External Parameter File for Storage Device Servicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current storage operating systems face challenges in dynamically modifying servicing parameters without disrupting operations, inefficient error analysis due to irrelevant data collection, and premature failure of storage devices due to lack of localization in error detection.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically changing servicing parameters by using an external parameters file that allows modification of storage device monitoring and testing operations without altering the storage operating system code, incorporating a storage health monitor and maintenance center module to analyze errors and determine localized defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If servicing parameters are encoded as code instructions within the storage operating system, then the storage operating system can provide structured error monitoring and servicing, but modification of the servicing parameters requires modification of the code instructions and installation of a new storage operating system version

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodifyability of servicing parametersVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter modification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the servicing parameters from the storage operating system code by storing them in an external parameters file. This allows the parameters to be modified independently of the code, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an external parameters file as an intermediary between the storage operating system and the servicing parameters. This intermediary enables parameter modification without requiring code changes or system reinstallation, thus improving adaptability while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If disk and storage system data is collected and sent on a predetermined regular schedule, then data collection is systematic and manageable, but the data does not contain relevant disk or storage system data collected at the time a disk error occurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelevance of collected data for error analysisVSAvoidtime delay in data collection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by collecting and storing disk and storage system data at the time of error occurrence, rather than relying on predetermined schedules. This ensures that relevant data is captured immediately when errors occur, eliminating time delays and information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the storage operating system monitors disk errors and triggers immediate data collection and transmission. This feedback loop ensures that data is collected dynamically in response to actual error events, maintaining both relevance and timeliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the storage operating system counts each error as a separate error without determining localization, then error counting is simple and straightforward, but storage devices may be prematurely failed due to multiple errors in the same physical area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of storage device failure determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of error analysis process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by analyzing the physical location of errors on storage devices. It distinguishes between errors in the same physical area (indicating localized defects) versus distributed errors. This localized analysis improves reliability by preventing premature failures while maintaining manageable complexity through targeted inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7743283B1Dynamically modifying parameters for servicing of storage devices

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 NETAPP INC

AI summary

A storage management module is described herein for servicing, according to servicing parameters, storage devices of a storage system that are exhibiting errors, the servicing parameters being contained and read from an external parameters file (rather than being encoded as instructions in the storage management module). By using an external parameters file, the servicing parameters can be easily modified by reading a new file having modified parameters without requiring modification of the code instructions of the storage management module. The parameters file may comprise monitoring or testing parameters, such as error thresholds and recommended actions upon reaching an error threshold, wherein the parameters vary depending on storage device type or error type. The parameters file may be stored at a predetermined location on the storage system, whereby the storage management module may be configured to periodically examine the predetermined location to locate and read new parameter files (having modified parameters).