Dispersed Storage Retrieval Using Unique Read Combinations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer storage systems face challenges with data integrity and security due to the failure of memory devices, particularly those using physical movement technologies, which can lead to data loss and increased maintenance demands, and RAID systems suffer from efficiency and security issues as they require multiple redundant discs, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A distributed storage system that uses error-coded data slices stored across multiple physically diverse locations, allowing for reliable and secure data storage and retrieval through error correction and redundancy, while minimizing the need for redundant discs and enhancing security by dispersing data across multiple sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RAID systems use multiple redundant discs to protect against data loss, then data reliability is improved, but security risk increases due to unauthorized access to multiple copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into multiple slices and disperses them across different storage locations. Instead of creating redundant copies like RAID, the system divides the original data into fragments and stores them separately, so that no single location contains a complete copy. This segmentation approach maintains data reliability while improving security, as unauthorized access to one slice does not compromise the entire dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces error correction codes as an intermediary mechanism between the data slices and the reconstruction process. These codes enable the system to recover from data loss without requiring exact redundant copies, thereby reducing security risks associated with multiple accessible copies while maintaining reliability through mathematical reconstruction capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple redundant discs are used in RAID systems, then data protection is improved, but device complexity and maintenance demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data into slices that can be independently stored and managed across distributed locations. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex RAID controller logic and multiple synchronized discs, as each slice can be stored in simple, independent storage units. The segmentation approach reduces device complexity while maintaining data protection through distributed redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical RAID system with multiple physical discs and controllers with a distributed storage system using error correction codes and data slicing. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical synchronization requirements and controller logic, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving data protection through mathematical error correction mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant discs are used in RAID systems, then data protection is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates due to overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of data storage by introducing error correction codes and data slicing mechanisms. Instead of allocating fixed redundant space as in RAID, the system dynamically manages slice distribution and error correction overhead, optimizing storage efficiency while maintaining data protection. This parameter change enables more flexible and efficient use of storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical redundancy approach of RAID with error correction code-based protection. This substitution eliminates the need for additional redundant discs and associated overhead, as error correction codes can be integrated into the existing data structure. The result is improved storage efficiency while maintaining data protection through mathematical rather than mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
A centralized DVR includes a dispersed storage error encoding module, storage nodes, and a distribution module. The dispersed storage error encoding module encodes a broadcast of data in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices, which is stored in the storage nodes. For a first playback request, the distribution module determines a first unique combination and retrieves, as a first unique copy of the broadcast data from the storage nodes, encoded data slices of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices in accordance with the first unique combination. For a second playback request, the distribution module determines a second unique combination and retrieves, as a second unique copy of the broadcast data from the storage nodes, encoded data slices of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices in accordance with the second unique combination.