IO Descriptor Memory Space for Storage Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid IO operations in data storage systems lead to complex and inefficient procedures, compromising the integrity of electronic content.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that processes IO requests by generating an IO descriptor defining a unique memory space for each IO processing routine, allowing for cancellation requests, status reporting, and releasing memory spaces, with included routines such as compression/decompression, deduplication, and zero detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid IO operations are performed to maintain content integrity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent integrityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the IO operation into multiple independent processing routines (compression/decompression, deduplication, zero detection) that can be selectively executed. Each routine operates independently on the IO descriptor, allowing the system to maintain integrity checks while avoiding unnecessary complex procedures for simple operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic IO processing where the system adapts the processing routine execution based on real-time conditions. The IO descriptor dynamically tracks which routines have been executed, and the system can dynamically cancel or skip routines based on data characteristics (e.g., skipping compression if data is already compressed or is zero-filled).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple IO processing routines are executed to ensure data processing completeness, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to inefficient operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing completenessVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the IO request characteristics before executing processing routines. The system pre-evaluates whether compression, deduplication, or zero detection is necessary based on the IO descriptor information, avoiding unnecessary routine execution and improving overall processing efficiency while maintaining completeness where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters dynamically based on data characteristics. For example, if zero detection identifies that data contains only zeros, the system changes the processing parameters to skip compression and deduplication routines, significantly improving productivity while maintaining data integrity through the zero detection check.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If memory space is allocated for each IO processing routine to ensure proper data handling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata handling accuracyVSAvoidmemory management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal IO descriptor structure that serves multiple functions across different processing routines. The same IO descriptor is used for compression, deduplication, and zero detection routines, providing a unified memory interface that reduces overall memory management complexity while ensuring each routine has access to necessary data handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements efficient memory management where the unique memory space for each IO processing routine is released after use. The system allocates memory for the IO descriptor and processing routines only when needed, then recovers and releases this memory space after the IO operation completes, reducing overall memory footprint and simplifying memory management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS8671229B1System and method for managing IO operations
Publication Date: 2014.03.11 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US8671229B1 patent drawing
  • US8671229B1 patent drawing
  • US8671229B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving an IO request from a host concerning an IO operation to be performed on a data array. The IO request is processed to generate an IO descriptor. The IO descriptor defines a unique and proprietary memory space for each of a plurality of IO processing routines.