Storage System Logical Unit Management Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face inefficiencies in managing logical volumes due to the need for large management information pages, leading to either wasted space or increased memory usage, especially when managing format management information across multiple storage units in a RAID configuration.
Innovation Solution
A storage system divides the management-information logical unit into a former page area and a latter page area, calculating the necessary number of management information pages based on the capacity of access-target logical units and allocating format management information accordingly, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of format management information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If management information is stored using fixed-size pages, then the storage structure is simple, but either useless storage space occurs when management information is small or the number of pages increases when management information is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the management information storage into two distinct regions: a first page area for small management information and a second page area for large management information. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different sizes of management information without wasting space, as each region is optimized for its specific use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of management information pages based on the actual size of the management information. The controller determines whether to allocate to the first page area or second page area based on the capacity of the access-target logical unit, making the storage structure flexible rather than fixed.
2Loss of substance
If the page size for management information is reduced, then storage space efficiency improves, but the number of pages required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management information storage into two areas with different characteristics. The first page area uses smaller pages for efficient space utilization when management information is small, while the second page area uses larger pages when management information is large, reducing the total number of pages needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the page size parameter dynamically based on the capacity of the access-target logical unit. By adjusting the page size parameter according to actual needs, the system optimizes both storage space efficiency and the number of pages required.
3Device complexity
If the page size for management information is increased, then the number of pages decreases, but useless storage space occurs when management information is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate storage regions for different scenarios: the first page area for small management information and the second page area for large management information. This segmentation prevents useless storage space by matching the appropriate page area to the actual size of management information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using smaller pages in the first page area when management information is small, rather than forcing large pages throughout. This partial use of smaller pages eliminates excessive storage capacity while maintaining simplicity.
4Speed
If management information is stored in semiconductor memory, then access speed is fast, but the capacity is small and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hard disk drives (inexpensive storage) to store management information instead of semiconductor memory (expensive storage). This substitution prioritizes capacity and cost-effectiveness over raw speed, as the management information access patterns do not require the fastest possible access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the hard disk drive serve multiple functions: storing both user data and management information in a unified storage structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate expensive semiconductor memory for management information while maintaining system functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The size of management information pages for storing format management information is minimized and a management size of the management information pages is reduced.A storage system has a controller(s) for managing an area of a management-information logical unit, which stores format management information to manage whether an access-target logical unit has been formatted or not, by using a former page area and a latter page area, wherein when formatting the access-target logical unit, the controller: calculates a capacity of the format management information based on a capacity of the access-target logical unit; calculates the number of management information pages according to a ratio of the calculated capacity of the format management information to a page management unit; allocates the format management information of one page to the former page area and manages its storage location by using a former page area address; and allocates the format management information of two or more pages to the latter page areas and manages their storage locations by using latter page area addresses and a page length.