Storage System Format Conversion Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage systems, data migration between devices with different formats requires temporary data read, conversion, and rewrite, leading to increased processing time and resource utilization issues, especially as data volumes grow and format changes occur.
Innovation Solution
A storage system that includes a shared device unit managing format conversion by determining and matching data formats between storage apparatuses, allowing for on-the-fly format conversion without requiring the source storage apparatus to be idle during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data format conversion is performed by reading all data from storage device, converting format, and rewriting to storage device, then format compatibility between migration-source and migration-destination storage apparatuses is achieved, but the migration-source storage apparatus cannot be utilized during processing and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a format conversion function as an intermediary capability within the storage apparatus itself, rather than requiring external processing. The storage apparatus includes a format conversion unit that can convert data formats internally, allowing the migration-source apparatus to remain operational while conversion occurs. This mediator function resolves the contradiction by enabling format compatibility without requiring the apparatus to be idle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary format conversion before data migration occurs. The format conversion unit converts data to the destination format in advance, so that when migration happens, no additional conversion processing is needed. This preliminary action allows the storage apparatus to be utilized earlier and reduces overall processing time, resolving the productivity issue while maintaining format compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data format conversion is performed by reading all data from storage device, converting format, and rewriting to storage device, then format compatibility between migration-source and migration-destination storage apparatuses is achieved, but processing time increases with increasing data amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the format conversion process into smaller units that can be performed incrementally on data blocks rather than requiring conversion of all data at once. The storage apparatus processes data in manageable segments, converting formats as data is accessed or migrated, rather than performing a single large-scale conversion. This segmentation reduces overall processing time while maintaining format compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous data processing during format conversion by allowing the storage apparatus to remain operational. The format conversion unit processes data in the background while the storage apparatus continues to serve requests, maintaining continuous useful action rather than halting operations for conversion. This continuity reduces the effective processing time loss while ensuring format compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data format conversion is performed by reading all data from storage device, converting format, and rewriting to storage device, then format compatibility between migration-source and migration-destination storage apparatuses is achieved, but processing load on storage apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service format conversion within the storage apparatus itself, where the format conversion unit is integrated into the storage system's own processing capabilities. Rather than requiring external systems to perform conversion, the storage apparatus serves its own format conversion needs internally. This self-service approach distributes the processing load within the apparatus rather than concentrating it externally, managing complexity more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the format conversion function with the existing storage apparatus processing units. The format conversion unit is combined with the storage controller and data processing pathways, so that conversion operations are integrated into normal storage operations rather than being separate, standalone processes. This merging reduces overall system complexity by consolidating functions while maintaining format compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system comprises a storage apparatus and a storage device that is a basis for a storage area provided to the storage apparatus. The storage device determines whether or not a first format that is a format of data stored in the storage device and a second format that is a format of data utilized by the storage apparatus managing the data match with each other, and performs format conversion of either converting data in the first format to data in the second format or converting data in the second format to data in the first format in a case where the first format and the second format do not match with each other.