Dynamic Partition Rebalancing via Logical Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing partition management systems are inefficient in dynamically resizing and rebalancing storage partitions, often leading to over-provisioning and wasted space, as they require taking partitions offline for resizing and do not allow for flexible reallocation of space between non-adjacent partitions.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically resizes logical partitions by identifying free space, updating offset and length values in the partition table, and transferring storage space between partitions, allowing for online rebalancing and creation of contiguous logical partitions from non-adjacent physical partitions, using placeholder entries and cover files to manage unmapped regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If partitions are resized using traditional methods, then partition size can be changed, but the partition must be taken offline resulting in loss of access and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file system layer as an intermediary between the partition table and the actual data storage. This file system layer allows dynamic resizing of partitions by updating file system metadata structures without requiring the partition to be taken offline. The file system acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of data movement and restructuring, enabling online partition manipulation while maintaining disk access continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a copy of the file system structures and preparing the target partition layout before actually moving data. The system pre-calculates the new partition boundaries and prepares the necessary data movement operations in advance, allowing the partition resize to be executed with minimal disruption to ongoing disk operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger partition sizes are chosen initially to accommodate future needs, then future expansion is possible, but wasted space is created on the storage device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic partition sizing that allows partition boundaries to be adjusted at any time without requiring the partition to be taken offline. The system continuously monitors storage usage and enables users to resize partitions dynamically to match actual data requirements, transforming static partition allocations into flexible, adaptive structures that optimize storage utilization over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of partition size from a fixed value set during initialization to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By modifying the partition table entries and file system metadata to reflect new size parameters, the system allows continuous optimization of storage allocation, enabling users to reduce partition sizes when data decreases or expand them when needed, thereby eliminating wasted space while maintaining future expansion capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partitions are rearranged or resized using traditional methods, then partition layout can be modified, but the process is very difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file system layer as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of partition manipulation. Instead of directly modifying partition table entries and moving data blocks, the system uses file system metadata structures to manage partition resizing and rearrangement. This intermediary layer handles the complex operations of data movement, block allocation, and consistency maintenance, presenting a simplified interface to users and reducing the overall complexity of partition management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying techniques by creating a copy of the file system structures and using this copy to plan and execute partition modifications. The system copies the necessary metadata and data blocks to temporary locations, performs the restructuring operations on the copy, and then applies the changes to the original partition. This copying approach simplifies the manipulation process by working with isolated copies rather than directly modifying the live partition structure.
4Productivity
If non-adjacent physical partitions are combined into a logical partition, then storage space utilization is improved, but the partition table structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage device into physical partitions and then logically grouping them into logical partitions. Each physical partition remains a distinct entity in the partition table, but the file system layer creates logical partitions that can span multiple non-adjacent physical partitions. This segmentation approach allows flexible storage organization where logical partitions can be composed of scattered physical segments, improving space utilization while maintaining clear physical boundaries for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional logical dimension above the physical partition structure. Instead of only organizing storage by contiguous physical partitions, the system adds a logical partitioning dimension that can map multiple non-adjacent physical partitions into a single logical partition. This dimensional addition allows the partition table to represent both physical and logical views of storage, enabling flexible space utilization without fundamentally altering the physical partition structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed to dynamically changing partitions size for a partition in a storage device and to transferring storage space between partitions in a storage device. A computer system identifies portions of free space on a storage device, where the storage device has at least one partition whose offset and length are stored in a partition table. The computer system determines where the identified free space is located relative to other storage locations on the storage device. The computer system further determines that the partition is to be dynamically resized to a new size which is specified by one or more offset and length values, and based on where the identified free space is located, dynamically transforms the partition into a logical partition, and resizes the logical partition, the logical partition's offset and length values being updated in the partition table to include the new specified offset and length values.