Non-Volatile Memory Storage Using Variable Termination Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-volatile memory storage systems require complex organizational structures that consume additional storage space and are inefficient for systems with limited processing power, necessitating secure and consistent data storage even under unstable conditions without additional effort.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that imposes an implicit organizational structure on non-volatile memory using a serial data stream with variable termination elements, allowing sequential writing and reading without an explicit file system, ensuring inherent consistency and high transaction reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a file system or complex storage structure is used to organize non-volatile memory, then data can be stored in a structured manner with random access capability, but the effort required to access storage increases and storage space is consumed by the organizational structure itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access convenienceVSAvoidstorage access effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex file system layer and replaces it with a simple sequential write mechanism. Data is written continuously to non-volatile memory without file system overhead, and a logging mechanism tracks data locations separately, eliminating the need for complex storage management structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments data into fixed-size blocks and uses a logging mechanism to track block locations. This segmentation allows simple sequential writing while maintaining the ability to retrieve specific data blocks through the log, separating the complexity of data organization from the writing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a file system or complex storage structure is used to organize non-volatile memory, then data can be stored in a structured manner with random access capability, but storage space is consumed by the organizational structure itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access convenienceVSAvoidavailable storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the file system layer that consumes storage space for metadata, directories, and allocation tables. Instead, data is written sequentially with minimal overhead, and a compact logging mechanism tracks data locations using significantly less space than traditional file systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by writing data sequentially immediately without waiting for file system allocation or organization. Data blocks are written as they arrive, and the logging mechanism is updated concurrently, eliminating the need for pre-allocation and reducing storage overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional storage methods are used, then data can be stored in non-volatile memory, but data loss during power outage is not minimized and overall consistency of written data is not ensured without special precautions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidprotection mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a logging mechanism that records data block information before actual writing occurs. This log serves as a cushion against power failures, allowing the system to recover and complete transactions atomically by checking the log state after power restoration, without requiring complex transaction management during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a logging mechanism as an intermediary between data generation and data storage. The log records transaction information and serves as a mediator that ensures consistency by allowing recovery and verification after power failures, simplifying the overall transaction management architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If complex protection mechanisms are implemented to ensure transaction security and consistency, then data reliability improves, but the additional effort required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidprotection mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a logging mechanism that continuously records transaction information in advance, providing a safety cushion that enables automatic recovery without complex real-time protection mechanisms. The log captures sufficient information to reconstruct transactions after failures, eliminating the need for complex locking or checkpoint mechanisms during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service recovery through the logging mechanism. After a power failure, the system automatically uses the log to recover transactions without requiring complex external intervention or manual recovery procedures. The logging mechanism serves and protects the system autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3885957B1Device for storing data in a non-volatile memory
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 PILZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3885957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3885957B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(f)
  • EP3885957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device (10) for storing data in non-volatile memory (28) comprising a data processing unit (12) and a storage unit (14). The data processing unit (12) acquires data blocks (20), terminates each data block of the data blocks (20) with a termination element (22), and combines the terminated data blocks into a serial data stream (24). The storage unit (14) writes the serial data stream (24) sequentially to the non-volatile memory (28). The termination element (22) is variable between a first codeword (38) and a second codeword (42), and the data processing unit (12) switches between using the first codeword (38) and the second codeword (42) as the termination element (22) when the storage unit (14) has completely written to the non-volatile memory (28).