Register-Based Transaction Manager for Disk Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media server products face challenges in increasing functionality and reducing latency in storage and retrieval processes, particularly in managing multiple data transfers and handling concurrent transactions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that stores and retrieves data using two sets of parameters in a register, allowing automatic switching between them without further command from a control processor, enabling concurrent handling of multiple transactions with minimal processor intervention and optimizing disk access performance through queue management and data transfer size control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a control processor manages multiple data transfers sequentially, then the system can handle complex control logic, but latency increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transfer management into separate functional components: a control processor for complex control logic and a dedicated transaction manager for sequential transfer coordination. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while reducing overall system latency and improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction manager acts as an intermediary between the control processor and the storage device. It receives commands from the control processor, manages the sequential transactions, and coordinates data transfers without requiring continuous processor intervention, thereby reducing latency and improving throughput.
2Reliability
If the control processor intervenes in each data transfer transaction, then precise control is maintained, but processor burden increases and system response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction manager implements self-service by autonomously managing data transfer transactions without requiring continuous control processor intervention. It automatically coordinates sequential transactions, handles error conditions, and manages buffer allocation, thereby reducing processor burden while maintaining reliable control through predefined protocols.
3Productivity
If multiple data transfers are handled concurrently, then throughput increases, but managing transaction coordination and resource allocation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments transaction coordination into discrete, manageable units handled by the transaction manager. Each data transfer is a separate transaction with its own parameters and state, allowing concurrent handling while maintaining simple coordination logic through sequential transaction enumeration and state tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction manager performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing transaction parameters, buffer allocations, and error handling protocols before data transfers begin. This preparation enables concurrent transactions to proceed without complex real-time coordination, as the management framework is already in place to handle multiple simultaneous operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes storing first and second sets of parameters in a register. Each set of parameters defines a storage transaction to store data to a computer readable medium or a retrieval transaction to retrieve data from the computer readable medium. The first storage or retrieval transaction is performed according to the first set of parameters. The second set of parameters is retrieved from the register automatically when the first storage or retrieval transaction is completed, without waiting for a further command from a control processor. The second storage or retrieval transaction is performed according to the retrieved second set of parameters. A system for performing the method and a computer readable medium containing pseudocode for generating an application specific integrated circuit that performs the method are provided.