Abstract: A system for enhancing command scheduling is provided. In particular embodiments, the system includes a processor and a scheduler that receives commands from the processor for accessing a storage device. The scheduler receives a set of commands, some of which have a deadline, and the scheduler is configured to determine an execution order for those commands. The scheduler is also configured to defer the execution of one or more of those commands to a later time.

Abstract: A data storage device accepts queued read and write commands that have deadlines. The queued read and write commands are requests to access the data storage device. The deadlines of the queued read and write commands can be advisory deadlines or mandatory deadlines.

Abstract: A system includes a storage device and a scheduler. The scheduler determines if deadlines of requests for accessing the storage device fall within first and second sliding windows. The scheduler issues requests that are in the first sliding window in a first order of execution and requests that are in the second sliding window in a second order of execution.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing hard disk drive performance. According to one embodiment, a storage system includes a storage unit that stores data and a controller. The controller receives an idle mode indication and performs at least one operation based on the idle mode indication. According to another embodiment, a host system includes a processor and a scheduler that is operative to issues commands. The processor computes the idle mode indication, and the processor sends the idle mode indication to the storage system.

Abstract: Enhancements to the functionality of a file system are provided. A file system can provide an additional level of error correction, in addition to the error correction provided by a data storage device. An extension to the metadata area in a file system can store index information about data files that the file system can use to reduce the time it takes to access the files. A file system can use extended metadata to store conditional access information for data files stored in the file system. A data storage device can also examine and characterize the data being stored in order to categorize a user's files automatically. Modules can be loaded into a file system to provide new functionality to the file system. The modules can load additional modules to extend their functionality.

Abstract: A system includes a storage device and a scheduler. The scheduler determines if deadlines of requests for accessing the storage device fall within first and second sliding windows. The scheduler issues requests that are in the first sliding window in a first order of execution and requests that are in the second sliding window in a second order of execution.

Abstract: A data storage device accepts queued read and write commands that have deadlines. The queued read and write commands are requests to access the data storage device. The deadlines of the queued read and write commands can be advisory deadlines or mandatory deadlines.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the reliability of file systems is provided. In particular embodiments, the system includes a data storage device that includes one or more journal blocks, one or more primary metadata blocks, and one or more mirror metadata blocks. The system also includes a file system that writes metadata to the one or more journal blocks before writing the metadata to both the one or more primary metadata blocks and to the one or more mirror metadata blocks.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the reliability of file systems is provided. In particular embodiments, the system includes a data storage device that includes one or more journal blocks, one or more primary metadata blocks, and one or more mirror metadata blocks. The system also includes a file system that writes metadata to the one or more journal blocks before writing the metadata to both the one or more primary metadata blocks and to the one or more mirror metadata blocks.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing hard disk drive performance. According to one embodiment, a storage system includes a storage unit that stores data and a controller. The controller receives an idle mode indication and performs at least one operation based on the idle mode indication. According to another embodiment, a host system includes a processor and a scheduler that is operative to issues commands. The processor computes the idle mode indication, and the processor sends the idle mode indication to the storage system.

Abstract: A system for enhancing command scheduling is provided. In particular embodiments, the system includes a processor and a scheduler that receives commands from the processor for accessing a storage device. The scheduler receives a set of commands, some of which have a deadline, and the scheduler is configured to determine an execution order for those commands. The scheduler is also configured to defer the execution of one or more of those commands to a later time.

Abstract: Enhancements to the functionality of a file system are provided. A file system can provide an additional level of error correction, in addition to the error correction provided by a data storage device. An extension to the metadata area in a file system can store index information about data files that the file system can use to reduce the time it takes to access the files. A file system can use extended metadata to store conditional access information for data files stored in the file system. A data storage device can also examine and characterize the data being stored in order to categorize a user's files automatically. Modules can be loaded into a file system to provide new functionality to the file system. The modules can load additional modules to extend their functionality.