Hard Disk Track Management for cDVR Write Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cloud-enabled/network-based digital video recording (cDVR) systems face inefficiencies in managing storage capacity during high usage periods, leading to excessive storage requirements and high costs due to the need for increased disk sizes to accommodate high write bandwidth during prime time recording.
Innovation Solution
A hard disk track management method that utilizes a file controller to dynamically adjust write operations based on disk utilization, switching between surge and non-surge modes to optimize write bandwidth by directing data to faster or slower regions of the disk platter, thereby reducing the number of hard disks required and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If disk size is increased to accommodate high write bandwidth during prime time recording, then write bandwidth during high usage periods is improved, but storage cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic disk mode switching between surge mode and non-surge mode based on real-time disk utilization metrics. During high usage periods, the system transitions to surge mode which optimizes write operations for maximum bandwidth. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle peak loads efficiently without requiring permanently oversized storage capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high write bandwidth and minimizing storage capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching disk modes (surge vs. non-surge) based on utilization thresholds. This parameter change enables the same physical disk to deliver different performance characteristics - high write bandwidth during peaks and standard performance during off-peak times - eliminating the need for permanently oversized storage infrastructure.
2Productivity
If more hard disks are deployed to handle peak demand, then write bandwidth during high usage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than statically provisioning additional disks for peak demand, the patent employs dynamic mode switching on existing disks. The surge mode activates during high usage periods to maximize write bandwidth from available disks, while non-surge mode operates during normal periods. This dynamic approach replaces the need for additional hardware with intelligent software-controlled performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing disk infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to operate in different modes (surge and non-surge) based on demand. The same physical disks serve both peak and non-peak requirements through mode switching, eliminating the need for dedicated peak-capacity hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If disk utilization is increased during off-peak times, then storage efficiency is improved, but write bandwidth during high usage periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic evaluation of disk utilization against defined thresholds to determine mode switching. During off-peak periods, the system operates in non-surge mode which allows higher utilization for storage efficiency. When utilization approaches thresholds indicating impending peak demand, the system transitions to surge mode to optimize write bandwidth. This periodic monitoring and switching resolves the contradiction by allowing high utilization during low-demand periods while ensuring high bandwidth availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic mode switching mechanism allows the system to adapt disk operation characteristics based on real-time conditions. During off-peak times, non-surge mode permits higher utilization for efficiency. When demand increases, surge mode activates to prioritize write bandwidth. This dynamic behavior enables the system to achieve high storage efficiency during low-utilization periods without compromising peak write performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations of hard disk track management method, device, and system disclosed herein enable improvements of file system write bandwidth. In various implementations, a method is performed at a disk storage including a file controller controlling a disk drive with a disk platter that is divided into multiple regions including a fast region. In various implementations, the method includes receiving a write request associated with data to be written to the disk drive and in response, determining a disk utilization of the disk drive. In various implementations, the method further includes placing the disk drive in a surge mode to write the data to the fast region upon determining that the disk utilization is above a first threshold, and placing the disk drive in a non-surge mode to write the data to other regions of the multiple regions upon determining that the disk utilization is below a second threshold.