Storage Device File Location via Host Signature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Host applications lack direct access to logical block addresses (LBAs) of files on storage devices, hindering operations like encryption and data optimization, due to limited processing power in storage devices and lack of communication of file system information.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a host writes a signature to clusters of a file and transmits them to a storage device, which returns cluster location data containing LBA information, allowing the host to instruct the storage device to read file system data structures and provide location information for additional clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage device is made file system aware to enable operations like encryption and data optimization, then the functionality and versatility improve, but the device complexity and processing power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host application as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the file system and storage device. The host application receives LBA information from the host operating system and communicates it to the storage device, enabling the storage device to perform file-specific operations without requiring full file system awareness. This mediator approach allows the storage device to gain file system capabilities selectively through external assistance rather than internal complexity.
2Loss of information
If the storage device parses and maintains the file system itself, then direct access to file location information is achieved, but the processing power and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file system parsing and maintenance functions from the storage device and places them in the host operating system and host application. The storage device only needs to receive pre-processed LBA information and execute specific operations, rather than maintaining the entire file system structure itself. This extraction of complex functions reduces the processing burden on the storage device while preserving information access capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If direct access to logical address space is provided to host applications, then the ease of operation improves, but the system security and control mechanisms are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The host application serves as a controlled intermediary layer between the host operating system and storage device. It receives LBA information through standard operating system interfaces and forwards it to the storage device, maintaining security protocols while enabling functionality. This intermediary approach provides ease of operation for applications while preserving system control and security boundaries.
4Loss of information
If the host maintains complete file system information, then the information availability improves, but the communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential LBA information needed for storage device operations from the complete file system structure maintained by the host operating system. Instead of communicating entire file system structures, only the specific logical block address information required for encryption, optimization, or other file operations is transmitted to the storage device. This selective information extraction reduces communication overhead and system complexity while maintaining necessary information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed that permit a host application to obtain cluster location data, for example logical addresses associated with the clusters of a file, and a host application to communicate the logical block address mapping information to firmware of a storage device. The method includes the host transmitting one or more clusters or partial clusters having a signature to the storage device where the storage device knows or has been instructed to look for the signature. The storage device may receive clusters having a signature and, responsive to a host request, return logical address information to a host for the location in the storage device of the marked clusters. The host may parse a data structure on the storage device to obtain remaining cluster location information using a file's first cluster location or may request that the storage device return the cluster location information.