Patent ID: 6138125
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for encoding a data block onto an array of n data storage devices, where (n+1) is a prime number, and wherein said data block has a maximum size equal to the storage capacity of (n-2) of the data storage devices, said method comprising the steps of:(a) creating a matrix of dimensions (n.times.n);(b) storing (n.sup.2 -2n) segments of said data block as data elements in said matrix, wherein said segments are stored in a configuration in which every location in said matrix, except those locations along each major diagonal thereof, contains one of said data elements;(c) calculating an XOR sum of all said data elements in a first wrapped minor diagonal of said matrix to produce a parity element which is stored in the major diagonal intersecting said wrapped minor diagonal;(d) repeating step (c) for all remaining said wrapped minor diagonals; and(e) writing each column in said matrix to a counterpart one of said data storage devices.