Flash Memory Storage System with Automatic Data Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in managing defective blocks in flash memory, leading to data write limitations and potential data loss when the number of defective blocks exceeds a certain threshold, complicating data migration and backup processes.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system with a control unit that monitors storage status, executes writes on a secondary storage unit when the primary unit reaches a protected state, and updates addresses in both storage units to manage data migration effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data backup is performed by limiting write operations in the information processing device when defective blocks exceed the upper limit value, then data loss is prevented, but system operation is limited and processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data migration from the first storage unit to the second storage unit before the flash memory reaches its end-of-life. The control unit detects when defective blocks exceed the upper limit value and automatically initiates the migration process, copying all data to the second storage unit in advance. This preliminary action ensures data safety while allowing the information processing device to continue normal operations without limitation during the migration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second storage unit as an intermediary medium for data migration. This intermediary storage unit serves as a bridge, allowing data to be transferred from the deteriorating first storage unit without directly limiting the write operations of the information processing device. The control unit manages this intermediary transfer process, ensuring continuous system operation while protecting data integrity.
2Reliability
If manual backup work is performed to prevent data loss, then data safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the control unit autonomously monitors the flash memory's health status by detecting defective blocks and automatically initiates data migration when the upper limit value is exceeded. This eliminates the need for manual backup operations, as the system performs the entire backup process independently. The control unit manages detection, decision-making, and execution of data migration without user intervention, thereby preventing data loss while simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the flash memory's condition by detecting defective blocks and uses this feedback information to determine when data migration is necessary. When the number of defective blocks exceeds the upper limit value, the system receives feedback indicating deteriorating storage health and automatically responds by initiating the migration process. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures data safety while automating the backup process, eliminating manual complexity.
3Ease of operation
If data migration is performed automatically by the control unit, then ease of operation is improved, but additional control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the flash memory controller for normal storage operations and as the data migration controller when needed. This universal component handles routine write/read operations during normal operation and automatically transitions to managing data migration when defective blocks are detected. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the system achieves automatic migration capability without requiring a separate complex control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the data migration control function with the existing flash memory control unit. Instead of introducing a separate migration control system that would increase complexity, the control unit is enhanced to perform both normal storage management and migration operations. The control unit combines monitoring of defective blocks, decision-making for migration timing, and execution of data transfer to the second storage unit into a single integrated mechanism, simplifying the overall system architecture while providing automatic migration.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, an information processing system determines a storage status of a first storage unit based on reliability information acquired from the first storage unit, when the storage status of the first storage unit is recognized as a protected state, executes write on a second storage unit and executes read on at least one of the first and second storage units, and updates addresses of stored data in the first and second storage units according to the write.