Indirect Access Module for Multi-Layer Storage Metadata Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-volatile memory devices with a multi-layer structure, the sequential access to metadata blocks leads to delays in accessing target data, increasing I/O load and data processing time between the host device and storage device.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an indirect access module within the storage device that processes metadata requests, determines target addresses, and provides direct access to target data, reducing the need for host device intervention and subsequent I/O operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sequential access to metadata blocks is used in multi-layer structure, then data management capacity increases, but data access speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading metadata from multiple metadata blocks into a buffer memory before the actual data access occurs. When a data access request comes in, the needed metadata is already available in the buffer, eliminating the sequential waiting time. This is achieved by monitoring access patterns and proactively loading metadata that is likely to be needed soon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary between the metadata blocks and the data access pathway. This buffer acts as a mediator that caches frequently accessed metadata, allowing fast retrieval without directly accessing the slower metadata blocks each time. The buffer memory serves as a middle layer that decouples the fast data access path from the slow metadata storage path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential access to metadata blocks is implemented, then multi-layer data structure capability is improved, but I/O load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively loads metadata into the buffer memory before it is actually needed for data access. By predicting which metadata will be needed based on access patterns or pre-fetching strategies, the system performs the I/O operation in advance when system resources are available, rather than during critical data access paths. This reduces the immediate I/O load during data operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer memory serves itself by automatically caching and managing metadata based on observed access patterns. The system monitors which metadata blocks are frequently accessed and autonomously decides what to load into the buffer, reducing the need for continuous host device intervention and I/O operations. This self-managing approach optimizes the balance between multi-layer structure utilization and I/O load reduction.
3Productivity
If sequential access to metadata blocks is used, then data set management capability is improved, but data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent loads required metadata into the buffer memory in advance, before the actual data processing occurs. This preliminary loading ensures that when data access is needed, the metadata is already available in fast memory, eliminating delays during critical processing moments. The system anticipates metadata needs and prepares them beforehand, maintaining high data set management capability while minimizing processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer memory acts as an intermediary that speeds up the data processing pipeline by providing fast access to metadata. Instead of the processing path being blocked by slow sequential metadata block access, the buffer memory provides a fast parallel path for metadata retrieval, allowing data processing to proceed without waiting for metadata operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a storage device which communicates with a host device, includes receiving a request for an access to target data from the host device, executing an indirect access module based on the request, determining, by the indirect access module, a target address indicating a location of the target data based on an access parameter of the request, accessing, by the indirect access module, a data block based on the target address, and providing, by the indirect access module, the host device with the accessed data block or the target data in the accessed data block.