Flash Memory Controller Reference Count Data Rearrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional de-duplication techniques for flash memory storage devices are inefficient due to their reliance on hard disk drive operational methods, which are not suitable for flash memories that cannot overwrite data, leading to challenges in managing data storage and erasure in mobile devices with increasing data storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with first and second memory blocks and a controller that rearranges data based on reference counts, using a flash translation layer to map logical addresses to physical addresses, allowing for efficient de-duplication and garbage collection operations, thereby optimizing data storage and erasure in flash memory systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hard disk drive-based de-duplication techniques are used in flash memory storage devices, then data storage management can be simplified, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates and storage capacity utilization is reduced due to flash memory's inability to overwrite data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data organization by introducing reference counts to track data sharing levels. Data is categorized into different groups based on reference counts (e.g., unique data with count=1, shared data with count>1), enabling the system to adapt its management strategy to the specific characteristics of flash memory while maintaining efficient de-duplication operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing reference count tracking mechanisms and pre-organizing data into distinct groups before erasure operations are needed. This allows the controller to identify which data blocks need to be moved during garbage collection, avoiding unnecessary data transfers and optimizing the erasure process
2Measurement precision
If data is frequently rearranged during erasure operations to manage reference counts, then data management accuracy is improved, but storage capacity utilization deteriorates due to increased data transfer overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively moving only the necessary data blocks during garbage collection operations. Instead of rearranging all data, the controller identifies specific blocks with changed reference counts and moves only those, reducing unnecessary data transfer while maintaining accurate reference count management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically tracking reference counts and managing its own data organization. The controller monitors reference count changes and autonomously determines when data needs to be moved during garbage collection, eliminating the need for external intervention and optimizing storage capacity utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a data storage having first and second storage areas corresponding to different physical addresses. First data are stored in the first storage area. The storage device further includes a first memory that stores a reference count associated with the first data, and a controller that rearranges the first data from the first storage area to the second storage area in response to a change in the reference count of the first data.