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).
-
Publication number: 20150193147Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
-
Patent number: 8990441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
-
Publication number: 20150040206Abstract: Processes for identifying and recovering a lost transient storage device are provided. In some processes, information regarding the owner of the device is obtained. The device ownership information may be stored on a remote service with which the device is registered and/or may be stored on the device itself. In one process, the remote service provides the device with customized device-executable code when the device is registered. The device may also contain information regarding trusted systems. The process includes obtaining status information indicating whether a device is lost when the device is connected to a host system. In some processes, the status is determined by a remote service. In other processes, the status is determined by the device. If the device is lost then a device recovery plan is executed. Portions of a device recovery plan may be executed on the remote service, the host system, and/or the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Janet Schneider, Emily Wilson, Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin Alexander
-
Publication number: 20140359206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Nathan Steven Obr, James C. Bovee, Robin A. Alexander
-
Patent number: 8881309Abstract: Processes for identifying and recovering a lost transient storage device are provided. In some processes, information regarding the owner of the device is obtained. The device ownership information may be stored on a remote service with which the device is registered and/or may be stored on the device itself. In one process, the remote service provides the device with customized device-executable code when the device is registered. The device may also contain information regarding trusted systems. The process includes obtaining status information indicating whether a device is lost when the device is connected to a host system. In some processes, the status is determined by a remote service. In other processes, the status is determined by the device. If the device is lost then a device recovery plan is executed. Portions of a device recovery plan may be executed on the remote service, the host system, and/or the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Janet Schneider, Emily Wilson, Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin Alexander
-
Publication number: 20140325166Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
-
Publication number: 20140325169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
-
Publication number: 20140317317Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
-
Publication number: 20140310451Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Chao-Chueh Lee, Robin A. Alexander, Lee E. Prewitt, Chiuchin Chen, Vladimir Sadovsky
-
Patent number: 8812770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Nathan Steven Obr, James C. Bovee, Robin A. Alexander
-
Patent number: 8812744Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mehmet Iyigun, Yevgeniy M. Bak, Eric M. Bluestein, Robin A. Alexander, Andrew M. Herron, Xiaozhong Xing
-
Patent number: 8812970Abstract: Processes for presenting a current state of a device having device storage connected with a host system are provided. In some processes, device manufacturers or vendors define a set of operational states of a device and provide user interface (UI) elements of a custom representation of each state through information stored in the device storage. Initially, the set of states of the device and UI elements associated with each state are received from the device storage. Information regarding a current state is received from the device, and a representation of the current state, which includes the received UI elements, is presented on the host system. In other processes, UI elements of a representation of each state are obtained from a remote system using device identification information. In other processes, UI elements from the device, from the host system, and/or from a remote system are combined to form a state representation.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Robin Alexander, Vladimir Sadovsky, Narasimhan Ramasubramanian
-
Patent number: 8566689Abstract: An integrity unit can be calculated from a first data unit, and a first storage device can be requested to store the first data unit. A second storage device, which can be separate from and/or a different type of device from the first storage device, can be requested to store metadata, which includes the integrity unit, in nonvolatile memory. Also, a second data unit can be received from the first storage device in response to a request for the first data unit. The integrity unit can be received from the second storage device, and the second data unit and the integrity unit can be analyzed to determine whether the second data unit matches the first data unit. Alternatively, a first integrity unit can be stored in a metadata region of a nonvolatile memory block, where the block also stores the data from which the first integrity unit was calculated.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Shiv K. Rajpal, Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin A. Alexander
-
Patent number: 8166515Abstract: A system is disclosed for centralized management of access permissions to unique class identifier devices on client terminals using a group policy framework. The system includes a first aspect whereby administrative templates related to the unique class identifier devices are used to configure a user interface allowing an IT administrator or other to set access permissions for the unique class identifier devices. The system further includes a second aspect for implementing the access permissions to the unique class identifier devices on the client terminals.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Emily N. Hill, Henry P. Gabryjelski, James C. Bovee, Narasimhan Ramasubramanian, Oren Rosenbloom, Robin A. Alexander
-
Patent number: 8112116Abstract: One or more functions are exposed by a mobile device to a host connected to the mobile device. A function of the one or more functions is executed at the mobile device in response to a request from the host, wherein the function is associated with a host task. The result of the function is returned to the host.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin A. Alexander
-
Publication number: 20110214126Abstract: One or more functions are exposed by a mobile device to a host connected to the mobile device. A function of the one or more functions is executed at the mobile device in response to a request from the host, wherein the function is associated with a host task. The result of the function is returned to the host.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin A. Alexander
-
Patent number: 7966039Abstract: One or more functions are exposed by a mobile device to a host connected to the mobile device. A function of the one or more functions is executed at the mobile device in response to a request from the host, wherein the function is associated with a host task. The result of the function is returned to the host.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin A. Alexander
-
Publication number: 20110099461Abstract: An integrity unit can be calculated from a first data unit, and a first storage device can be requested to store the first data unit. A second storage device, which can be separate from and/or a different type of device from the first storage device, can be requested to store metadata, which includes the integrity unit, in nonvolatile memory. Also, a second data unit can be received from the first storage device in response to a request for the first data unit. The integrity unit can be received from the second storage device, and the second data unit and the integrity unit can be analyzed to determine whether the second data unit matches the first data unit. Alternatively, a first integrity unit can be stored in a metadata region of a nonvolatile memory block, where the block also stores the data from which the first integrity unit was calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Shiv K. Rajpal, Vladimir Sadovsky, Robin A. Alexander
-
Publication number: 20110047086Abstract: A system and method may automatically receive an electronic lease or other agreement document for property and parse the document to identify provisions provided therein. The lease may then be evaluated for various types of provisions to determine an overall quality score. In one example, the quality score may correspond to an environmental sustainability score and include considerations such as sub-metering, water-saving fixtures, LEED certification and the like. In one or more arrangements, provisions may be identified by generating and providing an electronic questionnaire through which a user may specify the applicable terms of the lease. Approval of the lease may be conditioned on a minimum environmental sustainability score as determined by the lease provisions. A system may further suggest ways to improve the environmental sustainability score.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATIONInventors: Marc E. Heisterkamp, Guy H. Volz, Wayne Santos, Robert G. Becker, Robin Alexander
-
Patent number: RE42356Abstract: Disclosed is a system. The system includes a mold-moving assembly that is cooperative with an insert-forming station to form an insert at least in part. The mold-moving assembly is also cooperative with an overmolding station to overmold another insert previously formed by the insert-forming station in cooperation with the mold-moving assembly. The mold-moving assembly, when so actuated, moves inserts between the insert-forming station and the overmolding station. Operation of the insert-forming station and operation of the overmolding station overlap one another at least in part.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey Douglas MacDonald, Alireza Mortazavi, Robin Alexander Arnott