Recompressing Existing Data Blocks for Higher Storage Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage environments face challenges in achieving maximum storage compression savings for data already compressed using lighter-weight algorithms, as they do not utilize the full potential of heavier-weight compression algorithms for additional storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of additional compression for existing compressed data by decompressing data blocks, recompressing them using a heavier-weight compression algorithm, and storing the recompressed data with format information to maintain deduplication and data management efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lighter-weight compression algorithms are used for initial compression, then processing speed and ease of operation are improved, but storage compression savings are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing light-weight compression first to quickly reduce data size, then later applying heavy-weight compression to the already-compressed data or to data blocks that were not initially compressed. This two-stage approach allows the system to benefit from both fast initial processing and maximum eventual compression savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes compression parameters by switching between different compression algorithms with different weight levels. Light-weight algorithms (faster, less compression) are used for initial processing, while heavy-weight algorithms (slower, more compression) are applied subsequently to achieve maximum storage efficiency without sacrificing initial processing speed.
2Quantity of substance
If heavy-weight compression algorithms are used directly, then storage compression savings are improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary light-weight compression or identifies compressible data blocks before applying heavy-weight compression. This preliminary action reduces the overall processing burden and allows heavy-weight compression to be applied more efficiently to specific candidates rather than all data, reducing total processing time while maintaining maximum compression savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heavy-weight compression selectively to only those data blocks that are identified as compressible or benefit most from additional compression, rather than applying it universally to all data. This partial action approach achieves maximum necessary compression savings without wasting computational resources on data that would not benefit from heavy-weight algorithms.
3Quantity of substance
If additional compression is applied to existing compressed data, then storage consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into individual blocks and evaluates each block independently for additional compression. By dividing data into manageable units and applying compression algorithms selectively to specific blocks rather than treating all data uniformly, the system reduces storage consumption through targeted compression while managing complexity through modular, block-level processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms by automatically identifying which data blocks are candidates for additional compression and applying appropriate algorithms without requiring manual intervention. The compression management system autonomously evaluates data characteristics, selects suitable algorithms, and performs compression, thereby reducing storage consumption while keeping operational complexity manageable through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for implementing additional compression for existing compressed data. Format information stored within a data block is evaluated to determine whether the data block is compressed or uncompressed. In response to the data block being compressed according to a first compression format, the data block is decompressed using the format information. The data block is compressed with one or more other data blocks to create compressed data having a second compression format different than the first compression format.