Storage Controller Unmap Bitmap Overlap Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices face inefficiencies in the unmap operation due to the need for manual comparison of unmap target map segments with registered segments, leading to increased processing time and potential firmware errors.
Innovation Solution
A controller and storage device that utilize a list information bitmap to efficiently check and register unmap target map segments by generating a bitmap indicating registered map segments, thereby reducing overlap checks and improving unmap operation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual comparison of unmap target map segments with registered segments is used, then the unmap operation can be performed, but the processing time increases and firmware errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a bitmap copy of the map update list that represents registered map segments. This bitmap serves as a simplified representation that enables fast comparison operations. When an unmap command is received, the system compares the unmap target against the bitmap rather than performing manual segment-by-segment comparison, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy and reducing firmware errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the map update list into a different parameter representation format (bitmap). This parameter change converts a list-based structure into a compact binary map structure, enabling more efficient computational operations. The bitmap allows for rapid bitwise operations to determine overlap between unmap targets and registered segments, resolving the time-consuming manual comparison issue.
2Productivity
If manual comparison and registration process is used, then unmap operations can be handled, but the processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a bitmap copy that mirrors the state of registered map segments. This copy enables simplified processing logic where the unmap target is compared against the bitmap using efficient bitwise operations. The complexity of manual segment-by-segment comparison is replaced by straightforward bitmap operations, improving productivity while actually reducing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual comparison process with an automated bitmap-based system. Instead of manually comparing each unmap target segment with registered segments, the system uses bitmap operations to automatically determine overlaps and handle registration. This substitution of mechanical processes with automated computational methods resolves both the productivity and complexity issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller may include a memory configured to store a map update list in which information of map segments whose mapping information is to be updated is registered The controller may also include an unmap module. The unmap module may, in response to receiving an unmap command, generate a list information bitmap indicating map segments which are already registered in the map update list, check, using the generate list information bitmap, whether one or more unmap target map segments corresponding to the unmap command overlap the map segments registered in the map update list, using the generate list information bitmap, and selectively register the one or more unmap target map segments into the map update list according to the check result.