Patents by Inventor Cameron J. McAllister

Cameron J. McAllister 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: 10067679
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to avoiding out-of-space conditions in storage controllers operating with efficiency capabilities between virtual space in a data container and real space in a storage container. Both the real space and the virtual space are monitored. The real space usage is compared to a threshold to provide information about occupancy of the real space. A virtual size of the virtual object is adjusted responsive to the real space usage meeting or exceeding the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 9940067
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20170300236
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to avoiding out-of-space conditions in storage controllers operating with efficiency capabilities between virtual space in a data container and real space in a storage container. Both the real space and the virtual space are monitored. The real space usage is compared to a threshold to provide information about occupancy of the real space. A virtual size of the virtual object is adjusted responsive to the real space usage meeting or exceeding the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 9785348
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to avoiding out-of-space conditions in storage controllers operating with efficiency capabilities between virtual space in a data container and real space in a storage container. Both the real space and the virtual space are monitored and their respective usage is compared to provide information about occupancy of the real space to the virtual space. Usage of the containers is balanced by employing a virtual file associated with a reserved portion of free capacity in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20160357444
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9448891
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150347024
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to avoiding out-of-space conditions in storage controllers operating with efficiency capabilities between virtual space in a data container and real space in a storage container. Both the real space and the virtual space are monitored and their respective usage is compared to provide information about occupancy of the real space to the virtual space. Usage of the containers is balanced by employing a virtual file associated with a reserved portion of free capacity in the virtual space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20150033069
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8904127
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8904130
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8725972
    Abstract: Various method, system, and computer program product embodiments for performing a backup of a source storage volume to a target storage volume are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a flashcopy of the source storage volume to the target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy Raw, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8589890
    Abstract: A system, method, computer program product, and program storage device for storing trace information of a program is disclosed. Upon entering or calling a subroutine, a memory buffer is created. Whenever a nested subroutine is called inside the subroutine, a subordinate memory buffer is created. Upon completion of a subroutine execution, a corresponding memory buffer is deleted. When encountering an event (e.g., an error, a defect, a failure, a warning) during execution, all data in currently existing memory buffers are transferred to a secondary memory storage device (e.g., a disk).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Eccles, Cameron J. McAllister, Hedley Proctor
  • Patent number: 8560787
    Abstract: A flashcopy of a source storage volume to a target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy Raw, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8560790
    Abstract: A flashcopy of a source storage volume to a target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy Raw, Bruce J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130007392
    Abstract: Various method, system, and computer program product embodiments for performing a backup of a source storage volume to a target storage volume are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a flashcopy of the source storage volume to the target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gordon D. HUTCHISON, Cameron J. McALLISTER, Lucy RAW, Bruce J. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120278559
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120221816
    Abstract: A flashcopy of a source storage volume to a target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gordon D. HUTCHISON, Cameron J. McALLISTER, Lucy RAW, Bruce J. SMITH
  • Patent number: 8255648
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided for maintaining a storage device backup consistency group. The method comprises receiving a first I/O command for a first storage device, receiving a second I/O command for a second storage device, identifying a transaction comprising both the first I/O command and the second I/O command, accessing a storage device backup consistency group for the first storage device, determining whether a backup for the second storage device is a member of the storage device backup consistency group, and performing a predefined corrective action if a backup for the second storage device is not a member of the storage device backup consistency group. The predefined corrective action may comprise detecting or creating a backup for the second storage device and then adding the detected or created backup to the storage device backup consistency group, invalidating the second I/O command, and/or issuing a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Raw, Bruce J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8239837
    Abstract: An apparatus for communicating between a child test program and a parent test program in a test environment. A child test framework is provided to catch an exception thrown by the child test program. In addition, a marshalling component is provided in communication with the child test program and the child test framework. The marshalling component converts exception data for the exception into a format for transmission by a communication means to a parent test framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Cameron J. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20110219192
    Abstract: A method of performing a data write on a storage device comprises instructing a device driver for the device to perform a write to the storage device, registering the device driver as a transaction participant with a transaction co-ordinator, executing a flashcopy of the storage device, performing the write on the storage device, and performing a two-phase commit between device driver and transaction co-ordinator. Preferably, the method comprises receiving an instruction to perform a rollback, and reversing the data write according to the flashcopy. In a further refinement, a method of scheduling a flashcopy of a storage device comprises receiving an instruction to perform a flashcopy, ascertaining the current transaction in relation to the device, registering the device driver for the device as a transaction participant in the current transaction with a transaction co-ordinator, receiving a transaction complete indication from the co-ordinator, and executing the flashcopy for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith