Abstract: A disk array device includes at least one channel control section for receiving data input/output requests from an information processing device, at least one disk control section for sending data input/output requests to hard disk drives based on the data input/output requests received by the channel control section, and a shared memory for the channel control section and the disk control section to read and write data. Information concerning ports that are actually used by the user is stored in a port control table in the shared memory, and the channel control section refers to the port control table and controls whether to make each port available for use by deciding whether to respond to a primitive sequence in a link initialization received from the information processing device regarding each of the plurality of ports.

Abstract: In a computer system including a disk subsystem having channel interface compatible to a count-key-data format and a SCSI interface compatible to a fixed length data format, the disk subsystem is connected to a CPU controlled by an open system operating system through the SCSI interface, and connected to an other CPU controlled by a main frame operating system through the channel interface. The CPU is provided with a CKD record access library and a VSAM access library which accesses in a FBA format the VSAM record stored by the other CPU in a CKD format in the disk subsystem and allows the access by an application program of the CPU as a VSAM record based on VSAM control information.

Abstract: A system has a Serial ATA device and a subsystem. The subsystem includes multiple hosts, and a communications medium which interconnects the hosts to the device. The hosts are configured to share control of the device through the communications medium. First and second hosts, when transitioning control of the device, are configured to (i) send a sleep command from the first host to the device, the sleep command directing the device to transition from a normal operating mode to a sleep mode, (ii) provide a notification signal from the first host to the second host, the notification signal indicating that the first host has released control of the device to the second host, and (iii) send a wake command from the second host to the device in response to the notification signal, the wake command directing the device to transition from the sleep mode to the normal operating mode.

Abstract: A storage device that is communicably connected to a host computer includes a plurality of disk units for storing data from the host computer. Each of the disk units includes a plurality of hard disks and is connected to one of a plurality of ports. A plurality of disk unit control units control the plurality of disk units, and each of the disk unit control units includes a memory for temporarily holding data from the host computer. A plurality of control signal transmission cables transmit control signals from the disk unit control units to the disk units. At least one of the control signal transmission cables is connected to at least two of the disk unit control units and transmits different control signals to at least two of the disk units. This enables device miniaturization and reduced costs for the storage device without a drop in reliability, even when a variety of devices are mounted in a highly dense configuration.

Abstract: A method of operating a storage device (220) on a multi-service platform module (102) within a multi-service platform system (100), includes initializing a first aggregation element (236) and a second aggregation element (238) on the multi-service platform module (102), where the first aggregation element (236) is coupled to route access to the storage device (220) between one of a first network (104) and a first transceiver socket (240), and where the second aggregation element (238) is coupled to route access to the storage device (220) between one of a second network (106) and a second transceiver socket (242). A controller (226) coupled to multi-service platform module (102) controls the first aggregation element (236) and the second aggregation element (238). A location (115) of the multi-service platform module (102) is communicated to a platform controller (108), and an address (227) of the storage device (220) is communicated to the platform controller (108).

Abstract: In processor-based systems, loss of ports may be avoided while connecting mass storage drives or devices at a host level. In one embodiment, a slave device (e.g., a cache or an accelerator) may be interposed between a host device and a master storage device (e.g., a disk drive) over a serialized link, providing accelerated communications between the host device and the master storage device through the slave device both coupled on select one of one or more ports available at the host device for device connections.

Abstract: The present invention enables the configuration of a disk array device to be changed in accordance with its purpose of use. Plural disk drive groups each comprising plural disk drives 81 are disposed in the same disk drive unit. Respective disk drive groups are connected to respectively different HDD control boards 82. Each HDD control board 82 is disposed with a connection circuit 200 and switch circuits 210. A signal is outputted from a management terminal to switch the switch circuits 210, whereby adjacent HDD control boards 82 can be connected and operated. Also, by switching the switch circuits 210, adjacent HDD control boards 82 can be mutually separated and operated independently.

Abstract: A synchronous flash memory includes an array of non-volatile memory cells. The memory array is arranged in rows and columns, and can be further arranged in addressable blocks. Data communication connections are used for bi-directional data communication with an external device(s), such as a processor or other memory controller. The memory can output data from storage registers on the data communication connections during a series of clock cycles to provide a burst of register data. The memory can also provide the register data in accordance to a defined clock latency value. The register data can include status data, operating setting data, manufacture identification, and memory device identification.

Abstract: A computer system which enables more efficient use of a storage system shared by plural host computers and optimizes the performance of the whole system including the host computers and storages. A computer device has a first control block which logically partitions computing resources of the computer device and makes resulting partitions run as independent virtual computers. The storage system has a second control block which logically partitions storage resources of the storage system and makes resulting partitions run as independent virtual storage systems. The system also has a management unit incorporating: a first control table which controls computing resources of the computer device; a second control table which controls storage resources of the storage system; and a third control table which controls the relations between the virtual computers and the virtual storage systems.

Abstract: A method and device for using a set of APIs are provided. Some of the functions which used to be performed by software are now accelerated through hardware.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods, devices and systems for storage management in digital networks.

Abstract: Methods and associated structures for transparently mapping SCSI2 reservation protocol exchanges into corresponding SCSI3 reservation protocol exchanges. A mapping element may be operable within host systems that support SCSI2 reservation protocols. The mapping element intercepts and translates SCSI2 reservation exchanges into corresponding SCSI3 reservation protocol exchanges. The mapped exchanges may then be forwarded to a SCSI3 based storage subsystem to permit such an updated storage subsystem to appropriately interact with a cluster of host systems. The cluster of host systems may then be comprised of a heterogeneous mix of SCSI2 and SCSI3 based host applications.

Abstract: This invention is provided to simplify building a personal computer having a CD-ROM apparatus as an external memory and using an IDE-BUS I/F for connecting to the CD-ROM apparatus. Thus, a hard disk unit is connected to a master partition of the IDE-BUS I/F of the personal computer, and the CD-ROM apparatus is connected to a slave partition of the IDE-BUS I/F.

Abstract: The present invention provides removable-unit storage modules, which can be combined into a network. The storage modules comprise storage cells arranged in a rule based structured configuration, and robotic hands to which move along tracks in order to retrieve objects from the storage cells. In one embodiment, the storage cells are used to contain data storage units. Several modules can be combined into a network by means of bridge tracks which connect the tracks of different modules, allowing the robotic hands to move between modules. The bridge tracks can be dynamically connected and disconnected from the modules, allowing the network configuration to change according to user needs. The individual modules are mobile and can be transported to other locations and connected with other removable-unit storage networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer for receiving a removable data storage device comprising a case having an internal motherboard with a CPU mounted thereon; at least one substantially rectangular opening on the case; at least one slot each provided within the opening for communicating therewith; and a USB port provided at a bottom of the slot opposite to the opening for being electrically connected to the motherboard; wherein the data storage device is insertable into the slot via the opening for connecting an I/O port of the micro drive and the USB port together. By utilizing this, the CPU on the motherboard is able to read data from the micro drive or write data into the micro drive via the coupled USB port and I/O port.

Abstract: A disk array system including: at least one channel control portion for receiving an input/output request of data from an information processor and exchanging the data with the information processor; at least one disk control portion for exchanging the data with a disk drive in accordance with the input/output request; a cache memory for storing the data exchanged between the channel control portion and the disk control portion; a cache switch for forming a communication path between the channel control portion and the cache memory; a shared memory for storing the input/output request exchanged between the channel control portion and the disk control portion; and at least one disk drive unit including the disk drive, and a canister for storing the disk drive; wherein the canister is provided with a power unit for supplying electric power to the drive device for driving the disk drive.

Abstract: The method includes querying for one or more logical unit numbers (LUNs) pertaining to a small computer system interface device, each LUN representing a potential path from a host to the SCSI device. Response data indicative of multiple LUNs to the single SCSI device is treated as separate instances of independent SCSI devices, with each separate instance representing a different SCSI separate instances of independent SCSI devices, with each separate instance representing a different SCSI device structure. A unique identifier (UID) is calculated for each SCSI device structure, from which a device file is generated based on the UID and contains UID and path information that differentiates between multiple paths from the host to the SCSI device.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor memory device for use within an integrated USB memory apparatus has a controller, a flash memory in communication with the controller, a USB interface circuit in communication with the memory controller, and an integrated circuit package for maintaining at least one of the controller, the flash memory, and the USB interface within the physical dimensions of a USB connector of the USB memory apparatus.

Abstract: A virtual volume module in a host system provides virtual volume view to user-level and system-level applications executing on the host system. The virtual volume module maps I/O from the applications which are directed to a virtual volume to a first physical volume in a first storage system. When necessary, the virtual volume module can map application I/O's to a second volume in a second storage system. The second storage system replicates data in the first storage system, so that when re-mapping occurs it is transparent to the applications running on the host system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a storage system including a host computer, and a first and a second storage control apparatuses each receiving a data input/output request from the host computer and executing a data input/output process for a storage device in response to the request, comprises connecting a first communication path between the host computer and the first apparatus; connecting a second communication path between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; receiving by the first apparatus a first data input/output request from the host computer through the first path; when the first apparatus has judged that the first request is not for the first apparatus, transmitting by the first apparatus a second data input/output request corresponding to the first request, to the second apparatus through the second path; and by the second apparatus, receiving the second request and executing a data input/output process corresponding to the second request received.

Abstract: Implementing daisy chained ATA host controllers in a single PCI device. The present invention discloses a PCI card that includes a plurality of dominant chips, each of the dominant chips supporting at least one ATA host controller. The PCI card also includes a Flash memory for holding dominant chip settings, an arbiter to control and determine access between the dominant chips and the PCI local bus, and a plurality of ATA connectors corresponding to the ATA host controllers. Each dominant chip includes a byte of memory reserved as a mask to control access to an additional function that may be provided by the dominant chip.

Abstract: A storage device controller includes a channel controller to receive a data input/output request sent from an information processor, a disk controller, and a cache memory. The channel controller includes a communication interface unit for the information processor, a data transfer unit connected via a first bus to the communication interface unit, and a processor connected via a second bus to the data transfer unit. The communication interface unit sends a read command to the data transfer unit for the processor. When the first bus conforms to a first communication protocol, the data transfer unit sends a split response to the communication interface unit. The data transfer unit sends the read command to the processor. The processor sends the split response and readout data corresponding to the read command to the data transfer unit. The data transfer unit receives and sends the readout data to the communication interface unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device using a SCSI pass through protocol. The protocol is based on industry standard SCSI protocol with modifications and extensions to allow transparent communication over a medium and is referred to as SCSI Pass Through (SPT). This protocol defines a set of commands that are initiated in a computer. The commands also include and extend industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol and are targeted for application and execution in a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device. The invention includes the definition of data buffers in the form of data structures that can be used for passing and receiving information related to the digital imaging device. The protocol is applicable to communication mediums that can be utilized in connecting any digital storage device to a computing device.

Abstract: A dual purpose media drive exchanges data with removable media items. The drive includes at least one port to receive various control signals, including (1) data exchange commands directing the drive to read and/or write data to a media item mounted by the drive, and (2) robotic device management commands. The drive includes a processor that responds to incoming data exchange commands by reading and/or writing to the loaded media item. The processor responds to at least some robotic device management signals by forwarding them to a robotic media transport device. The processor withholds the data exchange commands from the robotic device, since they are only pertinent to operations of the drive itself. The robotic device may be configured to restrict host access to library components according to predefined logical partitions.

Abstract: A storage system includes a storage controller and storage media for reading data from or writing data to the storage media in response to SCSI, NFS, CIFS, or HTTP type read/write requests. The storage controller includes SCSI, NFS, CIFS, and HTTP interface adapters for receiving the read/write requests and effecting the reading of data to or the writing of data to the storage media.

Abstract: A storage system includes a storage controller and storage media for reading data from or writing data to the storage media in response to SCSI, NFS, CIFS, or HTTP type read/write requests. The storage controller includes SCSI, NFS, CIFS, and HTTP interface adapters for receiving the read/write requests and effecting the reading of data to or the writing of data to the storage media.

Abstract: A data storage system that houses at least two mass storage devices in an enclosure, along with all interconnect cabling electronics to permit access through a shared universal-type interface. An enclosure houses multiple mass storage devices such as disk drives. A set of bridges located within the enclosure provides connectivity from the disk interface to the universal-type bus. Bridge outputs are coupled to a universal hub also located within the enclosure to provide a single port interface to the array of disks. The arrangement thus provides for connectivity to multiple mass storage devices housing in a single enclosure with a single universal bus interface.

Abstract: A disk administrating system is provided for administrating multiple disk-arrays containing at least one disk array. The disk administrating system comprises a computer with an interface card and a plurality of disk drives connected to the computer through the interface card. Part of the plurality of disk drives constitute to at least one disk array. The disk in the disk array has an array configuration sector located at the last sector thereof and storing array configuration information therein. The computer accesses the disk through the interface card and manages the disk array by information stored in the array configuration sector.

Abstract: A voltage adaptor card. The voltage adaptor card, inserted into a motherboard having first slots to provide a first voltage source, includes second slots, a plurality of pins for inserting into the first slots, and a voltage converter having an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal is coupled to the first voltage source through the plurality of pins. The output terminal is coupled to the second slots and outputs a second voltage source.

Abstract: A network in which one embodiment of the present invention may be practiced may include first and second network nodes coupled together via a network communications link, and first and second sets of mass storage devices associated with the first and second network nodes, respectively. The first and second network nodes may comprise first and second input/output (I/O) processors, respectively. The first I/O processor may cause, in response to a first request, both the execution of a first data storage-related operation associated with the first set of mass storage devices and the issuance of a second request from the first network node to the second network node via the link to cause the second I/O processor to perform, in response to the second request, a second data storage-related operation associated with the second set of mass storage devices.

Abstract: A computer peripheral device including a positioning mechanism for deploying and retracting a USB plug connector. The connector is retracted and locked into the housing while not in use. The housing provides protection from potential damage to the connector due to external contact. The positioning mechanism includes a handle that can be pressed down, slid along the housing surface, and locked into position to expose the plug connector when data transfer to and from the host is needed. The reverse motion will retract and secure the connector/PCBA to be locked completely inside the housing. The mechanism is engaged with features built in the housing to provide locking and unlocking functions. The engagement mechanism can be exposed or hidden from view. The mechanism can be mounted on top or side surfaces of the housing of the USB pen drive. Several design options are disclosed.

Abstract: Data received by a Bluetooth wireless unit is buffered on a DRAM. At this time, a CPU (which operates on the basis of a description of HDD startup control program calculates the data transfer rate of the Bluetooth wireless unit and the free area size of a buffer area on the DRAM, and also calculates the remaining time until the buffer data on the DRAM becomes full of data, on the basis of these values. When the calculated remaining time has reached a required startup time of an HDD indicated by remaining time determination data A stored in a flash memory, the CPU starts up the HDD.

Abstract: In the method, a logical unity is queried with a first command requesting first identifier data, to determine whether a unique identifier (UID) for the logical unit can be constructed based on the first identifier data. If a UID cannot be constructed from the first identifier data, the logical unit is queried with a second command requesting second identifier data, to determined if a UID can be constructed based on the second identifier data. If a UID cannot be constructed based on the second identifier data, the logical unit is queried with a third command requesting third identifier data. Information is extracted from the first identifier data and from the third identifier data and a UID is generated based on the extracted information.

Abstract: A system interface having a plurality of first directors and a crossbar switch having input/output ports coupled to the first directors on such one of the first director boards and a pair of output/input ports. A plurality of second director boards is provided. Each one of the second directors boards has a plurality of second directors a crossbar switch having input/output ports coupled to the second directors on such one of the second director boards and a pair of output/input ports. A data transfer section is provided having a cache memory. The cache memory is coupled to the plurality of first and second directors. A message network is provided, such network being operative independently of the data transfer section.

Abstract: A direct access storage system includes at least one disk and a controller. The at least one disk physically may be partitioned into at least one first access performance partition and at least one other access performance partition. The controller may be configured to process I/O accesses to the first access performance partition without regulation and regulate I/O accesses to the at least one other access performance partition.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first bus to transfer various data. A first processor is provided to manage, as a file, data recorded in the storage device. A receiver is provided to receive externally supplied streaming data. A second bus is provided to transfer the streaming data received by the receiver. A third bus is electrically connected to the storage device. A second processor is electrically connected to the first bus, the second bus, and the third bus. Streaming data from the receiver via the second bus is stored in the storage device via the third bus. File management information from the first processor via the first bus is also stored in the storage device, in response to an access request from the first processor via the first bus.

Abstract: An array configuration is provided for a multiple disk-arrays system containing at least one disk array. The array configuration comprises an array signature field, an array information, a disk information and a serial check sum of each disk in the same disk array. The array configuration is stored at the last sector of each disk in the multiple disk-arrays system. The array signature field identifies a disk in the disk array or in a span array. The array information is used for recording at least one setting and at least one status of the disk array. The disk information is used for recording at least one information in each disk of each disk array. The serial check sum of each disk in the same disk array is used to identify array status.

Abstract: An adapter for converting an interface of a data storage device is provided. The adapter has a first interface for connection to the interface of the data storage device and a second interface for connection to one or more host systems. The adapter includes a processor for converting commands and data between the first and second interfaces. The adapter transforms the data storage device to emulate physically and logically a higher availability and higher performance native data storage device. The adapter has a first connector compatible with the first interface for attachment to the data storage device and a second connector compatible with the second interface for attachment to the one or more host systems. The first and second connectors are disposed in the adapter in a back to back arrangement. The adapter logically separates commands for the data storage device from commands for the adapter.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed for executing a drive operating program and a manufacturing program during a manufacturing process. An external test system executes a test program comprising platform independent executable code segments and host interface executable code segments. The external test system for executing the host interface executable code segments to send disk commands to a development drive. The manufacturing program comprises the platform independent executable code segments of the test program and disk access executable code segments. The drive operating program comprises a disk access procedure for processing disk commands and a disk access vector for calling the disk access procedure. The disk access executable code segments of the manufacturing program execute disk commands by calling the disk access procedure of the drive operating program through the disk access vector.

Abstract: An input/output subsystem is configured as a plurality of input/output subsystem images, each of which appears to a program as an independent input/output subsystem. An input/output subsystem image is identified by an input/output subsystem image identifier, which is used by various programs to designate the particular input/output subsystem image for which an I/O operation is to be performed. An operating system is provided with access to a plurality of input/output subsystem images of the input/output subsystem. One or more controls are provided to the operating system image to enable the operating system image to access the plurality of input/output subsystem images.

Abstract: A data storage apparatus arranged to provide redundancy in a storage enclosure containing multiple Serial ATA disk drives is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one disk drive of a kind having a single port for the input and output of serial data and at least two disk drive controllers each having data transmit and receive paths connected in common to the single port. The apparatus then switches control to either controller if the other should fail.

Abstract: An array configuration testing method is proposed for multiple disk-array system containing at least one disk array. The method comprises steps of: reading array configuration; acquiring a quantity of disk drives in the array; reading the serial check sum of all disk drives in the array; and comparing the quantity of disk drives in the array and another quantity of disk drives deduced from the serial check sum of all disk drives in the array. The method further comprises steps of: acquiring the disk sequence/function of the array in the array configuration; comparing the disk sequence/function with another disk sequence/function deduced from the serial check sum of each disk drive in one array. The method cross-examines the serial check sum of each disk drive in the same array and the quantity of disk drives in the array as well as disk sequence/function record in order to check data integrity in the array configuration.

Abstract: A disk drive managing method manages disk drive in multiple disk-array system containing at least one disk-array. Each array has at least one disk drive with an array configuration. The array configuration comprises an array signature and serial check sum of each disk drive in the array. The method comprises steps of: detecting each disk drive in the system; reading an array configuration from the detected disk drive; validating the array signature of the disk drive being corrective or not; reading the serial check sum of other disk drive from the same array; recognizing the disk-array being recorded or not; and recording from the disk drive. The method can be used to manage single disk-array system, multiple disk-array system or span array system.

Abstract: A coupling device for a SATA drive having a SATA connector is disclosed. The coupling device comprises a second connector having a plurality of connector pins, wherein the SATA connector has a number of connector pins which are less than the number of pins of the second connector and wherein the second connector provides a first and second SATA channel, and a coupling unit for coupling the first and the second connector, wherein the coupling unit comprises a multiplexer unit for establishing a coupling of one of the SATA channels with the SATA drive or for establishing a loop back function by coupling the first and second SATA channel.

Abstract: A peripheral card having a Personal Computer (“PC”) card form factor and removably coupled externally to a host system is further partitioned into a mother card portion and a daughter card portion. The daughter card is removably coupled to the mother card. In the preferred embodiment, a low cost flash “floppy” is accomplished with the daughter card containing only flash EEPROM chips and being controlled by a memory controller residing on the mother card. Other aspects of the invention includes a comprehensive controller on the mother card able to control a predefined set of peripherals on daughter cards connectable to the mother card; relocation of some host resident hardware to the mother card to allow for a minimal host system; a mother card that can accommodate multiple daughter cards; daughter cards that also operates directly with hosts having embedded controllers; daughter cards carrying encoded data and information for decoding it; and daughter cards with security features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a memory device with compressed data using multiple clock edges is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention data is written to cells in a memory device, the cells are read to generate read data, the read data is compressed to generate test data, and the test data is produced at a single output on edges of a clock signal.

Abstract: A new disk system is connected to a switch that has been already connected to a host and old disk system. At that time, the new disk system is assigned in advance a port ID of the same value as the port ID that has been assigned to the F—Port of the switch, so that the new disk system will not be recognized from host 101. The new disk system read the configuration information of the old disk system. Then, in the switch, physical port ID 602 of old disk system 103 and physical port ID 602 of new disk system 104 are exchanged. The new disk system constructs volumes corresponding to the logical volume numbers and sizes of those volumes in the old disk system, and stores data of the old disk system in the corresponding volumes.

Abstract: An electromechanical data storage arrangement is interfaced with a host. The interface may include a conductor that carries read and write gate signals. Another conductor carries both a servo sync mark and an error signal. The storage arrangement includes an external serial interface connected to a host serial interface applying a device identification to a portion of serial control-related data that travels over the interface. A serial router in the storage arrangement uses the device identification to manage the control-related data between the interface and a number of serial devices and associated interfaces within the storage arrangement. The serial router is in selective data communication with each of the device serial interfaces, for using the device identification to direct a host-asserted command to a targeted device where each device is controlled by a different command set such that the system can be customized for different command sets of different devices.

Abstract: A computer system may include one or more hosts and a plurality of data storage devices for providing multihop system calls. The data storage devices are interconnected and also connected to the one or more hosts. The connections may be direct or indirect. Each data storage device classifies a data operation as a system call, a remote system call, or a multihop system call. If an operation is classified as a multihop system call by a first data storage device, a portion of the data associated with the multihop system call is removed and a second portion of the data is forwarded to a second data storage device as specified by a connection identifier included in the first portion. A multi-execute command may be issued by a host system causing one or more commands to be executed on one or more processors at points in a communication path in a forward and/or reverse direction when traversing the communication path.

Abstract: A power off method for a wireless device is proposed. A battery is installed in the wireless device as the power supply. When the power source is connected to the wireless device, an identification process is conducted between the wireless device and the wireless receiver connected to a computer. After the completion of successful identification process, the control chip within the wireless device stores a set of ID code that can be identified by the wireless receiver. In order to prevent wireless devices from being inadvertently reactivated, these devices are usually turned off during traveling. The present invention provides a power off method that terminates power to all parts of the wireless device except the control chip by a certain operation on the connect button. Therefore, an individual power switch is not required while the device can be turned off, and resume the normal operation on the next power on.