Data Storage Device Maintaining Logical Address Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the era of ubiquitous computing, data storage devices face challenges in maintaining the continuity of logical addresses mapped to consecutive physical addresses, leading to degraded read performance due to invalidation and reallocation of logical addresses during write operations.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device is designed with a memory device that includes rare and normal open blocks, where data is stored based on the type of logical address indicated in the write command, using a controller to manage these blocks and maintain address continuity by allocating and reallocating logical addresses efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If logical addresses are reallocated during write operations, then storage flexibility is improved, but read performance deteriorates due to broken address continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidread performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments open blocks into two distinct types: rare open blocks for re-allocated invalid logical addresses and normal open blocks for newly allocated free logical addresses. This segmentation allows the system to maintain separate management strategies for different address allocation scenarios, preserving read performance for sequential accesses while enabling flexible reallocation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality characteristics to different types of open blocks. Rare open blocks are specifically optimized for handling re-allocated invalid logical addresses with continuity preservation, while normal open blocks handle standard allocations. This local differentiation ensures that each block type serves its specific purpose optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If logical addresses are invalidated and reallocated, then storage utilization is improved, but address continuity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage utilizationVSAvoidaddress continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of open blocks into rare and normal types before allocation occurs. By pre-designating rare open blocks for re-allocated invalid logical addresses, the system ensures that address continuity is maintained through proactive planning rather than reactive reallocation, preserving both storage utilization and address stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the mapping between logical addresses and physical blocks. It intelligently directs write operations to appropriate block types based on the logical address status, mediating between the need for storage utilization and the requirement for address continuity through controlled allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If separate block management is implemented, then address continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress continuityVSAvoidblock management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the management parameter by introducing a block type identifier that distinguishes rare from normal open blocks. This parameter change simplifies the complexity by providing a clear classification criterion, making the management logic more systematic and easier to implement through standardized allocation rules based on block type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11294587B2Data storage device capable of maintaining continuity of logical addresses mapped to consecutive physical addresses, electronic device including the same, and method of operating the data storage device
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 MIMIRIP LLC
  • US11294587B2 patent drawing
  • US11294587B2 patent drawing
  • US11294587B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data storage device includes a memory device and a controller. The memory device includes a rare open block that stores data corresponding to a re-allocated invalid logical address and a normal open block that stores data corresponding to a newly allocated free logical address. The controller determines whether to store write data in the rare open block or the normal open block based on information included in a write command received from a host, and controls the memory device to store the write data in the rare open block or the normal open block according to a result of the determination.