Data Transfer Device Manifest Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in efficiently transferring large-scale data sets across networks, where traditional methods are inadequate due to bandwidth limitations and the risk of incomplete or inaccurate data transfer, especially when data is moved between systems connected through different networks, potentially leading to permanent loss of data during deletion from client storage systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using network-attachable data transfer devices to physically transport data, generating source and receipt manifests to verify successful data transfer, and performing operations based on digital signature verification to ensure accurate data processing and prevent loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional network data transmission methods are used to transfer large-scale data sets, then network infrastructure can be utilized, but bandwidth limitations and transfer time constraints make the process impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The data transfer process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) physical transport phase where data is copied to removable storage devices and physically moved between locations, and (2) logical transfer phase where data is transmitted over networks. This segmentation allows the system to overcome network bandwidth limitations by utilizing physical transport for bulk data movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Removable storage devices serve as intermediary carriers between the source and destination systems. These devices enable data to be physically transported without requiring continuous network connection, effectively mediating the transfer process and eliminating the bottleneck of network bandwidth for large-scale data sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If physical transport of data is used to avoid network bandwidth limitations, then transfer speed improves, but verifying complete and accurate data transfer becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata transfer verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before the physical transport begins, a source manifest is generated that inventories all data objects to be transferred. This preliminary action creates a reference record that enables subsequent verification of complete and accurate data transfer by comparing what was copied against the manifest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A receipt manifest is generated after the physical transport and before deletion, providing feedback about which data objects were successfully received. This feedback mechanism enables the system to verify transfer completeness and accuracy, and to identify any discrepancies before permanent deletion occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If data is transferred using physical transport methods, then network infrastructure requirements are reduced, but determining successful transfer of large data sets becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork infrastructure requirementsVSAvoidtransfer success determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates copies of data objects during the physical transport phase by copying them to removable storage devices. This copying process is tracked through the source and receipt manifests, enabling determination of successful transfer without requiring complex network infrastructure or continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex network-based verification mechanisms with a simpler mechanical approach using physical manifests. Instead of relying on network protocols for verification, the system uses physical documentation (source and receipt manifests) that can be compared to determine transfer success, reducing the need for complex network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If data transfer operations are performed without verification mechanisms, then processing speed is maintained, but risk of incomplete or inaccurate data transfer increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddata transfer accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The source manifest is generated as a preliminary action before physical transport, creating a verified inventory of data objects. This preliminary verification step ensures accuracy is established before processing begins, allowing the system to maintain productivity while preventing incomplete or inaccurate transfers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The receipt manifest provides feedback after physical transport about which data objects were successfully received. This feedback mechanism enables the system to verify transfer accuracy without significantly impacting processing speed, as the verification occurs at boundary points rather than continuously during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3603025B1Migration of information via storage devices
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 AMAZON TECH INC
  • EP3603025B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3603025B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3603025B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device such as a network-attachable data transfer device may be configured to operate in a cluster to coordinate the storage of data. A first manifest may be generated inventorying a first set of data successfully transferred to the data transfer device from a data source. A second manifest may be generated inventorying a second set of data successfully transferred from the data transfer device to a data destination. The first manifest may be compared with the second manifest to determine a transfer status of one or more data objects. The transfer status may indicate one or more data objects successfully transferred to the data destination from the data source. The one or more objects may be processed according to the transfer status.