Storage Device Error Handling via Unique Code Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage systems, when error correction fails due to physical or logical media defects, the host processor receives incorrect data as if it were corrected, leading to potential system breakdowns, especially in real-time video and audio recording systems, as prior art requires robust error detection at the expense of processing power and circuit size.
Innovation Solution
The storage device replaces uncorrectable data with a unique code, allowing the host processor to recognize errors before processing, thereby enabling a low-cost and real-time system by distinguishing between correct and incorrect data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host processor uses robust error detection to handle uncorrectable data, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism within the storage device that intercepts uncorrectable data before it reaches the host processor. When error correction fails, the storage device generates a substitute pattern (such as a specific byte sequence or marker) that replaces the erroneous data. This intermediary substitution allows the host processor to detect errors through simple pattern recognition rather than requiring complex error detection circuits, thus improving reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing error correction and substitution within the storage device before data is transferred to the host processor. The storage device proactively identifies uncorrectable errors, generates appropriate substitute patterns, and prepares corrected data streams in advance. This preliminary error handling eliminates the need for the host processor to perform complex real-time error detection, reducing both circuit size and processing requirements while maintaining system reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the storage device performs comprehensive error correction, then data accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex error correction and substitution logic from the host processor and concentrates it within the storage device. By taking out this functionality and embedding it in the storage device's firmware or hardware, the system achieves comprehensive error correction without burdening the host processor with additional processing time. The storage device handles error identification, correction attempts, and substitute pattern generation internally, allowing the host processor to receive ready-to-use data without time penalties.
3Reliability
If the host processor implements extensive error detection capabilities, then system reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cheap substitute patterns (such as standard byte sequences or simple markers) that can be generated and processed without expensive hardware. These substitute patterns act as disposable error indicators that the host processor can easily recognize and handle through software logic rather than requiring costly hardware circuits. This approach maintains system reliability while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by replacing expensive error detection hardware with inexpensive software-based solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device performs error correction for all data read from media. Correctly read data or data that is corrected following the reading is transferred to a host for use. If the error correction fails, the storage device transfers a unique error code. The host distinguishes the received data between normal one and unique one. The normal data flows into main data handling routine and the unique code flows into error data handling routine. The processed results of both data are stored into system memory area in the host. The host controls the read out schedule and response to the unique code. This method can prevent the host breakdown from data trouble in the external storage device.