Distributed File Routing for Secure Chunk Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage technologies lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized reconstruction of files, particularly in distributed systems where data is accessed and shared across multiple storage providers.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating an index of a file, partitioning it into encrypted chunks, and distributing these chunks across multiple storage providers using assigned routing paths, ensuring that no single provider has enough information to reconstruct the full file.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is distributed across multiple storage providers, then data security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides files into multiple encrypted chunks and distributes them across different storage providers. Each chunk is encrypted with a unique key, and no single storage provider receives enough chunks to reconstruct the original file. This segmentation approach directly improves data security while managing system complexity through automated routing rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that manages the distribution and routing of encrypted chunks between users and storage providers. This intermediary handles the complexity of key management, chunk routing, and reconstruction logic, thereby improving data security through centralized control while shielding users from the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If files are partitioned into encrypted chunks, then unauthorized reconstruction is prevented, but data retrieval complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized reconstruction preventionVSAvoiddata retrieval complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-encrypting files into chunks and establishing routing rules before distribution. The system pre-configures which storage providers receive which chunks and establishes retrieval paths in advance. This prevents unauthorized reconstruction while simplifying data retrieval, as the reconstruction logic is already determined during the initial distribution phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If routing paths are assigned to each chunk, then data durability is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata durabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically routes encrypted chunks to appropriate storage providers based on pre-established rules, and automatically retrieves chunks from the correct providers during reconstruction. This automation improves data durability through intelligent distribution while eliminating the need for manual operational intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3308287B1Distributed object routing
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3308287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308287B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3308287B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Storing a file to prevent unauthorized reconstruction of the file, including: generating an index of the file; partitioning the file into a plurality of chunks, wherein the index of the file includes an assigned routing path for each of the plurality of chunks; and routing each chunk into an assigned storage provider through the assigned routing path. Key words include partitioning and index.