Nested File System for Power-Fail Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems, particularly FAT file systems, are not power-fail-safe, leading to data corruption during power failures, and power-fail-safe alternatives like journaled or transactional file systems present compatibility and interoperability issues with a wide range of devices and operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system comprising a first non-power-fail-safe file system and a second power-fail-safe file system, where the file system control means directs all write operations to the power-fail-safe system, ensuring data integrity and compatibility through a file system multiplexer or controller that maintains a recoverable copy of data until it is successfully written.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a FAT file system is used for data storage, then compatibility with various operating systems and devices is improved, but data integrity during power failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a second file system (power-fail-safe type) inside a file of the first file system (FAT type). This nested structure allows the outer FAT file system to maintain compatibility with various operating systems while the inner power-fail-safe file system ensures data integrity during power failures. The nested file system acts as a protective layer within the compatible file system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file system control means as an intermediary layer between the application and the nested file systems. This controller manages write operations by directing them to the appropriate file system, ensuring that compatibility requirements are met while maintaining power-fail-safe data integrity. The intermediary coordinates between the conflicting requirements of compatibility and reliability.
2Reliability
If a power-fail-safe journaled file system is used, then data integrity during power failures is improved, but compatibility with various operating systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the power-fail-safe journaled file system inside a FAT file system structure. This allows the inner journaled file system to provide data integrity during power failures while the outer FAT file system maintains compatibility with various operating systems and devices. The nested structure hides the complexity of the journaled file system from external systems that expect FAT format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the file system structure where the power-fail-safe file system is implemented within the FAT file system framework. This copying approach allows the system to maintain the appearance and interface of a compatible FAT file system while internally using the more reliable journaled file system for actual data storage operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long file names are supported in FAT file system, then functionality is improved, but power-fail safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests a power-fail-safe file system inside the FAT file system to handle long file names. This allows the outer FAT file system to support long file names as a functionality enhancement while the inner power-fail-safe file system ensures that these long file name operations maintain data integrity during power failures. The nested structure provides both enhanced functionality and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system includes a data storage device with a first file system of a first type. At least one file stored in the first file system comprises a second file system of a second, different type. The data storage system is configured to write data to the second file system in a power-safe manner.