Flash Storage Wear Estimation Through Timestamp and Checksum Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memory in embedded systems has a limited lifespan due to program-erase cycles, leading to potential system failures when the lifespan is exceeded, and existing methods fail to accurately estimate consumption or detect abnormal writing, resulting in premature device failure.

Innovation Solution

A method for estimating storage device consumption and detecting abnormal writing by analyzing file timestamps and checksums of raw data in the storage device, using a controller to periodically check and differentiate between expected and unexpected writing actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If writing operations are performed frequently to backup system logs and client sessions, then the functionality and reliability of the embedded system is improved, but the lifespan of the flash memory storage device deteriorates due to exceeding program-erase cycle limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidstorage device lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by periodically checking file timestamps and calculating checksums of raw data in advance to detect writing operations before they cause storage device failure. The system monitors file creation and modification times, and computes checksums of storage partitions to identify abnormal writing patterns early, allowing preventive measures to be taken before the flash memory reaches its program-erase cycle limit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring file timestamps and checksum values, then comparing current readings with historical data to detect changes. When abnormal writing is detected through timestamp analysis or checksum comparison, the system generates alerts or takes corrective actions, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts backup operations to prevent storage device exhaustion while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If the number of program-erase cycles exceeds the manufacturer's warranty period, then more data can be stored and backed up, but the reliability and performance of the flash memory deteriorates and cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidflash memory reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of program-erase cycle consumption by tracking file writing operations and calculating checksums before the flash memory reliability deteriorates. By detecting abnormal writing patterns early through timestamp and checksum analysis, the system can alert users or automatically adjust backup frequencies to prevent exceeding the manufacturer's warranty period and maintain guaranteed reliability levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the accumulation of program-erase cycles through checksum comparisons and timestamp analysis. When the system detects that writing operations are approaching the threshold that would compromise flash memory reliability, it provides feedback to reduce backup frequency or notify users, thereby maintaining data storage functionality while preserving flash memory reliability within manufacturer guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If abnormal writing is not detected, then the system operates without interruption, but the storage device lifespan is unexpectedly exhausted causing premature system failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operational continuityVSAvoidstorage device service lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring file timestamps and calculating checksums of storage partitions. When abnormal writing is detected through timestamp changes or checksum mismatches, the system immediately provides feedback to alert operators or automatically adjust operations, preventing unexpected storage device exhaustion while maintaining system operational continuity and extending service lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical monitoring methods with electronic/digital techniques by using checksum calculations and timestamp analysis to detect abnormal writing. Instead of relying on physical wear indicators or manual inspection, the system uses computational methods to monitor storage device health, enabling early detection of abnormal writing patterns and preventing premature failure while maintaining operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250383782A1Methods for estimating consumption of storage devices, method for detecting abnormal writing in storage devices and embeded system using the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.18 LITE ON TECH CORP
  • US20250383782A1 patent drawing
  • US20250383782A1 patent drawing
  • US20250383782A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention implements a method for estimating the consumption of storage devices and a method for detecting abnormal writing in a storage device, by analyzing the file timestamps and using the checksum of the raw data in the partition of the storage device. An embedded system applying the aforementioned methods is also provided.