JP2013250831A - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid lowering of data write performance.SOLUTION: A storage part stores data for each cluster. A writing processing part performs processing of writing data in units of a file with a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters being a standard. When adding data to a file that has been stored in the storage part, and when there is a cluster in which no data is written in a unit allocated to an object file to be added, the writing processing part writes data to the cluster. On the other hand, when there is no cluster in which no data is written in a unit allocated to an object file to be added, the writing processing part newly allocates a unit to an object file to be added, and writes data into the cluster of the unit. The present technique can be applied to, for example, an information processing device in which flush memories are used for a storage part.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly, to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can avoid a decrease in data writing performance.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an OS (Operating System) that controls a computer is a file system that manages the physical location of data stored in a storage device, for example, FAT (File Allocation Tables) when data is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk. ). In general, in a file system, data is managed in units called clusters. The normal allocation algorithm of FAT stipulates that the next free cluster is assigned to newly written data, starting from the cluster to which data was assigned immediately before.

  However, in the conventional file system, fragmentation is likely to occur due to repeated writing and deletion of files. When a fragment is generated, the data writing speed is lower than when no fragment is generated, that is, when data can be continuously written to the cluster. For example, it is assumed that the performance is degraded. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the occurrence of fragments in order to avoid performance degradation.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fragment prevention file system that performs a reservation with a reserved size corresponding to a file size by comparing the file size with a plurality of preset threshold values during file writing processing. ing.

JP 2005-135126 A

  By the way, in the fragment prevention file system disclosed by the above-mentioned patent document 1, since the size of the file needs to be grasped in advance, the management table is complicated. Therefore, it is required to suppress the occurrence of fragments with a simpler configuration to avoid a decrease in data writing performance.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to avoid a decrease in data writing performance.

  An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure performs a process of writing data in units of files using a storage unit that stores data for each cluster and a unit including a predetermined number of clusters in the storage unit And a writing processing unit.

  An information processing method or program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a step of storing data in a storage unit for each cluster, and writing data in units of files in the storage unit with reference to a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters. including.

  In one aspect of the present disclosure, data in units of files is written on the basis of units composed of a predetermined number of clusters in a storage unit that stores data for each cluster.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid a decrease in data writing performance.

It is a figure explaining the writing of the data based on the conventional file system. It is a figure explaining the writing of the data based on the conventional file system. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of an embodiment of an information processor to which this art is applied. It is a figure explaining the process which a file management part writes data in a memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining the process which a file management part writes data in a memory | storage part. It is a flowchart explaining the process in which a file management part writes data in a memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining the integration process of a file. And FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a computer to which the present technology is applied.

  First, before describing specific embodiments to which the present technology is applied, file writing based on a conventional file system will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a storage area consisting of 16 clusters identified by address 0x00, 16 clusters identified by address 0x10, and 16 clusters identified by address 0x20. Yes. Further, in FIGS. 1 and 2, an arrow is marked for a cluster which is a starting point for writing data.

  First, as shown in the uppermost part of FIG. 1, when no data is stored in the storage area, the first cluster at address 0x00 is the starting point for writing data. When the writing of the file 1 occurs, the file 1 is allocated in order from the first cluster of the address 0x00. For example, when the file 1 composed of data for 6 clusters is written in the storage area, the 7th cluster at the next available address 0x00 is the starting point for writing the next data.

  Thereafter, when the file 2 is written, the file 2 is allocated in order from the seventh cluster of the address 0x00. For example, when file 2 consisting of data for 7 clusters is written in the storage area, the 14th cluster at the next available address 0x00 is the starting point for writing the next data. At this time, when a write to be added to file 1 occurs, file 1 is allocated in order from the 14th cluster at address 0x00, and as shown in FIG. 1, the fifth free address 0x10 is next assigned. The cluster is the starting point for writing the next data.

  Here, when the file 2 is deleted as shown in the uppermost part of FIG. 2, the starting point for writing the next data is the first cluster in which the file 2 was stored, that is, the seventh cluster at the address 0x00. The

  When the writing of the file 3 occurs, the file 3 is allocated in order from the seventh cluster at the address 0x00. For example, when the file 3 composed of data for three clusters is written in the storage area, the tenth cluster at the next available address 0x00 is the starting point for writing the next data.

  At this time, four clusters from the 10th to the 13th at the address 0x00 are continuously vacant. For example, when writing of the file 4 composed of data for 5 clusters occurs, the file 4 is discontinuously stored. A cluster will be assigned. That is, the file 4 is written in pieces in four consecutive clusters from the 10th to the 13th at the address 0x00 and one fifth cluster at the address 0x10. In this way, fragments are generated in which files are stored in fragments.

  Thereafter, when the data to be added to the file 3 is written, the data is written from the sixth cluster at the address 0x10.

  As described above, in the conventional file system, a fragment is easily generated by repeatedly writing and deleting a file.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus to which the present technology is applied.

  In FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 11 includes a file management unit 12 and a storage unit 13, and data to be stored in the storage unit 13 is supplied to the information processing apparatus 11 from an external block (not shown). The

  The file management unit 12 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The file management unit 12 performs file management of data to be written in the storage unit 13 by executing a program stored in the memory. Do.

  The storage unit 13 includes, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory (for example, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)), and stores data in units of clusters.

  Here, in the information processing apparatus 11, a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters is defined in advance, and it is defined to write data in units of files on the basis of the unit. For example, when the storage unit 13 is a flash memory configured to erase data in batches for each predetermined storage area, the information processing apparatus 11 has the same size as the data erased (erase block size). Units can be set to size. At this time, the unit is set so that the cluster that is the head of the erase block size matches the cluster that is the head of the unit.

  The file management unit 12 includes a write processing unit 21, a management information holding unit 22, a file search unit 23, a list holding unit 24, and a defragmenting processing unit 25.

  When data to be written to the storage unit 13 is supplied from an external block (not shown), the write processing unit 21 refers to the management information held in the management information holding unit 22 and determines which cluster the data is written to Then, a process of writing data in the storage unit 13 is performed.

  In the management information holding unit 22, for example, information indicating a unit to which an already stored file is allocated, information indicating a cluster serving as a starting point when data is added to the file, and a file is newly allocated to the unit. Information indicating a cluster serving as a starting point when data is written is stored as management information.

  For example, when data to be added to a file already stored in the storage unit 13 is supplied, the write processing unit 21 receives a cluster in which data is not written in a unit to which the file is assigned (hereinafter, as appropriate). Whether there is an empty cluster) is determined. When there is an empty cluster in the unit, information indicating a cluster that is a starting point when data is added to the file is held in the management information holding unit 22 as management information. Therefore, if the management information holding unit 22 holds information indicating a cluster serving as a starting point when data is added to the file, the write processing unit 21 allocates the file. It is determined that there is an empty cluster in the specified unit. Then, the write processing unit 21 performs a process of writing data from the empty cluster that is the starting point.

  On the other hand, if the management information holding unit 22 does not hold information indicating a cluster serving as a starting point when data is added to the file, the write processing unit 21 allocates the file. It is determined that there is no empty cluster in the specified unit. In this case, the write processing unit 21 newly allocates a unit in which data is not written in all clusters (hereinafter referred to as an empty unit as appropriate) to the supplied data file. At this time, the write processing unit 21 changes the unit in which the cluster is set to the file of the supplied data based on the information indicating the cluster that is the starting point when data is newly allocated to the unit and data is written. assign. Then, the write processing unit 21 performs a process of writing data from a cluster serving as a starting point when a file is newly allocated to the unit and data is written.

  For example, when there is no empty unit, the write processing unit 21 instructs the file search unit 23 to search for a file stored in the storage unit 13.

  The file search unit 23 searches for a file stored in the storage unit 13 in accordance with an instruction from the write processing unit 21. For example, the file search unit 23 searches for a file whose update date is older than a certain value, and if there is an empty cluster in the unit to which the file is assigned, the unit is held in the list holding unit 24. Register to the list. Then, when a unit having a certain number or more of empty clusters is registered in the list, the file search unit 23 selects a desired unit from the list and notifies the write processing unit 21 as a search result.

  In response to this, the write processing unit 21 performs a process of writing data to the empty cluster of the unit in which the file selected by the file search unit 23 is stored.

  The list holding unit 24 holds the list created by the file search unit 23, that is, a unit to which a file having an update date and time older than a certain value is assigned and a unit having an empty cluster is registered. In the list held by the list holding unit 24, the number of empty clusters that the unit has is registered in association with the unit.

  When a command for executing defragmentation according to a user operation is supplied from an external block (not shown), the defragmentation processing unit 25 performs defragmentation processing for eliminating data fragmentation generated in the storage unit 13. Further, when performing the defragmentation process, the defragmentation processing unit 25 performs an integration process of collectively allocating a plurality of files to one unit as will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the file management unit 12 manages the writing of data in units of files on the basis of units.

  Next, a process in which the file management unit 12 writes data to the storage unit 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  4 and 5 show a storage area composed of 16 clusters identified by address 0x00, 16 clusters identified by address 0x10, and 16 clusters identified by address 0x20. Yes. In FIGS. 4 and 5, an arrow is marked for the cluster that is the starting point for writing data.

  Furthermore, in the file management unit 12, as described above, a unit serving as a reference when writing data in file units is set. In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, a unit composed of 8 clusters is used, and the first unit composed of 1st to 8th clusters and 9th to 16th in each address. The second unit composed of the clusters up to is set.

  First, as shown in the uppermost part of FIG. 4, when no data is stored in the storage area, the first cluster at the address 0x00 is the starting point for writing data. When the data of file 1 is supplied, the write processing unit 21 assigns file 1 in order from the first cluster at address 0x00.

  For example, when file 1 consisting of data for 6 clusters is supplied, write processing unit 21 assigns the first unit at address 0x00 to file 1 and assigns data to the first to sixth clusters at address 0x00. Write. Thereafter, the write processing unit 21 manages the management information holding unit 22 using the seventh cluster at the address 0x00, which is the first empty cluster in the first unit at the address 0x00, as a starting point when data is added to the file 1. Update information. At this time, the write processing unit 21 uses the leading cluster of the empty unit next to the unit to which the file 1 is assigned as a starting point when writing data by newly assigning the file to the unit, and the management information holding unit 22 Update management information for. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the ninth cluster, which is the first cluster in the second unit at the address 0x00, is the starting point when data is newly allocated to the unit and data is written.

  When the next data is supplied to the file management unit 12, the write processing unit 21 determines whether the data is data to be added to the file 1. For example, if the next data is from file 2 different from file 1, write processing unit 21 assigns file 2 to the second unit at address 0x00, and has address 0x00 set as the starting point. A process of writing data from the ninth cluster is performed.

  In the example of FIG. 4, a file 2 consisting of data for 7 clusters is written from the 9th cluster at the address 0x00. Thereafter, the write processing unit 21 manages the management information storage unit 22 using the 16th cluster at the address 0x00, which is the first empty cluster in the second unit at the address 0x00, as the starting point when data is added to the file 2. Update information. At this time, the write processing unit 21 newly adds a file to the first cluster in the empty unit next to the unit to which the file 2 is allocated (the first cluster at the address 0x10 in the example of FIG. 4). The management information in the management information holding unit 22 is updated as a starting point when data is allocated and written.

  When the next data is supplied to the file management unit 12, the write processing unit 21 determines whether the data is data to be added to the file 1 or 2. For example, when the next data is to be added to the file 1, the write processing unit 21 receives the data from the seventh cluster at the address 0x00 set as the starting point for writing the data to be added to the file 1. Perform the writing process.

  At this time, in the first unit of the address 0x00 to which the file 1 is assigned, the empty clusters are only the seventh and eighth clusters of 0x00. Therefore, when more than two clusters of data are additionally written, the write processing unit 21 writes data to the seventh and eighth clusters at address 0x00, and then newly assigns a file to the unit and writes the data. The first unit at address 0x10 is assigned to file 1 based on the starting cluster. That is, when data is written to all the clusters of the first unit at address 0x00 to which file 1 is assigned, write processing unit 21 writes the remaining five clusters of data from the first cluster at address 0x10. Process.

  Thereafter, the write processing unit 21 updates the management information in the management information holding unit 22 using the sixth cluster, which is the first empty cluster of the first unit at the address 0x10, as a starting point when data is added to the file 1. To do. Further, at this time, the write processing unit 21 newly adds the file to the unit of the first cluster of the empty unit next to the unit to which the file 1 is assigned (in the example of FIG. 5, the ninth cluster at the address 0x10). Management information is updated as a starting point when data is allocated and written.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the file 2 is deleted, the second unit at the address 0x00 to which the file 2 is assigned becomes an empty unit. At this time, the cluster which becomes the starting point when data is newly assigned to the unit and data is written is not changed, and the ninth cluster at the address 0x10 remains unchanged.

  Further, when the next data is supplied to the file management unit 12, the write processing unit 21 determines whether the data is data to be added to the file 1. For example, if the next data is from file 3 different from file 1, write processing unit 21 assigns the second unit at address 0x10 to file 3 and has address 0x10 set as the starting point. A process of writing data from the ninth cluster is performed.

  As described above, when it becomes necessary to write a file across units, the file management unit 12 performs a process of writing data from the first cluster of the unit to which the file is assigned. In this way, by writing data in units of files based on a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters, even if data writing and deletion are repeated using the storage unit 13 for a long period of time, the fragment Excessive generation can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a decrease in data writing speed assumed when a fragment occurs, and to avoid a decrease in performance.

  Specifically, in the information processing apparatus 11, when data writing and deletion are repeated for a predetermined time under a predetermined condition, for example, the average writing speed is about 1.5 as compared with a configuration using a conventional FAT. It was confirmed that the minimum writing speed was about 2.5 times.

  Further, in a configuration in which a flash memory is employed as the storage unit 13, it is possible to extend the life by extending the life determined from the number of writable times. In other words, in the flash memory, when erasing a part of the files in the erase block, it is assumed that the lifetime is shortened by writing to move data other than the file to be erased. Yes. On the other hand, in the information processing apparatus 11, by setting the unit to be the same size as the erase block size, writing for moving data as described above does not occur when a file is erased. Longevity can be achieved.

  In addition, since the information processing apparatus 11 uses, for example, a cluster conforming to the FAT specification, compatibility with other apparatuses can be ensured. Furthermore, since the information processing apparatus 11 does not need to know the size of the file to be written, the management table is compared with a system that compares the file size with a plurality of preset threshold values. There is no complication. That is, the information processing apparatus 11 can suppress the occurrence of fragments with a simpler configuration than the conventional fragment prevention file system.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing in which the file management unit 12 writes data to the storage unit 13.

  When data is supplied to the file management unit 12, the processing is started. In step S11, the write processing unit 21 refers to the management information stored in the management information holding unit 22, and whether the supplied data is data to be added to a file already stored in the storage unit 13. Determine whether or not. For example, a unit is assigned to a file already stored in the storage unit 13, and information indicating the unit to which the file is assigned is held as management information of the management information holding unit 22. Accordingly, the write processing unit 21 determines that the supplied data is data to be additionally written when the information indicating the unit to which the file is allocated is held in the management information of the management information holding unit 22.

  If the write processing unit 21 determines in step S11 that the supplied data is data to be added to the file already stored in the storage unit 13, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the write processing unit 21 refers to the management information in the management information holding unit 22 and determines whether there is an empty cluster in the unit to which the file of data to be added is assigned. For example, when there is an empty cluster in a unit to which a file that has already been stored is allocated, information indicating a cluster that is a starting point when data is added to the file is held as management information of the management information holding unit 22. ing. Therefore, the write processing unit 21 is assigned a file of data to be added when information indicating a cluster that is a starting point when data is added to the file is held in the management information of the management information holding unit 22. Determine that the unit has an empty cluster.

  In step S12, when the write processing unit 21 determines that there is an empty cluster in the unit to which the file of data to be added is assigned, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the write processing unit 21 performs a process of writing data to an empty cluster of a unit to which a file of data to be added is assigned. At this time, the write processing unit 21 writes the data in order from the cluster that is the starting point when data is added to the file.

  In step S <b> 14, the write processing unit 21 updates the management information in the management information holding unit 22 using the first empty cluster in the unit to which the file in which the data is added is allocated as a starting point when the data is added to the file. . After the process of step S14, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the supplied data is not data to be added to a file already stored in the storage unit 13, or a file of data to be added is stored in step S12. If it is determined that there is no empty cluster in the unit, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the write processing unit 21 refers to the management information in the management information holding unit 22 and determines whether there is an empty unit in the storage unit 13. As described above, the starting point when a file is newly allocated to a unit and data is written is set to the head cluster of the empty unit next to the unit to which the file is allocated. Accordingly, the write processing unit 21 stores empty information in the storage unit 13 when information indicating a cluster serving as a starting point when data is newly allocated to a unit and data is written is held in the management information of the management information holding unit 22. It is determined that there is a unit.

  In step S15, when the write processing unit 21 determines that there is an empty unit in the storage unit 13, the processing proceeds to step S13, and the above-described processing is performed. In this case, in step S13, the write processing unit 21 writes data in order starting from the cluster serving as a starting point when a file is newly allocated to the unit and data is written. In step S14, the write processing unit 21 updates the management information in the management information holding unit 22 in response to the writing.

  On the other hand, when the write processing unit 21 determines in step S15 that there is no empty unit in the storage unit 13, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the write processing unit 21 instructs the file search unit 23 to search for a file whose update date is older than a certain value. When the file search unit 23 detects a file whose update date is older than a certain value, The process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the file search unit 23 determines whether there is an empty cluster in the unit to which the file detected in step S16 is assigned.

  In step S17, if the file search unit 23 determines that there is no empty cluster in the unit, that is, if data is stored in all the clusters of the unit, the process returns to step S16, and the same process is repeated thereafter. It is. Note that, for example, when the processing is repeated and there is no empty cluster in all the units to which files whose update date is older than a certain value are not present, the file search unit 23 displays an upper level not shown. Notify the control unit. In this case, a message indicating that data cannot be written is notified to the user, and the process is stopped.

  On the other hand, if the file search unit 23 determines in step S17 that there is an empty cluster in the unit, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the file search unit 23 registers the unit to which the file detected in step S16 is assigned in the list held in the list holding unit 24. At this time, the file search unit 23 registers the number of empty clusters included in the unit registered in the list in the list in association with the unit.

  In step S <b> 19, the file search unit 23 determines whether or not the number of units having empty clusters in the list of the list holding unit 24 is equal to or greater than a certain number.

  In step S19, when the file search unit 23 determines that the number of registered units having an empty cluster is not a certain number (that is, the number of registered units having an empty cluster is less than a certain number), the process proceeds to step S16. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the file search unit 23 determines in step S19 that the number of registered units having an empty cluster is equal to or greater than a certain number, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20, the file search unit 23 selects a unit having the largest number of empty clusters among the units registered in the list of the list holding unit 24 and notifies the write processing unit 21 of the unit.

  In step S21, the write processing unit 21 refers to the management information in the management information holding unit 22, and identifies the first empty cluster in the unit notified from the file search unit 23 in step S20 as a starting point for writing data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13, where the above-described process is performed. In this case, in step S13, the write processing unit 21 writes data in order from the cluster that is the starting point specified in step S21, and in step S14, the management information holding unit 22 corresponds to this write. Update management information for. Further, in step S14, the write processing unit 21 updates the list held in the list holding unit 24 with respect to the unit for which writing has been performed, changes the number of empty clusters included in the unit, or lists the unit. Or delete from.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 11, even when there is no empty unit, data can be written into an empty cluster of a unit to which an old file having an update date and time equal to or greater than a certain value is assigned. By using a list in which units having an empty cluster among the units to which old files with an update date and time more than a certain value are assigned, the processing speed of the process for identifying the cluster to which data is written can be improved.

  In addition, for example, if there is no empty unit, the unit to which data is to be written is a unit to which an old file with a certain update date and time is assigned, so that the possibility of additional writing to that file is low The occurrence of defragmentation can be suppressed. In addition, the processing speed can be improved as compared with the case where all units are searched. Note that, when there are no empty units, the units for which data is to be written may be assigned in the order of update date and time.

  Further, in step S20 of FIG. 6, in addition to selecting the unit having the largest number of empty clusters, for example, the units may be selected in order from the unit to which the file with the oldest update date is assigned.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 11, when the defragmenting unit 25 performs the defragmentation process according to the user's operation, it is possible to perform an integration process that collectively allocates a plurality of files to one unit.

  Next, file integration processing by the defragmentation processing unit 25 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows clusters identified by addresses 0x00 to 0x20, as in FIGS. 4 and 5. The file 1 is assigned to the first and second units of the address 0x00, and the data of the file 1 is stored from the first cluster to the tenth cluster of the address 0x00. The file 2 is assigned to the first unit at the address 0x10, and the data of the file 2 is stored in the first cluster at the address 0x10. In addition, the file 3 is assigned to the second unit at the address 0x10, and the data of the file 2 is stored in the ninth and tenth clusters at the address 0x10.

  The defragmenter 25 assigns a plurality of files having data smaller than a certain size with respect to the unit size to one unit, and performs an integration process for collecting these files. In addition, even if the file has data larger than the size of the unit, the defrag processing unit 25 determines that if the data is less than a certain size in the unit to which the data at the end of the file is assigned. Data is subject to integration processing.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, files 2 and 3 that are data of a certain size or less with respect to the unit size are targeted for integration processing. Further, the data of the file 1 in the second unit at the address 0x00 to which the last data of the file 1 is assigned is the target of the integration process.

  Accordingly, the defragmentation processing unit 25 performs an integration process of assigning the last data of the file 1, the file 2, and the file 3 to the second unit at the address 0x00. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, file 2 is written to the eleventh cluster at address 0x00, and file 3 is written to the twelfth and thirteenth clusters at address 0x00.

  As described above, when the defragmentation processing unit 25 performs the integration process, the information processing apparatus 11 assigns a file with a small amount of data to the unit, so that the ratio of the areas used for data storage in the storage unit 13. Can be avoided. That is, the storage unit 13 can be used more efficiently.

  Note that the defrag processing unit 25 processes a file whose update date and time, which is assumed to have a low possibility of being updated, for a certain period of time as a target of the integration process.

  In addition, for example, it is assumed that defragmentation can be suppressed by setting the cluster size to a large size. However, when the cluster size is set to a large size in this way, the data of multiple files are stored in the cluster. Cannot be remembered. Therefore, if a file having a size smaller than the size of the cluster is stored, the use efficiency of the storage area is lowered. On the other hand, since the information processing apparatus 11 can allocate a plurality of files to the unit, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the usage efficiency of the storage unit 13.

  In addition, the defragmentation processing unit 25 can perform the integration process at regular intervals, for example, in addition to performing the integration process when performing the defragmentation according to the user's operation. Alternatively, the defrag processing unit 25 can perform the integration process at the timing when files are allocated to all the units set in the storage unit 13 or when the number of empty units becomes a predetermined number or less. As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid executing the processing that occurs when there is no empty unit in the storage unit 13, and the writing speed can be improved.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 11, the file management unit 12 performs processing by storing metadata used for managing the files stored in the storage unit 13 in a part of the storage unit 13. At that time, metadata is handled in cluster units, and a unit for metadata can be provided in the storage unit 13.

  Usually, the size of metadata used for file management is smaller than the size of a unit, and when a unit is allocated for each metadata, it is assumed that the use efficiency of the storage unit 13 is lowered. . Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 11, a metadata unit is provided in the storage unit 13, and writing of data is performed in units of clusters in the metadata unit, thereby avoiding a decrease in usage efficiency of the storage unit 13. it can.

  Note that the processes described with reference to the flowcharts described above do not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order in the order described in the flowcharts, but are performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processes or objects). Processing). The program may be processed by one CPU, or may be distributedly processed by a plurality of CPUs.

  Further, the above-described series of processing (information processing method) can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, the program is installed in a general-purpose personal computer from a program recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program.

  In a computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 are connected to each other via a bus 104.

  An input / output interface 105 is further connected to the bus 104. The input / output interface 105 includes an input unit 106 including a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone, an output unit 107 including a display and a speaker, a storage unit 108 including a hard disk and nonvolatile memory, and a communication unit 109 including a network interface. A drive 110 for driving a removable medium 111 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is connected.

  In the computer configured as described above, the CPU 101 loads, for example, the program stored in the storage unit 108 to the RAM 103 via the input / output interface 105 and the bus 104 and executes the program. Is performed.

  The program executed by the computer (CPU 101) is, for example, a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.), a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor. The program is recorded on a removable medium 111 that is a package medium including a memory or the like, or is provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

  The program can be installed in the storage unit 108 via the input / output interface 105 by attaching the removable medium 111 to the drive 110. Further, the program can be received by the communication unit 109 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 108. In addition, the program can be installed in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 108 in advance.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1)
An information processing apparatus comprising: a write processing unit that performs a process of writing data in units of files on the basis of a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters to a storage unit that stores data for each cluster.
(2)
When the write processing unit appends data to a file already stored in the storage unit,
When there is the cluster in which no data is written in the unit assigned to the file to be added, the data is written from the cluster,
In the case where there is no cluster in which no data is written in the unit assigned to the file to be added, the unit is newly assigned to the file to be added, and from the cluster of the unit. The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein data is written.
(3)
A file search unit for searching for an old file whose update date and time stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a certain value;
A list holding unit that holds a list in which the unit having the cluster in which no data is written among the units to which the file detected by the file search unit is allocated is further provided (1) Or the information processing apparatus according to (2).
(4)
The file search unit, when a file is assigned to all the clusters of the storage unit, the desired unit from the list in which a predetermined number of the units are registered as a target to which data is newly written. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3).
(5)
The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein the file search unit selects the unit having the largest number of the clusters in which no data is written from the list in which a predetermined number of the units are registered.
(6)
The information processing unit according to (4), wherein the file search unit selects the units in order from the unit to which a file having an old update date / time is assigned from the list in which a predetermined number of the units are registered. apparatus.
(7)
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), further including a management information holding unit that holds, as management information, information indicating the cluster from which the write processing unit starts writing data.
(8)
The information processing apparatus according to (7), wherein the management information holding unit holds, as management information, information indicating a unit to which a file already stored in the storage unit is assigned.
(9)
The management information holding unit, as a starting point when adding data to a file, of the clusters of the unit in which data is written in order from the first cluster, the first cluster to which no data is written Information processing apparatus as described in said (7) which hold | maintains the information which shows as management information.
(10)
The management information holding unit is a unit next to the unit to which the last written file is assigned as a starting point when a file is newly assigned to the unit and data is written, and the file assignment The information processing apparatus according to (7), wherein information indicating a leading cluster of the unit that is not used is held as management information.
(11)
When the storage unit is configured to erase data in batches for each predetermined storage area, the unit is set to match a predetermined storage area for batch data deletion (1 ) To (10).
(12)
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), further including an integration processing unit that performs processing of assigning and integrating a plurality of files including data of a predetermined size or less to one unit.
(13)
The information processing apparatus according to (12), wherein the integrated processing unit targets a file whose update date and time has passed for a certain period of time.
(14)
The write processing unit writes data for each cluster in the unit provided for use in storing predetermined data used for managing files stored in the storage unit (1) To (13).

  Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Information processing apparatus, 12 File management part, 13 Storage part, 21 Write processing part, 22 Management information holding part, 23 File search part, 24 List holding part, 25 Defragmenting part

Claims (16)

A storage unit for storing data for each cluster;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a write processing unit that performs a process of writing data in units of files on the basis of a unit configured by a predetermined number of clusters to the storage unit. When the write processing unit appends data to a file already stored in the storage unit,
When there is the cluster in which no data is written in the unit assigned to the file to be added, the data is written from the cluster,
In the case where there is no cluster in which no data is written in the unit assigned to the file to be added, the unit is newly assigned to the file to be added, and from the cluster of the unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is written. A file search unit for searching for an old file whose update date and time stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a certain value;
The list holding unit that holds a list in which the unit having the cluster in which no data is written among the units to which the file detected by the file search unit is allocated is further included. The information processing apparatus described. The file search unit, when a file is assigned to all the clusters of the storage unit, the desired unit from the list in which a predetermined number of the units are registered as a target to which data is newly written. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 to be selected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the file search unit selects the unit having the largest number of the clusters in which no data is written from the list in which a predetermined number of the units are registered. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the file search unit selects the units in order from the unit to which the file with the oldest update date is assigned from the list in which a predetermined number of the units are registered. . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a management information holding unit that holds, as management information, information indicating the cluster from which the write processing unit starts writing data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the management information holding unit holds information indicating a unit to which a file already stored in the storage unit is assigned as management information. The management information holding unit, as a starting point when adding data to a file, of the clusters of the unit in which data is written in order from the first cluster, the first cluster to which no data is written The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein information indicating the management information is held as management information. The management information holding unit is a unit next to the unit to which the last written file is assigned as a starting point when a file is newly assigned to the unit and data is written, and the file assignment The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein information indicating a leading cluster of the unit that has not been stored is held as management information. 2. When the storage unit is configured to erase data in batches for each predetermined storage area, the unit is set to coincide with a predetermined storage area for erasing data in a batch. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an integration processing unit that performs processing for assigning and integrating a plurality of files including data of a predetermined size or less to one unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the integrated processing unit targets a file whose update date and time has passed for a certain period of time. The write processing unit writes data for each cluster in the unit provided for use in storing predetermined data used for managing files stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus described. Store the data for each cluster in the storage unit,
An information processing method including a step of writing data in units of files on the basis of a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters to the storage unit. Store the data for each cluster in the storage unit,
A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a step of writing data in units of files on the basis of a unit composed of a predetermined number of clusters to the storage unit.

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