Storage Device Assert Recovery and Remote Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage device failures, known as 'asserts,' often require inefficient and costly manual recovery processes, including manufacturer return and on-site troubleshooting, which can compromise privacy and confidentiality, especially when the failure is recoverable.
Innovation Solution
A storage device system that automatically de-asserts itself and remotely reports an assert log to a secondary system via a network, enabling secure analysis and potential recovery while preserving counter values to prevent misuse, thus allowing for remote and secure drive recovery without physical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual recovery processes (manufacturer return and on-site troubleshooting) are used for storage device asserts, then failure analysis can be performed, but recovery time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device automatically performs self-diagnosis and self-recovery operations. The controller detects assert conditions, analyzes failure modes using internal diagnostics, and attempts automated recovery procedures without requiring external intervention, thereby reducing recovery time while maintaining reliable failure analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures recovery protocols and diagnostic procedures within the storage device controller. When an assert occurs, pre-programmed recovery sequences are immediately executed, eliminating the need to wait for external troubleshooting personnel and significantly reducing overall recovery time
2Reliability
If asserted drives are returned to the manufacturer for failure analysis, then comprehensive diagnostics can be performed, but privacy and confidentiality concerns arise regarding stored information
Solution Approach 1:
The failure analysis process is segmented into two independent components: (1) comprehensive diagnostics performed locally within the storage device by its controller, and (2) selective transmission of only diagnostic results and metadata to the manufacturer. This segmentation eliminates the need to physically move the drive while preserving both analysis accuracy and data privacy
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary communication layer is introduced between the storage device and manufacturer. Instead of direct physical return of the drive, only anonymized diagnostic data and metadata are transmitted through secure communication channels, serving as an intermediary that preserves privacy while enabling manufacturer analysis
3Ease of repair
If troubleshooting personnel are sent to the location of asserted drives, then on-site recovery can be attempted, but operational inefficiencies and increased costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is equipped with automated diagnostic and recovery capabilities that enable it to perform troubleshooting and recovery operations independently. This self-service approach eliminates the need to dispatch troubleshooting personnel, thereby maintaining on-site recovery capability while preserving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system of physical troubleshooting personnel traveling to device locations is replaced with an electronic/automated system. The controller executes diagnostic algorithms and recovery procedures electronically, substituting human intervention with automated processes that achieve the same repair objectives without the associated productivity losses
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology to conduct, by a storage device, a state analysis of the storage device based on an assert log associated with a failure condition in the storage device. The technology may also return, by the storage device, the storage device to service if the state analysis indicates that the storage device is operable. Additionally, the technology may remove, by the storage device, the storage device from service if the state analysis indicates that the storage device is inoperable.