Sector Set Data Versioning in Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems cannot retain previous versions of data written to sectors, as write operations are irreversible, which is undesirable for applications like virtualized system files and log structured file systems that need to manage multiple data versions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sector sets where each version of data is stored in a different sector set, with child sectors having the same logical block addresses as parent sectors, allowing the storage device to manage and retrieve multiple versions of data without overwriting the original copy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If write operations permanently overwrite old data in sectors, then storage device performance is improved, but the ability to retain previous versions of data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage medium into multiple sector sets (first sector set, second sector set, etc.), where each sector set can store different versions of data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple data versions simultaneously while preserving write performance, as each sector set operates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for data versioning by organizing data across multiple sector sets rather than using traditional time-based or hierarchical versioning. Each sector set represents a different version dimension, allowing efficient access to historical data versions without impacting current write operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of data are stored in the same sector, then data versioning capability is improved, but write operations become complex and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the storage medium into distinct sector sets, the patent eliminates the complexity of managing multiple versions within the same sector. Each sector set stores a specific version of data, simplifying write operations to straightforward sector-level writes while maintaining versioning capability through sector set management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying to create sector sets that contain copies of data from parent sectors. This approach allows multiple versions to exist simultaneously without requiring complex in-place versioning mechanisms, as each sector set is an independent copy that can be managed separately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If old data is retained in parent sectors while new data is written to child sectors, then data versioning is improved, but storage space utilization becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where parent sectors retain old data versions while child sectors store new versions. When child sectors are created, the system can selectively discard or recover data from parent sectors based on versioning requirements, optimizing storage space utilization while maintaining necessary data versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic relationship between parent and child sectors where data can be selectively retained or discarded. This dynamic versioning approach allows the system to adapt storage space utilization based on actual versioning needs, rather than statically allocating space for all possible versions.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device has a data storage medium configured to store a first version of data in parent sectors. The data storage device is configured to store a second version of the data in child sectors. The child sectors have the same logical block addresses as the parent sectors. A host operating system can read data from or write data to the child sectors by sending logical block addresses and a sector set number to the data storage device. The logical block addresses and the sector set number identify the child sectors. In response to receiving a request to access the child sectors, the data storage firmware identifies physical addresses that correspond to the logical block addresses and the sector set number. The data storage device uses the physical addresses to identify the location of the child sectors.