Multi-Disk Read/Write Optimization via Pre-Established Performance Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vibrations from system fans and interference between hard disks in multi-disk servers negatively impact performance, and existing solutions require additional anti-vibration mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize pre-established performance information to optimize read/write operations across multiple hard disks, deciding which disks to use based on operation settings to enhance performance without additional anti-vibration mechanisms, by configuring a processor to select hard disks with superior read/write efficiency based on stored performance data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple hard disks operate simultaneously to increase storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but vibrations generated by hard disk operations and interference between adjacent operating hard disks adversely affect the overall performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidoverall performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes performance information for multiple hard disks under different read/write operation settings before actual operations occur. This preliminary characterization of disk performance under various conditions enables the controller to make informed decisions about disk selection and operation configuration, thereby optimizing performance while managing vibrations and interference effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different read/write operation settings and configuring which hard disks to use based on pre-established performance information. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to vibration and interference conditions, optimizing the balance between storage capacity utilization and operational performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If anti-vibration mechanisms are implemented to reduce vibrations from system fans and hard disk operations, then the adverse effects of vibrations are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical anti-vibration mechanisms with a software-based solution. Instead of using physical dampers, isolators, or other mechanical components to reduce vibrations, the system uses intelligent algorithms that pre-establish performance information and dynamically configure hard disk operations to minimize the impact of vibrations and interference, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically configuring hard disk operations based on pre-established performance information without requiring external anti-vibration mechanisms. The controller autonomously decides which hard disks to use and how to configure read/write operations to minimize vibration and interference effects, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If read/write operations are optimized by selecting specific hard disks based on performance information, then the overall performance is enhanced, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall performanceVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes performance information for all hard disks under various read/write operation settings before runtime. This preliminary work includes characterizing disk performance, vibration characteristics, and interference patterns, storing this information for quick retrieval during operation. This upfront preparation simplifies real-time control decisions while achieving performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual model of hard disk performance characteristics by pre-establishing performance information that captures the behavior of physical disks under different conditions. This virtual performance model allows the controller to simulate and evaluate different operation configurations without complex real-time measurements, simplifying the control process while maintaining optimization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8700847B2Method and system for managing read/write operations on an electronic device that includes a plurality of hard disks, and an electronic device incorporating the same
Publication Date: 2014.04.15 WISTRON CORP
  • US8700847B2 patent drawing
  • US8700847B2 patent drawing
  • US8700847B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for managing read/write (R/W) operations on an electronic device with hard disks, includes: upon receipt of R/W operation information related to an intended R/W operation, configuring a processor to decide which of the hard disks will be read/written with reference to the R/W operation information and sets of pre-established performance information. The sets respectively correspond to R/W operation settings. Each set includes multiple pieces of information each containing a performance indication related to a corresponding one of candidate combinations of the hard disks under the corresponding R/W operation setting. The decision is made with reference to the set, the R/W operation setting corresponding to which matches the R/W operation information.