Controller-Memory Watermarking Allocation for Storage Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage systems face challenges in reliably managing digital watermarks, particularly in determining whether to perform watermarking operations by the controller or memory, and in efficiently handling different types of data and watermarking requirements, which can lead to vulnerabilities and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device with a controller that determines whether to perform watermarking operations by itself or the memory, based on data importance, type, and location, allowing parallel processing across multiple memory dies, and segregating video frames for specific watermarking operations, thereby enhancing security and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the controller performs watermarking operations for all data, then watermarking reliability is improved, but controller processing load increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewatermarking reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the watermarking operation responsibility between the controller and memory device. The controller handles watermarking for important data while the memory device handles watermarking for less critical data, segmenting the workload to maintain reliability while improving overall processing throughput

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines whether the controller or memory device performs watermarking based on data importance, workload conditions, and operational requirements. This dynamic allocation optimizes the balance between watermarking reliability and processing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the memory device performs watermarking operations, then processing speed is improved, but watermarking security and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewatermarking processing speedVSAvoidwatermarking security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different watermarking operations are performed at different locations in the system based on data characteristics. Critical data undergoes controller-based watermarking for security, while non-critical data uses memory-based watermarking for speed, applying local quality differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If different watermarking operations are applied to different data types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewatermarking adaptabilityVSAvoidwatermarking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both the controller and memory device are equipped with watermarking capabilities, creating a universal system where either component can perform watermarking operations depending on requirements. This multi-functionality approach enhances adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If video frames are segregated and processed differently, then watermarking precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewatermarking precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Video frames are segmented into different types (e.g., I-frames, P-frames, B-frames) and processed with appropriate watermarking operations. Important frames receive more rigorous processing while less critical frames use optimized methods, improving precision without excessive time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different levels of watermarking processing are applied to different video frames based on their importance. Critical frames receive full processing while less important frames receive simplified processing, achieving adequate precision with reduced overall processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11575978B2Data storage device and method for reliable watermarking
Publication Date: 2023.02.07 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US11575978B2 patent drawing
  • US11575978B2 patent drawing
  • US11575978B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data storage device and method for reliable watermarking are provided. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether a watermarking operation to be performed on the data is to be performed by the controller or by the memory; in response to determining that the watermarking operation is to be performed by the controller, performing the watermarking operation; and in response to determining that the watermarking operation is to be performed by the memory, instruct the memory to perform the watermarking operation. Other embodiments are provided.