Storage Controller Compare Command with Data Transformations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing compare command in data storage devices, as defined by the NVMe specification, performs only plain bit-wise comparisons, which limits its use cases, especially in modern image, speech, and pattern recognition operations that require data transformations for effective matching and comparison.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a controller configured to receive a compare command, perform data transformations (such as time-to-frequency or fixed-point-to-floating-point conversions) on data read from memory, and compare the transformed data with data received from the host, allowing for more advanced matching operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing compare command performs only plain bit-wise comparisons, then the command structure remains simple and compatible with NVMe specification, but the functionality is limited and cannot support advanced matching operations like image, speech, and pattern recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transformation operation with the compare command by having the storage device perform both operations in sequence. The controller receives a compare command with transformation instructions, applies the transformation to the stored data, then performs the comparison. This combination enables advanced matching operations while maintaining a unified command interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The compare command is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it can perform plain bit-wise comparisons for traditional use cases, and simultaneously support transformed data comparisons for image, speech, and pattern recognition operations. The single command structure adapts to different comparison needs through configurable transformation parameters.
2Productivity
If data transformations are performed externally before comparison, then the compare command remains simple, but data transfer increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the data transformation operation from the host dimension to the storage device dimension. Instead of transforming data externally before transfer, the transformation occurs within the storage device's memory system, changing the operational dimension from external preprocessing to internal processing. This reduces data transfer requirements and improves system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device performs the data transformation operation itself using its own compute resources rather than relying on external processing. The controller executes the transformation on the stored data before comparison, enabling the storage system to serve its own preprocessing needs and reducing dependency on host system resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compare command supports data transformations, then advanced matching operations become possible, but the command complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data transformation operation is performed as a preliminary step within the compare command execution flow. The controller first applies the transformation to the stored data, then immediately performs the comparison without requiring additional command cycles. This preliminary action approach enables advanced matching while containing the time overhead within a single command execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device and method for enabling a compare command with built-in data transformations. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive, from a host, a compare command, a logical block address, data, and an instruction to perform a data transformation operation; read data from a location in the memory corresponding to the logical block address; execute the data transformation operation on the data read from the location in the memory; and compare a result of the data transformation operation with the data received from the host. Other embodiments are provided.