Page Alignment Method for Non-Volatile Memory Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional page alignment in data storage devices results in significant unallocated space, leading to inefficient use of storage capacity and poor system performance, especially when file system parameters change or the device is re-formatted.
Innovation Solution
A method that simulates various storage capacities to determine an initial storage capacity for page alignment, using a lookup table to select a capacity that minimizes hidden space and ensures alignment without being marked as unallocated by the operating system, thereby optimizing storage usage and maintaining alignment even after formatting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional page alignment is executed to improve reading speed, then data reading performance is improved, but storage space is wasted due to unallocated hidden spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of initial storage capacity from fixed conventional values to dynamically selected values from a lookup table. The lookup table contains pre-calculated optimal initial storage capacities corresponding to different remaining storage capacities, allowing the system to select parameters that achieve page alignment while minimizing hidden space waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary simulation of formatting processes before actual device formatting. By simulating various initial storage capacities and calculating corresponding hidden spaces in advance, the system builds a lookup table that guides the selection of optimal initial storage capacity, avoiding the need for trial-and-error formatting.
2Speed
If page alignment is executed with fixed initial storage capacity, then reading speed is improved, but the alignment effect is lost when file system parameters change or device is re-formatted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the initial storage capacity from a fixed value to a dynamic selection process. The system adapts the initial storage capacity based on the remaining storage capacity after system initialization, ensuring that page alignment is maintained even when file system parameters change or the device is re-formatted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system initialization process determines the remaining storage capacity, which then feeds back to select the appropriate initial storage capacity from the lookup table. This closed-loop approach ensures that the initial storage capacity is always optimally matched to the actual available space.
3Reliability
If larger initial storage capacity is allocated to ensure page alignment, then alignment is achieved, but more storage space is occupied including unnecessary hidden space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter of initial storage capacity by selecting from pre-calculated values in the lookup table. Each entry in the lookup table represents an optimal balance between achieving page alignment and minimizing hidden space waste, allowing the system to find the most efficient parameter setting for each specific remaining storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A page aligning method for a data storage device is provided. The data storage device includes a non-volatile memory and the page aligning method includes steps of: executing a system initialization on the non-volatile memory to obtain a remaining storage capacity; selecting a number from a lookup table as an initial storage capacity according to the remaining storage capacity and a lookup table; and referring the initial storage capacity as a fixed capacity in the data storage device and writing the initial storage capacity into the non-volatile memory. A lookup table generating method and the data storage device are also provided.