Non-Volatile Memory Manager for Dynamic Storage Section Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems with byte-accessible non-volatile memory, such as STT-RAM, face limitations in dynamically managing storage sections and efficiently recovering data after reboot due to fixed usage patterns and lack of support for multiple storage section information handling.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a non-volatile memory manager that caches management and data information of a virtual file system in non-volatile memory, allowing for efficient data recovery and dynamic allocation/deallocation of storage sections, even after power failures, by utilizing a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory components and advanced file system management techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-volatile memory is used for data storage to maintain data after power failure, then data reliability is improved, but the memory usage becomes fixed and cannot hold information of multiple storage sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidmemory usage flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The non-volatile memory is divided into multiple storage sections, each capable of holding information for different virtual file systems. This segmentation allows the memory to serve multiple purposes simultaneously while maintaining data reliability after power failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically allocates and deallocates storage sections in non-volatile memory based on the mounting and unmounting of virtual file systems. This dynamic management enables flexible memory usage while preserving the reliability benefit of non-volatile storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If non-volatile memory caches file system information for fast recovery after reboot, then recovery speed is improved, but memory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery timeVSAvoidmemory management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-caches file system information in non-volatile memory before reboot occurs. This preliminary action enables fast recovery after reboot while the management complexity is handled through automated allocation and deallocation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The non-volatile memory manager automatically manages the caching and recovery of file system information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach reduces the perceived complexity for users while enabling fast recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage sections are supported in non-volatile memory, then adaptability is improved, but data integrity management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-storage section supportVSAvoiddata integrity management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The non-volatile memory manager implements feedback mechanisms to track the state of multiple storage sections, ensuring data integrity is maintained across all sections. This feedback system automatically manages allocation and deallocation while preserving data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11150815B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a non-volatile memory manager. The non-volatile memory manager is configured to save, in a non-volatile memory section, information of a plurality of storage sections to be read after rebooting. The non-volatile memory section is configured to keep storing information even if power is off.