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: 6959344Abstract: A storage control system comprises a plurality of controllers, each of the controllers receiving a data-input/output request inputted via an external communication path and sending a data-input/output command to storage means; and an internal communication path through which the controllers carry out the data-input/output command and data input/output. Each of the controllers comprises means for sending its own operational information towards other ones of the controllers via the internal communication path. The storage control system further comprises means for monitoring an operational state of each of the controllers based on the operational information sent from the sending means of the controllers.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Murotani, Toshio Nakano, Shizuo Yokohata, Kenichi Takamoto
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Patent number: 6948015Abstract: A storage control device connected to an external apparatus for exchanging data, comprising: a plurality of logical devices, each of which is associated with one of identifiers, the number of which does not exceed a predetermined number; and input/output means for receiving a data input/output request with one of the identifiers from the external apparatus and for inputting/outputting data to/from the logical device that corresponds to the identifier may be configured such that the storage control device forms a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes the predetermined number or less of said identifiers and is given one of first IDs; receives a data input/output request with one of said identifiers as well as one of the first IDs from the external apparatus; and inputs/outputs data to/from the logical device that corresponds to the identifier and is included in the identifier group that corresponds to the first ID.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ogasawara, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6934891Abstract: A storage system includes a storage controller connected to higher-level devices and a plurality of storages connected to the storage controller for storing data from the higher-level devices. The storage controller includes a channel controller for establishing interface for the higher-level devices, the channel controller including trace information representing details of the interface, and storages for storing the trace information from the channel controller in a format which can be accessed by the higher-level devices. In this configuration, when the channel controller receives a trace information fetching indication from one of the higher-level devices, the channel controller transfers trace information to a cache memory and the storages or to the cache memory or the storages.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Kawaguchi, Shizuo Yokohata, Shinichi Nakayama, Youichi Goto
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Publication number: 20050122788Abstract: 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: December 28, 2004Publication date: June 9, 2005Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kazunobu Ohashi, Takao Satoh, Kiichiro Urabe, Toshio Nakano, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6904469Abstract: 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: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ido, Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata, Shigeo Honma, Toshiyuki Yoshino
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Publication number: 20050108487Abstract: 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: December 17, 2004Publication date: May 19, 2005Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Kobayashi, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6886086Abstract: 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: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Kobayashi, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20050038940Abstract: 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: September 21, 2004Publication date: February 17, 2005Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Software Engeneering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ido, Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata, Shigeo Honma, Toshiyuki Yoshino
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Publication number: 20050033885Abstract: 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: September 16, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20050033915Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Matsunami, Manabu Kitamura, Koji Sonoda, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6842793Abstract: 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: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kazunobu Ohashi, Takao Satoh, Kiichiro Urabe, Toshio Nakano, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6810462Abstract: 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: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Matsunami, Manabu Kitamura, Koji Sonoda, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20040172506Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20040128456Abstract: 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: April 29, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Kobayashi, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6728850Abstract: 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 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Youichi Gotoh, Shizuo Yokohata
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Patent number: 6725293Abstract: 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: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20040024930Abstract: 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: August 4, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Shinichi Nakayama, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20030233498Abstract: A storage control device connected to an external apparatus for exchanging data, comprising: a plurality of logical devices, each of which is associated with one of identifiers, the number of which does not exceed a predetermined number; and input/output means for receiving a data input/output request with one of the identifiers from the external apparatus and for inputting/outputting data to/from the logical device that corresponds to the identifier may be configured such that the storage control device forms a plurality of identifier groups, each of which includes the predetermined number or less of said identifiers and is given one of first IDs; receives a data input/output request with one of said identifiers as well as one of the first IDs from the external apparatus; and inputs/outputs data to/from the logical device that corresponds to the identifier and is included in the identifier group that corresponds to the first ID.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ogasawara, Shizuo Yokohata
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Publication number: 20030233502Abstract: A storage control system comprises a plurality of controllers, each of the controllers receiving a data-input/output request inputted via an external communication path and sending a data-input/output command to storage means; and an internal communication path through which the controllers carry out the data-input/output command and data input/output. Each of the controllers comprises means for sending its own operational information towards other ones of the controllers via the internal communication path. The storage control system further comprises means for monitoring an operational state of each of the controllers based on the operational information sent from the sending means of the controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Murotani, Toshio Nakano, Shizuo Yokohata, Kenichi Takamoto
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Publication number: 20030204671Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Matsunami, Manabu Kitamura, Koji Sonoda, Shizuo Yokohata