Storage Metadata Bypass for Selective Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems lack efficient mechanisms to selectively retrieve and manage metadata or data independently based on user requirements, leading to inefficient data handling and increased transfer overhead.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device and method that allows processors to receive requests for either metadata or data separately, extract the requested information, and store it in specific memory blocks with tailored endurance and error protection, enabling selective retrieval and management based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If metadata and data are stored together in the same memory blocks, then storage simplicity is maintained, but selective retrieval of metadata or data becomes inefficient and requires transferring both items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage structure into separate memory blocks: one block type stores metadata while another block type stores the associated data. This segmentation allows the system to store metadata and data together in the same logical unit (entry) but physically separate them in different memory locations, enabling selective retrieval of either metadata or data without transferring both.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts metadata from its traditional coupled storage location and places it in separate dedicated memory blocks. This extraction allows the system to retrieve only metadata when needed (e.g., for directory operations or file listing) without necessarily transferring the associated data, improving efficiency for metadata-only operations.
2Reliability
If all memory blocks are used for both metadata and data storage, then uniform memory management is achieved, but frequently accessed metadata suffers from wear due to repeated writes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different memory blocks by assigning specific block types for metadata storage with higher endurance characteristics and different block types for data storage. This local differentiation allows frequently accessed metadata to be stored in more durable memory blocks that can withstand repeated read/write operations, while data blocks can use different characteristics optimized for their access patterns.
3Loss of information
If metadata is always transferred with data, then data integrity is maintained, but IO transfer overhead increases when only metadata is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts metadata into separate storage blocks, enabling the system to transfer only metadata when needed without transferring the associated data. This extraction mechanism maintains data integrity by preserving the association between metadata and data through indexing or addressing, while significantly reducing IO transfer overhead for metadata-only operations such as directory listings or file attribute queries.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device and method are disclosed for metadata retrieval and bypassing. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory and one or more processors. The one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to: receive, from a host, a request for one, but not both, of data and its associated metadata; and in response to receiving the request: read the data from the memory; extract the metadata from the data; and send one, but not both, of the data and the extracted metadata to the host, per the request received from the host. Other embodiments are provided.