Storage Module Defragmentation via Host-Module Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fragmentation of files due to host fragmentation or storage module fragmentation degrades system performance by scattering files across non-consecutive logical or physical block addresses, making file retrieval and deletion inefficient, and existing systems lack effective defragmentation methods, especially in mobile computing where fragmentation levels are unknown.
Innovation Solution
A host controller communicates with a storage module to assess and mitigate fragmentation by sending logical block addresses and receiving fragmentation metrics, allowing the storage module to reorganize files into fewer physical blocks, either by transferring data between the host and storage module or by the storage module performing defragmentation internally, using specific writing modes to minimize fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If files are stored across multiple physical blocks to increase storage capacity, then storage utilization is improved, but file retrieval speed deteriorates due to fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary defragmentation actions by identifying fragmented files and consolidating their data into contiguous physical blocks before retrieval operations occur. The host controller proactively manages file placement and initiates defragmentation processes to ensure optimal storage organization ahead of read operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The host controller receives fragmentation metrics from the storage module and uses this feedback information to make informed decisions about file placement and defragmentation timing. This closed-loop system allows the host to adjust its file management strategy based on actual fragmentation levels and storage conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the host controller reads and writes files back to the storage module to defragment them, then file organization is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to additional data transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage module performs self-service defragmentation by autonomously consolidating fragmented files within its own memory architecture. The storage controller identifies fragmented data and reorganizes it without requiring external host intervention, thereby eliminating performance-degrading data transfers while maintaining effective file organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system shifts the defragmentation operation from the host-storage interface dimension to the internal storage module dimension. By performing defragmentation within the storage module's own memory space rather than transferring data to and from the host, the system resolves fragmentation without incurring the performance penalty of additional data transfers.
3Device complexity
If the host controller manages defragmentation without knowing fragmentation levels, then system complexity is reduced, but defragmentation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage module acts as an intermediary that measures fragmentation levels and communicates this information to the host controller. This intermediary role allows the host to make informed defragmentation decisions without requiring complex monitoring capabilities, while still achieving precise and effective defragmentation based on actual fragmentation metrics.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage module and host device for storage module defragmentation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a host controller sends a storage module a first set of logical block addresses of a file stored in the storage module. The host controller receives a metric from the storage module indicative of a fragmentation level of the file in physical blocks of memory in the storage module. If the metric is greater than a threshold, the host controller reads the file and then writes it back to the storage module using a different set of logical block addresses. To avoid sending the file back and forth, in another embodiment, the host controller sends the fragmentation threshold and the different set of logical block addresses to the storage module. The storage module then moves the file itself if the metric indicative of the fragmentation level is greater than the threshold. Other embodiments are provided.