Non-disruptive Storage Data Upgrade via Background Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern storage systems face significant downtime and inefficiencies when updating software applications, as they require time-consuming data transformation processes, especially when dealing with large amounts of data.

Innovation Solution

The method involves creating new data in a new format that references old data, allowing system software to utilize both formats, and updating this new data to include references to old and new data portions, enabling a non-disruptive upgrade by segmenting and referencing changed data portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data transformation is performed to update software applications, then the system can utilize updated software, but system downtime increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update capabilityVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transformation process by creating new data in a new format that references old data, and updating only the changed portions rather than transforming the entire data set. This allows the system to maintain operational capability while progressively updating data formats in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by creating new data in the new format alongside the old data, with references to the old data. This preliminary structure allows the system to switch to the new format progressively without requiring complete data transformation before software updates can be applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete data transformation is performed, then the new software format can be fully utilized, but processing time becomes excessively long for large data volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew data format utilizationVSAvoiddata transformation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by updating only the portions of data that have changed since the last update, rather than re-transforming the entire data set. This is achieved by tracking changed portions and selectively creating new data only for those segments, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous useful action by performing data transformation in the background while the system continues to operate with the old data format. The new data is created and linked progressively, allowing uninterrupted system operation combined with ongoing data format updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Volume of stationary object

If data is transformed in-place, then storage space is conserved, but system operations are disrupted during the transformation process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidsystem operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the nested doll principle by having new data structures contain references to old data structures. The new data format is nested within the old format through reference links, allowing both formats to coexist in the same storage space without requiring separate dedicated storage areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses references as intermediaries between old and new data formats. These references act as mediators that allow the system to access and utilize both old and new data formats simultaneously, enabling smooth transition without disrupting system operations that rely on the old format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11340785B1Upgrading data in a storage system using background processes

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 PURE STORAGE INC

AI summary

Performing a non-disruptive upgrade of data in a storage system that includes a plurality of storage devices and a storage controller, including: creating new data in a new data format, wherein the new data includes a reference to old data in an old data format, wherein system software in the storage system can utilize data in the new data format and the old data format; determining that a portion of the volume has changed; and responsive to determining that the portion of the volume has changed, updating the new data to include a reference to old data associated with a portion of the volume that precedes the changed portion of the volume, new data associated with the changed portion of the volume, and a reference to old data associated with a portion of the volume that follows the changed portion of the volume.