Memory Storage Command Queue Threshold Control

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for improving the execution efficiency of command queues in memory storage devices are inadequate, leading to suboptimal performance in systems that rely on these devices, such as digital cameras and MP3 players, due to inefficient handling of command sequences.

Innovation Solution

A controlling method and connector for memory storage devices that establish a connection between a host system and a memory storage device, where commands are stored in a queue, and a threshold is used to determine when to execute or wait for commands, ensuring efficient use of the connection based on the number of commands in the queue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the memory storage device continuously executes commands from the command queue without checking the command number threshold, then the device remains busy and processing speed is maintained, but the host system cannot transmit commands timely when the queue is empty or has few commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand execution efficiencyVSAvoidconnection waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection usage state changeable based on real-time conditions. The control circuit dynamically switches between two states: executing commands when the command number exceeds the threshold, and waiting for host commands when the threshold is not exceeded. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its behavior to current queue conditions rather than following a fixed pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the control circuit that continuously monitors the command number in the command queue and compares it against the threshold. Based on this feedback, the control circuit determines whether to execute commands or wait for host commands, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both productivity and waiting time by responding to real-time queue status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the memory storage device waits for host commands when the command queue has fewer than threshold commands, then the host system can control the connection timing, but the device cannot maintain continuous processing and execution efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost system controlVSAvoidcommand execution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection usage state changeable based on real-time conditions. The control circuit dynamically switches between two states: executing commands when the command number exceeds the threshold, and waiting for host commands when the threshold is not exceeded. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its behavior to current queue conditions rather than following a fixed pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (connection usage right) based on the command queue depth parameter. When the command number parameter exceeds the threshold, the device transitions to execution mode; when it falls below, it transitions to waiting mode. This parameter-based control mechanism allows the system to optimize both host control and processing efficiency by adjusting behavior according to measurable queue conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a threshold-based command number check is implemented, then the system can optimize command execution timing, but the device complexity increases due to additional control logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem execution efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter (connection usage right) based on the command queue depth parameter. When the command number parameter exceeds the threshold, the device transitions to execution mode; when it falls below, it transitions to waiting mode. This parameter-based control mechanism allows the system to optimize both host control and processing efficiency by adjusting behavior according to measurable queue conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit performs self-service by autonomously monitoring the command queue status and making decisions about connection usage without requiring continuous host intervention. The circuit self-regulates the execution/waiting states based on the command number threshold, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining optimized system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9804983B2Controlling method, connector, and memory storage device

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 PHISON ELECTRONICS

AI summary

A controlling method, a connector, and a memory storage device are provided. The controlling method includes following steps. A connection between the memory storage device and a host system is established. A first command is received from the host system and stored into a command queue. The command queue includes at least one second command after the first command is stored into the command queue. Whether a command number of the second commands is greater than a threshold is determined. The threshold is greater than 1. If the command number is greater than the threshold, a using right of the connection is obtained and a second command is executed by the memory storage device. If the command number is not greater than the threshold, a command from the host system is waited for. The using right of the connection belongs to the host system. Thereby, the system efficiency is improved.