Storage Network Data Distribution via Characteristic-Based Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face challenges such as being cumbersome, time-consuming, and lacking adequate redundancy and accessibility across different devices, making it difficult to manage and access personal data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method of allocating data to storage blocks in a storage network based on characteristics like storage capacity, likelihood of data loss, availability, and device characteristics, using storage agents to manage and distribute data across multiple devices, allowing for improved accessibility and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored on multiple devices in a storage network, then redundancy and accessibility are improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a storage network manager as an intermediary component that coordinates data allocation across multiple storage blocks. The manager receives data allocation requests, determines optimal distribution based on storage block characteristics, and manages the overall data distribution strategy, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining redundancy benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage system into independent storage blocks with distinct characteristics (capacity, reliability, availability, cost). Each storage block operates as an autonomous unit with defined properties, allowing the system to manage complexity by treating heterogeneous storage resources as standardized, manageable segments rather than a monolithic complex system
2Ease of operation
If data is distributed across multiple storage blocks, then accessibility and redundancy are improved, but data allocation time and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of storage blocks during system initialization or idle periods, establishing a profile of each storage block's capacity, reliability, availability, and cost characteristics. This pre-computed information is stored and reused during data allocation decisions, eliminating the need for real-time analysis and reducing allocation time while maintaining optimal accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The storage network manager implements feedback mechanisms that monitor storage block performance and availability in real-time. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust data allocation strategies, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring complete real-time analysis, thus balancing accessibility with allocation time
3Productivity
If storage block characteristics are considered in data allocation, then data distribution optimization is improved, but the complexity of allocation algorithms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex multi-dimensional allocation problem into a manageable decision framework by defining specific, measurable parameters for each storage block (capacity, reliability, availability, cost). These parameters are assigned weighted importance based on allocation policies, allowing the system to optimize data distribution efficiency through comparative parameter analysis rather than complex algorithmic processing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of allocating data to a storage block included in a storage network may include determining a plurality of characteristics associated with a storage block included in a storage network. The plurality of characteristics may include storage capacity of the storage block, available storage space of the storage block, likelihood of loss of data stored on the storage block, availability of the storage block with respect to the storage network, and use of the storage block. The method may further include allocating data to the storage block based on the plurality of characteristics.