| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090094250 | Ensuring data integrity on a dispersed storage grid - An improved system is disclosed for ensuring the integrity of data stored on a dispersed data storage network. Checksums are used to ensure integrity of both data segments and data slices. Checksums appended to data slices are checked by receiving slice servers to ensure that no errors occurred during transmission. Slice servers also periodically recalculate checksums for stored data slices to ensure that data slices have not been corrupted during storage. Checksums appended to data segments are checked when data segments are read from the storage network. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090094251 | Virtualized data storage vaults on a dispersed data storage network - A system, method, and apparatus for implementing a plurality of dispersed data storage networks using a set of slice servers are disclosed. A plurality of information records are maintained, with each information record corresponding to a dispersed data storage network. The information record maintains what slice servers are used to implement the dispersed data storage network, as well as other information needed to administer a DDSN, such as the information dispersal algorithm used, how data is stored, and whether data is compressed or encrypted. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090094318 | Smart access to a dispersed data storage network - An improved system for accessing data within a distributed data storage network (“DDSN”) is disclosed. In a system implementing the disclosed invention, traffic is routed to individual slice servers within the DDSN in accordance with objective criteria as well as user-defined policies. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed invention, when a data segment is written to a DDSN, the segment is divided into multiple data slices, which are simultaneously transmitted to different slice servers. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed invention, when a data segment is read from a DDSN, a list of slice servers, each containing a data slice that could be used to reconstruct the requested data segment, is assembled, and sorted in accordance with a preference rating assigned to each of the slice servers. Sufficient data slices to reconstruct the data segment are then read in accordance with the preference ranking of the slice servers. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090094320 | File system adapted for use with a dispersed data storage network - A file system interface to a dispersed data storage network is disclosed. The disclosed interface accepts read and write commands from a file system resident on a user's computer and generates network commands that are forwarded to slice servers that form the storage component of the dispersed data storage network. The slice servers then fulfill the read and write commands. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20100017531 | Streaming media software interface to a dispersed data storage network - A client computer streams a digital media presentation from a dispersed data storage network including a plurality of slice servers. A dispersed data storage network access component streams data directly from the dispersed data storage network and passes data to a media player, also residing on the client computer. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100023524 | Block based access to a dispersed data storage network - A block-based interface to a dispersed data storage network is disclosed. The disclosed interface accepts read and write commands from a file system resident on a user's computer and generates network commands that are forwarded to slice servers that form the storage component of the dispersed data storage network. The slice servers then fulfill the read and write commands. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100115063 | SMART ACCESS TO A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A method for reading data from a dispersed data storage network that includes a plurality of slice servers. The method begins by accessing a list of slice servers of the plurality of slice servers, wherein each slice server on the list stores at least one data slice associated with a data segment of the data. The method continues by transmitting read requests to at least some of the slice servers on the list. The method continues by receiving a data slice from a slice server on the list. The method continues by determining whether a threshold number of data slices has been received. The method continues, when the threshold number of data slices has been received, assembling the data segment from at least the threshold number of data slices. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100169391 | OBJECT INTERFACE TO A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A data object interface to a dispersed data storage network is disclosed. The disclosed interface accepts read and write commands from a client computer and generates network commands that are forwarded to slice servers that form the storage component of the dispersed data storage network. The slice servers then fulfill the read and write commands. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100179966 | VIRTUALIZED DATA STORAGE VAULTS ON A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A dispersed data storage system includes a plurality of slice servers. In the system, a first set of the slice servers supports a first virtual digital data storage vault and a second set of the slice servers supports a second virtual digital data storage vault. A slice server is in the first and second sets and functions to: receive a request to access a virtual digital data storage vault; determine whether the virtual digital data storage vault is the first or the second virtual digital data storage vault; when the virtual digital data storage vault is the first or the second virtual digital data storage vault, determine whether the request is valid; and when the request is valid, execute the request to generate a response. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100217796 | INTEGRATED CLIENT FOR USE WITH A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - An integrated client computer for accessing a dispersed data storage network is disclosed. A client program operating on the client computer accepts commands from a user and in response, issues network messages to a plurality of slice servers implementing a dispersed data storage network. Data slices can be read, written or modified using the disclosed integrated client computer. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100287200 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING A DATA OBJECT STORED IN A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK - A user device includes a browser module, a DSN interface to a local or external DSN memory and a DS processing module coupled to the DSN interface for storing and retrieving the data object from the DSN memory, wherein the data object is divided into a plurality of data segments and wherein each of the plurality of data segments is stored in the DSN memory as a plurality of encoded data slices that are generated based on an error encoding dispersal function. The browser module is operable to interpret a user input as a request to display a data object, determine the data object is stored in the DSN memory, request the DS processing module to retrieve the data object from the DSN memory and request an application program to open the data object for display. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100332751 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE PROCESSING MODULE - A dispersed storage (DS) processing module may include a gateway module operable to communicate data and/or corresponding information with a user device and may include an access module operable to segment outbound data of the data into one or more outbound data segments and aggregate one or more inbound data segments into inbound data of the data. The DS processing module may include a grid module operable to encode an outbound data segment of the one or more outbound data segments into a plurality of outbound encoded data slices and decode a plurality of inbound encoded data slices into an inbound data segment of the one or more inbound data segments. The DS processing module may include a storage module operable to output the plurality of outbound encoded data slices to a plurality of DS storage units and receive the plurality of inbound encoded data slices from the plurality of DS storage units. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110029524 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK VIRTUAL ADDRESS FIELDS - A dispersed storage network includes a dispersed storage device to store data. The dispersed storage device includes a processing module operable to slice a data segment of a data object into data slices, in which the number of data slices corresponds to a number of pillars for storing the data object. The processing module further creates a slice name for each of the data slices. The slice name includes routing information containing a vault identifier that identifies at least one user of the data object and a slice index based on the vault identifier and a pillar identifier that identifies a pillar associated with the data slice. In addition, the slice name includes a source data name containing an identifier of the data object. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029711 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SLICE PARTIAL REBUILDING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A dispersed storage system includes a plurality of storage units that each include a partial rebuild grid module. The partial rebuild grid module includes partial rebuilding functionality to reconstruct one of a plurality of encoded data slices wherein the plurality of encoded data slices are generated from a data segment based on an error encoding dispersal function. In the partial rebuilding process, a data slice is rebuilt by combining in any order slice partials generated from at least a threshold number T of the plurality of data slices. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029731 | DISPERSED STORAGE WRITE PROCESS - A dispersed storage (DS) method begins by issuing a plurality of write commands to a plurality of DS storage units. The method continues by receiving a write acknowledgement from one of the plurality of DS storage units to produce a received write acknowledgement. The method continues by issuing a plurality of commit commands to the plurality of DS storage units when a write threshold number of the received write acknowledgements have been received. The method continues by receiving a commit acknowledgement from a DS storage unit of the plurality of DS storage units to produce a received commit acknowledgement. The method continues by issuing a plurality of finalize commands to the plurality of DS storage units when a write threshold number of the received commit acknowledgements have been received. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029744 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK VIRTUAL ADDRESS SPACE - A dispersed storage network utilizes a virtual address space to store data. The dispersed storage network includes a processing unit operable to slice a data segment of a data object into data slices and create a slice name for each of the data slices. The slice name includes an identifier of the data object and a virtual memory address of a virtual memory associated with the dispersed storage network. The processing unit further outputs each of the data slices and the respective slice names to a corresponding storage unit for storage of the data slices therein. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029753 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK VIRTUAL ADDRESS GENERATIONS - A dispersed storage device within a dispersed storage network includes a processing module for determining whether to add a new generation for a vault, in which the vault identifies at least one user having data to be stored. When the new generation is to be added to the vault, the processing module further assigns a vault generation identifier to the new generation, assigns a virtual address range of a virtual memory associated with the dispersed storage network to the new generation and maps the virtual address range to a physical memory for storage of the data therein. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029809 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTED STORAGE INTEGRITY PROCESSING - A distributed storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network includes a scanning agent and a control unit. The scanning agent identifies an encoded data slice that requires rebuilding, wherein the encoded data slice is one of a plurality of encoded data slices generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. The control unit retrieves at least a number T of encoded data slices needed to reconstruct the data segment based on the error encoding dispersal function. The control unit is operable to reconstruct the data segment from at least the number T of the encoded data slices and generate a rebuilt encoded data slice from the reconstructed data segment. The scanning agent is located in a storage unit and the control unit is located in the storage unit or in a storage integrity processing unit, a dispersed storage processing unit or a dispersed storage managing unit. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029836 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORAGE INTEGRITY PROCESSING BASED ON ERROR TYPES IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network scans an address range of data slices to identify errors in one of a plurality of encoded data slices, wherein the plurality of encoded data slices are generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. When the storage integrity system detects an error, it identifies one of the encoded data slices for rebuilding. The identified data slice is rebuilt in response to the type of error. For example, when the type of the error includes a temporary error, the storage integrity system waits a predetermined time period to determine whether the error still exists prior to rebuilding the identified data slice. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110072115 | BLOCK BASED ACCESS TO A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A computer includes a data transform algorithm, a data dispersal algorithm, and a network port. The data transform algorithm performs a data transformation on a data block to produce a transformed data block. The data dispersal algorithm performs a data dispersal function on the transformed data block to produce a plurality of data slices, wherein each of the plurality of data slices includes less than all data contained in the transformed data block. The network port is operable to transmit a plurality of write commands to a plurality of slice servers, wherein each of the plurality of write commands includes a corresponding one of the plurality of data slices. The network port is further operable to receive verification of storage of at least some of the plurality of data slices from at least some of the plurality of slice servers. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110072210 | PESSIMISTIC DATA READING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module receiving a data retrieval request and determining a read threshold number of dispersed storage (DS). The method continues with the processing module sending read request messages to DS units and receiving encoded data slices to produce received encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining an incremental number of encoded data slices based on the number of received encoded data slices, determining an incremental number of DS units, and sending a read request message to each of the incremental number of DS units when the number of received encoded data slices compares unfavorably to a decode threshold number. The method continues with the processing module dispersed storage error decoding the received encoded data slices to produce data when the number of received encoded data slices compares favorably to the decode threshold number of encoded data slices. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110072321 | OPTIMISTIC DATA WRITING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module dispersed storage error encoding data to produce a set of encoded data slices and sending a set of write request messages to a set of dispersed storage (DS) units, wherein each of the set of write request messages includes an encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining whether a pillar width number of favorable write response messages has been received within a write acknowledgement (ACK) time period. The method continues with the processing module executing a retry write process to at least one DS unit of the set of DS units from which a favorable write response message was not received during the write ACK time period when the pillar width number of favorable write response messages has not been received within the write ACK time period. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110102546 | DISPERSED STORAGE CAMERA DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A distributed storage network contains a user device that has a computing core, a DSN interface and either an integrated or an externally-connected camera or sensor. The camera or sensor collects data from its surrounding environment and processes the data at least partially through error coding dispersal storage functions that include slicing the data into a plurality of error-coded data slices. The error-coded data slices are output by the user device for one or more of storage within a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory, playing on a destination player, or broadcast consumption over a network. A storage integrity unit manages the storage capacity, use, and/or throughput of the system to ensure that data is processing in a real time or near real time so that data can be accurately processed and perceived by targeted end users. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106904 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK FOR STORING A DATA OBJECT BASED ON STORAGE REQUIREMENTS - A distributed storage network (DSN) includes a user device and a plurality of DSN memories, wherein each of the DSN memories includes a plurality of storage units. The user device includes at least one network interface to the plurality of DSN memories and at least one processing module that is operable to determine one of the plurality of DSN memories for storing a data object based on a comparison of one or more storage requirements of the data object and one or more DSN attributes of the plurality of DSN memories. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110107036 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE REVISION ROLLBACKS - Multiple revisions of an encoded data slice can be stored in a distributed storage unit. Before writing a new revision of an encoded data slice to storage, the distributed storage unit can invoke a write lock for all encoded data slices having the same slice name as the slice being currently written. The slice being currently written can be stored in temporary storage, and a rollback timer started. If a commit command is received before expiration of the rollback timer, the currently written slice can be permanently stored and made accessible for read requests. If the rollback timer expires prior to the storage unit receiving a commit command, however, a previously stored revision will be used. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110107078 | ENCODED DATA SLICE CACHING IN A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK - A distributed storage processing unit encodes data objects into multiple encoded data slices to prevent reconstruction of the original data object using a single encoded data slice, but to allow reconstruction using at least a threshold number of encoded data slices. The distributed storage processing unit can decide to whether and where to cache frequently requested data slices. When retrieving data slices related to a particular data object, a check can be made to determine if the data slices are cached in a temporary memory associated with the distributed storage processing unit, or elsewhere in the distributed storage network. This check can be facilitated by storing data slices and a hash table identifying the location of stored data slices in the same temporary memory. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110107113 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK DATA REVISION CONTROL - Multiple revisions of an encoded data slice are generated, with each revision having the same slice name. Each of the data slices represents the same original data portion, but each is encoded so that no single data slice can be used to reconstruct the original data portion. Appropriate revision numbers are associated with each encoded data slice, and the encoded data slices and associated revision numbers are transmitted for storage in selected storage units of a distributed storage network. If write confirmations are received from at least a write threshold number of storage units, a commit command is transmitted so that the most recently written data slices will be available for access. After a commit command is issued, a current directory used to access the encoded data slices can be sliced, encoded, and stored in the same way as the data slices. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110125771 | DATA DE-DUPLICATION IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK UTILIZING DATA CHARACTERIZATION - A method begins with a processing module receiving, from a requesting device, a data storage request that includes data for storage. The method continues with the processing module determining whether substantially identical data is currently stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module encoding at least a portion of the data using an error coding dispersal storage function to produce a set of encoded data slices, sending the set of encoded data slices to the DSN memory for storage therein, and generating a unique retrieval matrix for the requesting device, wherein the unique retrieval matrix identifies a sub-set of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices for subsequent retrieval of the at least a portion of the data, when the substantially identical data is not stored in the DSN memory. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125916 | Streaming media software interface to a dispersed data storage network - A client computer streams a digital media presentation from a dispersed data storage network including a plurality of slice servers. A dispersed data storage network access component streams data directly from the dispersed data storage network and passes data to a media player, also residing on the client computer. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110126026 | EFFICIENT STORAGE OF ENCRYPTED DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a processing module obtaining data to store and determining whether substantially similar data to the data is stored. When the substantially similar data is not stored, the method continues with the processing module generating a first encryption key based on the data, encoding the first encryption key into encoded data slices in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function, and storing the encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module encrypting the data using an encryption key of the substantially similar data in accordance with an encryption function to produce encrypted data, compressing the encrypted data in accordance with a compression function to produce compressed data, storing the compressed data when the substantially similar data is stored. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110126042 | WRITE THRESHOLD UTILIZATION IN A DISPERSED STORAGE SYSTEM - A method begins with a processing module sending a plurality of dispersed storage write commands to plurality of dispersed storage (DS) units for storing a plurality of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module receiving, within a time period, acknowledgements from at least some of the plurality of DS units to produce received acknowledgements. The method continues with the processing module determining whether a number of received acknowledgements compares favorably to a write threshold. The method continues with the processing module changing at least one of the write threshold and at least one of the plurality of DS units when the number of received acknowledgements does not compare favorably to the write threshold. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110161655 | DATA ENCRYPTION PARAMETER DISPERSAL - A method begins with a processing module obtaining encoded key slices from a plurality of user devices and decoding a threshold number of the encoded key slices utilizing a first error coding dispersal storage function to produce a key when the threshold number of the encoded key slices has been obtained. The method continues with the processing module receiving encoded data slices and decoding a threshold number of encoded data slices utilizing a second error coding dispersal storage function to produce encrypted data when the threshold number of the encoded data slices has been received. The method continues with the processing module decrypting the encrypted data utilizing the key and an encryption function to produce data. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161666 | DIGITAL CONTENT RETRIEVAL UTILIZING DISPERSED STORAGE - A method begins by a processing module obtaining a unique retrieval matrix based on an identity of the playback device and sending a request for retrieval of a set of encoded broadcast data slices to a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory, wherein the request includes the unique retrieval matrix and identity of the set of encoded broadcast data slices. The method continues with the processing module receiving a subset of the set of encoded broadcast data slices from the DSN memory, wherein the subset of the set of encoded broadcast data slices is based on the unique retrieval matrix. The method continues with the processing module storing the subset of the sets of encoded broadcast data slices. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161681 | DIRECTORY SYNCHRONIZATION OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module dispersed storage error encoding data to produce a set of encoded data slices and generating a transaction identifier regarding storage of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module outputting a plurality of write request messages to a plurality of dispersed storage (DS) units, wherein each of the plurality of write request messages includes the transaction identifier and a corresponding one of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module receiving write response messages from at least some of the DS units, wherein each of the write response messages includes a reference to the transaction identifier. The method continues with the processing module updating directory information regarding storage of the data to produce updated directory information when at least a write threshold number of the write response messages have been received. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161754 | REVISION SYNCHRONIZATION OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module receiving a write request message from a dispersed storage (DS) processing module, wherein the write request message includes a slice name, a DS processing module most-recent slice revision, a new slice revision, and an encoded directory slice of directory information regarding storage of data. The method continues with the processing module obtaining, from local memory, a DS unit most-recent slice revision based on the slice name. The method continues with the processing module storing the new slice revision as the DS unit most-recent slice revision and storing the encoded directory slice when the DS unit most-recent slice revision compares favorably to the DS processing module most-recent slice revision. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161781 | DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION UTILIZING DISPERSED STORAGE - A method begins by a processing module determining whether to error encode broadcast data. The method continues with the processing module encoding a portion of the broadcast data using an error coding storage dispersal function to produce a set of encoded broadcast data slices, determining whether to compress the set of encoded broadcast data slices for the set of encoded broadcast data slices, and when the set of encoded broadcast data slices is to be compressed, selecting a subset of encoded broadcast data slices of the set of encoded broadcast data slices, when the broadcast data is to be error encoded. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110185141 | DATA MIGRATION IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by processing module determining data to migrate, wherein the data is stored as a plurality of sets of encoded data slices in a first set of dispersed storage (DS) units. The method continues with the processing module retrieving at least a read threshold number of encoded data slices for each set of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices and dispersed storage error decoding the at least the read threshold number of encoded data slices in accordance with error coding dispersal storage function parameters to reproduce the data. The method continues with the processing module dispersed storage error encoding the data in accordance with second error coding dispersal storage function parameters to produce a plurality of sets of second encoded data slices and sending at least a write threshold number of second encoded data slices to a second set of DS units for storage therein. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110185253 | DIRECTORY FILE SYSTEM IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module receiving a data storage request, wherein the data storage request includes data and a data identifier (ID). The method continues with the processing module dispersed storage error encoding the data to produce a set of encoded data slices and determining a data dispersed storage network (DSN) address. The method continues with the processing module sending the set of encoded data slices to a DSN memory for storage at the data DSN address and updating a directory file with path information corresponding to the data ID and the data DSN address to produce an updated directory file. The method continues with the processing module dispersed storage error encoding the updated directory file to produce a set of encoded updated directory slices and sending the set of encoded updated directory slices to the DSN memory for storage at a directory DSN address. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110202568 | VIRTUALIZED DATA STORAGE VAULTS ON A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A slice server includes a network port, a central processing unit, and memory. The central processing unit (CPU) is operable to receive, via the network port, a request to access a virtual digital data storage vault. The CPU then determines whether the slice server supports the virtual digital data storage vault. When the slice server supports the virtual digital data storage vault, the CPU determines whether the request is valid. When the request is valid, the CPU executes the request to generate a response. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110213940 | VIRTUALIZED DATA STORAGE VAULTS ON A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a slice server receiving a request to access a virtual digital data storage vault. The method continues by determining whether the virtual digital data storage vault is a first virtual digital data storage vault or a second virtual digital data storage vault. The slice server supports a portion of each of the first and the second virtual digital data storage vaults. When the virtual digital data storage vault is the first or the second virtual digital data storage vault, the method continues by determining whether the request is valid. When the request is valid, the method continues by executing the request to generate a response. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110219100 | STREAMING MEDIA SOFTWARE INTERFACE TO A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A client computer streams a digital media presentation from a dispersed data storage network including a plurality of slice servers. A dispersed data storage network access component streams data directly from the dispersed data storage network and passes data to a media player, also residing on the client computer. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110225209 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK FILE SYSTEM DIRECTORY - A dispersed storage device manages a file system directory of a dispersed storage network by receiving a data object to be stored and a user file name of the data object, calculating a data compression function of the data object, creating a file identifier based on a result of the data compression function, creating a source name for the data object using the file identifier and linking the user file name to the source name in the file system directory. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110231699 | TEMPORARILY CACHING AN ENCODED DATA SLICE - A method begins by a processing module obtaining an encoded data slice and an associated slice name. The method continues with the processing module determining a dispersed storage (DS) unit for storing the encoded data slice based on at least one of the encoded data slice and the associated slice name and estimating a performance level of the DS unit to produce an estimated DS unit performance level. The method continues with the processing module sending the encoded data slice to the DS unit for storage therein and when the estimated DS unit performance level compares unfavorably with a performance threshold, facilitating storage of the encoded data slice in temporary memory to produce a temporarily stored encoded data slice, wherein the temporarily stored encoded data slice is retrieved in response to a retrieval request when confirmation of the DS unit storing the encoded data slice has not been received. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110261813 | LIST RANGE OPERATION DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK FRAME - A method begins by a processing module generating a payload section of a dispersed storage network (DSN) frame regarding a list range request operation by generating a start slice name field of the payload section to include a start slice name of a slice name range, generating an end slice name field of the payload section to include an end slice name of the slice name range, and generating a maximum response count field of the payload section to include a maximum slice name response count. The method continues with the processing module generating a protocol header of the DSN frame by generating a payload length field of the protocol header to include a payload length that represents a length of the payload section and generating remaining fields of the protocol header. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264950 | CHECK OPERATION DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK FRAME - A method begins by a processing module generating a payload section of a dispersed storage network (DSN) frame regarding a check request operation by generating one or more slice name fields of the payload section to include one or more slice names corresponding to one or more encoded data slices and generating a transaction number field of the payload section to include a transaction number corresponding to the check request operation. The method continues with the processing module generating a protocol header of the DSN frame by generating a payload length field of the protocol header to include a payload length that represents a length of the payload section and generating remaining fields of the protocol header. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110286594 | STORAGE OF SENSITIVE DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module applying a share encoding function on data to produce a plurality of encoded shares and generating a corresponding plurality of random numbers for the plurality of encoded shares. The method continues with the processing module generating an encryption key based on a common password and a corresponding one of the corresponding plurality of random numbers and encrypting the encoded share utilizing the encryption key to produce an encrypted share for each encoded share of the plurality of encoded shares. The method continues with the processing module facilitating storage of the corresponding plurality of random numbers and each of the encrypted shares. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110289366 | MEMORY UTILIZATION BALANCING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module identifying a memory loading mismatch between a first memory device and a second memory device of a dispersed storage unit, wherein the first memory device is assigned a first range of slice names and the second memory device is assigned a second range of slice names. The method continues with the processing module determining an estimated impact to reduce the memory loading mismatch and when the estimated impact compares favorably to an impact threshold, modifying the first and second ranges of slices names to produce a first modified range of slice names for the first memory device and a second modified range of slice names for the second memory device based on the memory loading mismatch and transferring one or more encoded data slices between the first and second memory devices in accordance with the first and second modified ranges of slice names. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110289383 | RETRIEVING DATA FROM A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RETRIEVAL THRESHOLD - A method begins by a processing module determining a retrieval threshold for retrieving a set of encoded data slices from a dispersed storage network (DSN), wherein the set of encoded data slices represents data encoded using a dispersed storage error encoding function having a pillar width of “n”, a decode threshold of “k”, and an encoding ratio of n−k>k and wherein the retrieval threshold is in accordance with the encoding ratio. The method continues with the processing module issuing data retrieval requests to the DSN for the set of encoded data slices and receiving encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices to produce received encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module decoding the received encoded data slices to recapture the data when a number of received encoded data slices compares favorably to the retrieval threshold. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110314072 | METADATA ACCESS IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module dispersed storage error encoding a data segment to produce a set of encoded data slices and dispersed storage error encoding metadata associated with the data segment to produce a set of encoded metadata slices. The method continues with the processing module creating a set of data slice names for the set of encoded data slices and creating a set of metadata slice names based on the set of data slice names. The method continues with the processing module sending the set of encoded data slices and the set of data slice names to a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory for storage therein. The method continues with the processing module sending the set of encoded metadata slices and the set of metadata slice names to the DSN memory for storage therein. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110314154 | IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING AN UNDESIRED CONDITION OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS REQUEST - A method begins by a processing module sending a transaction verification request to the set of dispersed storage (DS) units, wherein the transaction verification request includes a transaction number that corresponds to a particular dispersed storage network (DSN) access request. The method continues with the processing module receiving transaction verification responses from at least some of the set of DS units to produce received transaction verification responses. The method continues with the processing module identifying an undesired condition with processing the DSN access request and initiating a corrective remedy for the undesired condition when a DS unit of the set of DS units does not provide a desired transaction verification response. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120030437 | PROCESSING A WRITE REQUEST IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module receiving a write request regarding an encoded data slice and determining whether the write request pertains to deleting the encoded data slice from a memory space. The method continues with the processing module storing a deletion marker regarding the encoded data slice when the write request pertains to deleting the encoded data slice. The method continues with the processing module determining when to delete the encoded data slice based on the deletion marker and in accordance with the deletion scheme. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120089865 | CORRECTING AN ERRANT ENCODED DATA SLICE - A method begins by a processing module decoding a set of encoded data slices to produce a decoded data segment and determining whether the decoded data segment includes an error. When the decoded data segments includes the error, the processing module identifies one or more errant encoded data slices by decoding another set of encoded data slices to produce another decoded data segment. The method continues with the processing module determining whether the other decoded data segment includes the error. When the other decoded data segment does not include the error, the processing module identifies the one or more errant encoded data slices and corrects the one or more errant encoded data slices. When the other decoded data segment includes the error, the processing module repeats, for yet another set of encoded data slices, the decoding step, the determining step, and the identifying and correcting step or the repeating steps. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089885 | DATA TRANSMISSION UTILIZING ROUTE SELECTION AND DISPERSED STORAGE ERROR ENCODING - A method begins by a processing module obtaining a set of encoded data slices for transmission to a receiving entity via a network, wherein the set of encoded data slices represents data that has been dispersed storage error encoded. The method continues with the processing module dividing the set into a plurality of sub-sets of encoded data slices in accordance with an error coding distributed routing protocol. The method continues with the processing module determining a plurality of routing paths within the network in accordance with the error coding distributed routing protocol. The method continues with the processing module transmitting the plurality of sub-sets of encoded data slices via the plurality of routing paths to the receiving entity in accordance with the error coding distributed routing protocol. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089886 | RELAYING DATA TRANSMITTED AS ENCODED DATA SLICES - A method begins by a first device determining an error coding distributed routing protocol and transmitting a set of encoded data slices, identity of a second device, and the error coding distributed routing protocol to a network, wherein the set of encoded data slices represents data that has been dispersed storage error encoded. The method continues with the network routing a plurality of sub-sets of the set of encoded data slices via an initial plurality of routing paths towards the second, comparing anticipated routing performance with a desired routing performance, and altering the routing path to obtain a favorable comparison. The method continues with the second device receiving at least some of the set of encoded data slices from the network and decoding at least a threshold number of encoded data slices to reproduce the data when at least the threshold number of encoded data slices have been received. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089887 | DATA TRANSMISSION UTILIZING DATA PROCESSING AND DISPERSED STORAGE ERROR ENCODING - A method begins by a processing module dispersed storage error encoding fundamental component data of data in accordance with dispersed storage error coding parameters to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices, wherein the data includes the fundamental component data and enhancement component data. The method continues with the processing module transmitting a set of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices and transmitting a corresponding portion of the enhancement component data substantially concurrently with the transmitting of the set of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120110038 | COMPACTING DISPERSED STORAGE SPACE - A method begins by a processing module receiving an encoded data slice for storage in memory that is organized as a plurality of log files and identifying a log file based on information regarding the encoded data slice to produce an identified log file, wherein the identified log file is storing at least one other encoded data slice. The method continues with the processing module comparing storage parameters of the identified log file with desired storage parameters associated with the encoded data slice. The method continues with the processing module attempting to identify a second log file based on an alternate log file storage protocol when the storage parameters of the identified log file compare unfavorably with the desired storage parameters and when the second log file is identified, storing the encoded data slice in the second log file. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120198066 | UTILIZING A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS TOKEN MODULE TO ACQUIRE DIGITAL CONTENT FROM A DIGITAL CONTENT PROVIDER - A method begins with a computing device receiving a request to acquire digital content from a digital content provider and forwarding the request to a dispersed storage network (DSN) pre-paid module. The method continues with the DSN pre-paid module validating the request, generating a plurality of sets of at least a threshold number of digital content read requests, and sending the plurality of sets of the at least a threshold number of digital content read requests to the digital content provider via the computing device when the request to acquire the digital content is validated. The method continues with at least one of the DSN pre-paid module and the computing device receiving a plurality of sets of at least a decoded threshold number of encoded data slices and decoding the plurality of sets of the at least a decoded threshold number of encoded data slices to produce the digital content. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120198311 | UTILIZING A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS TOKEN MODULE TO ACCESS A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK MEMORY - A method begins by a computing device determining that dispersed storage network (DSN) memory is to be accessed regarding data. The method continues when the computing device is paired with a DSN access token module with the DSN access token module retrieving a plurality of sets of at least a threshold number of dispersed storage (DS) error coding function slices from the DSN memory via the computing device. The method continues with at least one of the computing device and the DSN access token module decoding the plurality of sets of the at least a threshold number of DS error coding function slices using a default DS error coding function to recapture a DS error coding function and executing, by one or more of the computing device and the DSN access token module, the DS error coding function to access the DSN memory regarding the data. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120198536 | UTILIZING A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS TOKEN MODULE TO STORE DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK MEMORY - A method for storing data begins with determining, by a computing device, where to store the data and continues with managing, by a dispersed storage network (DSN) access token module, a pairing between the DSN access token module and the computing device. The method continues with sending, by the computing device, at least a portion of the data to the DSN access token module and encoding, by the DSN access token module, the at least a portion of the data using a dispersed storage error encoding function to produce one or more sets of encoded data slices. The method continues with sending, by the DSN access token module, the one or more sets of encoded data slices and storage information to the computing device and sending, by the computing device, the one or more sets of encoded data slices to the DSN memory for storage therein. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120198537 | UTILIZING A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS TOKEN MODULE TO RETRIEVE DATA FROM A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK MEMORY - A method begins by a computing device determining that data is stored in dispersed storage network (DSN) memory and sending a data retrieval request to a DSN access token module regarding the data. The method continues with the DSN access token module generating a plurality of sets of data slice read requests and sending the plurality of sets of data slices read requests to the computing device. The method continues with, for a set of data slices read requests, the computing device sending the set of data slices read requests to the DSN memory, receiving data slices from the DSN memory, and sending the data slices to the DSN access token module. The method continues with the DSN access token module decoding the data slices to produce a decoded data segment and sending the decoded data segment to the computing device. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120226772 | TRANSFERRING DATA UTILIZING A TRANSFER TOKEN MODULE - A method for data transfer from a first computing device to a second computing device begins when the first computing device is paired with a transfer token module by the first computing device sending the data to the transfer token module. The method continues with the transfer token module encoding the data utilizing a dispersed storage error encoding function to produce a set of encoded data slices and sending the set of encoded data slices to a target destination. The method continues, when the second computing device is paired with the transfer token module, with the transfer token module retrieving the set of encoded data slices from the target destination and decoding the set of encoded data slices utilizing the dispersed storage error encoding function to recapture the data. The method continues with the second computing device storing the data. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120226855 | SHARING A DIRECTORY OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module receiving a dispersed storage network (DSN) access request accessing DSN memory and determining state of a shared global DSN directory. When the shared global DSN directory is in a ready-for-modification state, the method continues with the processing module updating state of the shared global DSN directory to a modification state, executing the DSN access request, updating a non-shared local DSN directory and the shared global DSN directory, and changing the state of the shared global DSN directory to the ready-for-modification state. When the shared global DSN directory is in the modification state, the method continues with the processing module executing the DSN access request, generating a shared global DSN directory update request, updating the non-shared local DSN directory, and when the shared global DSN directory is in the ready-for-modification state, coordinating updating of the shared global DSN directory. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120226960 | RETRIEVAL OF ENCODED DATA SLICES AND ENCODED INSTRUCTION SLICES BY A COMPUTING DEVICE - A computing device includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory system module. The CPU includes a data dispersed storage error coding (DSEC) module operable to DSEC decode a set of encoded ingress data slices to recapture ingress data and DSEC encode egress data to produce a set of encoded egress data slices, an instruction DSEC module operable to DSEC decode a set of encoded instruction slices to recapture an instruction, and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) operable to, execute the instruction on the ingress data and execute the instruction to produce the egress data. The memory system module is operable to coordinate retrieval of the set of encoded ingress data slices from memory, coordinate retrieval of the set of encoded instruction slices from the memory, and coordinate storage of the set of encoded egress data slices in the memory. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120254619 | GENERATING A SECURE SIGNATURE UTILIZING A PLURALITY OF KEY SHARES - A method begins by a module to generate a secure signature on an item by selecting a first key representation index of a set of key representation indexes, wherein a first mathematical encoding of a private key generates a first plurality of key shares as a first key representation. The method continues with the module determining whether a first plurality of signature contributions have been received in response to a signature request for the item based on the first key representation index, wherein one of a first set of dispersed storage (DS) units executes a first mathematical signature function using one of the first plurality of key shares on the item to produce a signature contribution of the first plurality of signature contributions and when the first plurality of signature contributions have been received, generating the secure signature on the item from the first plurality of signature contributions. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120311345 | SECURELY REBUILDING AN ENCODED DATA SLICE - A method begins by a requesting entity issuing a rebuild request regarding an encoded data slice to at least some of a set of distributed storage (DS) units. In response to the rebuild request, the method continues with each of at least some of the DS units of the set of DS units generating a partial slice corresponding to the encoded data slice to be rebuilt based on one of a set of encoded data slices stored by the respective DS unit to produce an array of partial slices. The method continues with the at least some of the DS units encrypting the array of partial slices using a set of encryption keys to produce an array of encrypted partial slices. The method continues with the requesting entity rebuilding the encoded data slice from the array of encrypted partial slices. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120317122 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK VIRTUAL ADDRESS FIELDS - A dispersed storage network includes a dispersed storage device to store data. The dispersed storage device includes a processing module operable to slice a data segment of a data object into data slices. The processing module further creates a slice name for each of the data slices. The slice name includes routing information containing a vault identifier that identifies a vault associated with the data object, in which the vault identifies at least one user. The slice name further includes a source data name containing an identifier of the data object. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120324293 | CONFIGURING A GENERIC COMPUTING DEVICE UTILIZING SPECIFIC COMPUTING DEVICE OPERATION INFORMATION - A method begins with the specific computing device token sending a distributed storage network (DSN) access request to DSN memory via the generic computing device. The DSN access request identifies specific computing device operation information that is stored as one or more of-sets of encoded data slices in the DSN memory. The method continues with the specific computing device token receiving the one or more of sets of encoded data slices from the DSN memory via the generic computing device and decoding the one or more of sets of encoded data slices to retrieve the specific computing device operation information. The method continues with enabling the generic computing device to function as a specific computing device in accordance with the specific computing device operation information. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20130006923 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK VIRTUAL ADDRESS GENERATIONS - A dispersed storage device within a dispersed storage network includes a processing module for determining whether to add a new generation for a vault, in which the vault identifies at least one user having data to be stored. When the new generation is to be added to the vault, the processing module further assigns a vault generation identifier to the new generation and reserves memory for the new generation. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130031247 | GENERATING DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK EVENT RECORDS - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module collecting an event record, a record regarding processing of an event request, and a plurality of records regarding processing of a plurality of sub-event requests to produce a collection of records. The event record includes information regarding an event, wherein the event is a user access operation or a system administrative operation initiated by a device affiliated with the DSN. The record regarding processing of the event request includes information regarding a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of the DSN processing the event request to produce the plurality of sub-event requests. The plurality of records regarding processing of the plurality of sub-event requests includes information regarding a plurality of DS units of the DSN processing the plurality of sub-event requests. The method continues with the DS processing module evaluating the collection of records to produce performance information regarding the DSN. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130031402 | MODIFYING DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK EVENT RECORDS - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module identifying a performance anomaly within a dispersed storage network (DSN). The method continues with the DS processing module identifying a set of collections of records corresponding to the performance anomaly, wherein one of the set of collections of records includes an event record including information regarding an event, a first record including information regarding a dispersed storage (DS) processing module processing an event request to produce a plurality of sub-event requests, and a plurality of records including information regarding a set of DS units processing the plurality of sub-event requests. The method continues with the DS processing module determining whether a reliable significance indication of the performance anomaly is determinable, and when the reliable significance indication of the performance anomaly is not determinable, modifying data collection criteria for one or more of the sets collections of records. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130031407 | IDENTIFYING A SLICE ERROR IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module identifying a set of collections of records corresponding to a data segment that is stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN) as a set of encoded data slices, wherein a collection of records includes an event record including information regarding an event, a first record including information regarding a dispersed storage (DS) processing module processing an event request to produce a plurality of sub-event requests, and a plurality of records including information regarding a set of DS units processing the plurality of sub-event requests. The method continues with the DS processing module determining whether an error exists for one of the set of encoded data slices based on at least some of the set of collections of records and when the error exists, flagging the one of the set of encoded data slices for potential rebuilding. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130031414 | IDENTIFYING AN ERROR CAUSE WITHIN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module selecting two or more correlated error messages of a plurality of error messages. The method continues with the DS processing module identifying two or more collection of records corresponding to the selected two or more correlated error messages such that a collection of records includes an event record including information regarding an event, a first record including information regarding a dispersed storage (DS) processing module processing an event request to produce a plurality of sub-event requests, and a plurality of records including information regarding a plurality of DS units processing the plurality of sub-event requests. The method continues with the DS processing module identifying a correlation cause of one or more errors corresponding to the two or more correlated error messages based on the two or more collections of records. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130047057 | DETECTING INTENTIONAL CORRUPTION OF DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a DS unit selecting a data slice for corruption analysis and requesting integrity information for the data slice from one or more other DS units of a dispersed storage network. When the one or more requested integrity information is received, the method continues with the DS processing module analyzing the one or more received integrity information and local integrity information of the data slice stored in the DS unit. When the analysis of the one or more received integrity information and the local integrity information of the data slice is unfavorable, the method continues with the DS processing module identifying the data slice as being corrupted. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130086442 | STORING ENCODED DATA SLICES IN A DISPERSED STORAGE UNIT - A method begins by a processing module receiving a write request that includes a batch of encoded data slices and a corresponding batch of slice names, wherein the batch of encoded data slices includes encoded data slices that have slices names that have a common data object storage name, a common slice storage name, and a different data segment storage name. The method continues with the processing module determining whether a storage file exists based on the common data object storage name. The method continues with the processing module creating the storage file based on the common data object storage name when the storage file does not exist. The method continues with the processing module storing the batch of encoded data slices in the storage file based on the corresponding batch of slice names. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130086448 | ACCESSING LARGE AMOUNTS OF DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module obtaining a plurality of data objects for storage in a dispersed storage network (DSN) and determining one or more common data object aspects of a data object of the plurality of data objects. The method continues with the DS processing module disperse storage error encoding at least a portion of the data object to produce a set of encoded data slices and generating a set of DSN addresses for the set of encoded data slices, wherein each of the set of DSN addresses includes a field referencing the one or more common data object aspects. The method continues with the DS processing module outputting the set of encoded data slices for storage in the DSN based on the set of DSN addresses. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130125190 | DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION UTILIZING DISPERSED STORAGE - A computer includes an interface and a processing module. The processing module receives, over time and via the interface, requests to playback recorded broadcast data, wherein a single copy of the recorded broadcast data is dispersed error encoded to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices that is stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN). In response to the playback requests, the processing module identifies unique combinations of at least a threshold number of encoded data slices for sets of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices to produce unique copies of the recorded broadcast data. For a particular playback request, the processing module retrieves a unique copy of the unique copies of the recorded broadcast data from the DSN and outputs, via the interface, the retrieved unique copy to a device associated with the particular playback request. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130138706 | Creating a New File for a Dispersed Storage Network - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving a file creation request to create a new file from portions of a set of existing files. The method continues with the DS processing module identifying data segments associated with the set of existing files corresponding to the portions of the set of existing files to produce identified data segments and identifying sets of encoded data slices of the identified data segments to produce identified sets of encoded data slices. The method continues with the DS processing module determining addressing information for the identified sets of encoded data slices from existing addressing information of the set of existing files and generating a segment allocation table for the new file based on the addressing information of the identified sets of encoded data slices such that the new file is created without duplication of the portions of the existing files. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130138756 | Prioritization of Messages of a Dispersed Storage Network - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module generating a set of messages regarding a set of encoded data slices. For a first message of the set of messages, the method continues with the DS processing module determining a first message priority based on system-level message processing information and message processing status of a first storage node. For a second message of the set of messages, the method continues with the DS processing module determining a second message priority based on the system-level message processing information and message processing status of a second storage node. The method continues with the DS processing module sending the first message of the set of messages to the first storage node in accordance with the first message priority and sending the second message of the set of messages to the second storage node in accordance with the second message priority. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130145116 | COMPACTING DISPERSED STORAGE SPACE - A method begins by a processing module identifying a first storage space zone that includes a plurality of deleted encoded data slices and a plurality of active encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining to compact the first storage space zone based on a function of the plurality of deleted encoded data slices and the plurality of active encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module retrieving the plurality of active encoded data slices from the first storage space zone, identifying a second storage space zone, storing the plurality of active encoded data slices in the second storage space zone, and erasing the plurality of deleted encoded data slices and the plurality of active encoded data slices from the first storage space zone when the first storage space zone is to be compacted. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130151581 | Analyzing Found Data in a Distributed Storage and Task Network - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module establishing data identifying criteria for searching data on a network, establishing data analyzing criteria for analyzing found data of the data on the network, and establishing distributed computing criteria. The method continues with the DS processing module distributing the data identifying criteria and the data analyzing criteria to a set of distributed storage and task (DST) units. The method continues with the DS processing module receiving a set of network data partial resultants from the set of DST units, wherein the set of DST units generates the set of network data partial results in accordance with the data identifying criteria to produce found data and analyzing the found data in accordance with the data analyzing criteria. The method continues with the DS processing module processing the set of network data partial resultants to produce a network data resultant. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151925 | Distributed Computing in a Distributed Storage and Task Network - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module selecting a set of distributed storage and task (DST) execution units for executing a task and determining dispersed storage error coding parameters for data. The method continues with the DS processing module dispersed storage error encoding the data in accordance with the parameters to produce a plurality of encoded data blocks and grouping the plurality of encoded data blocks into a plurality of encoded data block groupings. The method continues with the DS processing module partitioning the task into a set of partial tasks, outputting at least some of the plurality of encoded data block groupings to the set of DST execution units, and outputting the set of partial tasks to the set of DST execution units for execution of the set of partial tasks on the at least some of plurality of encoded data block groupings. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151927 | Executing Partial Tasks in a Distributed Storage and Task Network - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving a partial task regarding an encoded data block grouping. The method continues with the DS processing module performing the partial task on the encoded data block grouping to produce a partial task result and determining subsequent treatment of the partial task result. When the subsequent treatment includes storage of the partial task result, the method continues with the DS processing module determining a manner in which the partial task result is to be stored. When the manner in which the partial task result is to be stored is dispersed storage, the method continues with the DS processing module dispersed storage error encoding the partial task result to produce one or more sets of encoded partial task result blocks and outputting the one or more sets of encoded partial task result blocks to a set of DST execution units. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151928 | Transforming Data in a Distributed Storage and Task Network - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining whether at least a portion of temporarily stored data is to be stored long-term, wherein the temporarily stored data is stored in a set of distributed storage and task (DST) units in accordance with a computational-orientated dispersed storage error coding function. When the at least a portion of the temporarily stored data is to be stored long-term, the method continues with the DS processing module identifying one or more DST storing the at least a portion of the temporarily stored data, recovering the at least a portion of the temporarily stored data, dispersed storage error encoding the at least a portion of the temporarily stored data in a pre-dispersed storage error encoded format into a plurality of sets of encoded data slices, and storing the plurality of sets of encoded data slices in the set of DST units. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130198226 | RETRIEVING DATA UTILIZING A DISTRIBUTED INDEX - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving a request to retrieve a data object based on a search attribute. The method continues with the DS processing module retrieving and decoding a set of encoded index data slices to reconstruct an index file. The method continues with the DS processing module identifying a child index file, retrieving and decoding a set of encoded child index data slices to reconstruct the child index file, and determining whether the child index file includes a dispersed storage network (DSN) address for the data object. When the child index file includes the DSN address for the data object, the method continues with the DS processing module retrieving a plurality of sets of encoded data slices based on the DSN address and decoding the plurality of sets of encoded data slices to recapture the data object. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130232152 | LISTING DATA OBJECTS USING A HIERARCHICAL DISPERSED STORAGE INDEX - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving a request for a data index list that identifies data objects having one or more common attributes, searching a hierarchical ordered index structure to identify a data object level index node corresponding to a first data object boundary match, and determining whether the data object level index node corresponds to a second data object boundary match. When the data object level index node does not correspond to the second data object boundary match, the method continues with the DS processing module searching an adjacent data object level index node to determine whether the adjacent data object level index node corresponds to the second data object boundary match. When the adjacent data object level index node corresponds to the second data object boundary match, the method continues with the DS processing module generating the data index list. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130232153 | MODIFYING AN INDEX NODE OF A HIERARCHICAL DISPERSED STORAGE INDEX - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to create or modify a data object index key of a data object regarding an attribute of a plurality of attribute categories. The method continues with the DS processing module entering a process to update a data object level index node by retrieving the data object level index node from a set of dispersed storage (DS) units. The method continues with the DS processing module updating and encoding the data object level index node to produce a set of slices. The method continues with the DS processing module generating a set of write commands to write the set of slices to the set of DS units. When less than a threshold number of the set of write commands are successfully executed by the set of DS units, repeating the process to update the data object level index node. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130232306 | MERGING INDEX NODES OF A HIERARCHICAL DISPERSED STORAGE INDEX - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to merge two data object level index nodes and merging the two nodes into a temporarily merged data object level index node. The method continues with the DS processing module initiating updating of a hierarchical ordered index structure by identifying an address for storing the temporarily merged data object level index node, setting up deletion of the two data object level index nodes, setting up linking the temporarily merged data object level index node to a next level node of the hierarchical ordered index structure, and determining whether a change has occurred to at least one of one or more of the two data object level index nodes and the next level node. When the change has not occurred, the method continues with the DS processing module commencing the updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130232307 | DISPERSED STORAGE WRITE PROCESS - A dispersed storage (DS) method begins by issuing a plurality of write commands to a plurality of DS storage units. The method continues by receiving a write acknowledgement from one of the plurality of DS storage units to produce a received write acknowledgement. The method continues by issuing a plurality of commit commands to the plurality of DS storage units when a write threshold number of the received write acknowledgements have been received. The method continues by receiving a commit acknowledgement from a DS storage unit of the plurality of DS storage units to produce a received commit acknowledgement. The method continues by issuing a plurality of finalize commands to the plurality of DS storage units when a write threshold number of the received commit acknowledgements have been received. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130238565 | REBUILDING AN ENCODED DATA SLICE WITHIN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a computing device of a dispersed storage network (DSN) determining that an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices requires rebuilding and sending partial rebuild requests to storage units of the DSN. The method continues with one of the storage units generating a partial rebuilt slice based one or more encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices stored by the one of the storage units and securing the partial rebuilt slice using a shared secret scheme that is shared among the storage units to produce a secured partial rebuilt slice. The method continues with the computing device receiving a set of secured partial rebuilt slices from the storage units, recovering a set of partial rebuilt slices from the set of secured partial rebuilt slices, and rebuilding the encoded data slice from the set of partial rebuilt slices. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238630 | SPLITTING AN INDEX NODE OF A HIERARCHICAL DISPERSED STORAGE INDEX - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to remove data object index entries from a data object level index node, identifying data object index entries to extract, and creating a temporary sibling data object level index node to include the identified data object index entries. The method continues with the DS processing module initiating updating of an hierarchical ordered index structure by identifying an address for storing the temporary sibling data object level index node, setting up linking the temporary sibling data object level index node to a next level node and to an adjacent data object level index node, and determining whether a change has occurred. When the change has not occurred, the method continues with the DS processing module removing the data object index entries from the data object level index node and commencing the updating of the hierarchical ordered index structure. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130254624 | RETRIEVING DATA FROM A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RETRIEVAL THRESHOLD - A method begins with a processing module determining a retrieval threshold for retrieving a set of encoded data slices from a dispersed storage network (DSN). The set of encoded data slices represents data encoded using a dispersed storage error encoding function having a number of encoded data slices in the set of encoded data slices equal to or greater than a decode threshold and the retrieval threshold is equal to or greater than the decode threshold. The method continues with the processing module issuing data retrieval requests to the DSN for the set of encoded data slices and receiving encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices to produce received encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module decoding the received encoded data slices to recapture the data when a number of received encoded data slices compares favorably to the retrieval threshold. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130262854 | DATA DE-DUPLICATION IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK UTILIZING DATA CHARACTERIZATION - A computing device includes a processing module and an interface. The processing module is operable to receive, from a requesting device via the interface, a data storage request that includes data for storage. The processing module then determines whether substantially identical data is currently stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. When the substantially identical data is stored in the DSN memory, the processing module generates, for the requesting device, a second unique retrieval matrix of a plurality of sets of encoded data slices corresponding to the already stored substantially identical data, wherein the requesting device can recover at least a portion of the data based on the second unique retrieval matrix of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130275480 | EXPANDING A HIERARCHICAL DISPERSED STORAGE INDEX - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining to expand a hierarchical ordered index structure and retrieving a root index node. The method continues with the DS processing module identifying immediate children index nodes, dividing the immediate children index nodes into sets of children index nodes, creating, for each of the sets of children index nodes, a sub-root index node to produce a set of sub-root index nodes, creating a new root index node to include entries for each of the sub-root index nodes of the set of sub-root index nodes, and temporarily storing the new root index node and the set of sub-root index nodes in a dispersed storage network (DSN). When the root index node has not changed, the method continues with the DS processing module updating the hierarchical ordered index structure with the new root index node and the set of sub-root index nodes. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275545 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE AND COMPUTING OF INTERIM DATA - A method begins by a set of distributed storage and task (DST) execution units receiving a set of partial tasks and data, where a partial task of the set of partial tasks includes a common task and a unique partial sub-task. The method continues with the set of DST execution units executing the common task on the data to produce a set of preliminary partial results. The method continues with a first DST execution unit of the set of DST execution units generating first interim data based on the at least some of the set of preliminary partial results. The method continues with the first DST execution unit executing a first unique partial sub-task on at least one of a first portion of the data and the first interim data to produce a first partial result. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275746 | DATA ENCRYPTION PARAMETER DISPERSAL - A method for securely distributing a profile within a dispersed storage network (DSN) that begins by encrypting a profile using a key. The method continues by encoding the encrypted profile in accordance with a dispersed storage error encoding function. The method continues by outputting the set of encoded profile slices to the DSN for storage therein. The method continues by encoding the key in accordance with an error encoding function and outputting the set of secure key portions to a set of devices of the DSN for storage therein. A device obtains the profile by retrieving secure key portions from the set of devices and recovering the key therefrom. The device then retrieves encoded profile slices from the DSN and decodes them to recover the encrypted profile. The device then decrypts the encrypted profile using the key to recover the profile. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275776 | ENCRYPTING DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING DATA - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module encoding data to produce slices and redundancy slices and selecting primary and redundancy storage and execution units. The method continues with the DS processing module assigning partial tasks to the primary storage and execution units and generating a unique key set for each of the primary storage and execution units. The method continues with the DS processing module encrypting each of the slices with a corresponding one of the unique key sets to produce encrypted slices and sending the encrypted slices and an indication of the assigned partial tasks to the primary storage and execution units for storage and execution of the assigned partial tasks on the encrypted slices. The method continues with the DS processing module sending the redundancy slices to the set of redundancy storage and execution units for storage therein. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275834 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORAGE INTEGRITY PROCESSING BASED ON ERROR TYPES IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network scans an address range of data slices to identify errors in one of a plurality of encoded data slices, wherein the plurality of encoded data slices are generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. When the storage integrity system detects an error, it identifies one of the encoded data slices for rebuilding. The identified data slice is rebuilt in response to the type of error. For example, when the type of the error includes a temporary error, the storage integrity system waits a predetermined time period to determine whether the error still exists prior to rebuilding the identified data slice. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130283095 | REBUILDING A DATA REVISION IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module identifying a set of encoded data slices that have been created in accordance with a dispersed storage error encoding function having a decode threshold equal to or less than half of a number encoded data slices in the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module identifying a first sub-set of encoded data slices having a non-current revision level and identifying a second sub-set of encoded data slices having a more-current revision level. When a number of encoded data slices of the second sub-set of encoded data slices is greater than or equal to the decode threshold and when a number of encoded data slices of the first sub-set of encoded data slices is less than the decode threshold, the method continues with the processing module facilitating rebuilding of the first sub-set of encoded data slices. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130290703 | ENCRYPTING DATA FOR STORAGE IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module dividing data into a plurality of data segments, encoding a data segment using a dispersed storage error encoding function to produce a set of encoded data slices, and generating slice names for each encoded data slice to produce a plurality of slice names. When a subset of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices is to be encrypted, the method continues with the DS processing module generating a master key, selecting a portion of the slice names for the subset of encoded data slices to produce a subset of selected slice name portions, generating a subset of encryption keys, encrypting the subset of encoded data slices using the subset of encryption keys to produce a subset of encrypted encoded data slices, and outputting the subset of encrypted encoded data slices to a dispersed storage network (DSN). | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130304745 | STORING INDEXED DATA TO A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module storing a data portion in a dispersed storage network (DSN), where the data portion is associated with a set of data index keys, a version index key, and with a set of portion index keys. The method continues with the DS processing module traversing, based on the set of data index keys, a plurality of index structures to determine whether an object retrieval structure exists for the data portion. When the object retrieval structure exists, the method continues with the DS processing module updating the object retrieval structure by determining whether a version record exists that corresponds to the version index key and when the version record exists, creating, within the version record, a new data portion record for the data portion to include an identifier of the data portion and the set of portion index keys. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304746 | RETRIEVING INDEXED DATA FROM A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module traversing multiple index structures based on search criteria to identify an object retrieval structure. The method continues with the DS processing module retrieving a set of encoded data slices corresponding to the object retrieval structure from a dispersed storage network (DSN) and decoding the set of encoded data slices in accordance with a dispersed storage error coding function to recover the object retrieval structure. The method continues with the DS processing module identifying one of one or more data version records of the recovered object retrieval structure based on the search criteria to produce an identified data version record and determining DSN addressing information for at least a portion of data based on information of the identified data version record. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130305060 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK DATA REVISION CONTROL - Multiple revisions of an encoded data slice are generated, with each revision having the same slice name. Each of the data slices represents the same original data portion, but each is encoded so that no single data slice can be used to reconstruct the original data portion. Appropriate revision numbers are associated with each encoded data slice, and the encoded data slices and associated revision numbers are transmitted for storage in selected storage units of a distributed storage network. If write confirmations are received from at least a write threshold number of storage units, a commit command is transmitted so that the most recently written data slices will be available for access. After a commit command is issued, a current directory used to access the encoded data slices can be sliced, encoded, and stored in the same way as the data slices. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130326167 | REPRIORITIZING PENDING DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK REQUESTS - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module monitoring processing status of a plurality of pending dispersed storage network (DSN) access requests, where less than a desired number of DS units have favorably responded to a set of access requests. The method continues with the DS processing module interpreting the processing status of the plurality of pending DSN access requests to detect a processing anomaly. The method continues with the DS processing module reprioritizing further processing of at least one of the plurality of pending DSN access requests having the processing anomaly and another one or more of the plurality of pending DSN access requests. The method continues with the DS processing module sending notice of the reprioritized further processing to one or more DS units. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130346795 | NON-TEMPORARILY STORING TEMPORARILY STORED DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving data from a plurality of sources and queuing the data for storage in a dispersed storage network (DSN). The method continues with the DS processing module utilizing temporary dispersed storage error encoding parameters for efficient and reliable error encoded temporary storage of the data in the DSN. For a data object of the data temporarily stored in the DSN, the method continues with the DS processing module determining non-temporary storage parameters for the data object, retrieving first encoded data slices regarding the data object from the DSN, reconstructing the data object from the first encoded data slices in accordance with the temporary dispersed storage error encoding parameters, encoding the reconstructed data object in accordance with the non-temporary storage parameters for the data object to produce second encoded data slices, and storing the second encoded data slices in the DSN. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130347079 | ACCESSING STORAGE NODES IN AN ON-LINE MEDIA STORAGE SYSTEM - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving data objects from a plurality of authorized users and determining a system level storage efficiency preference for a data object. The method continues with the DS processing module selecting a set of storage nodes of an on-line media storage system based on the system level storage efficiency preference and determining dispersed storage error encoding parameters. The method continues with the DS processing module encoding the data object in accordance with the dispersed storage error encoding parameters to produce encoded data slices and generating system addressing information. The method continues with the DS processing module storing the encoded data slices in the set of storage nodes using the system addressing information and updating a user profile for the authorized user to include the system addressing information. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140012899 | OBJECT INTERFACE TO A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A data object interface to a dispersed data storage network is disclosed. The disclosed interface accepts read and write commands from a client computer and generates network commands that are forwarded to slice servers that form the storage component of the dispersed data storage network. The slice servers then fulfill the read and write commands. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140019711 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK VIRTUAL ADDRESS SPACE - A dispersed storage network utilizes a virtual address space to store data. The dispersed storage network includes a dispersed storage device for receiving a request relating to a data object stored in the dispersed storage network and determining a virtual memory address assigned to the data object. The virtual memory address is within a virtual memory address range of the virtual address space that is allocated to a vault associated with a user of the data object. The virtual memory address is further assigned to a data slice of a plurality of data slices of the data object. The dispersed storage device uses the virtual memory address to determine an identifier of a storage unit within the dispersed storage network that has the data slice stored therein. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140032961 | PESSIMISTIC DATA READING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module receiving a data retrieval request and determining a read threshold number of dispersed storage (DS). The method continues with the processing module sending read request messages to DS units and receiving encoded data slices to produce received encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining an incremental number of encoded data slices based on the number of received encoded data slices, determining an incremental number of DS units, and sending a read request message to each of the incremental number of DS units when the number of received encoded data slices compares unfavorably to a decode threshold number. The method continues with the processing module dispersed storage error decoding the received encoded data slices to produce data when the number of received encoded data slices compares favorably to the decode threshold number of encoded data slices. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140040417 | STORING A STREAM OF DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A processing module of a computing device alternatingly sends a stream of data to a first or second processing device. When receiving the stream of data, the first processing device performs a first portion of a dispersed storage error encoding function on the received stream of data to produce a plurality of sets of a threshold number of slices and writes the plurality of sets of the threshold number of slices into first memory of a dispersed storage network (DSN). When not receiving the stream of data, the first processing device reads the plurality of sets of the threshold number of slices from the first memory, performs a second portion of the dispersed storage error encoding function using the plurality of sets of the threshold number of slices to produce a plurality of sets of redundancy slices, and writes the plurality of sets of redundancy slices into second DSN memory. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140040660 | STORING A DATA STREAM IN A SET OF STORAGE DEVICES - A set of storage devices coordinates selection of dispersed storage error encoding parameters for storing a stream of data and coordinates selection of encoded data storage devices and redundancy encoded data storage devices of the set of storage devices. The encoded data storage devices coordinates storage of a decode threshold amount of encoded data of the stream of data in accordance with the dispersed storage error encoding parameters. The encoded data storage devices send information regarding the decode threshold amount of encoded data to the redundancy encoded data storage devices. The redundancy encoded data storage devices generates redundancy encoded data based on the information regarding the decode threshold amount of encoded data and in accordance with the dispersed storage error encoding parameters. The redundancy encoded data storage devices store the redundancy encoded data to provide error encoded reliable storage of the stream of data. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140040662 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTED STORAGE INTEGRITY PROCESSING - A distributed storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network includes a scanning agent and a control unit. The scanning agent identifies an encoded data slice that requires rebuilding, wherein the encoded data slice is one of a plurality of encoded data slices generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. The control unit retrieves at least a number T of encoded data slices needed to reconstruct the data segment based on the error encoding dispersal function. The control unit is operable to reconstruct the data segment from at least the number T of the encoded data slices and generate a rebuilt encoded data slice from the reconstructed data segment. The scanning agent is located in a storage unit and the control unit is located in the storage unit or in a storage integrity processing unit, a dispersed storage processing unit or a dispersed storage managing unit. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140040703 | STORING ENCODED DATA SLICES IN A DISPERSED STORAGE UNIT - A method begins with a processing module receiving an access request for the data object. The method continues by ascertaining that the data object is divided into a plurality of data segments and that plurality of data segments are dispersed storage error encoded to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues by ascertaining batching of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices, wherein the plurality of sets of encoded data slices are arranged into a set of batched encoded data slices. The method continues by outputting a set of access requests for the set of batched encoded data slices to storage units of the DSN. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140053018 | OPTIMISTIC DATA WRITING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module dispersed storage error encoding data to produce a set of encoded data slices and sending a set of write request messages to a set of dispersed storage (DS) units, wherein each of the set of write request messages includes an encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining whether a pillar width number of favorable write response messages has been received within a write acknowledgement (ACK) time period. The method continues with the processing module executing a retry write process to at least one DS unit of the set of DS units from which a favorable write response message was not received during the write ACK time period when the pillar width number of favorable write response messages has not been received within the write ACK time period. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140067631 | Systems and Methods for Processing Structured Data from a Document Image - Optical character recognition systems and methods including the steps of: capturing an image of a document including a set of numbers having a defined mathematical relationship; analyzing the image to determine line segments; analyzing each line segment to determine one or more character segments; analyzing each character segment to determine possible interpretations, each interpretation having an associated predicted probability of being accurate; forming a weighted finite state transducer for each interpretation, wherein the weights are based on the predicted probabilities; combining the weighted finite state transducer for each interpretation into a document model weighted finite state transducer that encodes the defined mathematical relationship; searching the document model weighted finite state transducer for the lowest weight path, which is an interpretation of the document that is most likely to accurately represent the document; and outputting an optical character recognition version of the captured image. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140074786 | UPDATING LOCAL DATA UTILIZING A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a device of a distributed storage network (DSN) sending read-if-revised requests to storage units of the DSN with regards to data cached in local memory with one or more local memory revision numbers. The method continues with a storage unit determining whether a revision number of one portion of the data stored by the storage unit is a more recent revision number than the one or more local memory revision numbers. When the revision number is the more recent revision number, the method continues with the storage unit sending a read response that includes the portion of the data to the device. When the revision number is not the more recent revision number, the method continues with the storage unit sending a read response that includes an indication that the data cached in the local memory is a current revision level of the data. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140075112 | WRITING DATA AVOIDING WRITE CONFLICTS IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a by a first device of a dispersed storage network (DSN) sending a set of write revision requests to storage units of the DSN. The method continues with one of the storage units generating a write revision response regarding a potential write conflict issue. The method continues with the first device receiving the write revision responses to produce a set of received write revision responses and interpreting the set of received write revision responses to determine whether a write conflict issue exists. When the write conflict issue exists, the method continues with the first device issuing a set of write roll back requests to the storage units. When the write conflict issue does not exist, the method continues with the first device issuing a set of next phase write requests to the storage units regarding storing revised encoded data slices. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140101184 | FILE SYSTEM ADAPTED FOR USE WITH A DISPERSED DATA STORAGE NETWORK - A computer a network interface and a central processing unit. The network interface communicates with a network. The central processing unit (CPU) is operable to receive a networked file system access request packet and to identify a root directory based on the networked file system access request packet. The CPU then identifies a file directory based on the root directory and the networked file system access request packet. The CPU then identifies file object metadata based on the file directory and identifies a set of slice servers based on the file object metadata and the networked file system access request packet. The CPU then issues, via the network interface, a set of commands to a set of slice servers regarding the networked file system access request packet. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140108815 | SECURELY REBUILDING AN ENCODED DATA SLICE - A method begins by a requesting entity issuing a rebuild request regarding an encoded data slice to at least some of a set of distributed storage (DS) units. In response to the rebuild request, the method continues with each of at least some of the DS units of the set of DS units generating a partial slice corresponding to the encoded data slice to be rebuilt based on one of a set of encoded data slices stored by the respective DS unit to produce an array of partial slices. The method continues with the at least some of the DS units encrypting the array of partial slices using a set of encryption keys to produce an array of encrypted partial slices. The method continues with the requesting entity rebuilding the encoded data slice from the array of encrypted partial slices. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140108882 | DATA TRANSMISSION UTILIZING ROUTE SELECTION AND DISPERSED STORAGE ERROR ENCODING - A method begins by a processing module obtaining a set of encoded data slices for transmission to a receiving entity via a network, wherein the set of encoded data slices represents data that has been dispersed storage error encoded. The method continues with the processing module dividing the set into a plurality of sub-sets of encoded data slices in accordance with an error coding distributed routing protocol. The method continues with the processing module determining a plurality of routing paths within the network in accordance with the error coding distributed routing protocol. The method continues with the processing module transmitting the plurality of sub-sets of encoded data slices via the plurality of routing paths to the receiving entity in accordance with the error coding distributed routing protocol. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140122891 | GENERATING A SECURE SIGNATURE UTILIZING A PLURALITY OF KEY SHARES - A method begins by a module to generate a secure signature on an item by selecting a first key representation index of a set of key representation indexes, wherein a first mathematical encoding of a private key generates a first plurality of key shares as a first key representation. The method continues with the module determining whether a first plurality of signature contributions have been received in response to a signature request for the item based on the first key representation index, wherein one of a first set of dispersed storage (DS) units executes a first mathematical signature function using one of the first plurality of key shares on the item to produce a signature contribution of the first plurality of signature contributions and when the first plurality of signature contributions have been received, generating the secure signature on the item from the first plurality of signature contributions. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140122970 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING A DATA OBJECT STORED IN A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK - A user device includes a browser module, a DSN interface to a local or external DSN memory and a DS processing module coupled to the DSN interface for storing and retrieving the data object from the DSN memory, wherein the data object is divided into a plurality of data segments and wherein each of the plurality of data segments is stored in the DSN memory as a plurality of encoded data slices that are generated based on an error encoding dispersal function. The browser module is operable to interpret a user input as a request to display a data object, determine the data object is stored in the DSN memory, request the DS processing module to retrieve the data object from the DSN memory and request an application program to open the data object for display. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140153586 | CHECK OPERATION DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK FRAME - A method begins by a processing module generating a payload section of a dispersed storage network (DSN) frame regarding a check request operation by generating one or more slice name fields of the payload section to include one or more slice names corresponding to one or more encoded data slices and generating a transaction number field of the payload section to include a transaction number corresponding to the check request operation. The method continues with the processing module generating a protocol header of the DSN frame by generating a payload length field of the protocol header to include a payload length that represents a length of the payload section and generating remaining fields of the protocol header. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140164551 | ENCODED DATA SLICE CACHING IN A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by receiving a request to retrieve a data segment stored as encoded data slices in a distributed storage network (DSN). The method continues by determining whether at least the threshold number of encoded data slices is cached in temporary storage associated with a distributed storage processing module. When the at least the threshold number of encoded data slices are cached in the temporary storage, the method continues by retrieving the at least the threshold number of encoded data slices from the temporary storage. When the at least the threshold number of encoded data slices is not cached in the temporary storage, the method continues by retrieving one or more of the encoded data slices from the DSN to obtain the at least the threshold number of encoded data slices. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140181578 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SLICE PARTIAL REBUILDING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A dispersed storage system includes a plurality of storage units that each include a partial rebuild grid module. The partial rebuild grid module includes partial rebuilding functionality to reconstruct one of a plurality of encoded data slices wherein the plurality of encoded data slices are generated from a data segment based on an error encoding dispersal function. In the partial rebuilding process, a data slice is rebuilt by combining in any order slice partials generated from at least a threshold number T of the plurality of data slices. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140195846 | MAPPING STORAGE OF DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving data for storage in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory and ascertaining dispersed storage error encoding parameters for encoding the data. The method continues with the DS processing module ascertaining storage units of the DSN memory for the storing an encoded version of the data and ascertaining a storage mapping that maps encoded data slices to storage units for storing the encoded version of the data. The method continues with the DS processing module encoding the data in accordance with the dispersed storage error encoding parameters to produce sets of encoded data slices. The method continues with the DS processing module generating a plurality of write requests for storing, in accordance with the storage mapping, encoded data slices of the sets of encoded data slices in a pattern across the storage units. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140250347 | UTILIZING A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS TOKEN MODULE TO ACCESS A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK MEMORY - A method includes a DSN access token module retrieving one or more sets of at least a threshold number of dispersed storage (DS) error coding function slices from the DSN memory via the computing device. The method continues with the computing device and/or the DSN access token module decoding the one or more sets of the at least a threshold number of DS error coding function slices using a default DS error coding function to recapture a DS error coding function. The method continues with the computing device and/or the DSN access token module generating a plurality of sets of data access requests in accordance with the DS error coding function. The method continues with the computing device sending the plurality of sets of data access requests to the DSN memory. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140297776 | EFFICIENT STORAGE OF DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving data for storage and generating a dispersed storage network (DSN) source name for the data. The method continues with the DS processing module determining whether substantially identical data to the data has been previously stored in memory of the DSN. When the substantially identical data has been previously stored in the memory of the DSN, the method continues with the DS processing module generating an object linking file that links the data to the substantially identical data, dispersed storage error encoding the object linking file to produce a set of encoded link file slices, and outputting the set of encoded link file slices for storage in the memory of the DSN. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297951 | ALLOCATING STORAGE UNITS IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module detecting a new storage unit within a dispersed storage network DSN. The method continues with the processing module determining to affiliate the new storage unit with a virtual memory vault, where the virtual memory vault is mapped to a set of storage units of the DSN, where data objects are dispersed storage error encoded into pluralities of sets of encoded data slices that are stored in the set of storage units. The method continues with the processing module determining virtual DSN addresses of the virtual memory vault to allocate the new storage unit. The method continues with the processing module updating vault information regarding the virtual memory vault to include the allocation of the virtual DSN addresses to the new storage unit. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140298061 | POWER CONTROL IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) receiving a plurality of data access requests regarding a plurality of data objects. As individual data access requests of the plurality of data access requests are received, the method continues with the DS processing module, for each of the individual data access requests identifying a corresponding one of a plurality of logical storage pools of the DSN and determining power based access status of the corresponding one of the plurality of logical storage pools. When the power based access status is power saving mode, the method continues with the DS processing module queuing the individual data access request. When the power based access status is not in the power saving mode, the method continues with the DS processing module executing the individual data access request. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140298085 | DETECTING DATA REQUIRING REBUILDING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a processing module within a dispersed storage network (DSN) determining to perform a rebuild scanning function for a virtual memory vault, where the virtual memory vault has a DSN address range that is divided into multiple DSN address sub-ranges. The method continues with a first rebuild scanning agent module initiating a rebuilding scanning function for a first group of DSN address sub-ranges and processing first rebuild responses to produce a first list of encoded data slices for rebuilding. The method continues with a second rebuild scanning agent module initiating the rebuilding scanning function for a second group of DSN address sub-ranges and processing second rebuild responses to produce a second list of encoded data slices for rebuilding. The method continues with the processing module queuing the first and second lists of encoded data slices for rebuilding. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140298135 | REBUILDING DATA STORED IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins where a processing module queues, in a rebuild queue, identifiers of encoded data slices for rebuilding, where an encoded data slice is of a set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module accessing the rebuild queue to retrieve a valid rebuild request and querying a storage unit of the set of storage units regarding a most current revision value of another encoded data slice of a most current dispersed storage error encoded revision level of a data segment. When a revision value of the encoded data slice compares favorably with the most current revision level of the other encoded data slice, the method continues with the processing module retrieving a decode threshold number of encoded data slices, reconstructing the data segment from the decode threshold number of encoded data slices, and generating a rebuilt encoded data slice from the reconstructed data segment. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140298136 | STORING DATA AND DIRECTORY INFORMATION IN A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a processing module issuing a set of write requests regarding storing a set of encoded data slices in dispersed storage network (DSN) memory and confirming that at least a write threshold number of encoded data slices have been temporarily stored in the DSN memory. When confirmed, the method continues with the processing module issuing a second set of write requests regarding storing a set of encoded directory slices in the DSN memory and confirming that at least a second write threshold number of encoded directory slices have been temporarily stored in the DSN memory. When confirmed, the method continues with the processing module issuing write commit requests regarding the at least a write threshold number of encoded data slices and the at least a second write threshold number of encoded directory slices. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140298137 | VIRTUAL MEMORY MAPPING IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method for evolving dispersed storage network (DSN) memory in a DSN begins by a processing module generating tracking information by tracking evolutionary change of storage units of the DSN memory, performance and reliability requirements of the DSN memory, and memory utilization of the DSN memory. The method continues with the processing module, for a given state of evolution of the DSN memory, interpreting the tracking information to produce given state DSN memory data and establishing virtual DSN address boundaries for a set of the storage units for storing data objects in a virtual memory vault of the DSN, where the virtual memory vault is mapped to the set of the storage units, where the data objects are dispersed storage error encoded into pluralities of sets of encoded data slices that are stored in the set of the storage units in accordance with the virtual DSN address boundaries. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140301410 | LIST RANGE OPERATION DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK FRAME - A method begins by generating list range requests. A list range request includes a payload section and a protocol header section. The payload section includes a start slice name field regarding a start slice name of a slice name range; an end slice name field regarding an end slice name of the slice name range; and a maximum response count field regarding a maximum slice name response count. The protocol header includes a payload length field that represents a length of the payload section and an operation code field to indicate the list range request operation. The list range request includes a request to provide a list of slices names corresponding to stored encoded data slices associated with slice names within the slice name range. The method continues by sending the range requests to storage units of the DSN. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140310572 | EFFICIENT STORAGE OF ENCRYPTED DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a processing module obtaining data to store and determining whether substantially similar data to the data is stored. When the substantially similar data is not stored, the method continues with the processing module generating a first encryption key based on the data, encoding the first encryption key into encoded data slices in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function, and storing the encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module encrypting the data using an encryption key of the substantially similar data in accordance with an encryption function to produce encrypted data, compressing the encrypted data in accordance with a compression function to produce compressed data, storing the compressed data when the substantially similar data is stored. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140317224 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK FOR STORING A DATA OBJECT BASED ON STORAGE REQUIREMENTS - A distributed storage network (DSN) includes a user device and a plurality of DSN memories, wherein each of the DSN memories includes a plurality of storage units. The user device includes at least one network interface to the plurality of DSN memories and at least one processing module that is operable to determine one of the plurality of DSN memories for storing a data object based on a comparison of one or more storage requirements of the data object and one or more DSN attributes of the plurality of DSN memories. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140328573 | ACCESSING STORED MULTI-MEDIA CONTENT BASED ON A SUBSCRIPTION PRIORITY LEVEL - A method begins with a processing module of a centralized digital video storage (DVS) system storing, for playback, a plurality of sets of encoded data slices in storage units, where multi-media content is encoded to produce the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module monitoring the storage units for a failure mode and monitoring a number of subscriber devices requesting playback of the multi-media content. The method continues with the processing module determining whether a sufficient number of unique combinations of a decode threshold number of encoded data slices per set of slices exists to service playback of the multi-media content. When the sufficient number of the unique combinations do not exist, the method continues with the processing module reassigning unique combinations of the decode threshold number of encoded data slices per set of encoded data slices to some of the subscriber devices. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140330921 | STORING RELATED DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by each of a group of write requesting modules of a dispersed storage network (DSN) generating one or more sets of write requests regarding one of a group of portions of related data, sending a group of the one or more sets of write requests to DSN memory, and sending binding information to a binding module. The method continues with the binding module processing remaining phases of the group of the one or more sets of write requests for writing the related data into the DSN memory as a single set of write requests and notifying the write requesting modules of status of the writing the related data into the DSN memory at completion of the processing of the remaining phases such that the related data is made accessible as a single piece of data when the processing of the remaining phases is successful. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140330923 | MULTI-WRITER REVISION SYNCHRONIZATION IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module of a computing device receiving a most current revision value for a data element, where a revision value for the data element is generated based on a current time of a storing device. The method continues with the processing module generating a new revision value for a currently revised version of the data element based on a current time of the computing device and comparing the current time of the new revision value with the current time of the most current revision value. When the current time of the new revision value precedes the current time of the most current revision value, the method continues with the processing module adjusting the new revision value to produce an adjusted revision value and facilitating storage of the currently revised version of the data element having the adjusted revision value. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140331085 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTED STORAGE INTEGRITY PROCESSING - A distributed storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network includes a scanning agent and a control unit. The scanning agent identifies an encoded data slice that requires rebuilding, wherein the encoded data slice is one of a plurality of encoded data slices generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. The control unit retrieves at least a number T of encoded data slices needed to reconstruct the data segment based on the error encoding dispersal function. The control unit is operable to reconstruct the data segment from at least the number T of the encoded data slices and generate a rebuilt encoded data slice from the reconstructed data segment. The scanning agent is located in a storage unit and the control unit is located in the storage unit or in a storage integrity processing unit, a dispersed storage processing unit or a dispersed storage managing unit. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140331087 | IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING AN UNDESIRED CONDITION OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK ACCESS REQUEST - A method begins by a processing module sending a transaction verification request to the set of dispersed storage (DS) units, wherein the transaction verification request includes a transaction number that corresponds to a particular dispersed storage network (DSN) access request. The method continues with the processing module receiving transaction verification responses from at least some of the set of DS units to produce received transaction verification responses. The method continues with the processing module identifying an undesired condition with processing the DSN access request and initiating a corrective remedy for the undesired condition when a DS unit of the set of DS units does not provide a desired transaction verification response. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140331100 | SELECTING STORAGE UNITS TO REBUILD AN ENCODED DATA SLICE - A method begins with a processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) identifying an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices that requires rebuilding and identifying storage units of the DSN that store the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining a rebuilding metric regarding the identified encoded data slice and selecting a sub-set of the storage units for retrieving a decode threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices based on the rebuilding metric. When the decode threshold number of encoded data slices have been retrieved, the method continues with the processing module decoding the decode threshold number of encoded data slices to produce a reconstructed data segment and generating a rebuilt encoded data slice from the reconstructed data segment. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140331103 | ENCODING MULTI-MEDIA CONTENT FOR A CENTRALIZED DIGITAL VIDEO STORAGE SYSTEM - A method begins with a processing module of a centralized digital video storage (DVS) system regarding recording of multi-media content that is to be broadcast at a particular broadcast time, determining a number of subscriber devices that have selected to record the multi-media content. At the particular broadcast time, the method continues with the processing module receiving the multi-media content as it is being broadcast. When the number of subscriber devices is less than a first value, the method continues with the processing module encoding the multi-media content using first level encoding parameters to produce sets of first level encoded data slices for storage. When the number of subscriber devices is equal to or greater than the first value, the method continues with the processing module encoding the multi-media content using second level encoding parameters to produce sets of second level encoded data slices for storage. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140331104 | EFFICIENT STORAGE OF ENCRYPTED DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins with a processing module obtaining data to store and determining whether substantially similar data to the data is stored. When the substantially similar data is not stored, the method continues with the processing module generating a first encryption key based on the data, encoding the first encryption key into encoded data slices in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function, and storing the encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module encrypting the data using an encryption key of the substantially similar data in accordance with an encryption function to produce encrypted data, compressing the encrypted data in accordance with a compression function to produce compressed data, storing the compressed data when the substantially similar data is stored. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140337932 | DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK WITH ACCESS CONTROL AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - In a dispersed storage network where slices of secure user data are stored on geographically separated storage units ( | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140351659 | STORING DATA IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD - In response to a write operation for a set of encoded data slices, a method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module determining whether to use a performance threshold number of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices. When the performance threshold number of encoded data slices is to be used, the method continues with the DS processing module determining the performance threshold number of encoded data slices and sending a performance threshold number of initial phase write requests to storage units. When a write threshold number of write responses are received, the method continues with the DS processing module sending a number of next phase write requests to the storage units, where the number of next phase write requests is equal to or greater than the write threshold number and is less than or equal to the performance threshold number. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140359276 | SECURING DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a source processing module securing data based on a key stream to produce secured data, where the key stream is derived from a unilateral encryption key accessible only to the source processing module, and sending the secure data to an intermediator processing module, where desecuring the secured data is divided into two partial desecuring stages. The method continues with the intermediator processing module partially desecuring the secure data in accordance with a first partial desecuring stage to produce partially desecured data and sending the partially desecured data to a destination processing module. The method continues with the destination processing module further partially desecuring the partially desecured data in accordance with a second desecuring stage to recover the data, where the destination processing module does not have access to the encryption key or to the key stream. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140359348 | ADJUSTING DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK TRAFFIC DUE TO REBUILDING - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) monitoring network traffic within the DSN. When the network traffic compares unfavorably to a desired network traffic function, the method continues with the DS processing module reducing a portion of the network traffic due to rebuilding flagged encoded data slices by at least one of changing rebuilding criteria for the flagged encoded data slices and changing rebuilding network traffic protocols. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140365831 | DETECTING INTENTIONAL CORRUPTION OF DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a DS unit selecting a data slice for corruption analysis and requesting integrity information for the data slice from one or more other DS units of a dispersed storage network. When the one or more requested integrity information is received, the method continues with the DS processing module analyzing the one or more received integrity information and local integrity information of the data slice stored in the DS unit. When the analysis of the one or more received integrity information and the local integrity information of the data slice is unfavorable, the method continues with the DS processing module identifying the data slice as being corrupted. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140379675 | DIRECTORY SYNCHRONIZATION OF A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by independently executing a first write transaction in a dispersed storage network (DSN) to a particular write verification step of a multiple step write process, wherein the first write transaction has a first transaction identifier. The method continues by independently executing a second write transaction in the DSN to the particular write verification step, wherein the second write transaction has a second transaction identifier, and wherein subject matter of the first write transaction is related to subject matter of the second write transaction. The method continues by dependently finalizing the multiple step write process for each of the first and second write transactions utilizing the first and second transaction identifiers when each of the first and second write transactions have reached the particular write verification step. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140380121 | CONFIGURING A GENERIC COMPUTING DEVICE UTILIZING SPECIFIC COMPUTING DEVICE OPERATION INFORMATION - A method for execution, when a generic computing device is paired with a specific computing device (SCD) token, begins with the SCD token sending distributed storage network (DSN) access request to DSN memory via the generic computing device, wherein the DSN access request identifies SCD operation information that is stored as one or more of sets of encoded data slices in the DSN memory and wherein the SCD operation information was encoded using a dispersed storage error encoding function to produce the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. Then, the SCD token receives the one or more of sets of encoded data slices from the DSN memory via the generic computing device and decodes the one or more of sets of encoded data slices to retrieve the SCD operation information and enables the generic computing device to function as an SCD in accordance with the SCD operation information. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150039969 | STORING DATA IN A DIRECTORY-LESS DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) sending a plurality of sets of encoded data slices to DSN memory for storage in accordance with a plurality of sets of DSN data addresses. The method continues with the DS processing module generating retrieval data that is based on a data object number and data storage information. The method continues with the DS processing module dispersed storage error encoding the retrieval data to produce a set of encoded retrieval data slices and generating a set of DSN retrieval data addresses based on the data name and on retrieval data storage information. The method continues with the DS processing module sending the set of encoded retrieval data slices to the DSN memory for storage in accordance with the set of DSN retrieval data addresses. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150040134 | DISTRIBUTED STORAGE NETWORK WITH COORDINATED PARTIAL TASK EXECUTION AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A method includes receiving a task for execution by a plurality of distributed storage and task execution units A priority level is determined for the task. A plurality of coordinated partial task requests are generated and sent to the plurality of distributed storage and task execution units, wherein the plurality coordinated partial task requests indicate a plurality of coordinated partial tasks and the priority level. A plurality of partial task results are received in response to performance of the plurality of coordinated partial tasks by the plurality of distributed storage and task execution units. A task result for the task is generated based on the plurality of partial task results. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150043732 | STORAGE OF SENSITIVE DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module applying a share encoding function on data to produce a plurality of encoded shares and generating a corresponding plurality of random numbers for the plurality of encoded shares. The method continues with the processing module generating an encryption key based on a common password and a corresponding one of the corresponding plurality of random numbers and encrypting the encoded share utilizing the encryption key to produce an encrypted share for each encoded share of the plurality of encoded shares. The method continues with the processing module facilitating storage of the corresponding plurality of random numbers and each of the encrypted shares. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150067421 | DISPERSED STORAGE WITH VARIABLE SLICE LENGTH AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A dispersed storage processing unit selects a slice length for a data segment to be stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN). The data segment is encoded using a dispersed storage error coding function to produce a set of data slices in accordance with the slice length. A storage file is selected based on the slice length. A storage file identifier (ID) is generated that indicates the storage file. A set of DSN addresses are generated corresponding to the set of data slices, wherein the set of DSN addresses each include the storage file ID and a corresponding one of a plurality of offset identifiers (IDs). The set of data slices are written in accordance with the set of DSN addresses. A directory is updated to associate the set of DSN addresses with an identifier of the data segment. | 03-05-2015 |
