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).
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Patent number: 10067679Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
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Patent number: 9940067Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Publication number: 20170300236Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
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Patent number: 9785348Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
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Publication number: 20160357444Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 9448891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Publication number: 20150347024Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bulent Abali, David D. Chambliss, Joseph S. Glider, Luis A. Lastras-Montano, Cameron J. McAllister
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Publication number: 20150033069Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 8904127Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 8904130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 8725972Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy Raw, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 8589890Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Peter J. Eccles, Cameron J. McAllister, Hedley Proctor
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Patent number: 8560787Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy Raw, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 8560790Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy Raw, Bruce J. Smith
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Publication number: 20130007392Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Gordon D. HUTCHISON, Cameron J. McALLISTER, Lucy RAW, Bruce J. SMITH
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Publication number: 20120278559Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith
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Publication number: 20120221816Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Gordon D. HUTCHISON, Cameron J. McALLISTER, Lucy RAW, Bruce J. SMITH
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Patent number: 8255648Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Raw, Bruce J. Smith
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Patent number: 8239837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Cameron J. McAllister
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Publication number: 20110219192Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Gordon D. Hutchison, Cameron J. McAllister, Lucy A. Harris, Bruce J. Smith