Patents by Inventor Akira Kubo

Akira Kubo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7617373
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for presenting a storage volume as a virtual volume. An attribute module determines a primary volume physical attribute of a primary volume. A presentation module presents the primary volume physical attribute to a host as a target volume virtual attribute of a target volume. A translation module translates communications between a host and the target volume. In one embodiment, a copy module creates a point-in-time copy of the primary volume on the target volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Kalos, Robert Akira Kubo, Richard Anthony Ripberger
  • Patent number: 7596723
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for selective cross communications between autonomous storage modules. A RAID controller communicates through a first cascading communications loop comprising a first storage module. The first storage module includes a plurality of storage devices and is disposed in an enclosure. The RAID controller also communicates through a second cascading communications loop comprising a second storage module. The second storage module also includes a plurality of storage devices and is disposed in the enclosure. An interface module transmits messages of the first loop through the second storage module. In one embodiment, the RAID controller communicates a cross communications command to the interface module through the second storage module to enable the interface module to transmit the messages of the first loop through the second storage module in response to a failure of the first loop upstream of the first storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Patent number: 7584325
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing a redundant array of inexpensive disks (“RAID”) storage subsystem within a processor blade enclosure. A first RAID controller blade is included and configured to fit in a processor blade enclosure. At least one processor in communication with the first RAID controller blade is included. A disk enclosure blade is provided that includes a plurality of hard disk drives. The disk enclosure blade is configured to fit in the processor blade enclosure and the hard disk drives are in communication with the first RAID controller blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Gavin Holland, Shah Mohammed Rezaul Islam, Carl Evan Jones, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas, Andrew Boyce McNeill, Jr., Kenneth Robert Schneebeli, Theodore Brian Vojnovich
  • Publication number: 20090187786
    Abstract: An apparatus for parity data management receives a write command and write data from a computing device. The apparatus also builds a parity control structure corresponding to updating a redundant disk array with the write data and stores the parity control structure in a persistent memory buffer of the computing device. The apparatus also updates the redundant disk array with the write data in accordance with a parity control map and restores the RAID controller parity map from the parity control structure as part of a data recovery operation if updating the redundant disk array with the write data is interrupted by a RAID controller failure resulting in a loss of the RAID controller parity map. In certain embodiments, the parity control structure is a RAID controller parity map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Michael John Jones, David Ray Kahler, Robert Akira Kubo, Karl Allen Nielsen, Cheng-Chung Song, William Henry Travis
  • Patent number: 7546478
    Abstract: A method is disclosed to provide power to a plurality of data storage devices disposed in a data storage system. The data storage system comprises a system controller comprising a data storage device power-up algorithm and a plurality of data storage devices, where each of the plurality of data storage devices cannot automatically provide a device present signal. The method detects the presence of each of the plurality of data storage devices, and then provides power to each of the detected data storage devices using the data storage device power-up algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas, Tohru Sumiyoshi, Yoshihiko Terashita
  • Patent number: 7519693
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for integrating an enclosure. An initialization module initializes a second enclosure. A discovery module discovers a connection of the second enclosure to a first enclosure. An address module creates a valid address for the second enclosure. An assignment module assigns the address to the second enclosure. A power control module cycles power to the second enclosure to reinitialize the second enclosure and set the address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew David Bomhoff, Brian James Cagno, John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Publication number: 20090088422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the formula [I]: wherein G1 is an alkyl which is substituted by a halogen atom or an alkoxy, or a group of the formula: wherein ring B is benzene ring which may be substituted, etc., Q1 and Q2 may be the same or different, and each is hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an alkyl, n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, R1 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl which may be substituted, a cycloalkyl which may be substituted, a phenyl which may be substituted, etc., Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 may be the same or different, and each is CH or N, provided that 3 or more of Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 should not be N at the same time, G2 is hydrogen atom, —NR3R4, —OR5, etc., where R3 to R8 each is independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl which may be substituted, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, etc., or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Akira Kubo, Ritsuo Imashiro, Hiroaki Sakurai, Hidetaka Miyoshi, Akihito Ogasawara, Hajime Hiramatsu, Tatsuo Nakajima, Tetsu Nakane
  • Patent number: 7506200
    Abstract: A method is disclosed to reconfigure a storage array disposed in a data storage system. The method supplies a data storage system comprising a plurality of data storage devices, wherein each of the plurality of data storage devices is assigned to one of a plurality of data storage arrays, or is assigned as a spare device. The method then detects an unassigned data storage device, and determines if any of the plurality of data storage arrays comprises a degraded data storage array. If the method determines that any of the plurality of data storage arrays comprises a degraded data storage array, then the method determines if the unassigned data storage device can be used to restore the degraded data storage array to optimal reliability, optimal performance, and optimal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Benhase, Robert Akira Kubo
  • Publication number: 20090063768
    Abstract: A plurality of storage devices of a plurality of types is provided. A plurality of criteria is associated for each of the plurality of storage devices, based on characteristics of the plurality of storage devices, wherein the plurality of criteria can be used to determine whether a selected storage device is a compatibility spare for a storage device in a storage device array, and whether the selected storage device is an availability spare for the storage device in the storage device array. A determination is made by a spare management application, based on at least the plurality of criteria and at least one optimality condition, of a first set of storage devices selected from the plurality of storage devices to be allocated to a plurality of storage device arrays, and of a second set of storage devices selected from the plurality of storage devices to be allocated as spares for the plurality of storage device arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Kalos, Robert Akira Kubo, Richard Anthony Ripberger
  • Publication number: 20090055599
    Abstract: Consistency for replicating data storage subsystem configurations in accordance with a “golden” configuration file. A data storage subsystem comprises a blade system with a plurality of slots, the blade system configured to support a plurality of blades and a storage system, each arranged in a predetermined slot of the blade system. The storage system arranges a logical configuration of the server blades in accordance with a “golden” configuration file. The server blade slot versus WWN information is collected and provided to the storage system. The storage system converts the “golden” configuration file slot information to WWNs. The server blades are enabled for access to said storage system as they log on with WWNs in accordance with the “golden” configuration file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Linda Van Patten Benhase, John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Patent number: 7495776
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measuring system for measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement object in a noncontact manner includes a first obtaining portion for obtaining arrangement information of the measurement object, a second obtaining portion for obtaining design shape information of the measurement object, a fourth obtaining portion for obtaining specifics information about one or more three-dimensional measuring devices, a determining portion for determining a measurable part that can be measured by the three-dimensional measuring device about a surface shape of the measurement object in accordance with the obtained arrangement information, the obtained design shape information and the obtained specifics information, and an output portion for outputting the determined measurable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Kubo, Shinichi Horita, Yoshihisa Abe
  • Publication number: 20090049291
    Abstract: Consistency for replicating data storage subsystem configurations in accordance with a “golden” configuration file. A data storage subsystem comprises a blade system with a plurality of slots, the blade system configured to support a plurality of blades and a storage system, each arranged in a predetermined slot of the blade system. A management module operates the blade system to first power on the storage system. In accordance with a “golden” configuration file, the storage system passes sequence information to the management module. The management module powers on the plurality of server blades in accordance with the sequence information. The storage system is configured with the “golden” configuration file to log on the server blades in accordance with the power on sequence to logically configure the server blades in accordance with the “golden” configuration file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Linda Van Patten Benhase, John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Publication number: 20090049290
    Abstract: Consistency for replicating data storage subsystem configurations in accordance with a “golden” configuration file. A data storage subsystem comprises a blade system with a plurality of slots, the blade system configured to support a plurality of blades and a storage system, each arranged in a predetermined slot of the blade system. A management module operates the blade system to first power on the storage system, and subsequently to power on the plurality of server blades in a sequential order that matches a blade system natural boot sequence order, skipping the storage system, and the storage system is configured with the “golden” configuration file to log on the server blades in accordance with the power on sequence to logically configure the server blades in accordance with the “golden” configuration file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: LINDA VAN PATTEN BENHASE, John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Publication number: 20090049334
    Abstract: A sector conversion device includes a non-volatile memory area that is used to save two sectors' worth of data when power is lost during the sector conversion process. These two sectors of data are stored in the non-volatile memory area within the sector conversion device itself. The non-volatile memory within the sector conversion device is connected to the main internal memory of the device by a special link that is wider than the normal word size of the buffer. When power is lost to the storage enclosure during a scenario where data is being written to the hard disk drives, which involves sector conversion, the internal processor of the sector conversion device immediately initiates a transfer from the volatile buffer queue memory to the non-volatile memory. The information that is transferred (hardened) is the two sectors of data that were involved in the sector conversion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Publication number: 20090049239
    Abstract: Consistency for replicating data storage subsystem configurations in accordance with a “golden” configuration file. A data storage subsystem comprises a blade system configured to support a plurality of blades and a storage system, each arranged in a predetermined slot of the blade system, and at least one zoneable switch whose zoning is disabled at power on. A management module operates the blade system to power on all slots. The storage system, in accordance with a “golden” configuration file, transfers port enablement sequencing to the switch, and the switch enables and zones ports in sequence to allow the server blades to see the storage system in accordance with the port enablement sequence. The storage system is configured with the “golden” configuration file to log on the server blades in accordance with the port enablement sequence to logically configure the server blades in accordance with the “golden” configuration file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: LINDA VAN PATTEN BENHASE, John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Patent number: 7473695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the formula [I]: wherein G1 is an alkyl which is substituted by a halogen atom or an alkoxy, or a group of the formula: wherein ring B is benzene ring which may be substituted, etc., Q1 and Q2 maybe the same or different, and each is hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an alkyl, n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, R1 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl which may be substituted, a cycloalkyl which may be substituted, a phenyl which may be substituted, etc., Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 may be the same or different, and each is CH or N, provided that 3 or more of Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 should not be N at the same time, G2 is hydrogen atom, —NR3R4, —OR5, etc., where R3 to R8 each is independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl which may be substituted, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, etc., or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kubo, Ritsuo Imashiro, Hiroaki Sakurai, Hidetaka Miyoshi, Akihito Ogasawara, Hajime Hiramatsu, Tatsuo Nakajima, Tetsu Nakane
  • Publication number: 20080320058
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining dynamic persistent data. A selection module selects the most recent metadata. A verification module verifies that the metadata has been successfully updated. A validation module validates that the metadata is accurate. A communication module communicates the Persistent Storage Device data to a system processor if the metadata is validated. A storage module may store primary and secondary information of data, metadata, and data state variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Linda Van Patten Benhase, Jason James Graves, Robert Akira Kubo
  • Publication number: 20080256420
    Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for error checking addressable blocks in storage. Addressable blocks of data are stored in a storage in stripes, wherein each stripe includes a plurality of data blocks for one of the addressable blocks and at least one checksum block including checksum data derived from the data blocks for the addressable block. A write request is received to modify data in one of the addressable blocks. The write and updating the checksum are performed in the stripe having the modified addressable block. An indication is made to perform an error checking operation on the stripe for the modified addressable block in response to the write request, wherein the error checking operation reads the data blocks and the checksum in the stripe to determine if the checksum data is accurate. An error handling operation is initiated in response to determining that the checksum data is not accurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Lee Hafner, David Ray Kahler, Robert Akira Kubo, David Frank Mannenbach, Karl Allen Nielsen, James A. O'Connor, Krishnakumar Rao Surugucchi, Richard B. Stelmach
  • Publication number: 20080244311
    Abstract: A system and method for thresholding system power loss notifications in a data processing system are provided. Power loss detection modules are provided in a data processing system having one or more data processing devices, such as blades in an IBM BladeCenter® chassis. The power loss detection modules detect the type of infrastructure of the data processing system, a position of a corresponding data processing device within the data processing system, and a capability of the data processing system to provide power during a power loss scenario. The detection module detects various inputs identifying these types of data processing system and power system characteristics and provides logic for defining a set of behaviors during a power loss scenario, e.g., behaviors for sending system notifications of imminent power loss. The detection of the various inputs and the defining of a set of behaviors may be performed statically and/or dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas
  • Publication number: 20080244283
    Abstract: A system and method for thresholding system power loss notifications in a data processing system are provided. Power loss detection modules are provided in a data processing system having one or more data processing devices, such as blades in an IBM BladeCenter® chassis. The power loss detection modules detect the type of infrastructure of the data processing system, a position of a corresponding data processing device within the data processing system, and a capability of the data processing system to provide power during a power loss scenario. The detection module detects various inputs identifying these types of data processing system and power system characteristics and provides logic for defining a set of behaviors during a power loss scenario, e.g., behaviors for sending system notifications of imminent power loss. The detection of the various inputs and the defining of a set of behaviors may be performed statically and/or dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: John Charles Elliott, Robert Akira Kubo, Gregg Steven Lucas