Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method for minimizing loss of access to a storage system during a concurrent controller code load in a redundant dual controller subsystem. The computer implemented method receives a request for a controller code load, verifies all required hosts are connected with the second controller to form a first verification, and responsive to the first verification indicating that all required hosts are connected with the second controller, varies a first controller offline. The controller code load is performed in the first controller, and the first controller is varied back online. The computer implemented method performs a verification that all required hosts are connected with the first controller to form a second verification, and responsive to the second verification indicating that all required hosts are connected with the first controller, varies the second controller offline, and performs the controller code load in the second controller.

Abstract: A method for automatically identifying available storage components within a storage system, which are appropriate for storing consumer data in compliance with specified service level objectives (SLOs), including discovering available storage components; identifying and assigning service levels provided by each available storage component, wherein identifying and assigning service levels provided by each available storage component, includes classifying the available storage components based on their type of technology, and determining the SLO relevant capabilities of the available storage components; and storing resultant mapping of service levels to available storage components in a metadata repository.

Abstract: Described is a distributed copying technique that may be used in migrating large amounts of data from one or more source devices to one or more destination devices. The data source is divided into partitions. As Fibre Channel adapters (FAs) become available, each of the FAs may copy a partition of the data. In connection with specifying paths used for the distributed copying technique, a preferred path selection (source port-target port mapping) may be made by executing code in a controlling data storage system to perform discovery processing. The preferred path selection is used for the duration of the distributed copying unless the preferred path is unable to transmit data. A target port of the preferred path may be randomly selected from all accessible target ports, and/or in accordance with a specified portion of the target ports. Preferred paths may also be specified using an API (application programming interface).

Abstract: Computer systems and related methods are provided for managing connections to storage devices. The computer system includes a connector and a register. The connector includes a plurality of pins configured to be removably connected to a first storage device and to a second storage device. A first pin of the connector carries a signal that indicates when the connector is connected to the first storage device, and a second pin carries a signal that indicates when the connector is connected to the second storage device. The register stores connection information that indicates whether the first storage device and/or the second storage device are connected to the connector.

Abstract: A reusable software block is adapted to control multiple instantiations of a peripheral device within a system. A device hardware abstraction layer defines offset values for registers of the peripheral device and a data structure for the peripheral device. A platform hardware abstraction layer defines an address map of the system, and is adapted to initialize each instantiation of the peripheral device via calls to the device hardware abstraction layer.

Abstract: A processor has an interface portion and an interior environment. The interface portion comprises: at least one port arranged to receive a current time value; a first register associated with the port and arranged to store a trigger time value; and comparison logic configured to detect whether the current time value matches the trigger time value and, provided that said match is detected, to transfer data between the port and an external environment and alter a ready signal to indicate the transfer. The internal environment comprises: an execution unit for transferring data between the at least one port and the internal environment; and a thread scheduler for scheduling a plurality of threads for execution by the execution unit, each thread comprising a sequence of instructions. The scheduling includes scheduling one or more of said threads for execution in dependence on the ready signal.

Abstract: Plural information handling systems interface through a KVM switch with a DVI display with the KVM switch supporting selection of the information handling system providing display information to the display. A hotswap switch initiates a hotswap signal to the information handling system that is selected to provide display information to the display. Receipt of the hotswap signal at the information handling system results in the driver of the selected information handling system redetecting the display with a communication through the DDC channel and transfer of EDID information from the display to the selected information handling system so that the selected information handling system drives a desired display port, such as by sending display information through a TDMS channel instead of default VGA channel.

Abstract: There is provided a mediation section (34) for switching between an active status in which data transmitted to a specific address is registered and processed and a non-active status other than the active status. When the mediation section (34) judges that unprocessed data stored in a data storage section (31) cannot be processed in a predetermined time, the mediation section (34) instructs one or more other MFPs to change into the active status and causes the MFP including the mediation section (34) to change into the non-active status, so as to cause a data processing section (32) to process the unprocessed data. As a result, it is possible to perform mediation concerning a job (data) without using a server.

Abstract: A multifunction machine having an interface unit for controlling a USB, and a control method of the multifunction machine are disclosed. The multifunction machine includes a management unit for managing history information that includes information about use of a USB memory attached to and detached from the interface unit, and a detecting unit for detecting whether the USB memory is attached to the interface unit, wherein the history information managed by the management unit includes information about attachment/detachment history detected by the detecting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence and the type of network devices connected to a management device via transmission lines. The apparatus may include a pull-up resistor, a pull-down resistor, a filter, and a presence detector, the resistors superimposing a DC or low-frequency voltage on the transmission line. The impact, if any, of the DC voltage one communications equipment and circuitry can be reduced by a coupling that isolates the DC voltage. Similarly, the filter prevents transmitted data signals from interfering with the DC voltage level. The method and apparatus function regardless of whether the network device is functional or powered on, and different values of pull-up or pull-down resistors can be used to indicate the type of device that terminates the transmission line.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for updating firmware to a plurality of memory devices residing on disparate controllers wherein each controller includes an identical communication path address. A management module writes a firmware image to a memory device residing on a primary controller. The primary controller, in turn, copies the firmware image to another memory device residing on a secondary controller. In this manner, the apparatus, system, and method may update firmware on a plurality of memory devices. Because the primary controller is tasked with updating the secondary controller, the management module is only aware that the firmware of the primary controller has been updated. In this manner, updating of the firmware on the secondary controller is transparent to the management module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for redundancy in machine or process control systems provide redundant communication adapters located with the groups of I/O modules, so that if the first communication adapter faults or becomes unavailable, a second communication adapter will perform all of the necessary functions of the first adapter. The adapters are connected to a multiplexing module for communicating input data from the I/O modules to the communication adapters, for exchanging initialization data with the first communication adapter and the second communication adapter to initialize the redundant mode of operation and for monitoring communication of the first communication adapter and the second communication adapter on the network to start up the second adapter as the primary adapter for communicating both input data and output data with the I/O modules.

Abstract: Improved techniques for rendering a peripheral device removable (e.g., unpluggable) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral device is rendered removable from a host computer without preparatory user actions. In effect, the peripheral device can be automatically prepared for removal in the event that its user removes (unplugs) it from its host computer. According to another aspect of the invention, the peripheral device includes a data storage device that is mounted to a file system of the other computer when the other computer desires access to the data storage device. Otherwise, the data storage device is normally unmounted so that if the peripheral device were to be removed (e.g., unplugged) no harm or damage to data stored therein would occur. These aspects of the invention can be utilized alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: The master/slave arbitration process includes a voting process that allows cards within the system to use voting to determine the health of each of the individual cards. The voting process thereby allows the system to determine whether a bad card is present and to make sure that a bad card has not been selected to be the master card for the system. By preventing a bad or malfunctioning card from being selected as the master, the systems and methods described herein guard against a system failure that may arise from appointing a malfunctioning card as the master card.

Abstract: A system includes proxy logic which detects situations which, unless action is taken, would result in undesirable bus behavior. In one embodiment, the target device of a bus cycle includes proxy logic which determines when the target device is unable to respond correctly to a bus cycle. In this situation, the proxy logic blocks a bus signal from being received by the addressed logic in the target device, thereby preventing the target device from responding at all. In another embodiment, proxy logic is located external to the target device and determines when the target device has not responded to a cycle intended for it. When this condition has occurred, the proxy logic responds to the cycle before the bus's subtractive decode agent has a chance to claim the cycle. The proxy logic's response may be to return bogus data or terminate or abort the cycle.

Abstract: A judgment is made quickly about whether or not it is a memory or a chipset that is causing a performance bottleneck in an application program. A computer system of this invention includes at least one CPU, a controller that connects the CPU to a memory and to an I/O interface, in which the controller includes a response time measuring unit, which receives a request to access the memory and measures a response time taken to respond to the memory access request, a frequency counting unit, which measures an issue count of the memory access request, a measurement result storing unit, which stores a measurement result associating the response time with the corresponding issue count, and a measurement result control unit which outputs the measurement result stored in the measurement result storing unit when receiving a measurement result read request.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously synchronizing data to and from a removable memory source connected to a user's handheld device. When the memory source is inserted into the handheld device, the device queries the memory source to determine whether the memory source is associated with the device or with an online service associated with the device. Upon determining that the memory source is associated with the device, the device exposes the memory source to the online service and allows read and write access to the online service. Upon determining that the memory source is not associated with the device, the device further checks to determine whether the user seeks to associate the memory source with the device. If the user chooses not to do so, the user is allowed to view and modify the contents of the memory source without synchronizing data to and from the online service.

Abstract: An interdevice communication monitoring unit 62-1 calculates a variable timeout time (T2?T) by subtracting an elapsed time T from a predetermined fixed timeout time T2 for monitoring an intermodule communication to monitor an elapsed time of an intermodule communication. The fixed timeout time T2 is a time shorter than a predetermined interface connection check time T1 for monitoring an interface connection with a channel. When the elapsed time T of the intermodule communication exceeds the variable timeout time (T2?T), the interdevice communication monitoring unit requests a channel to separate the interface connection, and then when an end response is obtained from a control module, requests the channel for an interface reconnection and then transmits an end response.

Abstract: Transmitting a transition between high and low states across a lengthy conductor with a main transmitter to transmit data, providing emphasis with an emphasis transmitter to strengthen the transmission of the transition, transmitting a low-to-high transition to test for the absence of an electronic device coupled to the lengthy conductor, and detecting an occurrence of an overvoltage level indicating the absence of such an electronic device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is provided for identifying a communication interface of an electronic unit attached to a connector of an electronic device. A voltage pulse is generated in the device on a pin of the connector. The voltage on the pin is measured, as it is affected by a load in the unit. The measured voltage is compared with predetermined voltage criteria. Communication interface identification is performed on the unit dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A process is proposed for the automatic assignment of at least one client device address in a DP network, where the DP network comprises a server device and at least one client device and where the client devices exhibit a unique property, which for each client device has a different value taken from a finite group of values.

Abstract: A determining unit performs a position determination determining whether a nonvolatile memory is mounted in a right position or in a wrong position. When the determining unit determines that the nonvolatile memory is mounted in the wrong position, a protecting unit protects data stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: Performance counters are provided for virtualized network interfaces of communications networks, while minimizing the use of hardware resources. A virtualized network interface includes physical resources, as well as logical resources. Dedicated performance counters are provided for the physical resources of the virtualized network interface, as well as for logical partitions coupled to that interface, while non-dedicated performance counters are provided for the logical resources. This enables the provision of performance counters for virtualized network interfaces, while minimizing hardware resources consumed by those interfaces.

Abstract: A method for simulating the insertion of a data storage medium into or removal of a data storage medium from an input/output station, alternatively referred to as an import/output station. In one application of the invention, a data storage resides in an I/O station slot. A first variable corresponding to this slot is modified to indicate that the slot is actually empty. A command is issued indicating that the I/O station has been accessed, triggering a scan of the slot by an automated robotic accessor. Since the accessor will detect that the slot is, in fact, full, it will report this status to a library manager which will, in turn, update the first variable. The action of updating this variable is reported to associated devices such as a host computer, host application, or other associated device. In this manner, the operation of the library manager and devices receiving status information may be tested without requiring that a physical data storage medium actually be removed and re-inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for detecting a situation in which an electrical device is connected to another electrical device. The electrical device comprises a first, second, and third electrical contact terminal (101, 102, 103). Non-zero voltage is arranged between the second and third electrical contact terminal. The other electrical device comprises counterparts (104, 105, 106) for the first, second, and third electrical contact terminal. There is a galvanic coupling (107) between the counterparts for the first and second electrical contact terminal. The arrangement comprises a resistor (108) between the first and second electrical contact terminal and a detector (112) for detecting the situation in which the electrical device is connected to the other electrical device on the basis of a change of an electrical quantity associated with the resistor. The first electrical contact terminal can be e.g. a metal shield on a USB-connector.

Abstract: A data flow controller for reconfigurable computers. The novel data flow controller includes a first circuit for selecting one of a plurality of operating conditions and a second circuit for determining if the selected condition is met and outputting a control signal accordingly. In an illustrative embodiment, the operating conditions include: when all enabled data available signals are asserted and all enabled space available signals are asserted; when any enabled data available signal is asserted and all enabled space available signals are asserted; when all enabled data available signals are asserted and any enabled space available signal is asserted; and when any enabled data available signal is asserted and any enabled space available signal is asserted. By allowing a configurable element to operate under different possible conditions, data flow signals can also then be used to control what operation the element performs, in addition to controlling when.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include discovering at least one ATA/ATAPI target device. The method of this embodiment may also include discovering a SAS address for at the least one ATA/ATAPI target device. The method of this embodiment may also include returning the SAS address for the at least one ATA/ATAPI target device in response to a device inquiry command. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: A serial attached SCSI (SAS) backplane and detection system thereof are provided. When a first SAS backplane is not serially connected to a second SAS backplane, a logic signal with first status value provided by a signal unit of first SAS backplane is output to a master control unit through a second pin. When the first SAS backplane is serially connected to the second SAS backplane, a logic signal with second status value provided by a signal unit of second SAS backplane is transmitted to a first pin of the first SAS backplane though a third pin of second SAS backplane and output to the master control unit through the second pin of first SAS backplane. Therefore, the master control unit determines whether the first SAS backplane is serially connected to the second SAS backplane according to the received logic signal with the first or the second status value.

Abstract: A system and method harvest data from at least one device, by canvassing the devices and tracking which canvassed devices yielded harvested data and then repeating such canvassing and tracking until either data has been obtained from all of the devices, or a certain time has passed since the beginning of the canvassing period. In a further embodiment, when data has been obtained from all the devices or the time has passed, whichever comes first, the harvested data is sent to a central processing center.

Abstract: A software architecture and methods that provide an extensible and intuitive interface to all digital managed resources in the residential environment. The application of data management methods will create a normalized representation of all potentially managed digital resources and a modularized and customizable presentation layer to provide tailored views of that content. The system will remain device and network independent, defining methods to support or rapidly incorporate existing and future devices and networks including but not exclusively: audio/video components; home appliances; computers; gaming devices; the Web; broadcast programming, other telecommunication capabilities; wired standards, CAT5, electrical and cable; wireless standards. The architecture provides methods for a heads up, context sensitive, simple point and click interface that are adapted to all current video display devices including remote hand held devices. Resource redundancy methods will also be included.

Abstract: An agent device is connected with one or more image-forming devices in a local network having a firewall provided therein. A management device carries out remote management of the image-forming devices in the local network through the Internet. The agent device includes a command receiving unit which starts connection with the management device and receives a management command from the management device via the firewall, the command being sent by the management device in response to the connection. An image-forming-device communication unit receives device-state information of a corresponding one of the image-forming devices according to the management command. A command response transmitting unit transmits the device-state information to the management device through the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a computing device is provided. An indication of an end of persistence for a peripheral device is received. Monitoring is performed for an event related to the end of persistence. Support information associated with the peripheral device is removed from the computing device based on detection of the event related to the end of persistence.

Abstract: An optimized peripheral device configuration data sequential handling method and system is proposed, which is designed for use with a computer platform for providing the computer platform an optimized configuration data sequential handling function, which is characterized by the capability of performing a runtime data amount computing procedure for each set of the OPROM-embedded original configuration data from each connected peripheral device, such that an optimal handling sequence can be determined based on the runtime data amount for the handling of the configuration data in shadow RAM during initialization. This feature allows a shadow RAM unit having a limited capacity to support more peripheral devices at the same time, and also allows the utilization of the storage space of a shadow RAM to be more flexible and efficient.

Abstract: Techniques for processing input based on the execution state of computer programs are disclosed. One or more discreet locations (e.g., points, areas, regions, surfaces) of the input device can be effectively selected for an execution state of an instance of computer program code. Only the selected input locations of input devices including those capable of receiving multiple input need to be monitored for input. Input is detected and effectively filtered for visually-based input devices (e.g., touch screens). A visual image representing the input surfaces (or areas) of the input device can be captured as graphics data (e.g., graphics data captured by a camera). Moreover, the captured image can be effectively filtered by only processing the portions of the graphics data that correspond or represent the selected input locations of the input device (i.e., the selected input locations for the current state of execution).

Abstract: A system for automatically switching peripheral connectivity between two host devices based on respective connectivity of the hosts. The method may be used where peripherals are usually attached to one host and are automatically switched to a second host when the second host is attached to the system. A USB switching hub may be operable to automatically switch connectivity of the peripheral device(s) from the first host device to the second host device when the second host device is connected to the USB device. This automates the process for the end user when normally all peripherals are attached to one host, and some or all peripherals are shared with a second host when the second host is attached.

Abstract: Hot connection and disconnection of an external graphics cable with an information handling system provides automatic selection of an external graphics device or an internal graphics device for presentation of visual information. A graphics state module periodically stores visual information, such as display objects for recreating a display frame, and monitors an external graphics device port, such as a PCI Express port, to detect a change in connection state at the external graphics port. Upon detection of a connection or disconnection at the external graphics port, the graphics state module attempts to initiate graphics devices in a predetermined order and provides the stored visual information for presentation at successfully initiated graphics devices according to the predetermined order.

Abstract: There is a cache memory, which has a cache area allocated to each communication port of an external storage subsystem. When data conforming to an I/O command received from a host is in an external LDEV, and when there is no cache hit in this cache area, an I/O command is issued to this external storage subsystem, and then the result of I/O processing is sent to the host. A storage control system measures response time by issuing a dummy I/O command to each communication port. The larger cache capacity is allocated to a communication port with the larger measured value. As a result of this, there is an increased probability of a cache hit in a cache area corresponding to a communication port with a higher response time measured value.

Abstract: An automated data library system employing a plurality of cartridges, one or more cartridge storage slots and an inventory controller. Each cartridge includes a cartridge memory. The cartridge storage slot(s) is(are) physically configured to store the cartridges. The inventory controller is operable to generate an inventory of the cartridges as stored within the cartridge storage slot(s). A generation by the inventory controller of the inventory of the cartridges as stored within the cartridge storage slot(s) involves the inventory controller simultaneously accessing cartridge identification information on two or more cartridge memories, and generating the inventory including two or more cartridges corresponding to the cartridge identification information.

Abstract: PRD (Physical Region Descriptor) pre-fetch methods for DMA (Direct Memory Access) unit are provided. When a DMA out transaction for a memory is performed, it is determined whether a first queue is full or nearly full, wherein the first queue is used to store data corresponding to the DMA out transaction. If the first queue is full or nearly full, at least one PRD entry is read from a first PRD table, and stored to a first cache. When a DMA in transaction for the memory is performed, it is determined whether a second queue is empty or nearly empty, wherein the second queue is used to store data corresponding to the DMA in transaction. If the second queue is empty or nearly empty, at least one PRD entry is read from a second PRD table, and stored to a second cache.

Abstract: A method for enabling multiple testing devices within a system. The method may include determining whether a first testing device or a second testing device is coupled to the system. Provided the first testing device is coupled to the system, the method may include enabling the first testing device to operate with an interface of the system capable of coupling to a device under test. Provided the second testing device is coupled to the system, the method may include enabling the second testing device to operate with the interface of the system.

Abstract: A highly-reliable system, a management apparatus and method that can enhance the reliability of a storage system is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting a presence of a device. Specifically, a method and a system are disclosed that may comprise providing a clock driver having a pair of differential clock signal lines capable of connection to a device, providing a presence detection signal for transmission through the pair of differential clock signal lines, determining whether the presence detection signal is received through the pair of differential clock signal lines, identifying the absence of the device if no presence detection signal is received through the pair of differential clock signal lines, identifying the presence of the device if the presence detection signal is received through the pair of differential clock signal lines, and notifying a system management module of the presence of the device.

Abstract: A data input/output control method and apparatus in an input/output subsystem are provided. The data input/output control method, in a system for inputting/outputting data to/from a disk sector according to an input/output command provided from a disk driver, includes: extracting the input/output commands for inputting/outputting the data to/from disk sector from the disk driver and generating a set of input/output commands; analyzing the load feature of the input/output command based on the set of input/output commands; determining whether the load of the input/output command corresponds to a multimedia application; and controlling the data which is input/output to/from the disk to correspond to the multimedia application according to the determination result.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided an image printing system which causes a plurality of image printing apparatuses to share and concurrently process an image printing job for outputting a plurality of prints based on image printing conditions and image information supplied from an information processing apparatus. In the image printing system of the invention, each of the image printing apparatuses interactively connected to each other has a proof/wait selection function of selecting a proof mode of outputting a single print or a wait mode of displaying image printing conditions and waiting. A master machine to which image printing conditions and image information are supplied from an information processing apparatus executes image printing operation in the proof mode or wait mode, and transfers the image printing conditions and image information to another image printing apparatus.

Abstract: A substitute serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) host is provided to communicate with a SATA device for facilitating communication with the SATA device even when a status flag of the SATA device indicates that the SATA device is busy. The SATA host is thereby able to communicate with the SATA device even when the SATA device is not fully functional.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for configuring a remote data processing system. A configuration is identified for the remote data processing system to form an identified configuration. The hardware for the remote data processing system is configured. An installation application is sent to the remote data processing system across a communications link after the hardware in the remote data processing system has been configured, wherein the installation application executes on the remote data processing system to configure the remote data processing system. Installation files are sent across the communications link to the installation application executing on the remote data processing system. The installation program uses the installation files to configure install a set of operating systems, install applications, and configure software on the remote data processing system.

Abstract: A data input terminal device is configured to be connected via a communication cable with a host computer from one of two connectors each associated with a distinct communications interface. The data terminal input device is configured to select the appropriate communications interface without additional intervention by a user. An interface selecting means selects the appropriate communications interface by detecting a connection state between the host computer and one of the two communication interfaces, and selecting the appropriate communications interface based on the detection result.

Abstract: The present application provides a storage apparatus for storing data. The storage apparatus comprises storage means for storing data, committing means for committing the availability of a certain storage space to a source device, detecting means for detecting the availability of the certain storage space to produce a detection result, and communication means for informing the source device the detection result, whereby the source device takes corresponding action(s) according to the detection result. In this way, each storage device of a group is bound by its commitment, if it violates its commitment, it risks the loss of its file(s) stored on other members' storage space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for use in a system comprising a host device and at least one peripheral device which are enabled to interact with each other. In order to improve the flexibility of the system, the method comprises a step of transmitting information indicative of a time required for an initialization of the at least one peripheral device from the at least one peripheral device to the host device, and a step of evaluating in the host device the information indicative of a time required by the at least one peripheral device for an initialization. The invention relates equally to a corresponding host device, to a corresponding peripheral device, to a corresponding system and to corresponding software program products.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring units of data between a computer memory and an external system in which a DMA controller stores and uses information from an I/O device interfacing with the external system to transfer data more efficiently.