Holographic Storage Write Scheduling Across Non-Contiguous Intervals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Holographic storage systems face inefficiencies in data write operations due to the need for continuous exposure times that are lengthy, which can be mitigated by staggering write operations across non-contiguous intervals.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a scheduling method that distributes write operations across multiple non-contiguous intervals with interleaved read operations, utilizing waveguide networks for spatial multiplexing without mechanical movement, employing active or passive light pipes to guide beams efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous exposure is used for write operations, then data recording reliability is improved, but total exposure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recording reliabilityVSAvoidtotal exposure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by dividing continuous exposure into multiple discrete write intervals separated by read intervals. The write operation is performed periodically at specific intervals rather than continuously, allowing the system to interrupt exposure for read operations while still achieving the required cumulative exposure time for reliable data recording.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the continuous write operation into multiple discrete write intervals that are distributed across different time periods. Each write interval contributes a portion of the total required exposure time, and the segmented approach allows interleaving with read operations without compromising overall recording reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If write operations are performed continuously, then data recording speed is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recording speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action to activate the light source only during necessary write intervals rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption. The beam is turned on and off in periodic cycles corresponding to write intervals, with read intervals in between where no writing energy is consumed, thereby maintaining productivity while lowering overall energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers time and energy by discarding continuous operation in favor of intermittent operation. During read intervals, the writing process is discarded/suspended, allowing the system to perform read operations without energy consumption for writing, and the cumulative effect of multiple write intervals achieves the same recording result with less total energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If multiple operations are performed simultaneously, then system utilization is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem utilizationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments operations into distinct write intervals and read intervals that are interleaved in time. This temporal segmentation allows the system to switch between writing and reading operations without requiring complex simultaneous multi-tasking mechanisms, thereby improving system utilization while keeping operational complexity manageable through clear temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic alternation between write and read operations, creating a rhythmic pattern of activity. This periodic structure simplifies control logic compared to arbitrary simultaneous operations, as the system follows a predictable cycle of writing for a duration, then switching to reading for a duration, improving utilization through better resource scheduling without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces the total aggregate exposure time required for data recording while maintaining data recoverability, enhancing storage capacity and efficiency in holographic data storage systems.

Implementation Method 1

a region (sub-volume) of the medium may be exposed to an optical interference pattern caused by interference between a reference beam and an input beam... With sufficient beam power and exposure time, the optical interference pattern causes a persistent state change within the sub-volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochemical recording: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

an optical interference pattern caused by interference between a reference beam and an input beam in which a set of data is embedded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP4128228B1Holographic storage
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4128228B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4128228B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2G
  • EP4128228B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

A method of performing a write operation in a holographic data storage system, in which schedule schedules at least one write operation across multiple non-contiguous write intervals, the write operation pertaining to a set of data to be stored in a region of a holographic recording medium. In each of the non-contiguous write intervals, the region of the holographic recording medium is exposed to an interference pattern caused by interference between a reference beam and an input beam carrying the set of data. The multiple non-contiguous write intervals have a total aggregate duration of sufficient length to cause a persistent state change in the exposed region, such that the set of data is recoverable from that region by the end of a final write interval of the multiple non-contiguous write intervals.