Flash Memory Bit-Level Reserved Word Update Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data updating methods in flash memory require writing and deleting entire sectors, leading to prolonged update times and reduced lifespan due to limited deletion capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A data updating device modifies the binary representation of reserved words in XML data, allowing partial updates by changing bits from 1 to 0, and records the updated records in flash memory, thereby avoiding the need to rewrite or delete entire sectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If entire sectors are written and deleted for data updates, then data can be updated in flash memory, but update time increases and lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash memory lifespanVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data update process into two distinct operations: (1) modifying only the specific bits that need updating within a sector, and (2) clearing only the modified bits to maintain data integrity. This segmentation allows partial updates instead of requiring complete sector rewrites, thereby reducing update time and preserving flash memory lifespan by minimizing the number of write/erase cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by enabling different update strategies for different portions of the flash memory. Specifically, it allows bit-level modification in sectors that contain updateable data, while preserving other sectors unchanged. This localized approach ensures that only the necessary portions of memory undergo write/erase operations, optimizing both speed and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If entire sectors are rewritten for partial data modification, then data accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidupdate speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by performing bit-level modifications only on the specific data elements that require updating, rather than rewriting entire sectors. The system identifies and modifies only the necessary bits (e.g., changing a section name from 'Personnel' to 'Accounting'), then clears only those modified bits. This partial approach maintains data accuracy while dramatically improving update speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If sector-wide deletions are performed for updates, then data consistency is ensured, but flash memory lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidmemory lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies discarding and recovering by selectively clearing only the bits that were modified during the update process, rather than deleting entire sectors. The system tracks which bits were changed (through modification flags or status bits) and performs erase operations only on those specific bits. This approach maintains data consistency by ensuring updated data is properly written while recovering the lifespan of the flash memory by minimizing unnecessary erase cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS9086953B2Device that updates bits corresponding to a data record residing in a memory

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 SATO CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a device that changes a bit in a string of bits representing a character in a sting of characters defining a reserved word associated with a record containing pieces of information in response to a request for changing a piece of information in the record, and a printer configured to exclude from printing a record associated with a reserved word that has been changed by the device.