Rapid Data Set Rebuild via Segmented Memory Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data redundancy techniques for rebuilding a data set are time and resource intensive, particularly when using parity codes in RAID systems, and may not provide the most recent data due to the need for extensive calculations and memory swaps, while backup methods can be inconvenient and outdated.
Innovation Solution
The method involves segregating memory into portions based on data recovery characteristics, copying data from unaffected areas and reconstructing data from affected areas using external mechanisms, thereby delaying or avoiding enhanced recovery operations until necessary, and utilizing rapid rebuild processing to enhance data recovery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data redundancy techniques (parity codes in RAID systems) are used to rebuild a data set, then data can be reconstructed from failed storage devices, but the process is time and resource intensive due to extensive calculations and memory swaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data reconstruction process into two distinct phases: a rapid initial phase that copies data from surviving mirrors without extensive calculations, and a subsequent phase that performs parity calculations only for portions where the rapid phase fails. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the rebuild process mostly fast while maintaining the ability to reconstruct data if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data copying from surviving mirrors before attempting parity calculations. This preliminary action retrieves the majority of reconstructable data quickly, avoiding the time-consuming parity calculations for data that can be directly copied, thus reducing overall rebuild time while preserving data reconstruction capability.
2Reliability
If conventional data redundancy techniques (parity codes in RAID systems) are used to rebuild a data set, then data can be reconstructed from failed storage devices, but extensive calculations and memory swaps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reconstruction approach into a simple copy operation for the first phase and reserves complex parity calculations only for the second phase if needed. This reduces the immediate computational complexity during the majority of the rebuild process while maintaining the capability to handle cases requiring full reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prioritizes copying data from surviving mirrors rather than performing parity calculations. This copying approach simplifies the reconstruction process by directly retrieving data without extensive calculations and memory swaps, reducing device complexity while maintaining reconstruction capability when copying fails.
3Reliability
If backup copies of a data set are used for reconstruction, then data can be recovered from failed storage devices, but the backup may not provide the most recent data and the process is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary copying from surviving mirrors in the RAID array before resorting to external backups. This ensures that the most recent data (which may have been updated after the last backup) is retrieved first, making the process more convenient and ensuring data freshness while maintaining the backup as a fallback option.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for rebuilding a data set. In accordance with some embodiments, a data storage device is coupled to a host. An error condition associated with a memory of the data storage device is detected. Data stored in a first portion of the memory unaffected by said error condition is transferred to the host. A communication signal is output to the host that indicates that data stored in a second portion of the memory affected by said error condition will not be transferred to the host. The host reconstructs the data stored in the second portion of the memory responsive to the communication signal.