U.S. patent application number 16/240390 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for encoding data utilizing a zero information gain function.
The applicant listed for this patent is International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Gary W. Grube, Timothy W. Markison.
Application Number | 20190138393 16/240390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47993836 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190138393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grube; Gary W. ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
ENCODING DATA UTILIZING A ZERO INFORMATION GAIN FUNCTION
Abstract
A method begins by dispersed storage error encoding a data
segment of data in accordance with dispersed data storage
parameters to produce a set of encoded data slices (EDSs). The
method continues with selecting a subset of EDSs from the set of
EDSs. A number of encoded data slices included the subset of EDSs
is less than a decode threshold number of EDSs that is required to
reproduce the data segment. The method continues with generating a
subset of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slices, where
the data segment is able to be reproduced utilizing the subset of
EDSs and the subset of ZIG encoded data slices. The method
continues with sending the subset of EDSs to a first memory of the
DSN for storage therein and sending the subset of ZIG encoded data
slices to a second memory of the DSN for storage therein.
Inventors: |
Grube; Gary W.; (Barrington
Hills, IL) ; Markison; Timothy W.; (Mesa,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
International Business Machines Corporation |
Armonk |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47993836 |
Appl. No.: |
16/240390 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14217662 |
Mar 18, 2014 |
10216576 |
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16240390 |
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13611962 |
Sep 12, 2012 |
8677214 |
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14217662 |
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61542914 |
Oct 4, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03M 13/3761 20130101;
H03M 13/616 20130101; G06F 21/6227 20130101; H04L 67/1097 20130101;
H03M 13/19 20130101; H03M 13/23 20130101; H03M 13/1515 20130101;
H03M 13/15 20130101; H03M 13/09 20130101; H03M 11/08 20130101; H03M
13/2906 20130101; G06F 11/1076 20130101; G06F 11/1096 20130101;
H03M 13/152 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 11/10 20060101
G06F011/10; H03M 13/00 20060101 H03M013/00; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H03M 13/37 20060101 H03M013/37; G06F 21/62 20060101
G06F021/62 |
Claims
1. A method for execution by a computing device of a dispersed
storage network (DSN), the method comprises: dispersed storage
error encoding, by the computing device, a data segment of data in
accordance with dispersed data storage parameters to produce a set
of encoded data slices, wherein the dispersed data storage
parameters include a decode threshold number, and wherein the
decode threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of
encoded data slices is required to recover the data segment;
selecting, by the computing device, a subset of encoded data slices
from the set of encoded data slices, wherein a number of encoded
data slices included the subset of encoded data slices is less than
the decode threshold number; generating, by the computing device, a
subset of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slices, wherein
a first ZIG encoded data slice of the subset of ZIG encoded data
slices is generated by matrix multiplying a first decoding matrix
and a first encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices,
wherein the first encoded data slice is not included in the subset
of encoded data slices, and wherein the data segment is able to be
reproduced utilizing the subset of encoded data slices and the
subset of ZIG encoded data slices; sending, by the computing
device, the subset of encoded data slices to a first memory of the
DSN for storage therein; and sending, by the computing device, the
subset of ZIG encoded data slices to a second memory of the DSN for
storage therein.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the first ZIG encoded
data slice further comprises: matrix multiplying the first decoding
matrix and the first encoded data slice to produce a vector; and
matrix multiplying the vector by a row of an encoding matrix
corresponding to the first encoded data slice to produce the first
ZIG encoded data slice.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprises: generating the first
decoding matrix by: reducing an encoding matrix to produce a square
matrix that exclusively includes rows associated with the subset of
encoded data slices and an encoded data slice being represented by
the first ZIG encoded data slice; and inverting the square matrix
to produce the decoding matrix.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending the subset of ZIG
encoded data slices comprises: prior to sending, obfuscating the
first ZIG encoded data slice using an obfuscating function.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the obfuscating function
comprises one of: exclusive ORing the first ZIG encoded data slice
with an obfuscating value; masking the first ZIG encoded data
slice; encrypting the first ZIG encoded data slice; and performing
a deterministic function on the first ZIG encoded data slice.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the first ZIG encoded
data slice further comprises: generating a first partial encoded
data slice based on the first decoding matrix, the first encoded
data slice and a row of the encoding matrix corresponding to the
first encoded data slice; generating a second partial encoded data
slice based on a second decoding matrix, a second encoded data
slice and a row of the encoding matrix corresponding to the second
encoded data slice, wherein the second encoded data slice is an
encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices and is not
included in the subset of encoded data slices; and combining the
first and second partial encoded data slices to produce the first
ZIG encoded data slice.
7. A computing device of a dispersed storage network (DSN)
comprises: memory; an interface; and a processing module operably
coupled to the memory and the interface, wherein the processing
module is operable to: dispersed storage error encode a data
segment of data in accordance with dispersed data storage
parameters to produce a set of encoded data slices, wherein the
dispersed data storage parameters include a decode threshold
number, and wherein the decode threshold number of encoded data
slices of the set of encoded data slices is required to recover the
data segment; select a subset of encoded data slices from the set
of encoded data slices, wherein a number of encoded data slices
included the subset of encoded data slices is less than the decode
threshold number; generate a subset of zero information gain (ZIG)
encoded data slices, wherein a first ZIG encoded data slice of the
subset of ZIG encoded data slices is generated by matrix
multiplying a first decoding matrix and a first encoded data slice
of the set of encoded data slices, wherein the first encoded data
slice is not included in the subset of encoded data slices, and
wherein the data segment is able to be reproduced utilizing the
subset of encoded data slices and the subset of ZIG encoded data
slices; send, via the interface, the subset of encoded data slices
to a first memory of the DSN for storage therein; and send, via the
interface, the subset of ZIG encoded data slices to a second memory
of the DSN for storage therein.
8. The computing device of claim 7, wherein the processing module
is further operable to generate the first ZIG encoded data slice
by: matrix multiplying the first decoding matrix and the first
encoded data slice to produce a vector; and matrix multiplying the
vector by a row of an encoding matrix corresponding to the first
encoded data slice to produce the first ZIG encoded data slice.
9. The computing device of claim 7, wherein the processing module
is further operable to generate the first decoding matrix by:
reducing an encoding matrix to produce a square matrix that
exclusively includes rows associated with the subset of encoded
data slices and an encoded data slice being represented by the
first ZIG encoded data slice; and inverting the square matrix to
produce the decoding matrix.
10. The computing device of claim 7, wherein prior to the sending,
via the interface, the subset of ZIG encoded data slices, the
processing module is further operable to: obfuscate the first ZIG
encoded data slice using an obfuscating function.
11. The computing device of claim 10, wherein the processing module
is operable to perform the obfuscating function by one of:
exclusive ORing the first ZIG encoded data slice with an
obfuscating value; masking the first ZIG encoded data slice;
encrypting the first ZIG encoded data slice; and performing a
deterministic function on the first ZIG encoded data slice.
12. The computing device of claim 7, wherein the processing module
is further operable to generate the first ZIG encoded data slice
by: generating a first partial encoded data slice based on the
first decoding matrix, the first encoded data slice and a row of
the encoding matrix corresponding to the first encoded data slice;
generating a second partial encoded data slice based on a second
decoding matrix, a second encoded data slice and a row of the
encoding matrix corresponding to the second encoded data slice,
wherein the second encoded data slice is an encoded data slice of
the set of encoded data slices and is not included in the subset of
encoded data slices; and combining the first and second partial
encoded data slices to produce the first ZIG encoded data slice.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS
[0001] The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility
application Ser. No. 14/217,662, entitled "ENCODING DATA UTILIZING
A ZERO INFORMATION GAIN FUNCTION", filed Mar. 18, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/611,962,
entitled "ENCODING DATA UTILIZING A ZERO INFORMATION GAIN
FUNCTION", filed Sep. 12, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,677,214
on Mar. 18, 2014, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/542,914,
entitled "DATA TRANSFER UTILIZING DISPERSED STORAGE ENCODING",
filed Oct. 4, 2011, expired, all of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety and made part of the present
U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates generally to computing systems and
more particularly to data storage solutions within such computing
systems.
Description of Related Art
[0005] Computers are known to communicate, process, and store data.
Such computers range from wireless smart phones to data centers
that support millions of web searches, stock trades, or on-line
purchases every day. In general, a computing system generates data
and/or manipulates data from one form into another. For instance,
an image sensor of the computing system generates raw picture data
and, using an image compression program (e.g., JPEG, MPEG, etc.),
the computing system manipulates the raw picture data into a
standardized compressed image.
[0006] With continued advances in processing speed and
communication speed, computers are capable of processing real time
multimedia data for applications ranging from simple voice
communications to streaming high definition video. As such,
general-purpose information appliances are replacing purpose-built
communications devices (e.g., a telephone). For example, smart
phones can support telephony communications but they are also
capable of text messaging and accessing the internet to perform
functions including email, web browsing, remote applications
access, and media communications (e.g., telephony voice, image
transfer, music files, video files, real time video streaming.
etc.).
[0007] Each type of computer is constructed and operates in
accordance with one or more communication, processing, and storage
standards. As a result of standardization and with advances in
technology, more and more information content is being converted
into digital formats. For example, more digital cameras are now
being sold than film cameras, thus producing more digital pictures.
As another example, web-based programming is becoming an
alternative to over the air television broadcasts and/or cable
broadcasts. As further examples, papers, books, video
entertainment, home video, etc. are now being stored digitally,
which increases the demand on the storage function of
computers.
[0008] A typical computer storage system includes one or more
memory devices aligned with the needs of the various operational
aspects of the computer's processing and communication functions.
Generally, the immediacy of access dictates what type of memory
device is used. For example, random access memory (RAM) memory can
be accessed in any random order with a constant response time, thus
it is typically used for cache memory and main memory. By contrast,
memory device technologies that require physical movement such as
magnetic disks, tapes, and optical discs, have a variable response
time as the physical movement can take longer than the data
transfer, thus they are typically used for secondary memory (e.g.,
hard drive, backup memory, etc.).
[0009] A computer's storage system will be compliant with one or
more computer storage standards that include, but are not limited
to, network file system (NFS), flash file system (FFS), disk file
system (DFS), small computer system interface (SCSI), internet
small computer system interface (iSCSI), file transfer protocol
(FTP), and web-based distributed authoring and versioning (WebDAV).
These standards specify the data storage format (e.g., files, data
objects, data blocks, directories, etc.) and interfacing between
the computer's processing function and its storage system, which is
a primary function of the computer's memory controller.
[0010] Despite the standardization of the computer and its storage
system, memory devices fail; especially commercial grade memory
devices that utilize technologies incorporating physical movement
(e.g., a disc drive). For example, it is fairly common for a disc
drive to routinely suffer from bit level corruption and to
completely fail after three years of use. One solution is to a
higher-grade disc drive, which adds significant cost to a
computer.
[0011] Another solution is to utilize multiple levels of redundant
disc drives to replicate the data into two or more copies. One such
redundant drive approach is called redundant array of independent
discs (RAID). In a RAID device, a RAID controller adds parity data
to the original data before storing it across the array. The parity
data is calculated from the original data such that the failure of
a disc will not result in the loss of the original data. For
example, RAID 5 uses three discs to protect data from the failure
of a single disc. The parity data, and associated redundancy
overhead data, reduces the storage capacity of three independent
discs by one third (e.g., n-1=capacity). RAID 6 can recover from a
loss of two discs and requires a minimum of four discs with a
storage capacity of n-2.
[0012] While RAID addresses the memory device failure issue, it is
not without its own failures issues that affect its effectiveness,
efficiency and security. For instance, as more discs are added to
the array, the probability of a disc failure increases, which
increases the demand for maintenance. For example, when a disc
fails, it needs to be manually replaced before another disc fails
and the data stored in the RAID device is lost. To reduce the risk
of data loss, data on a RAID device is typically copied on to one
or more other RAID devices. While this addresses the loss of data
issue, it raises a security issue since multiple copies of data are
available, which increases the chances of unauthorized access.
Further, as the amount of data being stored grows, the overhead of
RAID devices becomes a non-trivial efficiency issue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
computing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
computing core in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
distributed storage processing unit in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
grid module in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment of error coded
data slice creation in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of transforming
data into encoded data in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating another example of
transforming data into encoded data in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 7C is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7D is a flowchart illustrating an example of sending
data in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of transforming
encoded data into data in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating another example of
transforming encoded data into data in accordance with the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 8C is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8D is a flowchart illustrating an example of receiving
data in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of generation
of a set of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slices in
accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating another example of
generation of a set of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data
slices in accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9C is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system in accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 9D is a flowchart illustrating an example generating a
set of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slices in
accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of storing
encoded data in accordance with the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of retrieving
encoded data in accordance with the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of
determining parameters of an encoding scheme in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of rebuilding
an encoded data slice in error in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a computing system 10
that includes one or more of a first type of user devices 12, one
or more of a second type of user devices 14, at least one
distributed storage (DS) processing unit 16, at least one DS
managing unit 18, at least one storage integrity processing unit
20, and a distributed storage network (DSN) memory 22 coupled via a
network 24. The network 24 may include one or more wireless and/or
wire lined communication systems; one or more private intranet
systems and/or public internet systems; and/or one or more local
area networks (LAN) and/or wide area networks (WAN).
[0036] The DSN memory 22 includes a plurality of distributed
storage (DS) units 36 for storing data of the system. Each of the
DS units 36 includes a processing module and memory and may be
located at a geographically different site than the other DS units
(e.g., one in Chicago, one in Milwaukee, etc.).
[0037] Each of the user devices 12-14, the DS processing unit 16,
the DS managing unit 18, and the storage integrity processing unit
20 may be a portable computing device (e.g., a social networking
device, a gaming device, a cell phone, a smart phone, a personal
digital assistant, a digital music player, a digital video player,
a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a video game controller,
and/or any other portable device that includes a computing core)
and/or a fixed computing device (e.g., a personal computer, a
computer server, a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a
television set, a printer, a fax machine, home entertainment
equipment, a video game console, and/or any type of home or office
computing equipment). Such a portable or fixed computing device
includes a computing core 26 and one or more interfaces 30, 32,
and/or 33. An embodiment of the computing core 26 will be described
with reference to FIG. 2.
[0038] With respect to the interfaces, each of the interfaces 30,
32, and 33 includes software and/or hardware to support one or more
communication links via the network 24 indirectly and/or directly.
For example, interfaces 30 support a communication link (wired,
wireless, direct, via a LAN, via the network 24, etc.) between the
first type of user device 14 and the DS processing unit 16. As
another example, DSN interface 32 supports a plurality of
communication links via the network 24 between the DSN memory 22
and the DS processing unit 16, the first type of user device 12,
and/or the storage integrity processing unit 20. As yet another
example, interface 33 supports a communication link between the DS
managing unit 18 and any one of the other devices and/or units 12,
14, 16, 20, and/or 22 via the network 24.
[0039] In general and with respect to data storage, the system 10
supports three primary functions: distributed network data storage
management, distributed data storage and retrieval, and data
storage integrity verification. In accordance with these three
primary functions, data can be distributedly stored in a plurality
of physically different locations and subsequently retrieved in a
reliable and secure manner regardless of failures of individual
storage devices, failures of network equipment, the duration of
storage, the amount of data being stored, attempts at hacking the
data, etc.
[0040] The DS managing unit 18 performs distributed network data
storage management functions, which include establishing
distributed data storage parameters, performing network operations,
performing network administration, and/or performing network
maintenance. The DS managing unit 18 establishes the distributed
data storage parameters (e.g., allocation of virtual DSN memory
space, distributed storage parameters, security parameters, billing
information, user profile information, etc.) for one or more of the
user devices 12-14 (e.g., established for individual devices,
established for a user group of devices, established for public
access by the user devices, etc.). For example, the DS managing
unit 18 coordinates the creation of a vault (e.g., a virtual memory
block) within the DSN memory 22 for a user device (for a group of
devices, or for public access). The DS managing unit 18 also
determines the distributed data storage parameters for the vault.
In particular, the DS managing unit 18 determines a number of
slices (e.g., the number that a data segment of a data file and/or
data block is partitioned into for distributed storage) and a read
threshold value (e.g., the minimum number of slices required to
reconstruct the data segment).
[0041] As another example, the DS managing module 18 creates and
stores, locally or within the DSN memory 22, user profile
information. The user profile information includes one or more of
authentication information, permissions, and/or the security
parameters. The security parameters may include one or more of
encryption/decryption scheme, one or more encryption keys, key
generation scheme, and data encoding/decoding scheme.
[0042] As yet another example, the DS managing unit 18 creates
billing information for a particular user, user group, vault
access, public vault access, etc. For instance, the DS managing
unit 18 tracks the number of times user accesses a private vault
and/or public vaults, which can be used to generate a per-access
bill. In another instance, the DS managing unit 18 tracks the
amount of data stored and/or retrieved by a user device and/or a
user group, which can be used to generate a per-data-amount
bill.
[0043] The DS managing unit 18 also performs network operations,
network administration, and/or network maintenance. As at least
part of performing the network operations and/or administration,
the DS managing unit 18 monitors performance of the devices and/or
units of the system 10 for potential failures, determines the
devices and/or unit's activation status, determines the devices'
and/or units' loading, and any other system level operation that
affects the performance level of the system 10. For example, the DS
managing unit 18 receives and aggregates network management alarms,
alerts, errors, status information, performance information, and
messages from the devices 12-14 and/or the units 16, 20, 22. For
example, the DS managing unit 18 receives a simple network
management protocol (SNMP) message regarding the status of the DS
processing unit 16.
[0044] The DS managing unit 18 performs the network maintenance by
identifying equipment within the system 10 that needs replacing,
upgrading, repairing, and/or expanding. For example, the DS
managing unit 18 determines that the DSN memory 22 needs more DS
units 36 or that one or more of the DS units 36 needs updating.
[0045] The second primary function (i.e., distributed data storage
and retrieval) begins and ends with a user device 12-14. For
instance, if a second type of user device 14 has a data file 38
and/or data block 40 to store in the DSN memory 22, it send the
data file 38 and/or data block 40 to the DS processing unit 16 via
its interface 30. As will be described in greater detail with
reference to FIG. 2, the interface 30 functions to mimic a
conventional operating system (OS) file system interface (e.g.,
network file system (NFS), flash file system (FFS), disk file
system (DFS), file transfer protocol (FTP), web-based distributed
authoring and versioning (WebDAV), etc.) and/or a block memory
interface (e.g., small computer system interface (SCSI), internet
small computer system interface (iSCSI), etc.). In addition, the
interface 30 may attach a user identification code (ID) to the data
file 38 and/or data block 40.
[0046] The DS processing unit 16 receives the data file 38 and/or
data block 40 via its interface 30 and performs a distributed
storage (DS) process 34 thereon (e.g., an error coding dispersal
storage function). The DS processing 34 begins by partitioning the
data file 38 and/or data block 40 into one or more data segments,
which is represented as Y data segments. For example, the DS
processing 34 may partition the data file 38 and/or data block 40
into a fixed byte size segment (e.g., 2.sup.1 to 2.sup.n bytes,
where n=>2) or a variable byte size (e.g., change byte size from
segment to segment, or from groups of segments to groups of
segments, etc.).
[0047] For each of the Y data segments, the DS processing 34 error
encodes (e.g., forward error correction (FEC), information
dispersal algorithm, or error correction coding) and slices (or
slices then error encodes) the data segment into a plurality of
error coded (EC) data slices 42-48, which is represented as X
slices per data segment. The number of slices (X) per segment,
which corresponds to a number of pillars n, is set in accordance
with the distributed data storage parameters and the error coding
scheme. For example, if a Reed-Solomon (or other FEC scheme) is
used in an n/k system, then a data segment is divided into n
slices, where k number of slices is needed to reconstruct the
original data (i.e., k is the threshold). As a few specific
examples, the n/k factor may be 5/3; 6/4; 8/6; 8/5; 16/10.
[0048] For each slice 42-48, the DS processing unit 16 creates a
unique slice name and appends it to the corresponding slice 42-48.
The slice name includes universal DSN memory addressing routing
information (e.g., virtual memory addresses in the DSN memory 22)
and user-specific information (e.g., user ID, file name, data block
identifier, etc.).
[0049] The DS processing unit 16 transmits the plurality of EC
slices 42-48 to a plurality of DS units 36 of the DSN memory 22 via
the DSN interface 32 and the network 24. The DSN interface 32
formats each of the slices for transmission via the network 24. For
example, the DSN interface 32 may utilize an internet protocol
(e.g., TCP/IP, etc.) to packetize the slices 42-48 for transmission
via the network 24.
[0050] The number of DS units 36 receiving the slices 42-48 is
dependent on the distributed data storage parameters established by
the DS managing unit 18. For example, the DS managing unit 18 may
indicate that each slice is to be stored in a different DS unit 36.
As another example, the DS managing unit 18 may indicate that like
slice numbers of different data segments are to be stored in the
same DS unit 36. For example, the first slice of each of the data
segments is to be stored in a first DS unit 36, the second slice of
each of the data segments is to be stored in a second DS unit 36,
etc. In this manner, the data is encoded and distributedly stored
at physically diverse locations to improved data storage integrity
and security.
[0051] Each DS unit 36 that receives a slice 42-48 for storage
translates the virtual DSN memory address of the slice into a local
physical address for storage. Accordingly, each DS unit 36
maintains a virtual to physical memory mapping to assist in the
storage and retrieval of data.
[0052] The first type of user device 12 performs a similar function
to store data in the DSN memory 22 with the exception that it
includes the DS processing. As such, the device 12 encodes and
slices the data file and/or data block it has to store. The device
then transmits the slices 11 to the DSN memory via its DSN
interface 32 and the network 24.
[0053] For a second type of user device 14 to retrieve a data file
or data block from memory, it issues a read command via its
interface 30 to the DS processing unit 16. The DS processing unit
16 performs the DS processing 34 to identify the DS units 36
storing the slices of the data file and/or data block based on the
read command. The DS processing unit 16 may also communicate with
the DS managing unit 18 to verify that the user device 14 is
authorized to access the requested data.
[0054] Assuming that the user device is authorized to access the
requested data, the DS processing unit 16 issues slice read
commands to at least a threshold number of the DS units 36 storing
the requested data (e.g., to at least 10 DS units for a 16/10 error
coding scheme). Each of the DS units 36 receiving the slice read
command, verifies the command, accesses its virtual to physical
memory mapping, retrieves the requested slice, or slices, and
transmits it to the DS processing unit 16.
[0055] Once the DS processing unit 16 has received a read threshold
number of slices for a data segment, it performs an error decoding
function and de-slicing to reconstruct the data segment. When Y
number of data segments has been reconstructed, the DS processing
unit 16 provides the data file 38 and/or data block 40 to the user
device 14. Note that the first type of user device 12 performs a
similar process to retrieve a data file and/or data block.
[0056] The storage integrity processing unit 20 performs the third
primary function of data storage integrity verification. In
general, the storage integrity processing unit 20 periodically
retrieves slices 45, and/or slice names, of a data file or data
block of a user device to verify that one or more slices have not
been corrupted or lost (e.g., the DS unit failed). The retrieval
process mimics the read process previously described.
[0057] If the storage integrity processing unit 20 determines that
one or more slices is corrupted or lost, it rebuilds the corrupted
or lost slice(s) in accordance with the error coding scheme. The
storage integrity processing unit 20 stores the rebuild slice, or
slices, in the appropriate DS unit(s) 36 in a manner that mimics
the write process previously described.
[0058] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
computing core 26 that includes a processing module 50, a memory
controller 52, main memory 54, a video graphics processing unit 55,
an input/output (TO) controller 56, a peripheral component
interconnect (PCI) interface 58, at least one IO device interface
module 62, a read only memory (ROM) basic input output system
(BIOS) 64, and one or more memory interface modules. The memory
interface module(s) includes one or more of a universal serial bus
(USB) interface module 66, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface
module 68, a network interface module 70, a flash interface module
72, a hard drive interface module 74, and a DSN interface module
76. Note the DSN interface module 76 and/or the network interface
module 70 may function as the interface 30 of the user device 14 of
FIG. 1. Further note that the 10 device interface module 62 and/or
the memory interface modules may be collectively or individually
referred to as 10 ports.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
dispersed storage (DS) processing module 34 of user device 12
and/or of the DS processing unit 16. The DS processing module 34
includes a gateway module 78, an access module 80, a grid module
82, and a storage module 84. The DS processing module 34 may also
include an interface 30 and the DSnet interface 32 or the
interfaces 68 and/or 70 may be part of user 12 or of the DS
processing unit 14. The DS processing module 34 may further include
a bypass/feedback path between the storage module 84 to the gateway
module 78. Note that the modules 78-84 of the DS processing module
34 may be in a single unit or distributed across multiple
units.
[0060] In an example of storing data, the gateway module 78
receives an incoming data object that includes a user ID field 86,
an object name field 88, and the data field 40 and may also receive
corresponding information that includes a process identifier (e.g.,
an internal process/application ID), metadata, a file system
directory, a block number, a transaction message, a user device
identity (ID), a data object identifier, a source name, and/or user
information. The gateway module 78 authenticates the user
associated with the data object by verifying the user ID 86 with
the managing unit 18 and/or another authenticating unit.
[0061] When the user is authenticated, the gateway module 78
obtains user information from the management unit 18, the user
device, and/or the other authenticating unit. The user information
includes a vault identifier, operational parameters, and user
attributes (e.g., user data, billing information, etc.). A vault
identifier identifies a vault, which is a virtual memory space that
maps to a set of DS storage units 36. For example, vault 1 (i.e.,
user 1's DSN memory space) includes eight DS storage units (X=8
wide) and vault 2 (i.e., user 2's DSN memory space) includes
sixteen DS storage units (X=16 wide). The operational parameters
may include an error coding algorithm, the width n (number of
pillars X or slices per segment for this vault), a read threshold
T, a write threshold, an encryption algorithm, a slicing parameter,
a compression algorithm, an integrity check method, caching
settings, parallelism settings, and/or other parameters that may be
used to access the DSN memory layer.
[0062] The gateway module 78 uses the user information to assign a
source name 35 to the data. For instance, the gateway module 60
determines the source name 35 of the data object 40 based on the
vault identifier and the data object. For example, the source name
may contain a file identifier (ID), a vault generation number, a
reserved field, and a vault identifier (ID). As another example,
the gateway module 78 may generate the file ID based on a hash
function of the data object 40. Note that the gateway module 78 may
also perform message conversion, protocol conversion, electrical
conversion, optical conversion, access control, user
identification, user information retrieval, traffic monitoring,
statistics generation, configuration, management, and/or source
name determination.
[0063] The access module 80 receives the data object 40 and creates
a series of data segments 1 through Y 90-92 in accordance with a
data storage protocol (e.g., file storage system, a block storage
system, and/or an aggregated block storage system). The number of
segments Y may be chosen or randomly assigned based on a selected
segment size and the size of the data object. For example, if the
number of segments is chosen to be a fixed number, then the size of
the segments varies as a function of the size of the data object.
For instance, if the data object is an image file of 4,194,304
eight bit bytes (e.g., 33,554,432 bits) and the number of segments
Y=131,072, then each segment is 256 bits or 32 bytes. As another
example, if segment sized is fixed, then the number of segments Y
varies based on the size of data object. For instance, if the data
object is an image file of 4,194,304 bytes and the fixed size of
each segment is 4,096 bytes, the then number of segments Y=1,024.
Note that each segment is associated with the same source name.
[0064] The grid module 82 receives the data segments and may
manipulate (e.g., compression, encryption, cyclic redundancy check
(CRC), etc.) each of the data segments before performing an error
coding function of the error coding dispersal storage function to
produce a pre-manipulated data segment. After manipulating a data
segment, if applicable, the grid module 82 error encodes (e.g.,
Reed-Solomon, Convolution encoding, Trellis encoding, etc.) the
data segment or manipulated data segment into X error coded data
slices 42-44.
[0065] The value X, or the number of pillars (e.g., X=16), is
chosen as a parameter of the error coding dispersal storage
function. Other parameters of the error coding dispersal function
include a read threshold T, a write threshold W, etc. The read
threshold (e.g., T=10, when X=16) corresponds to the minimum number
of error-free error coded data slices required to reconstruct the
data segment. In other words, the DS processing module 34 can
compensate for X-T (e.g., 16-10=6) missing error coded data slices
per data segment. The write threshold W corresponds to a minimum
number of DS storage units that acknowledge proper storage of their
respective data slices before the DS processing module indicates
proper storage of the encoded data segment. Note that the write
threshold is greater than or equal to the read threshold for a
given number of pillars (X).
[0066] For each data slice of a data segment, the grid module 82
generates a unique slice name 37 and attaches it thereto. The slice
name 37 includes a universal routing information field and a vault
specific field and may be 48 bytes (e.g., 24 bytes for each of the
universal routing information field and the vault specific field).
As illustrated, the universal routing information field includes a
slice index, a vault ID, a vault generation, and a reserved field.
The slice index is based on the pillar number and the vault ID and,
as such, is unique for each pillar (e.g., slices of the same pillar
for the same vault for any segment will share the same slice
index). The vault specific field includes a data name, which
includes a file ID and a segment number (e.g., a sequential
numbering of data segments 1-Y of a simple data object or a data
block number).
[0067] Prior to outputting the error coded data slices of a data
segment, the grid module may perform post-slice manipulation on the
slices. If enabled, the manipulation includes slice level
compression, encryption, CRC, addressing, tagging, and/or other
manipulation to improve the effectiveness of the computing
system.
[0068] When the error coded data slices of a data segment are ready
to be outputted, the grid module 82 determines which of the DS
storage units 36 will store the EC data slices based on a dispersed
storage memory mapping associated with the user's vault and/or DS
storage unit attributes. The DS storage unit attributes may include
availability, self-selection, performance history, link speed, link
latency, ownership, available DSN memory, domain, cost, a
prioritization scheme, a centralized selection message from another
source, a lookup table, data ownership, and/or any other factor to
optimize the operation of the computing system. Note that the
number of DS storage units 36 is equal to or greater than the
number of pillars (e.g., X) so that no more than one error coded
data slice of the same data segment is stored on the same DS
storage unit 36. Further note that EC data slices of the same
pillar number but of different segments (e.g., EC data slice 1 of
data segment 1 and EC data slice 1 of data segment 2) may be stored
on the same or different DS storage units 36.
[0069] The storage module 84 performs an integrity check on the
outbound encoded data slices and, when successful, identifies a
plurality of DS storage units based on information provided by the
grid module 82. The storage module 84 then outputs the encoded data
slices 1 through X of each segment 1 through Y to the DS storage
units 36. Each of the DS storage units 36 stores its EC data
slice(s) and maintains a local virtual DSN address to physical
location table to convert the virtual DSN address of the EC data
slice(s) into physical storage addresses.
[0070] In an example of a read operation, the user device 12 and/or
14 sends a read request to the DS processing unit 14, which
authenticates the request. When the request is authentic, the DS
processing unit 14 sends a read message to each of the DS storage
units 36 storing slices of the data object being read. The slices
are received via the DSnet interface 32 and processed by the
storage module 84, which performs a parity check and provides the
slices to the grid module 82 when the parity check was successful.
The grid module 82 decodes the slices in accordance with the error
coding dispersal storage function to reconstruct the data segment.
The access module 80 reconstructs the data object from the data
segments and the gateway module 78 formats the data object for
transmission to the user device.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
grid module 82 that includes a control unit 73, a pre-slice
manipulator 75, an encoder 77, a slicer 79, a post-slice
manipulator 81, a pre-slice de-manipulator 83, a decoder 85, a
de-slicer 87, and/or a post-slice de-manipulator 89. Note that the
control unit 73 may be partially or completely external to the grid
module 82. For example, the control unit 73 may be part of the
computing core at a remote location, part of a user device, part of
the DS managing unit 18, or distributed amongst one or more DS
storage units.
[0072] In an example of write operation, the pre-slice manipulator
75 receives a data segment 90-92 and a write instruction from an
authorized user device. The pre-slice manipulator 75 determines if
pre-manipulation of the data segment 90-92 is required and, if so,
what type. The pre-slice manipulator 75 may make the determination
independently or based on instructions from the control unit 73,
where the determination is based on a computing system-wide
predetermination, a table lookup, vault parameters associated with
the user identification, the type of data, security requirements,
available DSN memory, performance requirements, and/or other
metadata.
[0073] Once a positive determination is made, the pre-slice
manipulator 75 manipulates the data segment 90-92 in accordance
with the type of manipulation. For example, the type of
manipulation may be compression (e.g., Lempel-Ziv-Welch, Huffman,
Golomb, fractal, wavelet, etc.), signatures (e.g., Digital
Signature Algorithm (DSA), Elliptic Curve DSA, Secure Hash
Algorithm, etc.), watermarking, tagging, encryption (e.g., Data
Encryption Standard, Advanced Encryption Standard, etc.), adding
metadata (e.g., time/date stamping, user information, file type,
etc.), cyclic redundancy check (e.g., CRC32), and/or other data
manipulations to produce the pre-manipulated data segment.
[0074] The encoder 77 encodes the pre-manipulated data segment 92
using a forward error correction (FEC) encoder (and/or other type
of erasure coding and/or error coding) to produce an encoded data
segment 94. The encoder 77 determines which forward error
correction algorithm to use based on a predetermination associated
with the user's vault, a time based algorithm, user direction, DS
managing unit direction, control unit direction, as a function of
the data type, as a function of the data segment 92 metadata,
and/or any other factor to determine algorithm type. The forward
error correction algorithm may be Golay, Multidimensional parity,
Reed-Solomon, Hamming, Bose Ray Chauduri Hocquenghem (BCH),
Cauchy-Reed-Solomon, or any other FEC encoder. Note that the
encoder 77 may use a different encoding algorithm for each data
segment 92, the same encoding algorithm for the data segments 92 of
a data object, or a combination thereof.
[0075] The encoded data segment 94 is of greater size than the data
segment 92 by the overhead rate of the encoding algorithm by a
factor of X/T, where X is the width or number of slices, and T is
the read threshold. In this regard, the corresponding decoding
process can accommodate at most X-T missing EC data slices and
still recreate the data segment 92. For example, if X=16 and T=10,
then the data segment 92 will be recoverable as long as 10 or more
EC data slices per segment are not corrupted.
[0076] The slicer 79 transforms the encoded data segment 94 into EC
data slices in accordance with the slicing parameter from the vault
for this user and/or data segment 92. For example, if the slicing
parameter is X=16, then the slicer 79 slices each encoded data
segment 94 into 16 encoded slices.
[0077] The post-slice manipulator 81 performs, if enabled,
post-manipulation on the encoded slices to produce the EC data
slices. If enabled, the post-slice manipulator 81 determines the
type of post-manipulation, which may be based on a computing
system-wide predetermination, parameters in the vault for this
user, a table lookup, the user identification, the type of data,
security requirements, available DSN memory, performance
requirements, control unit directed, and/or other metadata. Note
that the type of post-slice manipulation may include slice level
compression, signatures, encryption, CRC, addressing, watermarking,
tagging, adding metadata, and/or other manipulation to improve the
effectiveness of the computing system.
[0078] In an example of a read operation, the post-slice
de-manipulator 89 receives at least a read threshold number of EC
data slices and performs the inverse function of the post-slice
manipulator 81 to produce a plurality of encoded slices. The
de-slicer 87 de-slices the encoded slices to produce an encoded
data segment 94. The decoder 85 performs the inverse function of
the encoder 77 to recapture the data segment 90-92. The pre-slice
de-manipulator 83 performs the inverse function of the pre-slice
manipulator 75 to recapture the data segment 90-92.
[0079] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example of slicing an encoded data
segment 94 by the slicer 79. In this example, the encoded data
segment 94 includes thirty-two bits, bytes, data words, etc., but
may include more or less bits, bytes, data words, etc. The slicer
79 disperses the bits of the encoded data segment 94 across the EC
data slices in a pattern as shown. As such, each EC data slice does
not include consecutive bits, bytes, data words, etc. of the data
segment 94 reducing the impact of consecutive bit, byte, data word,
etc. failures on data recovery. For example, if EC data slice 2
(which includes bits 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 25, and 29) is unavailable
(e.g., lost, inaccessible, or corrupted), the data segment can be
reconstructed from the other EC data slices (e.g., 1, 3 and 4 for a
read threshold of 3 and a width of 4).
[0080] FIG. 6 is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system that includes a sending dispersed storage
(DS) processing 102, a network 24, a dispersed storage network
(DSN) memory 22, a receiving DS processing 104, and a plurality of
user devices 1-N. The computing system functions include
transferring data 106 as encoded data from the sending DS
processing 102 to the receiving DS processing 104 and producing
reproduced data 108 based on received encoded data. The sending DS
processing 102 transforms the data 106 into the encoded data that
includes two or more of a slice set 110, a zero information gain
(ZIG) slice set 114 (e.g., partial encoded data slices), a stored
ZIG slice set 122, and a stored slice set 118. The slice set 110
includes less than a decode threshold number of encoded data slices
corresponding to the data 106. The slice set 110 is sent to the
receiving DS processing 104. The ZIG slice set 114 includes less
than a decode threshold number of ZIG partials (e.g., recovery
information) corresponding to at least one encoded data slice of
the data 106. The ZIG slice set is sent to the receiving DS
processing 104. The stored slice set 118 includes less than a
decode threshold number of encoded data slices corresponding to the
data 106. The stored slice set 118 is stored in a first memory
(e.g., a local memory, the DSN memory 22, one or more DS units).
The stored ZIG slice set 122 includes less than a decode threshold
number of ZIG slices corresponding to at least one encoded data
slice of the data 106. The stored ZIG slice set 122 is stored in a
second memory (e.g., a local memory, the DSN memory 22, one or more
DS units, and in at least one of the plurality of user devices
1-N).
[0081] The sending DS processing 102 transforms the data 106
utilizing a dispersed storage error coding function to produce one
or more of the slice set 110, the ZIG slice set 114, the stored ZIG
slice set 122, and the stored slice set 118 in accordance with an
encoding scheme. The encoding scheme includes one or more of a
number of encoded data slices to encode indicator, a number of ZIG
slices to encode indicator, one or more encoded data slice
identifiers (IDs), one or more ZIG slice IDs, a pillar width n, a
decode threshold k, an encoding matrix, a pillar index that
identifies a ZIG slice association, a pillar participant list
(e.g., other pillars associated with a subsequent decoding of a
decode threshold number of ZIG slices to reproduce an encoded data
slice), an encryption key, one or more shared secrets, and one or
more obfuscation values.
[0082] In an example of operation, the sending DS processing 102
dispersed storage error encodes the data 106 in accordance with the
encoding scheme to produce less than a decode threshold number of
encoded data slices of a set of encoded data slices for inclusion
in at least one of the slice set 110 and the stored slice set 118.
The sending DS processing 102 encodes at least one other encoded
data slice of the set of encoded data slices in accordance with the
encoding scheme to produce less than a decode threshold number of
ZIG slices, hereafter referred to as ZIG partials or partials, for
inclusion in at least one of the ZIG slice set 114 and the stored
ZIG slice set 122.
[0083] The sending DS processing 102 may combine two or more
partial sets to create a new partial set for inclusion as at least
one of the ZIG slice set 114 and/or the stored ZIG slice set 122.
For example, the sending DS processing 102 utilizes an exclusive OR
(XOR) logical function to combine a first partial set and a second
partial set to produce a combined partial set. The sending DS
processing 102 may obfuscate the partial set (e.g., combined or
not) to produce an obfuscated partial set prior to sending or
storing the associated partial set. The obfuscation may include one
or more of utilizing the XOR logical function, masking, encrypting,
appending a constant, and performing a deterministic function. For
example, the sending DS processing 102 obfuscates a combined
partial set by utilizing the XOR logical function on the combined
partial set with an obfuscation value. The obfuscation value may be
obtained by at least one of retrieving, performing a lookup,
receiving, and utilizing a shared secret value. The shared secret
value is shared between the sending DS processing 102 and the
receiving DS processing 104.
[0084] The sending DS processing 102 sends the slice set 110 and
the ZIG slice set 114 via network 24 to the receiving DS processing
104 in accordance with the encoding scheme and/or a partial
distribution scheme. The partial distribution scheme includes at
least one of a partial set identifier (ID), a transmission
destination ID associated with a partial set ID, a storage
destination ID associated with a partial set ID, a number of
partial sets to distribute, and a number of partial sets to store.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the sending DS processing
facilitates storing at least one of the stored ZIG slice set 122
and the stored slice set 118 in the DSN memory 22 in accordance
with the encoding scheme and/or the partial distribution scheme.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the sending DS processing 102
facilitates storing the stored ZIG slice set 122 in one or more
user devices of the plurality of user devices 1-N in accordance
with the encoding scheme and/or the partial distribution
scheme.
[0085] The receiving DS processing 104 receives one or more of a
received slice set 112 and a received ZIG slice set 116 from the
sending DS processing 102 via the network 24 when the sending DS
processing 102 sends the slice set 110 and the ZIG slice set 114
corresponding to the received slice set 112 and the received ZIG
slice set 116. The receiving DS processing 104 retrieves one or
more of a retrieved ZIG slice set 124 and a retrieved slice set 120
from the DSN memory 22 when insufficient encoded data is received
directly from the sending DS processing 102 (e.g., producing
reproduced data from the received slice set 112 and the received
ZIG slice set 116 is not possible). Alternatively, or in addition
to, the receiving DS processing 104 retrieves the retrieved ZIG
slice set 124 from one or more user devices on the plurality of
user devices 1-N. The receiving DS processing 104 transforms one
more encoded data slices of one or more slice sets into at least
one set of generated partials. The receiving DS processing 104
transforms at least one partial of one or more of the received
partial sets and the at least one set of generated partials into at
least one recovered encoded data slice. The receiving DS processing
104 decodes the at least one recovered encoded data slice and the
received slice set 112 to produce the reproduced data 108. The
method of operation of the sending DS processing 102 and the
receiving DS processing 104 to transfer data is discussed in
greater detail with reference to FIGS. 7A-13.
[0086] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of transforming
data 106 into encoded data. Data 106 is dispersed storage error
encoded to produce at least a decode threshold number of slices
that includes encoded data slices 1, 2, and 4 when a pillar width
is 5, a decode threshold is 3, and an encoding scheme indicates to
encode slices 1, 2, and 4. Next, a partial p (3,4) is generated for
slice 3 based on slice 4 when the encoding scheme indicates to
utilize slice 4 to generate a partial for slice 3. The partial p
(3,4) is obfuscated to produce an obfuscated partial op (3,4). The
obfuscated partial op (3,4) is sent as a less than a decode
threshold number of obfuscated partials to at least one receiving
entity. Encoded data slices 1 and 2 are sent as less than a decode
threshold number of encoded data slices to at least one receiving
entity.
[0087] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating another example of
transforming data 106 into encoded data. Data 106 is dispersed
storage error encoded to produce at least a decode threshold number
of slices that includes encoded data slices 1, 4, and 5 when a
pillar width is 5, a decode threshold is 3, and an encoding scheme
indicates to encode slices 1, 4, and 5. Next, partials p (2,4) and
p (3,4) are generated for slices 2 and 3 based on slice 4 when the
encoding scheme indicates to utilize slice 4 to generate partials
for slices 2 and 3. Next, partials p (2,5) and p (3,5) are
generated for slices 2 and 3 based on slice 5 when the encoding
scheme indicates to utilize slice 5 to generate partials for slices
2 and 3.
[0088] Partials p (2,4) and p (2,5) are combined utilizing an
exclusive OR (XOR) logical function to produce a combined partial p
(2,4/5) when the encoding scheme indicates to combine partials p
(2,4) and p (2,5) utilizing the XOR logical function. Partials p
(3,4) and p (3,5) are combined utilizing the XOR logical function
to produce a combined partial p (3,4/5) when the encoding scheme
indicates to combine partials p (3,4) and p (3,5) utilizing the XOR
logical function.
[0089] The combined partial p (2,4/5) is obfuscated to produce an
obfuscated partial op (2,4/5). The combined partial p (3,4/5) is
obfuscated to produce an obfuscated partial op (3,4/5). The
obfuscated partials op (2,4/5) and op (3,4/5) are sent as to send
partials of less than a decode threshold number of obfuscated
partials to at least one receiving entity. Encoded data slice 1,
but not encoded data slices 4 and 5, is sent as less than a decode
threshold number of encoded data slices to at least one receiving
entity.
[0090] FIG. 7C is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system that includes a computing device 130, a
receiving entity 132, an intermediary device 134, and a dispersed
storage network (DSN) memory 22. The receiving entity 132 may be
implemented as at least one of a user device, a dispersed storage
(DS) processing unit, a DS managing unit, and a DS unit. The
intermediary device 134 may be implemented as at least one of a
user device, a dispersed storage (DS) processing unit, a DS
managing unit, and a DS unit. The computing device 130 may be
implemented as at least one of a sending device, a user device, a
dispersed storage (DS) processing unit, a DS managing unit, and a
DS unit. For example, the computing device 130 is implemented
utilizing a user device to send data, the intermediary device 134
is implemented as a second user device affiliated with the
computing device 130, and the receiving entity 132 is implemented
as a third user device. The computing device 130 includes a DS
module 136. The DS module 136 includes an encoding data module 138,
an encode slice module 140, and an output module 142.
[0091] The encode data module 138 encodes data using a dispersed
storage error coding function to produce a set of encoded data
slices 144. The data 106 can be recreated from a decode threshold
number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices
144. The encode data module 138 functions to encode the data 106 by
a series of steps. In a first step, the encode module 138 divides
the data into data blocks (e.g., data segments). In a second step,
the encode data module 138 encodes the data blocks using an
encoding matrix of the dispersed storage error coding function to
produce encoded data blocks. For example, the encode data module
matrix multiplies a data segment by the encoding matrix to produce
a column of a slice matrix. In a third step, the encode data module
138 generates the set of encoded data slices 144 from the encoded
data blocks. For example, the encode data module 138 selects a
column of the slice matrix to produce the set of encoded data
slices 144.
[0092] The encode slice module 140 generates a zero information
gain (ZIG) encoded data slice that represents a component of
recovery information of a first encoded data slice of the set of
encoded data slices 144 using a ZIG function and a second encoded
data slice of the set of encoded data slices 144. The encode slice
module 140 functions to generate the ZIG encoded data slice by a
series of steps. In a first step, the encode slice module 140
generates a decoding matrix for the first encoded data slice based
on the encoding matrix of the dispersed storage error coding
function. The generating includes obtaining the encoding matrix
utilized to generate the set of encoded data slices, reducing the
encoding matrix to produce a square matrix that exclusively
includes rows associated with the first encoded data slice and a
subset of encoded data slices 148, and inverting the square matrix
to produce the decoding matrix. In a second step, the encode slice
module 140 generates the ZIG encoded data slice 146 based on the
decoding matrix and on the second encoded data slice. The
generating includes encoding the second encoded data slice using
the decoding matrix to produce a vector (e.g., matrix multiplying
the decoding matrix by the second encoded data slice to produce the
vector) and matrix multiplying the vector by a row of the encoding
matrix corresponding to the first encoded data slice to produce the
ZIG encoded data slice 146.
[0093] The output module 142 outputs the ZIG encoded data slice 146
and the subset of encoded data slices 148 of the set of encoded
data slices 146. The subset of encoded data slices 148 includes
less than the decode threshold number of encoded data slices and
does not include the first or the second encoded data slice. The
outputting includes selecting the subset of encoded data slices 148
based on one or more of a security requirement (e.g., requirement
not to expose a slice generated from a unity matrix of an encoding
matrix), a reliability requirement (e.g., choose decode threshold
number compatible with network error rate to the receiving entity),
a network bandwidth availability indicator, (e.g., may minimize
number of selected slices when bandwidth to the receiving entity is
low), a DSN memory availability indicator, a dispersed storage (DS)
unit availability indicator, a user device availability indicator,
and a predetermination.
[0094] The output module 142 functions to output the ZIG encoded
data slice 146 and the subset of encoded data slices 148 by at
least one of outputting to the receiving entity 132 in support of a
communication with the receiving entity 132 (e.g., via a network),
outputting to the DSN memory 22 for storage therein (e.g., generate
write slice requests, output the requests), and outputting to at
least one intermediary device 134 (e.g., in accordance with a
predetermined list of user devices implemented as intermediary
devices). The output module 142 further functions to output by
obfuscating the ZIG encoded data slice 146 utilizing an obfuscation
function prior to outputting the ZIG encoded data slice 146. The
obfuscation function includes at least one of an exclusive OR
function with a shared secret of the receiving entity 132 and an
encrypting function utilizing at least one of a shared key and a
public key associated with a public-private key pair of the
receiving entity 132.
[0095] The output module 142 further functions to output ZIG
function information 150 regarding the encoding of the first
encoded data slice. The ZIG function information 150 includes one
or more of the encoding matrix of the dispersed storage error
coding function, an inverted square matrix based on the encoding
matrix and corresponding to the first encoded data slice, and
pillar identifiers (IDs) corresponding to the subset of encoded
data slices. The outputting includes one or more of sending the ZIG
information 150 to the receiving entity 132, sending the ZIG
information 150 to the intermediary device 134, and facilitating
storage of the ZIG information in the DSN memory 22.
[0096] The system may produce more than one ZIG encoded data slices
146 based on more than one encoded data slice of the set of encoded
data slices 144. When producing more than one ZIG encoded data
slice 146, the encode slice module 140 generates a second ZIG
encoded data slice 146 that represents a component of recovery
information of a third encoded data slice of the set of encoded
data slices 144 using the ZIG function and the second encoded data
slice or a fourth encoded data slice of the set of encoded data
slices 144. The generating is based on the second encoded data
slice when at least two ZIG encoded data slices are required for a
common encoded data slice (e.g., the second encoded data slice).
The encoding is based on the fourth encoded data slice when another
ZIG encoded data slice is required for another encoded data slice
(e.g., the fourth encoded data slice). The output module 142
outputs the ZIG encoded data slice 146, the second ZIG encoded data
slice of 46, and the subset of encoded data slices 148 of the set
of encoded data slices 144. When producing more than one ZIG
encoded data slice 146, the subset of encoded data slices 148
includes less than the decode threshold number of encoded data
slices and does not include the first, second, or third encoded
data slice and, when the third encoded data slice is encoded based
on the fourth encoded data slice, the subset of encoded data slices
further does not include the fourth encoded data slice.
[0097] The system may produce two or more ZIG encoded data slices
146 based on a common encoded data slice of the set of encoded data
slices 144. When producing two or more ZIG encoded data slices 146
based on a common encoded data slice, the encode slice module 140
generates a second ZIG encoded data slice that represents a second
component of the recovery information of the first encoded data
slice of the set of encoded data slices using the ZIG function and
a third encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices. Next,
the encode slice module 140 combines (e.g., exclusive OR) the
second ZIG encoded data slice 146 with the ZIG encode data slice
146 to produce the ZIG encoded data slice 146. Next, the output
module 142 outputs the ZIG encoded data slice 146 and the subset of
encoded data slices 148 of the set of encoded data slices 144. The
subset of encoded data slices 148 includes less than the decode
threshold number of encoded data slices and does not include the
first, second, or third encoded data slice when encoding the common
encoded data slice.
[0098] FIG. 7D is a flowchart illustrating an example of sending
data. The method begins at step 152 were a processing module (e.g.,
of a dispersed storage (DS) processing module) encodes data using a
dispersed storage error coding function to produce a set of encoded
data slices. The data can be recreated from a decode threshold
number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices.
The encoding the data includes dividing the data into data blocks,
encoding the data blocks using an encoding matrix of the dispersed
storage error coding function to produce encoded data blocks, and
generating the set of encoded data slices from the encoded data
blocks.
[0099] The method continues at step 154 where the processing module
generates a zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slice that
represents a component of recovery information of a first encoded
data slice of the set of encoded data slices using a ZIG function
and a second encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices.
The generating the ZIG encoded data slice includes a sequence of
steps. In a first step, the processor module generates a decoding
matrix for the first encoded data slice based on an encoding matrix
of the dispersed storage error coding function. The generating
includes obtaining the encoding matrix utilized to generate the set
of encoded data slices, reducing the encoding matrix to produce a
square matrix that exclusively includes rows associated with the
first encoded data slice and a subset of encoded data slices, and
inverting the square matrix to produce the decoding matrix. In a
second step, processing module generates the ZIG encoded data slice
based on the decoding matrix and on the second encoded data slice.
The generating includes encoding the second encoded data slice
using the decoding matrix to produce a vector (e.g., matrix
multiplying the decoding matrix by the second encoded data slice to
produce the vector) and matrix multiplying the vector by a row of
the decoding matrix corresponding to the first encoded data slice
to produce the ZIG encoded data slice.
[0100] In an example of generating the ZIG encoded data slice, the
processing module generates a ZIG encoded data slice for encoded
data slice 1 from encoded data slice 2, denoted p(1,2), when a
pillar index includes slice 1, slice 2 is one of a decode threshold
number of participant encoded data slices, slice 1 is not one of
the participant encoded data slices, and the participant encoded
data slice pillars includes pillars 2-4. For instance, the
processing module generates the ZIG encoded data slice p (1,2) in
accordance with a function: partial (1,2)=(inverted square matrix
of an encoding matrix rows 2,3,4)*(data matrix with slice 2 in row
1)*(row 1 of the encoding matrix), when a pillar width is 5, a
decode threshold is 3.
[0101] The method continues at step 155 where the processing module
outputs ZIG function information regarding the encoding of the
first encoded data slice. The outputting includes outputting to at
least one of a receiving entity, an intermediary device, and a
dispersed storage network (DSN) memory.
[0102] The system may produce more than one ZIG encoded data slice
in accordance with an encoding approach. The system may produce two
or more ZIG encoded data slices in accordance with the encoding
approach based on a common encoded data slice of the set of encoded
data slices. The encoding approach includes one or more of a number
of ZIG encoded data slices to encode, a number of ZIG encoded data
slices per common encoded data slice to encode, a decode threshold
number, the encoding matrix, and a pillar width number. The
processing module may obtain the encoding approach based on at
least one of a lookup, and predetermination, receiving, and
calculating based on one or more of a security requirement, a
reliability requirement, and a performance requirement. The method
branches to step 158 when producing more than one ZIG encoded data
slice. The method branches to step 162 when utilizing the common
encoded data slice. The method continues to step 156 when producing
one ZIG encoded data slice.
[0103] When producing one ZIG encoded data slice, the method
continues at step 156 where the processing module outputs the ZIG
encoded data slice and the subset of encoded data slices of the set
of encoded data slices. The subset of encoded data slices includes
less than the decode threshold number of encoded data slices and
does not include the first or the second encoded data slice. The
outputting includes selecting the subset of encoded data slices is
based on one or more of a security requirement (e.g., requirement
not to expose a slice generated from a unity matrix of an encoding
matrix), a reliability requirement (e.g., choose decode threshold
number compatible with network error rate to the receiving entity),
a network bandwidth availability indicator, (e.g., may minimize
number of selected slices when bandwidth to the receiving entity is
low), a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory availability
indicator, a dispersed storage (DS) unit availability indicator, a
user device availability indicator, and a predetermination. The
outputting further includes obfuscating the ZIG encoded data slice
utilizing an obfuscation function (e.g., exclusive OR), prior to
outputting the ZIG encoded data slice.
[0104] The outputting the ZIG encoded data slice and the subset of
encoded data slices includes at least one of a variety of
approaches. In a first approach, the processing module outputs to a
receiving entity in support of a communication with the receiving
entity. In a second approach, the processing module outputs to a
dispersed storage network (DSN) memory for storage therein. For
example, the processing module generates a write slice request for
the ZIG encoded data slice that includes the ZIG encoded data
slice. For each encoded data slice of the subset of encoded data
slices, the processing module generates a write slice request that
includes the encoded data slice of the subset of encoded data
slices. Next, the processing module outputs the write slice request
associated with the ZIG encoded data to the DSN memory. For each
encoded data slice of the subset of encoded data slices, the
processing module outputs a corresponding write slice request to
the DSN memory. In a third approach, the processing module outputs
to at least one intermediary device.
[0105] When producing more than one ZIG encoded data slice, the
method continues at step 158 where the processing module generates
a second ZIG encoded data slice that represents a component of
recovery information of a third encoded data slice of the set of
encoded data slices using the ZIG function and the second encoded
data slice or a fourth encoded data slice of the set of encoded
data slices. The method continues at step 160 where the processing
module outputs the ZIG encoded data slice, the second ZIG encoded
data slice, and the subset of encoded data slices of the set of
encoded data slices. The subset of encoded data slices includes
less than the decode threshold number of encoded data slices and
does not include the first, second, or third encoded data slice
and, when the third encoded data slice is encoded based on the
fourth encoded data slice, the subset of encoded data slices
further does not include the fourth encoded data slice.
[0106] When producing two or more ZIG encoded data slices utilizing
the common encoded data slice, the method continues at step 162
where the processing module generates a second ZIG encoded data
slice that represents a second component of the recovery
information of the first encoded data slice of the set of encoded
data slices using the ZIG function and a third encoded data slice
of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues at step 164
where the processing module combines (e.g., exclusive OR) the
second ZIG encoded data slice with the ZIG encode data slice to
produce the ZIG encoded data slice. The method continues at step
166 where the processing module outputs the ZIG encoded data slice
and the subset of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data
slices. The subset of encoded data slices includes less than the
decode threshold number of encoded data slices and does not include
the first, second, or third encoded data slice.
[0107] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of transforming
encoded data into reproduced data 108. Encoded data slices 1 and 2
are received as less than a decode threshold number of slices to
produce received encoded data slices. Obfuscated partial op (3,4)
is received as less than a decode threshold number of partials to
produce received partials. Partial p (3,1) is generated from
received encoded data slice 1 and partial p (3,2) is generated from
received encoded data slice 2. Received partial op (3,4) is
de-obfuscated to produce received partial p (3,4). Generated
partials p (3,1) and p (3,2) are combined with received partial p
(3,4) to produce recovered encoded data slice 3. Recovered encoded
data slice 3 is dispersed storage error decoded along with received
encoded data slices 1 and 2 to produce reproduced data 108.
[0108] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating another example of
transforming encoded data into reproduced data 108. Encoded data
slice 1 is received as a less than a decode threshold number of
slices to produce a received encoded data slice 1. Obfuscated
partial op (2,4/5) is received as less than a decode threshold
number of partials to produce a received partial op (2,4/5).
Obfuscated partial op (3,4/5) is received as less than a decode
threshold number of partials to produce a received partial op
(3,4/5). Partials p (2,1) and p (3,1) are generated from received
encoded data slice 1. Received partial op (2,4/5) is de-obfuscated
to produce received partial p (2,4/5). Received partial op (3,4/5)
is de-obfuscated to produce received partial p (3,4/5). Generated
partial p (2,1) is combined with received partial p (2,4/5) to
produce recovered encoded data slice 2. Generated partial p (3,1)
is combined with received partial p (3,4/5) to produce recovered
encoded data slice 3. Recovered encoded data slices 2 and 3 are
dispersed storage error decoded along with received encoded data
slice 1 to produce reproduced data 108.
[0109] FIG. 8C is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system that includes a computing device 170, a
sending entity 172, an intermediary device 134, and a dispersed
storage network (DSN) memory 22. The sending entity 172 may be
implemented as at least one of a user device, a dispersed storage
(DS) processing unit, a DS managing unit, and a DS unit. The
intermediary device 134 may be implemented as at least one of a
user device, a dispersed storage (DS) processing unit, a DS
managing unit, and a DS unit. The computing device 170 may be
implemented as at least one of a receiving entity, a user device, a
dispersed storage (DS) processing unit, a DS managing unit, and a
DS unit. For example, the sending entity 172 is implemented
utilizing a user device to send data, the intermediary device 134
is implemented as a second user device affiliated with the
computing device 170, and the computing device 170 is implemented
as a third user device. The computing device 170 includes a DS
module 174. The DS module 174 includes a receive module 176, a
generate module 178, a recreate module 180, and a decode module
182.
[0110] The receive module 176 receives a zero information gain
(ZIG) encoded data slice 146 and a subset of encoded data slices
148 of a set of encoded data slices. Data 106 was encoded using a
dispersed storage error coding function to produce the set of
encoded data slices. Data 106 can be recreated from a decode
threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data
slices. The subset of encoded data slices 148 includes less than
the decode threshold number of encoded data slices and does not
include a first or a second encoded data slice of the set of
encoded data slices. The ZIG encoded data slice 146 represents a
first component of recovery information of the first encoded data
slice 186 that is based on the second encoded data slice. The
receive module 176 may obtain ZIG function information 150
regarding the generating of the ZIG encoded data slice 146. The
receive module 176 receives the ZIG encoded data slice 146, the
subset of encoded data slices 148, and the ZIG function information
150 from one or more of the intermediary device 134 (e.g., in
response to a request), the sending entity 172, and the DSN memory
22 (e.g., in response to a request).
[0111] The generate module 178 generates a set of ZIG encoded data
slices 184 using a ZIG function and corresponding ones of the
subset of encoded data slices 148. The set of ZIG encoded data
slices 184 represents additional components of the recovery
information of the first encoded data slice 186. The generate
module 178 functions to generate one of the set of ZIG encoded data
slices 184 by generating a decoding matrix for the first encoded
data slice 186 based on an encoding matrix of the dispersed storage
error coding function and generating the one of the set of ZIG
encoded data slices 184 based on the decoding matrix and on a
corresponding one of the subset of encoded data slices 148. The
generate module 178 functions to generate the decoding matrix by
reducing the encoding matrix to produce a square matrix based on
the first encoded data slice 186 and the subset of encoded data
slices 148 (e.g., square matrix includes rows associated with the
first encoded data slice 186 and the subset of encoded data slices)
and inverting the square matrix to produce the decoding matrix.
[0112] The generate module 178 functions to generate the one of the
set of ZIG encoded data slices 184 based on the decoding matrix by
encoding the corresponding one of the subset of encoded data slices
148 using the decoding matrix to produce a vector (e.g., matrix
multiplying the decoding matrix by the corresponding one of the
subset of encoded data slices 148 to produce the vector) and
encoding the vector by a row of the decoding matrix corresponding
to the first encoded data slice 186 to produce the one of the set
of ZIG encoded data slices 184 (e.g., matrix multiplying the vector
by a row of the decoding matrix corresponding to the first encoded
data slice 186 to produce the one of the set of ZIG encoded data
slices 184).
[0113] The recreate module 180 recreates the first encoded data
slice 186 from the ZIG encoded data slice 146 and the set of ZIG
encoded data slices 184. Prior to recreating the first encoded data
slice 186, the recreate module 180 functions to de-obfuscate the
ZIG encoded data slice 146 utilizing an obfuscation function when
the ZIG encoded data slice 146 was obfuscated. For example, the
recreate module 180 performs an exclusive OR function on the ZIG
encoded data slice 146 with a shared secret to de-obfuscate the ZIG
encoded data slice 146. The shared secret includes at least one of
a private key, a secret value shared with the sending entity 172, a
shared secret value of the ZIG information 150.
[0114] The recreate module 180 recreates the first encoded data
slice 186 from the ZIG encoded data slice 146 and the set of ZIG
encoded data slices 184 by one of a variety of approaches. In a
first approach, the recreate module 180 exclusive ORs the ZIG
encoded data slice 146 and the set of ZIG encoded data slices 184
to produce the first encoded data slice 186. In a second approach,
the recreate module 180 rebuilds the first encoded data slice 186
based on the ZIG encoded data slice 146 and the set of ZIG encoded
data slices 184 in accordance with a dispersed storage error coding
function.
[0115] The decode module 182 decodes the subset of encoded data
slices 148 and the first encoded data slice 186 using the dispersed
storage error coding function to reproduce the data 106. The decode
module 182 decodes the subset of encoded data slices 148 and the
first encoded data slice 186 by a series of steps. In a first step,
the decode module 182 generates a received slice matrix from the
first encoded data slice 186 and the subset of encoded data slices
148 (e.g., the received slice matrix includes decode threshold
number of rows). In a second step, the decode module 182 generates
a data matrix based on the received slice matrix and a decoding
matrix. The generating includes matrix multiplying the received
slice matrix by the decoding matrix to produce the data matrix. In
a third step, the decode module 182 creates the data 106 from the
data matrix. The creating includes aggregating the data matrix to
form the data 106. The decode module 182 may generate the decoding
matrix by a series of steps. In a first step, the decode module 182
obtains an encoding matrix utilized to generate the set of encoded
data slices (e.g., receives ZIG information 150). In a second step,
the decode module 182 reduces the encoding matrix based on rows
associated with the subset of encoded data slices 148 and the first
encoded data slice 186 to produce a square matrix. In a third step,
the decode module 182 converts the square matrix to produce the
decoding matrix.
[0116] FIG. 8D is a flowchart illustrating an example of receiving
data. The method begins at step 190 where a processing module
(e.g., of a receiving entity) receives a zero information gain
(ZIG) encoded data slice and a subset of encoded data slices of a
set of encoded data slices. Data was encoded using a dispersed
storage error coding function to produce the set of encoded data
slices. The data can be recreated from a decode threshold number of
encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices. The subset
of encoded data slices includes less than the decode threshold
number of encoded data slices and does not include a first or a
second encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices. The
ZIG encoded data slices represents a first component of recovery
information of the first encoded data slice that is based on the
second encoded data slice.
[0117] The method continues at step 192 where the processing module
obtains ZIG function information regarding the generating of the
ZIG encoded data slice. The obtaining includes at least one of
receiving the ZIG function information with the ZIG encoded data
slice, retrieving the ZIG function information from a dispersed
storage network (DSN) memory, and receiving the ZIG function
information from an intermediary device in response to a
request.
[0118] The method continues at step 194 where the processing module
generates a set of ZIG encoded data slices using a ZIG function and
corresponding ones of the subset of encoded data slices. The set of
ZIG encoded data slices represents additional components of the
recovery information of the first encoded data slice. The
generating one of the set of ZIG encoded data slices includes
generating a decoding matrix for the first encoded data slice based
on an encoding matrix of the dispersed storage error coding
function and generating the one of the set of ZIG encoded data
slices based on the decoding matrix and on a corresponding one of
the subset of encoded data slices. The generating the decoding
matrix includes reducing the encoding matrix to produce a square
matrix based on the first encoded data slice and the subset of
encoded data slices (e.g., exclusively includes rows associated
with the first encoded data slice and the subset of encoded data
slices) and inverting the square matrix to produce the decoding
matrix.
[0119] The generating the one of the set of ZIG encoded data slices
based on the decoding matrix includes encoding the corresponding
one of the subset of encoded data slices using the decoding matrix
to produce a vector (e.g., matrix multiplying the decoding matrix
by the corresponding one of the subset of encoded data slices to
produce the vector) and encoding the vector by a row of the
decoding matrix corresponding to the first encoded data slice to
produce the one of the set of ZIG encoded data slices. The encoding
includes matrix multiplying the vector by a row of the decoding
matrix corresponding to the first encoded data slice to produce the
one of the set of ZIG encoded data slices.
[0120] Prior to recreating the first encoded data slice, the method
continues at step 196 where the processing module de-obfuscates the
ZIG encoded data slice utilizing an obfuscation function when the
first encoded data slice was obfuscated. For example, the
processing module will perform an exclusive OR (XOR) function on
the ZIG encoded data slice with a shared secret to de-obfuscate the
ZIG encoded data slice. The shared secret includes at least one of
a private key, a secret value shared with a sending entity, a
shared secret value of the ZIG information. As another example, the
processing module de-obfuscates the ZIG encoded data slice by
utilizing the XOR function on the ZIG encoded data slice and with a
corresponding obfuscation value (e.g., a pillar number).
[0121] The method continues at step 198 where the processing module
recreates the first encoded data slice from the ZIG encoded data
slice and the set of ZIG encoded data slices. The recreating the
first encoded data slice from the ZIG encoded data slice and the
set of ZIG encoded data slices includes one of a variety of
approaches. A first approach includes exclusive ORing the ZIG
encoded data slice and the set of ZIG encoded data slices to
produce the first encoded data slice. A second approach includes
rebuilding the first encoded data slice based on the ZIG encoded
data slice and the set of ZIG encoded data slices in accordance
with a dispersed storage error coding function.
[0122] The method continues at step 200 and processing module
decodes the subset of encoded data slices and the first encoded
data slice using the dispersed storage error coding function to
reproduce the data. The decoding the subset of encoded data slices
and the first encoded data slice includes a series of steps. A
first step includes generating a received slice matrix from first
encoded data slice and the subset of encoded data slices (e.g., the
received slice matrix includes decode threshold number of rows). A
second step includes generating a data matrix based on the received
slice matrix and a decoding matrix. The generating includes matrix
multiplying the received slice matrix by the decoding matrix to
produce the data matrix. A third step includes creating the data
from the data matrix. The creating includes aggregating the data
matrix to form the data. The processing module may produce the
decoding matrix by a series of steps. A first step includes
obtaining an encoding matrix utilized to generate the set of
encoded data slices. A second step includes reducing the encoding
matrix based on rows associated with the subset of encoded data
slices and the first encoded data slice to produce a square matrix.
A third step includes inverting the square matrix to produce the
decoding matrix.
[0123] FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of generation
of a set of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slices to
facilitate sending an encoded data slice (e.g., slice 1) from a
sending entity to a receiving entity. The sending includes a series
of steps. A first step includes determining whether to send an
encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices in accordance
with a ZIG format. Data (e.g., a data segment) is encoded (e.g., by
the sending entity) using a dispersed storage error coding function
to produce the set of encoded data slices. The data can be
recreated (e.g., by the receiving entity) from a decode threshold
number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices.
For example, sending entity receives an error message from the
receiving entity indicating that encoded data slice 1 is missing
with regards to a previous slice transfer. The sending entity
determines to send encoded data slice 1 in accordance with the ZIG
format based on the error message.
[0124] When sending the encoded data slice in accordance with the
ZIG format, a second step includes selecting a partial encoding
threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data
slices. The partial encoding threshold number may be substantially
the same as the decode threshold number of the dispersed storage
error coding function. The selection results in the partial
encoding threshold number of encoded data slices such that the
partial encoding threshold number of encoded data slices does not
include the encoded data slice. For example, the sending entity
selects encoded data slices 2-4 of the set of encoded data slices
1-5.
[0125] A third step includes generating a set of ZIG encoded data
slices based on a ZIG function and the partial encoding threshold
number of encoded data slices. The set of ZIG encoded data slices
represents recovery information of the encoded data slice (e.g.,
the receiving entity re-creates encoded data slice 1 based on the
set of ZIG encoded data slices. For example, the sending entity
generates the set of ZIG encoded data slices by generating partial
p (1,2) (e.g., a ZIG encoded data slice that represents a portion
of recovery information of encoded data slice 1) based on encoded
data slice 2 for missing encoded data slice 1, generates partial p
(1,3) based on encoded data slice 3 for missing encoded data slice
1, and generates partial p (1,4) based on encoded data slice 4 for
missing encoded data slice 1. The generating may include
obfuscating one or more of the ZIG encoded data slices. For
example, the sending entity obfuscates partials p (1,2), p (1,3),
and p (1,4) prior to outputting to produce obfuscated partials op
(1,2), op (1,3), and op (1,4).
[0126] A fourth step includes outputting the set of ZIG encoded
data slices to the receiving entity. The outputting may include
utilizing one or more communication paths and/or one or more
intermediary devices that includes temporary storage. For example,
the sending entity outputs obfuscated partials op (1,2), op (1,3),
and op (1,4) to the receiving entity. The receiving entity receives
the partial encoding threshold number of obfuscated partials op
(1,2), op (1,3), and op (1,4). The receiving entity de-obfuscates
obfuscated partials op (1,2), op (1,3), and op (1,4) to reproduce
partials p (1,2), p (1,3), and p (1,4). The receiving entity
combines partials p (1,2), p (1,3), and p (1,4) to reproduce
missing encoded data slice 1. For instance, the receiving entity
performs the exclusive OR function on partials p (1,2), p (1,3),
and p (1,4) to reproduce missing encoded data slice 1.
[0127] FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating another example of
generation of a set of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data
slices to facilitate sending an encoded data slice (e.g., slice 1)
from a sending entity to a receiving entity. The sending includes a
series of steps. A first step includes determining whether to send
an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices in accordance
with a ZIG format. Data (e.g., a data segment) is encoded (e.g., by
the sending entity) using a dispersed storage error coding function
to produce the set of encoded data slices. The data can be
recreated (e.g., by the receiving entity) from a decode threshold
number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices.
For example, sending entity receives a security message from a
managing entity indicating that encoded data slice 1 shall be
transferred utilizing the ZIG format. The sending entity determines
to send encoded data slice 1 in accordance with the ZIG format
based on the security message.
[0128] When sending the encoded data slice in accordance with the
ZIG format, a second step includes selecting a partial encoding
threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data
slices. The partial encoding threshold number may be substantially
the same as the decode threshold number of the dispersed storage
error coding function. The selection results in the partial
encoding threshold number of encoded data slices such that the
partial encoding threshold number of encoded data slices does not
include the encoded data slice. For example, the sending entity
selects encoded data slices 2-4 of the set of encoded data slices
1-5.
[0129] A third step includes generating a set of ZIG encoded data
slices based on a ZIG function and the partial encoding threshold
number of encoded data slices. The set of ZIG encoded data slices
represents recovery information of the encoded data slice (e.g.,
the receiving entity re-creates encoded data slice 1 based on the
set of ZIG encoded data slices. For example, the sending entity
generates the set of ZIG encoded data slices by generating partial
p (1,2) (e.g., a ZIG encoded data slice that represents a portion
of recovery information of encoded data slice 1) based on encoded
data slice 2 for missing encoded data slice 1, generates partial p
(1,3) based on encoded data slice 3 for missing encoded data slice
1, and generates partial p (1,4) based on encoded data slice 4 for
missing encoded data slice 1.
[0130] A fourth step includes combining two or more ZIG encoded
data slices of the set of ZIG encoded data slices. For example, the
sending entity combines partial p(1,3) with partial p(1,4)
utilizing an exclusive OR function to produce partial p(1,3/4). The
combining may include obfuscating one or more of the ZIG encoded
data slices prior to outputting. For example, the sending entity
obfuscates partials p (1,2) and p (1,3/4) prior to outputting to
produce obfuscated partials op (1,2) and op (1,3/4).
[0131] A fifth step includes outputting the set of ZIG encoded data
slices to the receiving entity. The outputting includes utilizing
two or more communication paths and/or intermediary devices that
includes temporary storage. Utilizing two or more paths may provide
one or more of a network bandwidth utilization improvement and a
security improvement to the system. For example, the sending entity
outputs obfuscated partial op (1,2) via a first communication path
to the receiving entity and outputs obfuscated partial op (1,3/4)
via a second communication path. The receiving entity receives
obfuscated partials op (1,2) and op (1,3/4). The receiving entity
de-obfuscates obfuscated partials op (1,2) and op (1,3/4) to
reproduce partials p (1,2) and p (1,3/4). The receiving entity
combines partials p (1,2) and p (1,3/4) to reproduce missing
encoded data slice 1. For instance, the receiving entity performs
the exclusive OR function on partials p (1,2) and p (1,3/4) to
reproduce missing encoded data slice 1.
[0132] FIG. 9C is another schematic block diagram of an embodiment
of a computing system that includes a computing device 210, a
receiving entity 132, an intermediary device 134, and a dispersed
storage network (DSN) memory 22. The receiving entity 132 may be
implemented as at least one of a user device, a dispersed storage
(DS) processing unit, a DS managing unit, and a DS unit. The
intermediary device 134 may be implemented as at least one of a
user device, a dispersed storage (DS) processing unit, a DS
managing unit, and a DS unit. The computing device 210 may be
implemented as at least one of a sending device, a user device, a
dispersed storage (DS) processing unit, a DS managing unit, and a
DS unit. For example, the computing device 210 is implemented
utilizing a user device to send data, the intermediary device 134
is implemented as a second user device affiliated with the
computing device 210, and the receiving entity 132 is implemented
as a third user device. The computing device 210 includes a DS
module 212. The DS module 212 includes a send determination module
214, a generate module 216, and an output module 218.
[0133] The DS module 212 obtains a set of encoded data slices 144.
The obtaining includes at least one of receiving the set of encoded
data slices 144, retrieving the set of encoded data slices 144, and
generating the set of encoded data slices 144. For example, the DS
module 212 encodes data 106 using a dispersed storage error coding
function to produce the set of encoded data slices 144 when the
obtaining includes generating the set of encoded data slices 144.
The data 106 can be recreated from a decode threshold number of
encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices 144.
[0134] The send determination module 214 determines whether to send
an encoded data slice of set of encoded data slices 144 in
accordance with a zero information gain (ZIG) format. The send
determination module 214 functions to determine whether to send the
encoded data slice in the ZIG format by at least one of a variety
of approaches. A first approach includes receiving an error message
with regards to a previous transmission of the encoded data slice.
A second approach includes determining that the encoded data slice
is of a first priority type (e.g., a security risk if the slice
were to be transmitted as is). A third approach includes receiving
a request for transmission of the encoded data slice. A fourth
approach includes determining that a slice name associated with the
encoded data slice is on a list (e.g., slice names not to be sent
directly).
[0135] When the encoded data slice is to be sent in accordance with
the ZIG format, the generate module 216 selects a partial encoding
threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data
slices 144. The partial encoding threshold number of encoded data
slices does not include the encoded data slice. The generate module
216 functions to select the partial encoding threshold number of
encoded data slices by selecting a subset of encoded data slices of
the set of encoded data slices 144 to fulfill the decode threshold
number of encoded data slices requirement for recreating the data.
The selecting the subset of encoded data slices includes at least
one of a variety of approaches. A first approach includes selecting
at least one of the subset of encoded data slices to include
encoded error code blocks (e.g., may choose an error coded slice
rather than a data slice when a unity matrix is utilized within an
encoding matrix used to generate the set of encoded data slices). A
second approach includes selecting at least one other of the subset
of encoded data slices to include encoded data blocks (e.g., an
indicator from a receiving entity indicates that a corresponding
ZIG encoded data slice already exists).
[0136] The generate module 216 generates a set of ZIG encoded data
slices 220 based on a ZIG function and the partial encoding
threshold number of encoded data slices. The set of ZIG encoded
data slices 220 represents recovery information of the encoded data
slice. The generate module 216 generates a ZIG encoded data slice
of the set of ZIG encoded data slices 220 by generating a decoding
matrix for the encoded data slice based on an encoding matrix of
the dispersed storage error coding function and generating the ZIG
encoded data slice based on the decoding matrix and on a first
encoded data slice of the partial encoding threshold number of
encoded data slices.
[0137] The generate module 216 generates the decoding matrix by
reducing the encoding matrix to produce a square matrix based on
the partial encoding threshold number of encoded data slices and
inverting the square matrix to produce the decoding matrix. The
generate module 216 generates the ZIG encoded data slice based on
the decoding matrix and on the encoded data slice by a series of
steps. A first step includes encoding the first encoded data slice
using the decoding matrix to produce a vector. The encoding
includes matrix multiplying the decoding matrix by the first
encoded data slice to produce the vector. A second step includes
encoding the vector by a row of the decoding matrix corresponding
to the encoded data slice to produce the ZIG encoded data slice.
The encoding includes multiplying the vector by a row of the
decoding matrix corresponding to the encoded data slice to produce
the ZIG encoded data slice.
[0138] Alternatively, the generate module 216 generates the ZIG
encoded data slice of the set of ZIG encoded data slices by a
series of alternative steps. A first alternate step includes
generating the decoding matrix for the encoded data slice based on
the encoding matrix of the dispersed storage error coding function.
A second alternative step includes generating a first initial ZIG
encoded data slice based on the decoding matrix and on a first
encoded data slice of the partial encoding threshold number of
encoded data slices. A third alternative step includes generating a
second initial ZIG encoded data slice based on the decoding matrix
and on a second encoded data slice of the partial encoding
threshold number of encoded data slices. A fourth alternative step
includes combining (e.g., exclusive OR) the first and second
initial ZIG encoded data slices to produce the ZIG encoded data
slice.
[0139] The output module 218 outputs the set of ZIG encoded data
slices 220. The output module 218 outputs the set of ZIG encoded
data slices 220 by at least one of a variety of approaches. A first
approach includes outputting a first one of the set of ZIG encoded
data slices 220 on a first path and outputting a second one of the
set of ZIG encoded data slices 220 on a second path. A second
approach includes outputting to a receiving entity in support of a
communication with the receiving entity (e.g., via a network). A
third approach includes outputting to a dispersed storage network
(DSN) memory for storage therein (e.g., generate write slice
requests, output the requests). A fourth approach includes
outputting to at least one intermediary device (e.g., a retrieving
entity has a predetermined list of devices including the at least
one intermediary device). Prior to outputting the set of ZIG
encoded data slices 220, the output module 218 may output by
obfuscating at least one ZIG encoded data slice of the set of ZIG
encoded data slices 220 utilizing an obfuscation function (e.g.,
exclusive OR with a shared secret of the receiving entity, encrypt
utilizing a key known to the receiving entity).
[0140] FIG. 9D is a flowchart illustrating an example generating a
set of zero information gain (ZIG) encoded data slices. The method
begins at step 230 were a processing module (e.g., of a sending
entity) determines whether to send an encoded data slice of a set
of encoded data slices in accordance with a zero information gain
(ZIG) format. Data is encoded using a dispersed storage error
coding function to produce the set of encoded data slices. The data
can be recreated from a decode threshold number of encoded data
slices of the set of encoded data slices. The determining whether
to send the encoded data slice in the ZIG format includes at least
one of a variety of approaches. A first approach includes receiving
an error message with regards to a previous transmission of the
encoded data slice. A second approach includes determining that the
encoded data slice is of a first priority type; (e.g.,
high-priority). A third approach includes receiving a request for
transmission of the encoded data slice (e.g., utilizing the ZIG
format). A fourth approach includes determining that a slice name
associated with the encoded data slice is on a list. (e.g., a list
of slice names slated for utilizing the ZIG format).
[0141] When the encoded data slice is to be sent in accordance with
the ZIG format, the method continues at step 232 where the
processing module selects a partial encoding threshold number of
encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices. The partial
encoding threshold number of encoded data slices does not include
the encoded data slice. The selecting the partial encoding
threshold number of encoded data slices includes a series of steps.
A first step includes selecting a subset of encoded data slices of
the set of encoded data slices to fulfill the decode threshold
number of encoded data slices requirement for recreating the data.
The selecting the subset of encoded data slices includes at least
one of selecting at least one of the subset of encoded data slices
to include encoded error code blocks (e.g., may choose an error
coded slice rather than a data slice) and selecting at least one
other of the subset of encoded data slices to include encoded data
blocks (e.g., indicator from a receiving entity indicates that a
corresponding ZIG encoded data slice already exists).
[0142] The method continues at step 234 where the processing module
generates a set of ZIG encoded data slices based on a ZIG function
and the partial encoding threshold number of encoded data slices.
The set of ZIG encoded data slices represents recovery information
of the encoded data slice. The generating the ZIG encoded data
slice of the set of ZIG encoded data slices includes generating a
decoding matrix for the encoded data slice based on an encoding
matrix of the dispersed storage error coding function and
generating the ZIG encoded data slice based on the decoding matrix
and on a first encoded data slice of the partial encoding threshold
number of encoded data slices. The generating the decoding matrix
includes reducing the encoding matrix to produce a square matrix
based on the partial encoding threshold number of encoded data
slices and inverting the square matrix to produce the decoding
matrix.
[0143] The generating the ZIG encoded data slice based on the
decoding matrix and on the encoded data slice includes a series of
steps. A first step includes encoding the first encoded data slice
using the decoding matrix to produce a vector. The encoding
includes matrix multiplying the decoding matrix by the first
encoded data slice to produce the vector. A second step includes
encoding the vector by a row of the decoding matrix corresponding
to the encoded data slice to produce the ZIG encoded data slice.
The encoding includes multiplying the vector by a row of the
decoding matrix corresponding to the encoded data slice to produce
the ZIG encoded data slice.
[0144] Alternatively, when utilizing two or more communication
paths and/or intermediary devices that include storage, the
generating the ZIG encoded data slice of the set of ZIG encoded
data slices includes an alternate series of steps. A first
alternate step includes generating a decoding matrix for the
encoded data slice based on an encoding matrix of the dispersed
storage error coding function. A second alternate step includes
generating a first initial ZIG encoded data slice based on the
decoding matrix and on a first encoded data slice of the partial
encoding threshold number of encoded data slices. A third alternate
step includes generating a second initial ZIG encoded data slice
based on the decoding matrix and on a second encoded data slice of
the partial encoding threshold number of encoded data slices. A
fourth alternate step includes combining (e.g., exclusive OR) the
first and second initial ZIG encoded data slices to produce the ZIG
encoded data slice.
[0145] Prior to outputting the set of ZIG encoded data slices, the
method continues at step 236 where the processing module obfuscates
at least one ZIG encoded data slice of the set of ZIG encoded data
slices utilizing an obfuscation function. The method continues at
step 238 where the processing module outputs the set of ZIG encoded
data slices. The outputting the set of ZIG encoded data slices
includes at least one of a series of steps. A first step includes
outputting a first one of the set of ZIG encoded data slices on a
first path and outputting a second one of the set of ZIG encoded
data slices on a second path. A second step includes outputting to
a receiving entity in support of a communication with the receiving
entity (e.g., via a network). A third step includes outputting to a
dispersed storage network (DSN) memory for storage therein (e.g.,
generate write slice requests, output the requests). A fourth step
includes outputting to at least one intermediary device (e.g.,
retrieving entity has a predetermined list of user devices to
retrieve).
[0146] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of storing
encoded data. The method begins at step 240 where a processing
module (e.g., of a sending dispersed storage (DS) processing, of a
user device, of a DS processing unit) obtains an encoding scheme.
The obtaining includes at least one of receiving, retrieving, and
determining. The encoding scheme includes one or more of a decode
threshold number, a number of encoded data slices to send, a number
of zero information gain encoded data slices to send, an
obfuscation of slices indicator, a security requirement, a
performance requirement, and a reliability requirement. The method
continues at step 242 where the processing module encodes data in
accordance with the encoding scheme to produce at least a decode
threshold number of encoded data slices of a set of encoded data
slices. The method continues at step 244 where the processing
module generates at least one partial slice corresponding to
another encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices from
at least one of the least a decode threshold number of encoded data
slices in accordance with the encoding scheme. The method continues
at step 246 where the processing module obfuscates the at least one
partial slice to produce at least one obfuscated partial slice.
[0147] The method continues at step 248 where the processing module
determines a partial distribution scheme. The determination may be
based on one or more of a goal, a security requirement, a
reliability requirement, a performance requirement, a receiving
entity list, the data, the data type of the data, a received
message, the list, and a lookup. For example, the processing module
determines the partial distribution scheme to include sending an
obfuscated partial slice to each user device of a plurality of user
devices for storage therein based on a security requirement to
utilize trusted user devices. As another example, the processing
module determines the partial distribution scheme to include
sending all obfuscated partial slices to a dispersed storage
network (DSN) memory for storage therein when a performance
requirement indicates to utilize the DSN memory for fast
retrievals.
[0148] The method continues at step 250 where the processing module
sends the at least one obfuscated partial slice to at least one
receiving entity for storage therein in accordance with the partial
distribution scheme. The method continues at step 252 where the
processing module sends each of the at least a decode threshold
number of encoded data slices except for the at least one encoded
data slice to a DSN memory for storage therein.
[0149] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of retrieving
encoded data, which includes similar steps to FIG. 10. The method
begins with step 240 of FIG. 10 where a processing module (e.g., of
a receiving dispersed storage (DS) processing, of a user device, of
a DS processing unit) obtains an encoding scheme. The method
continues at step 256 where the processing module retrieves less
than a decode threshold number of encoded data slices from a
dispersed storage network (DSN) memory to produce received encoded
data slices. For example, a processing module determines to
retrieve the encoded data slices from a DSN memory based on an
indication of the encoding scheme to retrieve the encoded data
slices from the DSN memory. As another example, the processing
module receives a message from a sending entity indicating to
retrieve the encoded data slices from the DSN memory.
[0150] The method continues at step 258 where the processing module
obtains a partial distribution scheme. The obtaining may be based
on one or more of a lookup, a predetermination, receiving the
partial distribution scheme from a sending DS processing unit,
retrieving from the DSN memory, and determining the partial
distribution scheme based on one or more of a goal, a security
requirement, a reliability requirement, a performance requirement,
a receiving entity list, the data, the data type of the data, a
received message, and a lookup. For example, the processing module
obtains the partial distribution scheme from the sending entity.
For instance, the partial distribution scheme indicates that an
obfuscated partial has been stored in each user device of a
plurality of user devices. As another example, the processing
module obtains the partial distribution scheme based on a DSN
memory retrieval. For instance, the partial distribution scheme
indicates that all obfuscated partials are stored in the DSN
memory.
[0151] The method continues at step 260 where the processing module
obtains less than a decode threshold number of obfuscated partials
in accordance with the partial distribution scheme to produce
received obfuscated partials. The obtaining may include one or more
of receiving from the sending entity, retrieving from the DSN
memory, and retrieving from one or more user devices of a plurality
of user devices. The method continues at step 262 where the
processing module de-obfuscates the received obfuscated partial
slices to reproduced received partial slices. The method continues
at step 264 where the processing module generates a partial slice
corresponding to each partial slice of the received partial slices
in accordance with the encoding scheme to produce generated partial
slices for each slice of the received encoded data slices. The
method continues at step 266 where the processing module combines
the received partials and the generated partials to produce one or
more recovered encoded data slices. The method continues at step
268 where the processing module decodes the one or more recovered
encoded data slices and the received encoded data slices to produce
reproduced data in accordance with the encoding scheme.
[0152] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of
determining parameters of an encoding scheme, which includes
similar steps to FIG. 10. The method begins at step 270 where a
processing module (e.g., of a sending dispersed storage (DS)
processing, of a user device, of a DS processing unit) obtains data
to send. The obtaining includes at least one of retrieving the
data, receiving the data, initiating a query with regards to the
data, generating the data, and looking up the data. The method
continues at step 272 where the processing module obtains data
encoding requirements. The data encoding requirements includes at
least one of a security requirement, a bandwidth utilization
requirement, a latency requirement, a predetermined requirement, a
number of receiving entities, and an error coding dispersal storage
function parameter requirement. The obtaining includes at least one
of retrieving the data encoding requirements, receiving the data
encoding requirements, initiating a query with respect to the data
encoding requirements, generating the data encoding requirements,
and looking up the data encoding requirements.
[0153] The method continues at step 274 where the processing module
selects less than a decode threshold number of encoded data slices
corresponding to the data to produce selected encoded data slices
for subsequent sending based on the data encoding requirements. For
example, the processing module selects the number of encoded data
slices to be one when the data encoding requirements indicates to
send just one slice based on a security requirement and the error
coding dispersal storage function parameters include a pillar width
of 5 and a decode threshold of 3. As another example, the
processing module selects the number of encoded data slices to be
two when the data encoding requirements indicates to send two
slices based on a performance requirement and the error coding
dispersal storage function parameters include a pillar width of 5
and a decode threshold of 3.
[0154] The method continues at step 276 where the processing module
selects another less than a decode threshold number of encoded data
slices corresponding to the data to produce other selected encoded
data slices to utilize when generating less than a decode threshold
number of partials for subsequent sending based on the data
encoding requirements. For example, the processing module selects
encoded data slices 4 and 5 as the another encoded data slices when
the data encoding requirements indicates to send just encoded data
slice 1 based on a security requirement and the error coding
dispersal storage function parameters include a pillar width of 5
and a decode threshold of 3. As another example, the processing
module selects encoded data slice 4 as the another encoded data
slice when the data encoding requirements indicates to send encoded
data slices 1 and 2 based on a performance requirement and the
error coding dispersal storage function parameters include a pillar
width of 5 and a decode threshold of 3.
[0155] The method continues at step 278 where the processing module
encodes the data to produce at least a decode threshold number of
encoded data slices corresponding to the selected encoded data
slices and the other selected encoded data slices. For example, the
processing module encodes the data to produce encoded data slices
1, 4, and 5 when the selected encoded data slices includes encoded
data slice 1 and the other selected encoded data slices includes
encoded data slices 4 and 5. As another example, the processing
module encodes the data to produce encoded data slices 1, 2, and 4
when the selected encoded data slices includes encoded data slices
1 and 2 and the other encoded data slices includes encoded data
slice 4.
[0156] The method continues at step 280 where the processing module
generates at least one partial corresponding to the other selected
encoded data slices. For example, the processing module generates
partial slices p (2,4) and p (3,4) corresponding to encoded data
slice 4 and the processing module generates partial slices p (2,5)
and p (3,5) corresponding to encoded data slice 5 when the other
selected encoded data slices includes encoded data slices 4 and 5
and the selected encoded data slices includes encoded data slice 1.
As another example, the processing module generates partial slice p
(3,4) corresponding to encoded data slice 4 when the other selected
encoded data slices includes encoded data slice 4 and the selected
encoded data slices includes encoded data slices 1 and 2.
[0157] The method continues with steps 246 and 250 of FIG. 10 where
the processing module obfuscates the at least one partial slice to
produce at least one obfuscated partial slice and sends the at
least one obfuscated partial slice to at least one receiving
entity. The method continues at step 286 where the processing
module sends each of the at least a decode threshold number of
encoded data slices except for the other selected encoded data
slices to at least one receiving entity. For example, the
processing module sends encoded data slice 1 when the other
selected encoded data slices includes encoded data slices 4 and 5
and the selected encoded data slices includes encoded data slice 1.
As another example, the processing module sends encoded data slices
1 and 2 when the other selected encoded data slices includes
encoded data slice 4 and the selected encoded data slices includes
encoded data slices 1 and 2.
[0158] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of rebuilding
an encoded data slice in error in accordance with the invention,
which includes similar steps to FIG. 11. The method begins at step
288 where a processing module (e.g., of a dispersed storage (DS)
processing, a storage integrity processing unit, a DS unit, a DS
processing unit, a user device) detects an encoded data slice
error. The encoded data slice error includes at least one of a
corrupted encoded data slice, a tampered encoded data slice, an
encoded data slice that fails an integrity check, and a missing the
encoded data slice. The detection may be based on one or more of
receiving an error message, receiving a rebuilding message, a
query, and an integrity test.
[0159] The method continues at step 290 where the processing module
identifies a least a decode threshold number of user devices
associated with at least a decode threshold number of partial
slices corresponding to the encoded data slice error. The
identifying includes at least one of receiving user device
identifiers (IDs), performing a lookup, performing a query,
obtaining an encoding scheme, and obtaining a partial distribution
scheme.
[0160] The method continues at step 292 where the processing module
generates at least a decode threshold number of partial slice
requests corresponding to the at least a decode threshold number of
partial slices. Each partial slice request includes at least one of
an encoded data slice ID, a pillar index, participant pillar IDs,
and encoding matrix, an encoding scheme, a partial distribution
scheme, and a requesting entity ID.
[0161] The method continues at step 294 where the processing module
sends the least a decode threshold number of partial slice requests
to the corresponding at least a decode threshold number of user
devices. The processing module may send a partial slice request
directly to a user device and/or indirectly via an intermediate
user device. For example, the processing module sends partial slice
requests to user devices 1, and 3-6. Each partial slice request
indicates pillar index 2 and user device participants 1, 3-6 when a
pillar width is 8 and a decode threshold is 5. Each user device
produces an obfuscated partial slice in response to the partial
slice request based on at least one of a retrieval from a local
memory, a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory retrieval, and
generating the partial slice based on a corresponding stored slice.
Each user device may obfuscate the partial slice when the partial
slice is not already obfuscated.
[0162] The method continues at step 296 where the processing module
receives at least a decode threshold number of obfuscated partial
slices to produce received obfuscated partial slices. The received
obfuscated partial slices may already include combinations (e.g.,
resulting from an exclusive OR logical function) of two or more
obfuscated partial slices. The method continues with step 262 of
FIG. 11 where the processing module de-obfuscates the received
obfuscated partial slices to produce received partial slices. For
example, the processing module may utilize an obfuscation value
that includes a unique shared secret with each of the plurality of
user devices.
[0163] The method continues at step 300 where the processing module
combines the received partial slices to produce a reproduced
encoded data slice corresponding to the encoded data slice error.
Alternatively, the processing module may simultaneously
de-obfuscate the received obfuscated partial slices and combine the
received partial slices to produce the reproduced encoded data
slice. For example, the processing module produces a reproduced
encoded data slice 2 utilizing a function: slice
2=(K1).sym.(K1).sym.partial (2,1).sym.(K3).sym.(K3).sym.partial
(2,3).sym.(K4).sym.(K4).sym.partial
(2,4).sym.(K5).sym.(K5).sym.partial
(2,5).sym.(K6).sym.(K6).sym.partial (2,6) when K1 is shared secret
obfuscation value associated with user device 1 (e.g.,
(K1).sym.partial(2,1) is received obfuscated partial slice op
(2,1)) and the processing module for regenerating encoded data
slice 2, K3 is shared secret obfuscation value associated with user
device 3 and the processing module, K4 is shared secret obfuscation
value associated with user device 4 and the processing module, K5
is shared secret obfuscation value associated with user device 5
and the processing module, and K6 is shared secret obfuscation
value associated with user device 6 and the processing module.
[0164] The method continues at step 302 where the processing module
facilitates remedying the encoded data slice error utilizing the
reproduced encoded data slice. The facilitation includes at least
one of storing the reproduced encoded data slice in the DSN memory,
writing over the encoded data slice error with the reproduced
encoded data slice, sending the reproduced encoded data slice to a
DS unit, sending the reproduced encoded data slice to a user
device, and sending the reproduced encoded data slice to a
receiving DS processing.
[0165] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and
"approximately" provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its
corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an
industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to
fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component
values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature
variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such
relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent
to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s)
"operably coupled to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes
direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between
items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not
limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module)
where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify
the information of a signal but may adjust its current level,
voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,
inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another
element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between
two items in the same manner as "coupled to". As may even further
be used herein, the term "operable to" or "operably coupled to"
indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,
input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more
its corresponding functions and may further include inferred
coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used
herein, the term "associated with", includes direct and/or indirect
coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within
another item. As may be used herein, the term "compares favorably",
indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals,
etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the
desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than
signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude
of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude
of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
[0166] As may also be used herein, the terms "processing module",
"processing circuit", and/or "processing unit" may be a single
processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a
processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller,
digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit,
field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state
machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital)
based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational
instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit,
and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an
integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a
plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another
processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing
unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access
memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,
dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that
stores digital information. Note that if the processing module,
module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more
than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally
located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or
wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g.,
cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network
and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing
module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit
implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog
circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory
and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational
instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry
comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element
may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit,
and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational
instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or
functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory
device or memory element can be included in an article of
manufacture.
[0167] The present invention has been described above with the aid
of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions
and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these
functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily
defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries
and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and
relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate
boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the
claimed invention. Further, the boundaries of these functional
building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of
description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the
certain significant functions are appropriately performed.
Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily
defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To
the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence
could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain
significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both
functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences
are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One
of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional
building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and
components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete
components, application specific integrated circuits, processors
executing appropriate software and the like or any combination
thereof.
[0168] The present invention may have also been described, at least
in part, in terms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the
present invention is used herein to illustrate the present
invention, an aspect thereof, a feature thereof, a concept thereof,
and/or an example thereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus,
an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process that
embodies the present invention may include one or more of the
aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with
reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein.
Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the
same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may
use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the
functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar
functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.
[0169] While the transistors in the above described figure(s)
is/are shown as field effect transistors (FETs), as one of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate, the transistors may be
implemented using any type of transistor structure including, but
not limited to, bipolar, metal oxide semiconductor field effect
transistors (MOSFET), N-well transistors, P-well transistors,
enhancement mode, depletion mode, and zero voltage threshold (VT)
transistors.
[0170] Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from,
and/or between elements in a figure of any of the figures presented
herein may be analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time,
and single-ended or differential. For instance, if a signal path is
shown as a single-ended path, it also represents a differential
signal path. Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential
path, it also represents a single-ended signal path. While one or
more particular architectures are described herein, other
architectures can likewise be implemented that use one or more data
buses not expressly shown, direct connectivity between elements,
and/or indirect coupling between other elements as recognized by
one of average skill in the art.
[0171] The term "module" is used in the description of the various
embodiments of the present invention. A module includes a
processing module, a functional block, hardware, and/or software
stored on memory for performing one or more functions as may be
described herein. Note that, if the module is implemented via
hardware, the hardware may operate independently and/or in
conjunction software and/or firmware. As used herein, a module may
contain one or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more
modules.
[0172] While particular combinations of various functions and
features of the present invention have been expressly described
herein, other combinations of these features and functions are
likewise possible. The present invention is not limited by the
particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates
these other combinations.
* * * * *