Patents by Inventor Shizuo Yokohata
Shizuo Yokohata 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: 8015325Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fiber channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fiber channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fiber channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fiber channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7725611Abstract: A method for verifying data in a storage system is disclosed. A host computer transmits area management data to a storage controller. The area management data specifies a range of a storage area in a storage device to be used by an application program having a mechanism for verifying data suitability. Upon receipt of an input/output request transmitted from the host computer, the storage controller performs verification, which is usually performed by the application program, of the data that is to be processed according to the data input/output request and to be input/output to/from the storage area, which is specified in accordance with the received area management data.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kazunobu Ohashi, Takao Satoh, Kiichiro Urabe, Toshio Nakano, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7568132Abstract: A network storage system has a structure for notifying the data storage system of a fault in the file server, the storage system having means for sending fault notification data to an external maintenance center. The file server can detect a fault and transmit data regarding the fault to the storage control unit while specifying a predetermined logic unit of the storage control unit, and the storage control unit has a faulty part management table, a function for storing the fault-related data transmitted from the file server unit separately from the data exchanged with the computers, a function for detecting a fault other than the fault in the file server unit and for storing that data in the faulty part management table, and a function for transmitting all or part of the faulty part management table to an external unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20090044000Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fibre channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fibre channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fibre channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fibre channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7478231Abstract: In response to requests for I/O processing sent from a computer, I/O which should be processed at a priority is enabled to be processed without being affected by other processing, by classifying I/O into those to be processed at a priority and those not to be processed at a priority. The storage control apparatus comprises an I/O processing controller with a memory that is common for the whole controller. The storage control apparatus manages information for dividing and controlling a plurality of I/O processes as priority and non-priority in that memory and operates while suppressing non-priority I/O processing on the basis of information in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ido, Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata, Shigeo Honma, Toshiyuki Yoshino
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Patent number: 7461245Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fiber channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fiber channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fiber channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fiber channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7461227Abstract: A storage system includes a network adapter, a channel adapter, a shared memory, a cache memory, a disk adapter, a switch and a storage device. The storage device stores data. The network adapter includes a port connected to a local area network, and a NAS processor and an I/O processor. The NAS processor receives a file access request via the port, and gives instructions to access the data stored in the storage device as well as instructions to back up the data stored in the storage device. The I/O processor transfers access to the data stored in the storage device to the cache memory, and transfers backup instructions for the data stored in the storage device to the shared memory. The channel adapter includes a port and an I/O processor. The I/O processor sends out data stored in the storage device to the device storing backup data, in response to a backup instruction from the network adapter.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Kobayashi, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20080288829Abstract: A method for verifying data in a storage system is disclosed. A host computer transmits area management data to a storage controller. The area management data specifies a range of a storage area in a storage device to be used by an application program having a mechanism for verifying data suitability. Upon receipt of an input/output request transmitted from the host computer, the storage controller performs verification, which is usually performed by the application program, of the data that is to be processed according to the data input/output request and to be input/output to/from the storage area, which is specified in accordance with the received area management data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Kazunobu OHASHI, Takao Satoh, Kiichiro Urabe, Toshio Nakano, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7444468Abstract: A storage has NAS and SAN functions and a high degree of freedom to configure a system to reduce the management and operation cost. The storage includes a plurality of interface slots in which a plurality of interface controllers can be installed, a block I/O interface controller which has SAN functions and which can be installed in the slot, a file I/O interface controller which has NAS functions and which can be installed in the slots, a storage capacity pool including a plurality of disk devices accessible from the interface controllers, and a storage capacity pool controller to control the storage capacity pool.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Matsunami, Manabu Kitamura, Koji Sonoda, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20080120483Abstract: A storage system includes a network adapter, a channel adapter, a shared memory, a cache memory, a disk adapter, a switch and a storage device. The storage device stores data. The network adapter includes a port connected to a local area network, and a NAS processor and an I/O processor. The NAS processor receives a file access request via the port, and gives instructions to access the data stored in the storage device as well as instructions to back up the data stored in the storage device. The I/O processor transfers access to the data stored in the storage device to the cache memory, and transfers backup instructions for the data stored in the storage device to the shared memory. The channel adapter includes a port and an I/O processor. The I/O processor sends out data stored in the storage device to the device storing backup data, in response to a backup instruction from the network adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka KOBAYASHI, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7334100Abstract: A storage system includes a network adapter, a channel adapter, a shared memory, a cache memory, a disk adapter, a switch and a storage device. The storage device stores data. The network adapter includes a port connected to a local area network, and a NAS processor and an I/O processor. The NAS processor receives a file access request via the port, and gives instructions to access the data stored in the storage device as well as instructions to back up the data stored in the storage device. The I/O processor transfers access to the data stored in the storage device to the cache memory, and transfers backup instructions for the data stored in the storage device to the shared memory. The channel adapter includes a port and an I/O processor. The I/O processor sends out data stored in the storage device to the device storing backup data, in response to a backup instruction from the network adapter.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Kobayashi, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7231491Abstract: A storage has NAS and SAN functions and a high degree of freedom to configure a system to reduce the management and operation cost. The storage includes a plurality of interface slots in which a plurality of interface controllers can be installed, a block I/O interface controller which has SAN functions and which can be installed in the slot, a file I/O interface controller which has NAS functions and which can be installed in the slots, a storage capacity pool including a plurality of disk devices accessible from the interface controllers, and a storage capacity pool controller to control the storage capacity pool.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Matsunami, Manabu Kitamura, Koji Sonoda, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7213141Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fibre channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fibre channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fibre channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fibre channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20070078952Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fibre channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fibre channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fibre channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fibre channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: April 5, 2007Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7181607Abstract: In response to requests for I/O processing sent from a computer, I/O which should be processed at a priority is enabled to be processed without being affected by other processing, by classifying I/O into those to be processed at a priority and those not to be processed at a priority. The storage control apparatus comprises an I/O processing controller with a memory that is common for the whole controller. The storage control apparatus manages information for dividing and controlling a plurality of I/O processes as priority and non-priority in that memory and operates while suppressing non-priority I/O processing on the basis of information in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ido, Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata, Shigeo Honma, Toshiyuki Yoshino
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Publication number: 20060248237Abstract: In response to requests for I/O processing sent from a computer, I/O which should be processed at a priority is enabled to be processed without being affected by other processing, by classifying I/O into those to be processed at a priority and those not to be processed at a priority. The storage control apparatus comprises an I/O processing controller with a memory that is common for the whole controller. The storage control apparatus manages information for dividing and controlling a plurality of I/O processes as priority and non-priority in that memory and operates while suppressing non-priority I/O processing on the basis of information in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: November 2, 2006Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ido, Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata, Shigeo Honma, Toshiyuki Yoshino
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Patent number: 7099962Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fiber channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fiber channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fiber channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fiber channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7047329Abstract: A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fiber channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fiber channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fiber channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fiber channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 7028085Abstract: An accounting system includes a plurality of host computers, an accounting server connected to the plurality of host computers, a storage control device connected to the plurality of host computers and the accounting server and having a plurality of channel ports for performing data input/output operation, storage devices connected to the storage control device for storing data inputted/outputted to/from the plurality of host computers, an accounting data generating unit for generating accounting data containing at least one of number of times of access and a data transfer quantity for every accounting subject control unit, and a transfer unit for informing the accounting server of the accounting data generated by the accounting data generating unit, executing the accounting process for the plurality of accounting subject control units.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihito Nakagawa, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6981118Abstract: For each of a plurality of storage devices, there is stored a response time required from when an input/output request sent from a host processor is received until when a processing result of the request is sent to the host processor. One or a plurality of response-time upper limit values assigned respectively to one or a plurality of files to be stored in the storage device are stored and managed. The upper limit value of the file to be stored and each of the response times of the storage devices are compared, and according to the comparison result, a storage device for storing the file is selected. Through such a structure, an operational form of a storage control device may be optimized.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata