Storage System and Method for Memory Backlog Hinting for Variable Capacity

A storage system comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a controller configured to be in communication with the memory, wherein the controller is further configured to:
• provide a hint to a host device regarding a condition of the memory;
• receive a command from the host device to alter memory capacity to alter memory performance, wherein the command is in response to the hint provided to the host device;
• alter memory capacity to alter memory performance in response to receiving the command from the host device, wherein the altered memory capacity is maintainable by the storage system for only a limited amount of time;
• and
• perform one of the following:
• receive an instruction from the host device to cease altering memory capacity prior to an expiration of the limited amount of time, wherein the instruction to cease altering memory capacity is based on the host device's estimate of the limited amount of time;
• and
• in response to the instruction from the host device to cease altering memory capacity not being received prior to the expiration of the limited amount of time, inform the host device that the altered memory capacity is no longer maintainable by the storage system.

A storage system comprising:

• a memory;
• means for sending information regarding a state of the memory to a host device;
• means for receiving an instruction from the host device to alter memory capacity to alter memory performance, wherein the instruction is based on the information regarding the state of the memory sent to the host device;
• means for altering memory capacity to alter memory performance in response to receiving the instruction from the host device, wherein the altered memory capacity is maintainable by the storage system for only a limited amount of time;
• and
• means for performing one of the following:
• receiving an instruction from the host device to cease altering memory capacity prior to an expiration of the limited amount of time, wherein the instruction to cease altering memory capacity is based on the host device's estimate of the limited amount of time;
• and
• in response to the instruction from the host device to cease altering memory capacity not being received prior to the expiration of the limited amount of time, informing the host device that the altered memory capacity is no longer maintainable by the storage system.