Memory System Garbage Collection Scheduling via Time-Window Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing memory systems face performance degradation during foreground operations due to the need for frequent garbage collection, which interferes with read and write operations, especially when the system is actively used, leading to reduced throughput and response times.
Innovation Solution
A memory system and method that determine a garbage collection trigger condition based on current time and usage patterns, performing garbage collection more frequently during inactive time-windows to secure free blocks, and optimizing foreground operations during active time-windows by using the secured free blocks, thereby improving performance and response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If garbage collection is performed frequently to maintain free blocks, then the availability of free blocks is improved, but the performance of foreground operations deteriorates due to interference with read and write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs garbage collection in advance during inactive time-windows before foreground operations become intensive. By securing free blocks beforehand when the system is less active, the patent ensures that sufficient free blocks are available when needed without interfering with critical foreground operations during active periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements time-window based periodic garbage collection, dividing operation periods into active and inactive time-windows. Garbage collection is scheduled to occur during inactive periods, creating a periodic pattern that balances free block maintenance with foreground operation performance by alternating between collection activities and user-facing operations.
2Loss of time
If garbage collection is performed during active usage periods, then the response time for maintaining free blocks is improved, but the throughput of foreground operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively performs garbage collection during inactive time-windows before foreground operations require significant resources. This preliminary action ensures that free blocks are secured in advance, eliminating the need for time-critical garbage collection during active periods when throughput is essential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates separate operational contexts by copying the garbage collection function into specific time-windows (inactive periods) where it can execute without affecting foreground operations. This temporal copying allows garbage collection to occur independently during periods when foreground throughput is less critical.
3Productivity
If the memory system alternates between background garbage collection and foreground operations, then the performance during active periods is improved, but the complexity of operation scheduling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a periodic scheduling mechanism that divides time into active and inactive windows with predetermined patterns. This regular alternation simplifies the scheduling complexity by establishing predictable cycles rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making, while still achieving improved performance during active periods through advance preparation during inactive periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a memory system, the operation method may include: determining a garbage collection trigger condition based on current time and usage of the memory system over a set period of time; and performing a garbage collection operation when the garbage collection trigger condition is satisfied.