Storage Partition Resizing Without Downtime Using Backup Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses with fixed storage partition sizes face operational challenges when resizing partitions, as they cannot be used during the data evacuation, reconfiguration, and formatting process, leading to downtime.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second storage unit that allows for the use of backup partitions during partition size change processing, enabling continuous operation by shifting functions to the second storage unit during resizing, and rewriting data back to the main storage unit once resizing is complete.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If partition size change processing is performed on the first storage unit, then the partition size can be adjusted according to usage needs, but the apparatus cannot be used during the processing period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition size adjustmentVSAvoiddowntime during resizing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second storage unit acts as an intermediary during partition resizing operations. When the first storage unit is being resized, the second storage unit temporarily assumes the storage function, allowing the apparatus to remain operational. The processor switches to using the second storage unit during the resizing process, then transfers data back after resizing completes, eliminating downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The second storage unit is prepared in advance as a backup storage unit, already configured and ready to take over storage functions. This preliminary preparation ensures that when resizing is needed, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared second storage unit without interruption, rather than having to set up alternative storage during the resizing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the size of storage partitions is fixed, then the storage structure is simple and stable, but it cannot be dynamically adjusted according to usage needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structure stabilityVSAvoidpartition size flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage partition system transitions from a static, fixed-size configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The processor can now change partition sizes on the first storage unit based on usage requirements, while the second storage unit provides a safety mechanism that maintains system stability during these dynamic changes by serving as a temporary backup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10120610B2Electronic apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes: a first storage unit divided into a plurality of first partitions that are used for respectively executing a plurality of different functions; a second storage unit different from the first storage unit; and a processor that acquires a size change request for changing a size of at least one of the first partitions, carries out processing for changing the size of at least one of the first partitions upon acquiring the size change request, and uses the second storage unit in executing at least one of the functions during the size change processing.