Storage Controller Backup Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems with backup functions are costly, inefficient, and have low utility rates due to the need for two independent storage devices and real-time data backup, which affects transmission efficiency and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system that uses a single storage device with a storage controller to divide the storage into primary and backup blocks, allowing users to set backup modes and sizes flexibly, enabling non-real time backup only when the system is idle, thus reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time backup mode is used, then data safety is improved, but data storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between real-time backup mode and non-real-time backup mode based on system conditions. The storage controller monitors system state and adjusts the backup strategy accordingly, allowing the system to be both fast when needed and efficient when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic backup operations where data is backed up at scheduled intervals or when specific conditions are met, rather than continuously in real-time. This periodic approach reduces the impact on storage efficiency while still ensuring data safety through regular backup cycles.
2Reliability
If entire original data is backed up, then data completeness is improved, but utility rate of storage device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and backs up only the necessary portions of data rather than the entire dataset. The storage controller identifies which data blocks need backup and transfers only those, leaving non-critical data in the primary storage, thus improving utility rate while maintaining data completeness for important information.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the storage device are allocated different functions: primary data blocks for active storage and backup data blocks for redundancy. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize space usage by placing backup copies only where needed, improving overall utility rate.
3Reliability
If two independent storage devices are used, then data backup capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary storage and backup storage functions into a single storage device. The storage controller divides the device into primary data blocks and backup data blocks, eliminating the need for separate physical storage devices while maintaining backup capability, thus reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single storage device performs multiple functions: it serves as both primary storage and backup storage. The storage controller manages the dual role by dynamically allocating blocks between primary and backup functions, making the device universal and reducing the need for additional hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system and the backup method thereof are provided. The data storage system includes a storage device and a storage controller. The storage controller is coupled to the storage device and used for dividing the storage device into a primary data block and a backup data block and setting the data storage system to operate under one of a real time backup mode and a non-real time backup mode. Under the non-real time backup mode, the storage controller backups the data stored in the primary data block to the backup data block when the data storage system is idle.