Multi-Storage Medium Management via Unified Command Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded devices such as mobile phones and smart tablets face challenges in seamlessly switching between different storage mediums like eMMC, UFS, and Flash due to the variety of functional interfaces and commands, necessitating a compatible solution for efficient management.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus and method that utilizes a controller and storage module to create partitions, map interfaces, and generate switching commands with specific fields to manage and switch between multiple storage mediums, employing a doubly linked list to track online storage mediums and send appropriate commands for operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different storage mediums use their own initializing functional interfaces and commands, then each storage medium can be initialized properly, but switching between various types of storage mediums becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified management apparatus that provides a common initialization interface and command set for multiple storage mediums (eMMC, UFS, NAND Flash, etc.). The management apparatus translates universal commands into medium-specific initialization sequences, enabling a single interface to handle diverse storage types without requiring separate control logic for each medium type.
Solution Approach 2:
The management apparatus acts as an intermediary layer between the processor and various storage mediums. It receives universal initialization commands, determines the target storage medium type, and translates these into the appropriate medium-specific commands and initialization sequences, thereby simplifying the switching process while ensuring proper initialization of each medium type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional interfaces and commands are used for different storage mediums, then each medium type can be controlled precisely, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus implements a universal control interface that can manage multiple storage medium types through a single set of standardized commands. The system maintains adaptability to different medium types while presenting a unified interface to the processor, thereby reducing the number of functional interfaces and commands that need to be implemented and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into two distinct layers: a universal management layer that handles high-level commands and medium identification, and medium-specific execution layers that handle the actual initialization and control. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple storage types without increasing overall complexity, as each layer has a clearly defined and limited responsibility.
3Ease of operation
If a unified management approach is used for multiple storage mediums, then switching between mediums becomes convenient, but the complexity of managing diverse storage types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus serves as an intermediary that absorbs the complexity of managing diverse storage types. It implements automatic medium detection, identification, and selection based on simple switching commands from the processor. The intermediary handles the complex translation and coordination internally while presenting a simple switching interface to the user, thereby achieving ease of operation without exposing the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The management apparatus implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting the target storage medium type, selecting the appropriate initialization sequence and commands, and executing the switching process without requiring manual configuration or complex user input. This automation reduces the apparent complexity for the user while maintaining the necessary management capabilities internally.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a management method and an apparatus for coexisting multi-storage mediums. The method includes: scanning a plurality of storage mediums to identify the storage medium operating in an online mode; configuring the storage medium operating in the online mode as a first storage medium; establishing a doubly linked list by a controller, wherein the doubly linked list records storage mediums operating in the online mode; determining whether the first storage medium is in a register table; turning on a switching mode of the first storage medium upon determining the first storage medium is in the register table; and retrieving a switching command via a storage layer, wherein the switching command is generated by the controller in response to user request.