Transparent Storage Expansion via Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a flexible and easy way to extend storage capacity in devices without replacing the existing storage medium, especially in scenarios where storage is limited or embedded, such as in portable devices, while maintaining existing content and avoiding the need for re-installation of the operating system and applications.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using an add-on storage device that extends the storage capacity of a host device by coupling a removable storage device to the host, configuring the combined address spaces to operate transparently, allowing data transfer and content installation without erasing existing content or reformatting the memory, using a storage device with a host interface and a storage device interface for communication, and employing address translation logic to manage memory addresses beyond the initial address space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the currently available storage medium is replaced with another storage system having a larger storage means, then the storage capacity is improved, but the operating system and embedded applications must be re-installed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two independent parts: the original storage medium containing the operating system and applications, and the add-on storage device providing extended capacity. This segmentation allows the OS to remain on the original medium while data is stored on the add-on device, avoiding re-installation needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (file system driver and address translation logic) that mediates between the host device and the combined storage resources. This intermediary transparently manages the unified address space, allowing the OS to access extended storage without knowing about the physical separation or needing re-installation.
2Quantity of substance
If the storage medium is replaced, then the storage capacity is improved, but the existing content must be preserved through challenging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The file allocation table is pre-configured with entries for both the original storage medium and the add-on storage device before any data migration occurs. This preliminary setup creates a unified address space that automatically directs file operations to appropriate storage locations, eliminating complex manual content preservation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the file system structure that spans both storage mediums. The file allocation table maintains logical continuity across the original and add-on devices, allowing the OS to access files through a unified namespace without complex physical migration or preservation operations.
3Quantity of substance
If an add-on storage device is used to extend storage capacity, then the storage capacity is improved and content is preserved, but the address space must be managed transparently to the host device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the address space parameters by configuring the file allocation table to include entries for both the original storage medium and the add-on device. This parameter expansion creates a larger unified address space that the host device can access transparently, while the storage device controller manages the physical mapping internally.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device with a memory, a controller, a storage device interface and a host interface, and a method of data transfer to and from a storage device are provided. The storage device is operative to connect with a host device and the storage device interface is operative to couple with an add-on memory. When the host interface is connected to a host device, the controller is configured to receive a data transfer command specifying a memory address from the host interface; and if the memory address is beyond the address space of the memory, to route the data transfer command to the storage device interface for access to the add-on memory. The address space of the memory and an address space of the add-on memory are addressed as one integral address space transparently to the host.