the complexity manageable through automated decision-making based on clear fragmentation thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more non-transitory computer-readable media can store program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform steps of organizing storage as a set of storage regions, each storage region having a fixed size; and for each storage region, storing a storage allocation structure of the storage region formatted in a first format selected from a format set including at least two formats, determining a change of an allocation feature of the storage region, based on the allocation feature of the storage region, selecting, from the format set, a second format of the storage allocation structure, and reformatting the storage allocation structure in the second format.