Multi-Channel Data Storage for Accelerated Read Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices experience significant delays during the read-back of individual channels from a multi-channel data stream due to rotational latencies caused by the intermixing of data from different channels on the same data tracks, leading to inefficient read throughput.
Innovation Solution
The method involves writing a first channel segment of a multi-channel data stream to a continuous sequence of physical blocks on a data track and identifying subsequent channel segments as continuations, mapping them to offset sequences on adjacent tracks by a minimum block offset, ensuring that continuous channel segments are not stored in overlapping sector indices, thereby minimizing rotational latencies during read-back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multi-channel data stream is written to disk according to order of data receipt with intermixing of different channels on the same data tracks, then recording speed is maximized, but rotational latencies increase during read-back of individual channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-channel data stream by separating data from different channels into distinct data tracks on the storage medium. Each channel's data is allocated to specific tracks, preventing intermixing of different channels on the same track. This segmentation allows the read/write head to access continuous portions of a single channel without seeking across tracks, thereby reducing rotational latency while maintaining efficient recording speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by mapping channels to different radial tracks on the disk rather than mixing them sequentially on the same track. This dimensional reorganization transforms the data layout from a time-sequential arrangement to a spatial-track-based arrangement, enabling parallel access potential and reducing rotational delays during read operations.
2Quantity of substance
If data from multiple channels is intermixed on the same data tracks, then storage space utilization is optimized, but read throughput for single channel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium is segmented into multiple data tracks, with each track dedicated to storing data from a specific channel. This segmentation maintains high storage utilization by fully utilizing the disk surface while enabling efficient single-channel read operations, as the read/write head can access continuous data on a dedicated track without seeking to other tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage medium (different data tracks) are assigned different functional qualities - each track is optimized for storing data from a specific channel. This local quality differentiation allows read operations to be optimized for single-channel access by directing the read/write head to the appropriate dedicated track, thereby improving read throughput while maintaining overall storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A data-storing method for accelerated read throughput of a channel received as part of a multi-channel data stream includes writing a first channel segment of the multi-channel data stream to a first continuous sequence of physical blocks along a first data track of a storage medium within a storage device and identifying a second channel segment of the multi-channel data stream as being a continuation of the first channel segment. The method further includes writing the second channel segment to a second continuous sequence of physical blocks along a second data track responsive to the identification, the second continuous sequence of physical blocks being offset from the first continuous sequence in a down-track direction by a minimum block offset, the minimum block offset representing at least a number of physical blocks on the storage medium that rotate below a read/write element of the storage device during a time that the read/write element is moved from the first data track to the second data track.