Storage Controller Capacity Estimation via Sector Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices face inefficiencies in calculating residual or used capacity due to time-consuming operations, especially with increased storage capacities, leading to inconvenience for users.
Innovation Solution
A method for estimating capacity usage status of a storage unit by selectively estimating the status of a portion of sectors using acceleration variables to reduce calculation time, allowing the controller to utilize waiting periods for data retrieval and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the microprocessor calculates the residual or used capacity by reading all sectors, then the capacity usage status is accurately determined, but the calculation requires a lot of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage unit into multiple sectors and selects only a portion of these sectors for reading and calculation. Instead of reading all sectors to determine capacity usage status, the microprocessor reads data from selected sectors (e.g., first, second, and third sectors) and uses this partial information to estimate the overall capacity usage. This segmentation approach maintains reasonable accuracy while significantly reducing the time required for calculation.
2Quantity of substance
If the storage capacity of the external storage device is increased, then the storage capability is improved, but the time required to calculate residual capacity or used capacity increases even more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reading only a subset of sectors rather than all sectors in the storage unit. Even as storage capacity increases with more sectors, the microprocessor continues to read from a limited number of selected sectors (partial reading) to estimate capacity usage status. This approach ensures that calculation time does not proportionally increase with storage capacity, maintaining efficiency despite larger storage volumes.
3Reliability
If the controller waits for response messages from the storage unit before receiving data, then data is accurately retrieved, but the waiting time reduces overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the microprocessor perform capacity usage status calculation during the waiting time before data retrieval is complete. While the controller waits for response messages from the storage unit, the microprocessor simultaneously reads from selected sectors and calculates capacity usage status. This preliminary calculation utilizes otherwise wasted waiting time, improving overall controller efficiency without compromising data retrieval accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for estimating a capacity usage status of a storage unit, where the storage unit includes a plurality of sectors. The method includes: estimating capacity usage statuses of a portion of sectors; and utilizing a controller to estimate the capacity usage status of the storage unit according to the estimated capacity usage statuses of the portion of sectors in a situation of not estimating capacity usage statuses of all of the sectors of the storage unit.