Flash Memory Hard Disk Cache Management via Sector Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard disk cache systems using flash memory are inefficient for large storage capacities, lack effective data location mechanisms, and are limited by operating systems, leading to reduced performance and power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A hard disk cache device with a cache control unit managing flash memory for direct data read/write operations, utilizing a management table to map logical to physical block addresses, and implementing cache space recycling and reconstruction to ensure efficient data management and resilience against power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If flash memory is used as hard disk cache to reduce power consumption, then energy saving is achieved, but data location efficiency deteriorates when storage capacity increases to tens and hundreds of gigabytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flash memory into multiple cache lines, each associated with a specific sector of the hard disk. This segmentation allows the system to manage large storage capacities by organizing data access into manageable units, improving location efficiency while maintaining energy savings through flash memory caching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sector-to-physical-block mapping mechanism as an intermediary between the logical sector addresses and physical flash memory blocks. This mapping table enables efficient data location and retrieval in large-capacity flash memory systems, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and data location efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If prior art flash memory cache systems are used, then small storage capacity can be managed, but they lack effective data replacement mechanism and cannot be directly applied to large storage capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cache management where the system can adaptively select which cache lines to evict based on access patterns and storage requirements. This dynamic replacement mechanism enables the system to handle varying storage capacities efficiently without requiring complex static management structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the management parameters by introducing sector-based organization with variable cache line sizes and dynamic mapping tables. This allows the system to scale from small to large storage capacities by adjusting these parameters rather than requiring fundamentally different management approaches.
3Ease of operation
If hybrid hard drive prototype technology is used with write-only flash memory, then data write cache is managed, but data read cache access is limited and operating system dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cache management system that works independently of specific operating systems by implementing direct sector-to-physical-block mapping. This multi-functional approach enables both read and write cache operations to be managed consistently across different OS environments, improving both ease of operation and access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service cache management where the mapping table automatically tracks and manages cache lines without requiring extensive OS intervention. This self-managing capability improves productivity by reducing dependency on operating system-specific mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation through automated cache line selection and eviction.
Data Source
AI summary
A cache device comprises a hard disk, cache control unit and at least one flash memory, whereby the cache control unit controlling and regulating the flash memory as the hard disk cache device. The present invention method is defined by setting up a management table to manage each corresponding logical block address of the flash memory through a cache data read-out step and cache data write-in step in order to manage the cache read or write action of the flash memory on the hard disk. In addition, the step of recycling a cache space and replacing cache temporary data storage is to remove and replace temporary cache and storage space within the flash memory on the hard disk. Moreover, the step of reconstruction management table is provided to reconstruct management table loss or damage caused by power outage or irregular shut-down of the computer and will be able to provide flash memory on the hard disk cache control.