Patents by Inventor Robin A. Alexander

Robin A. Alexander 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: 11048436
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Chao-Chueh Lee, Robin A. Alexander, Lee E. Prewitt, Chiuchin Chen, Vladimir Sadovsky
  • Patent number: 10416932
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a hard disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. Some data can be stored in one part but not the other, and this data can be synchronized with (e.g., copied to) the other part at various times. The drive access system provides indications to the hybrid drive of when to synchronize data in one part with the other part. These indications are made so that potential interference with use of the device by the user and/or power saving modes of the device due to the synchronization is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Publication number: 20190155547
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Scott Chao-Chueh LEE, Robin A. ALEXANDER, Lee E. PREWITT, Chiuchin CHEN, Vladimir SADOVSKY
  • Patent number: 10228881
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Chao-Chueh Lee, Robin A. Alexander, Lee E. Prewitt, Chiuchin Chen, Vladimir Sadovsky
  • Patent number: 10223034
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Chau-Chueh Lee, Robin A. Alexander, Lee E. Prewitt, Chiuchin Chen, Vladimir Sadovsky
  • Publication number: 20180321881
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Scott Chao-Chueh LEE, Robin A. ALEXANDER, Lee E. PREWITT, Chiuchin CHEN, Vladimir SADOVSKY
  • Publication number: 20180321857
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a hard disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. Some data can be stored in one part but not the other, and this data can be synchronized with (e.g., copied to) the other part at various times. The drive access system provides indications to the hybrid drive of when to synchronize data in one part with the other part. These indications are made so that potential interference with use of the device by the user and/or power saving modes of the device due to the synchronization is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 9946495
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a hard disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. Some data can be stored in one part but not the other, and this data can be synchronized with (e.g., copied to) the other part at various times. The drive access system provides indications to the hybrid drive of when to synchronize data in one part with the other part. These indications are made so that potential interference with use of the device by the user and/or power saving modes of the device due to the synchronization is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Publication number: 20170131952
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Chao-Chueh Lee, Robin A. Alexander, Lee E. Prewitt, Chiuchin Chen, Vladimir Sadovsky
  • Patent number: 9626126
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a magnetic or other rotational disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. The drive access system supports multiple priority levels and obtains priority levels for groups of data identified by logical block addresses (LBAs). The LBAs read while the device is operating in a power saving mode are assigned a priority level that is at least the lowest of the multiple priority levels supported by the device, increasing the likelihood that LBAs read while the device is operating in the power saving mode are stored in the performance part of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 9552273
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for adapting an I/O pattern, with respect to a processing device using a non-volatile block storage device based on feedback from the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include information indicating a status of the non-volatile block storage device. In response to receiving the feedback, a storage subsystem, included in an operating system executing on processing device, may change a behavior with respect to the non-volatile block storage device in order to avoid, or reduce, a negative impact to the non-volatile block storage device or to enhance an aspect of the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include performance information and/or operating environmental information of the non-volatile block storage device. When the non-volatile block storage device is not capable of providing the feedback, the processing device may request information about the non-volatile block storage device from a database service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Nathan Steven Obr, James C. Bovee, Robin A. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9552176
    Abstract: Techniques for block storage using a hybrid memory device are described. In at least some embodiments, a hybrid memory device includes a volatile memory portion, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The hybrid memory device further includes non-volatile memory portion, such as flash memory. In at least some embodiments, the hybrid memory device can be embodied as a non-volatile dual in-line memory module, or NVDIMM. Techniques discussed herein employ various functionalities to enable the hybrid memory device to be exposed to various entities as an available block storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Chao-Chueh Lee, Robin A. Alexander, Lee E. Prewitt, Chiuchin Chen, Vladimir Sadovsky
  • Publication number: 20160202912
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a magnetic or other rotational disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. The drive access system assigns, based on various available information, a priority level to groups of data identified by logical block addresses (LBAs). With each I/O command, the drive access system includes an indication of the priority level of the LBA(s) associated with the I/O command. The hybrid drive determines, based on the priority level indications received from the drive access system, which LBAs are stored on which part or parts of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Publication number: 20160124831
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for adapting an I/O pattern, with respect to a processing device using a non-volatile block storage device based on feedback from the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include information indicating a status of the non-volatile block storage device. In response to receiving the feedback, a storage subsystem, included in an operating system executing on processing device, may change a behavior with respect to the non-volatile block storage device in order to avoid, or reduce, a negative impact to the non-volatile block storage device or to enhance an aspect of the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include performance information and/or operating environmental information of the non-volatile block storage device. When the non-volatile block storage device is not capable of providing the feedback, the processing device may request information about the non-volatile block storage device from a database service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Nathan Steven Obr, James C. Bovee, Robin A. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9323460
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a magnetic or other rotational disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. The drive access system assigns, based on various available information, a priority level to groups of data identified by logical block addresses (LBAs). With each I/O command, the drive access system includes an indication of the priority level of the LBA(s) associated with the I/O command. The hybrid drive determines, based on the priority level indications received from the drive access system, which LBAs are stored on which part or parts of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 9286211
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for adapting an I/O pattern, with respect to a processing device using a non-volatile block storage device based on feedback from the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include information indicating a status of the non-volatile block storage device. In response to receiving the feedback, a storage subsystem, included in an operating system executing on processing device, may change a behavior with respect to the non-volatile block storage device in order to avoid, or reduce, a negative impact to the non-volatile block storage device or to enhance an aspect of the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include performance information and/or operating environmental information of the non-volatile block storage device. When the non-volatile block storage device is not capable of providing the feedback, the processing device may request information about the non-volatile block storage device from a database service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Nathan Steven Obr, James C. Bovee, Robin A. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20150193147
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a magnetic or other rotational disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. The drive access system assigns, based on various available information, a priority level to groups of data identified by logical block addresses (LBAs). With each I/O command, the drive access system includes an indication of the priority level of the LBA(s) associated with the I/O command. The hybrid drive determines, based on the priority level indications received from the drive access system, which LBAs are stored on which part or parts of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 8990441
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a magnetic or other rotational disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. The drive access system assigns, based on various available information, a priority level to groups of data identified by logical block addresses (LBAs). With each I/O command, the drive access system includes an indication of the priority level of the LBA(s) associated with the I/O command. The hybrid drive determines, based on the priority level indications received from the drive access system, which LBAs are stored on which part or parts of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
  • Publication number: 20140359206
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for adapting an I/O pattern, with respect to a processing device using a non-volatile block storage device based on feedback from the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include information indicating a status of the non-volatile block storage device. In response to receiving the feedback, a storage subsystem, included in an operating system executing on processing device, may change a behavior with respect to the non-volatile block storage device in order to avoid, or reduce, a negative impact to the non-volatile block storage device or to enhance an aspect of the non-volatile block storage device. The feedback may include performance information and/or operating environmental information of the non-volatile block storage device. When the non-volatile block storage device is not capable of providing the feedback, the processing device may request information about the non-volatile block storage device from a database service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Nathan Steven Obr, James C. Bovee, Robin A. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20140325169
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes multiple parts: a performance part (e.g., a flash memory device) and a base part (e.g., a hard disk drive). A drive access system, which is typically part of an operating system of a computing device, issues input/output (I/O) commands to the hybrid drive to store data to and retrieve data from the hybrid drive. Some data can be stored in one part but not the other, and this data can be synchronized with (e.g., copied to) the other part at various times. The drive access system provides indications to the hybrid drive of when to synchronize data in one part with the other part. These indications are made so that potential interference with use of the device by the user and/or power saving modes of the device due to the synchronization is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing