Erasure Techniques for Emulated Streamed Data on Non-Tape Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tape media storage systems face challenges in managing storage capacity due to the linear nature of data storage, leading to complex data management when deleting files, which restricts the ability to efficiently replenish space for new data in a streaming protocol.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for selectively deleting data on non-tape media in a contiguous format to create replenished storage space, allowing new data to be stored in an emulated streaming protocol, utilizing a deletion algorithm to delete data up to the last segment and reorganize remaining data for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is deleted contiguously from tape media following linear last-in/last-stored format, then storage space is replenished for new data, but data management complexity increases due to the linear nature of tape media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage medium into multiple logical volumes or partitions that can be independently managed. Each volume can be filled and depleted separately, allowing non-contiguous deletion patterns while maintaining the appearance of contiguous storage to applications. This resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible space management without the linear constraints of traditional tape media.
2Productivity
If non-tape media is used to provide random access functionality and faster data transfer, then productivity improves, but compatibility with streaming protocol and emulated contiguous format is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer or emulation software that acts as an intermediary between the random access storage hardware and the streaming protocol applications. This mediator presents a virtual tape interface to applications while utilizing the underlying random access media, thereby maintaining streaming protocol compatibility while benefiting from faster data transfer speeds and random access capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaps of useable space are created from intermittent deleted files in the data stream, then storage flexibility increases, but data management challenges increase for storing new data in streaming protocol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume management where logical volumes can be expanded, contracted, and reorganized automatically. When files are deleted, the system dynamically reallocates the freed space to subsequent volumes or consolidates gaps, maintaining contiguous logical storage while utilizing non-contiguous physical space. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing storage flexibility without manual data management intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus relating generally to erasure techniques for emulating a streamed data format for non tape media capable of being used with a data storage arrangement to generate replenished user data space. The data storage arrangement comprises a host computer and a storage system in communication with the host computer, the storage system comprising at least one random access storage medium. The random access storage medium is capable of receiving data by streaming protocol and storing the data emulated in a contiguous format. The data comprises at least one data file which further comprise a plurality of records wherein each of the records comprise user data and meta data. A deletion algorithm is adapted to issue at least one deletion command capable of deleting at least one portion of the data stored on the medium up to at least a last segment of the data to create replenished storage space. The replenished storage space is capable for storage of new data in an order following the last segment of data upon receiving the new data in the streaming protocol by the storage medium.