MFP Storage Erasure Mode Selection by Device Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses face challenges in completely erasing data from solid-state drives (SSDs) due to the wear leveling function, which limits direct overwriting and requires specific erasure methods, unlike hard disk drives (HDDs), and not all SSDs support erasure commands like TRIM.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that allows users to select an appropriate erasure mode based on the type of secondary storage device installed, using a TRIM command and garbage collection for SSDs, and overwriting methods for HDDs, enabling complete data erasure by determining the storage device type and displaying corresponding selection screens for user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a TRIM command and garbage collection are used to erase data in an SSD, then complete data erasure is achieved, but the process is complex and not all SSDs support this method
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the erasure method based on the storage device type parameter. For SSDs, it uses TRIM command with garbage collection, while for HDDs, it uses traditional overwriting methods. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate erasure technique for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The erasure process is made dynamic by automatically detecting the storage device type and switching between different erasure methodologies. The system adapts its behavior based on the detected device characteristics, enabling complete erasure for SSDs through TRIM while using overwriting for HDDs.
2Device complexity
If overwriting is used to erase data in an SSD, then the process is simple, but data cannot be completely erased due to wear leveling function
Solution Approach 1:
Before attempting erasure, the system performs a preliminary detection of the storage device type. Based on this preliminary action, it selects the appropriate erasure method. For SSDs, it chooses TRIM command which works with the wear leveling function, while for HDDs, it uses overwriting, thus ensuring complete erasure without unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the erasure approach based on the storage device parameter detection. When an SSD is detected, it applies TRIM command instead of overwriting, ensuring that the wear leveling function does not prevent complete data erasure while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If a single erasure method is used for all storage devices, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot achieve complete erasure for SSDs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the storage device type and selecting the appropriate erasure method without requiring user intervention. This maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable complete erasure through the use of TRIM command for SSDs and overwriting for HDDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the erasure method parameter based on the detected storage device type. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain simplicity for the user while achieving effective complete data erasure for different device types through automated method selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple erasure methods are provided for user selection, then adaptability to different storage devices is improved, but the user interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting the storage device type and selecting the most appropriate erasure method. This eliminates the need for complex user interface options while maintaining high adaptability, as the system autonomously adapts to SSDs or HDDs and applies the correct erasure technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its erasure method based on real-time detection of the storage device type. This dynamic behavior provides versatility for different devices while keeping the user interface simple, as users do not need to manually select from multiple options—the system automatically chooses the appropriate method.
Data Source
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AI summary
A CPU of an information processing apparatus (MFP) obtains device information of a secondary storage device installed in the MFP (S101) and discriminates, based on the obtained device information, whether the secondary storage device is of a type that supports an erasure command (TRIM command) that provides notification of information indicating data to be erased from the storage device (S102,S103). The CPU controls display of a setting screen for erasure modes by controlling, in accordance with the discrimination result, whether to display erasure modes for executing erasure processing based on an erasure command in a selectable manner (S104,S106).