Storage Command Control via Type-Specific Execution Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage apparatuses, using a single communication interface for multiple access operations leads to reduced data access efficiency when one type of access increases, affecting overall system performance due to dependency relationships, causing delays and processing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage apparatus with a communication interface and processor that determines command types, counts current command executions, and limits data access based on predefined threshold values specific to each command type to prevent overload and maintain efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single communication interface is used for both host access operations and storage apparatus-to-storage apparatus access operations, then device complexity is reduced, but data access efficiency deteriorates when one type of access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the command execution process by introducing separate command execution counters for different command types (host access commands and storage apparatus access commands). This segmentation allows independent tracking and limiting of each command type, preventing one type from monopolizing the communication interface and thereby maintaining data access efficiency without requiring separate physical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication interface by introducing limit values that dynamically control command execution based on current load conditions. When the number of executed commands exceeds a predetermined limit, the system changes its behavior by suspending further command execution, thus regulating traffic flow and maintaining efficiency without adding hardware complexity.
2Productivity
If many access operations are made by the host computer to the copy destination storage apparatus, then host data access performance is improved, but copy processes between storage apparatuses are suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments command execution control by maintaining separate counters for host access commands and storage apparatus access commands. This allows the system to independently manage and limit each command type, ensuring that host access operations do not suspend copy processes between storage apparatuses, thereby maintaining both host data access performance and copy process continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the number of executed commands for each type and comparing them against predetermined limit values. When a limit is approached or exceeded, the system provides feedback by suspending further command execution of that type, thus preventing copy process suspension while allowing host data access to proceed within safe boundaries.
3Productivity
If access operations of one type increase in number, then processing capacity for that type is improved, but access operations of the other type are slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms by making the command execution limit values adjustable and responsive to current system conditions. The system dynamically monitors the number of executed commands and adjusts its behavior in real-time, suspending command execution when limits are approached. This dynamic regulation prevents access operation delays while maintaining processing capacity for both command types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of command execution by introducing and enforcing limit values that regulate the number of concurrent commands. This parameter change allows the system to maintain processing capacity for high-priority operations while preventing delays to other operations, thus balancing productivity and time loss prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A determination unit determines the type of a command received via a communication interface. A counting unit counts, among commands received via the communication interface, the number of commands currently being executed. A control unit performs, when the number of commands currently being executed is less than or equal to a limit value corresponding to the type of a command received via the communication interface, data access to a memory device according to the received command. In addition, the control unit prevents the data access according to the received command when the number of commands currently being executed exceeds the limit value corresponding to the type of the received command.