Abstract: An image processing apparatus to receive input image data from an external image input device and to output the input image data to an external image output device after processing the image data. The image processing apparatus includes a first program-storing device for storing a set of program modules for an image processing function therein. A second program-storing device stores plural sets of program modules for plural image processing functions therein. An input device inputs an instruction to execute one of the plural image processing functions. A loading device loads one of the plural sets of program modules stored in the second program-storing device into the first program-storing device corresponding to the image processing function to be executed. A controlling device controls the loading device so as to load one of the plural sets of program modules stored in the second program-storing device into the first program-storing device according to the input instruction.

Abstract: A path control module manages a set of primary paths and a set of standby paths for a target device. When a path in the set of primary paths fails, the path control module may failover to the set of standby paths. Alternatively, when a path in the set of primary paths fails, the path control module may failover that path to a single path from the set of standby paths. The sets of primary paths and standby paths may be set by an administrator to control load balancing of resources in the storage area network. The primary set of paths for a first disk may be the standby set of paths for a second disk. Similarly, the primary set of paths for the second disk may be the standby set of paths for the first disk.

Abstract: A disk array controller detects whether each drive it is connected to is an ATA drive or a SCSI drive, and communicates with that disk drive using the corresponding protocol. Preferably, the disk array controller supports both the Serial ATA interface specification and the Serial Attached SCSI interface specification, allowing either or both types of disk drives to be included within a RAID or other disk array configuration. The disk array controller may be incorporated into a storage server having hot swap drive carriers that accommodate both types of disk drives.

Abstract: From a computer-readable medium device, a computing system receives a description of a feature of the computer-readable medium device. In response to the description, the computing system configures a program for managing access by the computing system to the computer-readable medium device. In response to instructions of the configured program, the computing system accesses the computer-readable medium device.

Abstract: A disk control device of the present invention comprises a plurality of disk control units. Each disk control unit includes: at least one channel controller having an interface to a host computer; at least one disk controller having an interface to a disk device; and an internal coupling for connecting the channel controller, the disk controller, and a cache memory for temporarily storing data to be written to or read from the disk device. The disk control device further comprises: a first coupling unit for connecting the internal coupling of each disk control unit to read or write data within the disk control device; and a second coupling unit for connecting the internal coupling of each disk control unit to transfer data between a plurality of the disk control devices.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device may include an upstream port and several downstream ports configured to transfer data at a different data transfer rate than the upstream port. The device may also include several downstream data handlers, each coupled to a respective one of the downstream ports, and an upstream data handler coupled to the upstream port. The data handlers are configured to implement a USB protocol. The upstream data handler is configured to provide data received via the upstream port to each of the downstream data handlers. Accordingly, the upstream data handler is shared between the various downstream data handlers.

Abstract: A data storage system wherein end-user data is transferred between a host computer and a bank of disk drives through an interface. The interface includes a memory and a plurality of directors interconnected through an interface state data bus and a plurality of end-user data busses. At least one front-end one of the directors is in communication with the host computer and at least one rear-end one of the directors is in communication with the bank of disk drives. The interface state data bus section is in communication with: both the at least one front-end one and the at least one rear-end one of the directors; and to the memory. Each one of the plurality of end-user data buses has a first end coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of directors and a second end coupled to the memory.

Abstract: A network storage system includes a virtual file system (“VFS”) that manages the files of the network storage system, and a storage center that stores the files. The VFS and the storage center are separated, such that a client accesses the VFS to conduct file system operations and the client accesses the storage center to upload/download files. The client accesses the network storage system through one or more storage ports. The storage center includes a plurality of distributed object storage managers (DOSMS) and a storage cluster that includes a plurality of intelligent storage nodes. The network storage system includes additional storage centers at geographically disparate locations. The network storage system uses a multi-cast protocol to maintain file information at the DOSMs regarding files stored in the intelligent storage nodes, including files stored in disparate storage centers.

Abstract: A storage device (200) has a memory and a circuit (100) which has a data input (Din), a control input (CTRL) and a data output (Dout), and provides an address input from the data input (Din) to the memory in accordance with a control signal from the control input (CTRL), so that the storage device (200) stores the data at the address in the memory or outputs data at the address in the memory to the data output (Dout). The apparatus provides the control signal to the control input (CTRL) from the interface (PORTS, P0, P1, P2), address and the data to the data input (Din) from the interface (PORTS, P0, P1, P2), to store the data at the address in the memory or to output data at the address in the memory to the data output (Dout). The apparatus may have a microcontroller (MPU) in which the interface (PORTS, P0, P1, P2) is provided.

Abstract: The relation between a NAS server and a port set with a network address given to the NAS server is uniquely decided at 1:1 so that the processing performance of a TCP/IP processor or the NAS server creates a bottleneck to lower the response. A host computer separates: an I/F portion, to which an address which sends a command is given; a NAS server portion; a cache control portion which processes a device; and an I/F portion which accesses an external storage, and accesses them through an internal network 170 so that the corresponding relation between the I/F and the NAS server and the corresponding relation between the address given to the I/F and the NAS server can be arbitrarily reconfigured according to the processing load or the like.

Abstract: A multi-port adapter and method of operation suitable for use with serial ATA devices is disclosed. An adapter includes a switch that receives input from multiple host devices and an arbiter module for assigning a priority scheme to received commands. An outstanding request table is implemented as a memory module for storing identifying information associated with commands received from multiple host devices, and a free pointers queue is maintained to track slots available in the outstanding request table. A command tracker state machine decodes incoming requests from hosts, monitors the execution by these commands by the ATA device, and updates the memory module to reflect completion of commands. Also disclosed is a storage system including an adapter of the present invention and ATA storage devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for transferring data within a data storage system that includes, among other things, an interconnection mechanism having a point-to-point channel between an interface circuit (e.g., a director) and a volatile memory cache circuit. The point-to-point channel allows the interface circuit and the volatile memory cache circuit to have contention free access to each other. One arrangement of the invention is directed to a data storage system having a volatile memory cache circuit that buffers data elements exchanged between a storage device and a host, an interface circuit that operates as an interface between the volatile memory cache circuit and at least one of a storage device and a host, and a point-to-point channel interconnected between the volatile memory cache circuit to the interface circuit.

Abstract: An existing disk drive storage enclosure is converted into a standalone network storage system by removing one or more input/output (I/O) modules from the enclosure and installing in place thereof one or more server modules (“heads”), each implemented on a single circuit board. Each head contains the electronics, firmware and software along with built-in I/O connections to allow the disks in the enclosure to be used as a Network-Attached file Server (NAS) or a Storage Area Network (SAN) storage device. An end user can also remove the built-in head and replace it with a standard I/O module to convert the enclosure back into a standard disk drive storage enclosure. Two internal heads can communicate over a passive backplane in the enclosure to provide full cluster failover (CFO) capability.

Abstract: 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.

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 for transferring data between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The system interface includes a backplane; a first printed circuit board plugged into a first side of the backplane; a second printed circuit board plugged into the first side of the backplane. The first and second printed circuit boards are disposed in an overlaying relationship. A third printed circuit board is plugged into a second side of the backplane. The second side is opposite to the first side. A memory having at least a first portion thereof is disposed on the third printed circuit board. A plurality of directors controls data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memory. A first plurality of the directors is coupled to the host computer/server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick save system, connecting to a computer via an interface, and executing data saving process by the computer, which comprises: a housing; an optical drive, positioned in the housing for accessing an optical media; a reader, positioned in the housing, having a smart button firmware and at least one slot therein for accessing the data of at least one flash memory card inserted in the slot; and at least one push button for actuating a process; thereby, the consumer can insert the at least one flash memory card into the slot, and press the button for actuating at least one computer process task to execute data saving between the optical drive, the reader and the computer. Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a protocol, an event monitor program and a smart button firmware of the quick save system.

Abstract: A bi-directional reflective memory channel between a pair of storage controllers is used to maintain a mirrored copy of each storage controller's native buffer contents within the buffer of the other storage controller. To maintain such mirrored copies, buffer write operations that fall within a reflective memory segment of one storage controller are automatically reflected across this channel to the other storage controller for execution, and vice versa. The write operations are preferably transmitted across the reflective memory channel using a protocol that provides for error checking, acknowledgements, and retransmissions. This protocol is preferably implemented entirely in automated circuitry, so that the mirrored copies are maintained without any CPU intervention during error-free operation. When a failover occurs, the surviving storage controller uses the mirrored copy of the failed storage controller's native buffer contents to assume control over the failed storage controller's disk drives.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for performing an Input/Output (I/O) operation with respect to a logical device capable of being accessed by multiple host systems. Metadata in the logical device that is required in order to access the data in the logical device is overwritten to prevent at least one host system from accessing the data in the logical device represented by the overwritten metadata. An I/O operation is performed with respect to the logical device. Valid metadata is written to the logical device to enable host systems to access the data in the logical device represented by the metadata.

Abstract: A hard disk drive is rendered removable by modifying its ID buffer to indicate to the host computer that the hard drive is a removable media device. A drive assembly is mounted in a drive bay of the host computer and permanently connected to the assembly. A hard drive is mounted in a removable cartridge that is dimensioned for insertion into the drive assembly. The drive assembly reads the hard drive ID buffer, modifies the buffer and stores the same. Upon request from the host computer, the modified buffer is presented.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis, a processor mounted in the chassis, a memory coupled to the processor, and an optical disc drive coupled to the processor and the memory, the optical disc drive comprising a removable storage media, the optical disc drive being configurable to internally generate an audio tone signal in response to receiving a command during an absence of the removable storage media; to receive a second command, wherein the second command generates a corresponding second audio tone signal and to receive a third command, and wherein the third command is configurable to stop the generation of the second audio tone signal.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting electronic files from unauthorized access. The drive on which the file is stored is provided with a hardware identification code, which is unique to the drive. An Operating System (OS) extension allows a user to provide a security code required to access a requested drive. OS device driver, working in conjunction with the extension of the OS checks the requested drive to determine if an access code is required, and the drive responds with the security code or a default code. The default code indicates that the drive is globally accessible to users on the system. When a security code is returned, the OS compares the security code to the access code provided and provides the user with access to the drive only when the access code matches the security code.

Abstract: An operating system selector operable to boot a non-EFI compatible operating system where the operating system files are stored in a GPT partition of a data storage drive, the data storage drive having a first address set, the operating system selector being operable to read a GUID partition table to identify address information relating to the GPT partition, define the GPT partition as a virtual data storage drive having a second address set, call an address mapper and pass the address information to the address mapper, and perform a loading step to boot the operating system.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling data transmission between IDE apparatuses allow an IDE controller of an IDE control device to send read control signal to an IDE apparatus via a set of IDE interfaces and a signal control transmission line and then to send write control signal to another IDE apparatus via another set of IDE interfaces and another signal control transmission line. Thus, the output data from the IDE apparatus through the data transmission line can be accelerated the transmission speed thereof between IDE apparatuses so as to save the time for transmitting data.

Abstract: A disk array control apparatus includes a plurality of disk array control units for controlling data transfer between a plurality of host computers and a plurality of magnetic disk devices via a channel interface and a disk interface. The apparatus also includes an interconnection network for connection between shared memory portions in the plurality of disk array control units and an interconnection network for connection between cache memories in the disk array control units so as to transfer control information concerning data transfer between the host computers and cache memories and management information of the magnetic disk devices from one of the disk array control units to another of disk array control units. This enables to execute data processing while data transfer is performed from one of the disk array control units to another thereof.

Abstract: A device generally comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to (i) communicate with a host via a first bus (ii) using a small computer system interface (SCSI) protocol having a plurality of command descriptor blocks. The second circuit configured to (i) communicate with a remote device with a via a second bus, (ii) using an advanced technology attachment (ATA) protocol and (iii) translate a subset of the command descriptor blocks to the ATA protocol in application specific hardware.

Abstract: An integrated storage device, for storing a data package received wirelessly from a remote base station, includes a secondary non-volatile storage device, an antenna, a primary non-volatile storage medium, and a processor. The antenna is configured to receive the data package wirelessly from the remote base station. The antenna is also configured to receive electrical energy from the remote base station in order to power the secondary non-volatile storage device, such that, the secondary non-volatile storage device is accessible in order to store the data package. The primary non-volatile storage medium is only accessible when electrically connected to a power supply. The secondary nonvolatile storage device and the primary non-volatile storage medium are permanently operationally connected.

Abstract: A combined ATA and SATA controller is provided that comprises a control unit for controlling data transfer to and/or from an ATA compliant parallel storage device and a control unit for controlling data transfer to and/or from an SATA compliant serial storage device. The controller can concurrently perform the data transfer to and/or from the parallel and serial devices. By reusing a significant amount of controller hardware, the combined controller can be realized in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A modular storage system comprises one or more storage modules, a moveable display capable of coupling to a storage module, and a sensor capable of detecting movement of the display. The individual storage modules have one or more magazines that can hold a plurality of storage cartridges. The modular storage system further comprises a controller that responds to detected display movement by reconfiguring a state of the modular storage system.

Abstract: A method is described that involves sending a second command over a Serial ATA interface to a device before the device is able to execute a first command that was previously sent to the Serial ATA interface. In a further embodiment of the first command is tagged with a first reference number. In an even further embodiment of the method the second command is tagged with a second reference number.

Abstract: A data storage device array includes a number of data storage devices. Each of the disc drives is operable to spin-up its spindle motor in response to the successful communication of predetermined out-of-band (OOB) signals. By selectively causing the communication of the predetermined OOB signals to the data storage devices, the selective spin-up of the data storage devices may be achieved.

Abstract: A method for detecting channels of a host to which hard disk controllers belong is used to detect the connection relations between several channels of a host and several removable hard disk cases in the hard disk device. Each of the removable hard disk cases has a current sensor for detecting the current variation of the hard disk, transforming the variation into a voltage signal, and transmitting the voltage signal to a enclosure-controller. The enclosure-controller then converts the voltage signal into a flag. The host can read the flag via a serial bus to build the corresponding relation between the channel connected to the hard disk and the enclosure-controller. The effects of easy use and friendly operation can thus be accomplished.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a data storage system for transferring data between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The system interface has a plurality of first directors, a plurality of second directors, and a global memory. The method includes: providing a backplane having slots adapted to have plugged therein a plurality of printed circuit board. The printed circuit boards include: a plurality of first director boards having the first directors; a plurality of second printed circuit boards having the second directors; a plurality of memory printed circuit boards providing the global memory; a plurality of dummy first director boards having first jumpers; a plurality of dummy second director boards having second jumpers; a plurality of dummy memory boards having third jumpers.

Abstract: A processor-based system (200) with a multipath I/O architecture, including a virtual host controller interface (vHCI) layer (280) between a common architecture layer (270) and a physical host controller interface layer (290), which may include convential host bus adapters (HBAs) coupled to target decives such as storage devices (240, 250) in a storage area network (SAN). Target drivers send I/O requests to a common architecture layer, which forwards them to the vHCI layer (280), which then sends them to HBAs for sending to the target devices (240, 250). A multipathing driver interface (MPXIO) layer (310) resides beneath the vHCI layer (280), and determines target device path information for the vHCI layer (280). Positioning the MPXIO layer (310) beneath the vHCI layer avoids the need for multipathing target drivers (360) above the common architecture layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing RAID through control of the IO channels on the motherboard is provided. One exemplary method locates IO channels on a motherboard. Next, the IO channels on the motherboard are controlled where the IO channels are configured to communicate with a storage media. Then the storage media associated with the IO channels is managed as a RAID. Some notable advantages of the discussed methods and apparatuses include the simplicity of implementing the host based RAID through existing infrastructure contained within a computing system. Additionally, the added benefits of improving reliability and system performance associated with a RAID subsystem are made available in a cost effective manner because most of already existing infrastructure.

Abstract: A connecting device with a low height comprises a connector part, and a set of metal terminals. The connector part has a height compatible with the height of an inner space in a standard USB interface slot socket so as to be inserted into the standard USB interface slot socket. The set of metal terminals is arranged on the connector part and composed of a plurality of metal sheets and each metal sheet has an end disposed in the connector part and another end extending outward the connector part. The first end of the respective metal sheet in the set of metal terminals contacts with internal electronic signal of the standard USB interface slot socket and the second end of the respective metal sheet is soldered to a printed circuit board. Furthermore, the low height connecting device can be revised as an electronic connecting device capable of being inserted into the USB slot socket so that both of the connecting devices can be used in a dual interface memory storage apparatus or a memory storage apparatus.

Abstract: A data I/O system includes first and second function blocks connected to a system bus, which allows the function blocks to communicate with a processor. Each function block includes a D/A converter for outputting an analog signal and a waveform generator that provides a digital signal to the D/A converter. The waveform generator includes a memory control circuit and an address generation circuit. The memory control circuit has an address register and a data register, both of which are connected to the system bus, and a memory connected to the address register and the data register. The address generation circuit is connected to the address register and includes a control register, an up-down counter, and a comparator. The address generation circuit repetitively provides a circulating address signal to the address register. The function blocks relieve the processor of some of its processing load, but do not require additional I/O port addresses of the system.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed that is responsive to standard disk-drive commands associated with disk-drive operations and to nonstandard disk-drive commands required for disk drive manufacture and quality testing. The disk drive includes a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, and a disk control system. The disk control system responds to disk-drive commands and accesses data storage locations on the disk through the head. A serial ATA interface couples the disk control system to a host computer. The serial ATA interface is configured to transfer standard disk-drive commands from the host computer to the disk control system and is configured to not transfer nonstandard disk-drive commands from the host computer to the disk control system. The extracting means extracts a nonstandard disk-drive command that is embedded within a data block accessed using a standard disk-drive command and provides the extracted nonstandard disk-drive command to the disk control system.

Abstract: A method of installing a program or renewing a file. A first program or file stored on a first memory area is copied to a second memory area. Position-information memory area is updated with position information indicating a location on the second memory area where the first program or file is copied or stored. Then, a second program or file is written into the first memory area, and the position-information memory area is updated again with position information indicating a location on the first memory area where the second program or file is written. With use of the above method, even though an unexpected error should occur during the course of installing the second program or file, the original program or file can be immediately recovered. An easy to use method of installing a program or renewing a file is provided, which reduces burden of time consuming operation by a user.

Abstract: A method and system for partial reassembly of data frames reconstructed from data cells received from a network data stream includes partially reassembling the header cells and the last cell of each frame and passing the remainder of data frame cells to a capture buffer in an unassembled state. Since the partially reassembled data frames include only a subset of each frame, they can be processed at the full line-rate of the network data stream without causing an overflow. The cells in the partially reassembled frames are only those cells required for functions that must be performed at the full line rate.

Abstract: Methods and associated structure operable within a SCSI-based storage subsystem are provided to adapt the storage controller for use with non-SCSI storage enclosures. A firmware layer of the present invention intercepts SCSI read/write requests and pass-through command blocks (CDBs) generated by the storage management core of the controller and translates the requests and command structures into corresponding command structures for transmission to a non-SCSI storage enclosure. In like manner, the firmware layer of the present invention receives status information from non-SCSI storage enclosures and translates the status information into corresponding SCSI compatible status information. In one exemplary preferred embodiment, a storage subsystem designed for interaction with SCSI storage enclosures may be adapted in accordance with the present invention to utilize lower-cost, IDE compatible storage enclosures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic record system which dispenses with complicated operations using a menu and a button and handwriting input operation like paper writing can be achieved. A system is established and is provided with: an input/output unit device capable of inputting/outputting data by the direct writing on a display screen with a pen; and a control/arithmetic device connected to the input/output unit device and reflecting the data inputted on the display screen to the screen. In this system, an electronic record in the form of strip-shaped sheet with an infinite length extending in the longitudinal direction is displayed, data is directly inputted from the display screen as a stroke data, the inputted characters are converted into the character data by the use of a character recognition engine and the converted data is used as data format available in a secondary use such as a data search, and various functions are driven by a predetermined pen operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling a computer that processes data formatted in a first format to read a data unit that is formatted in a second format from a storage subsystem that is capable of storing data in either the first format or the second format. The method comprises the steps of dispatching, from the computer to the storage subsystem, a command for the storage subsystem to report a data length of the data unit; sending, from the storage subsystem to the computer, a value of the data length that enables the computer to determine whether the data unit is in the first format or in the second format and prepare for receipt of the data unit in the first format or the second format, having the indicated data length; dispatching, from the computer to the storage subsystem, a command for the storage subsystem to forward the data unit to the computer; and sending the data unit from the storage subsystem to the computer.

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 dynamic address switching system for use in a data processing system with redundant data storage facilities. A validation routine or module assures that dynamic switching can occur between logical devices. A swapping routine exchanges information in unit control blocks for logical devices in the redundant system thereby to enable I/O requests from a host to be redirected over another channel to the other data storage facility.

Abstract: A data processing system (10) includes an interconnect (22) where a first interconnect master (12) and a second interconnect master (14) are coupled to the interconnect. A shared storage (35) is coupled to the interconnect for use by the first and second interconnect masters. The data processing system also includes a first control storage circuit (60, 64) which corresponds to the first interconnect master and a second control storage circuit (62, 66) which corresponds to the second interconnect master. In one embodiment, prefetch circuitry (40) is coupled to the first control storage circuit and to the second control storage circuit for selecting one of the first and second control storage circuits based upon which one of the first and second interconnect masters is requesting an access to the shared storage. The prefetch circuitry can then use the selected control storage circuit to determine a prefetch operation triggered by the access to the shared storage.

Abstract: A translation system and method for translating file systems between nodes having heterogeneous file systems are provided. The translation system includes a consumer node having a first file system and a driver for supplementing requests from the first file system to a storage device. Also included in the translation system is an input/output (I/O) node which implements a second file system. The I/O node is connected to the storage device and is in communication with the consumer node over a transport. The I/O node includes a translator layer designed to map the supplemented requests from the first file system to the second file system and back to the first file system.

Abstract: An adapter for converting an interface of a data storage device is provided. The adapter includes a first interface for connection to the interface of the data storage device and a second interface for connection to a plurality of host systems. The first interface may be an ATA or SCSI interface and the second interface may be a SSA or FC-AL interface suitable for attachment to multiple host systems. Conversion means are provided by the adapter for converting commands and data between the first and second interfaces. The adapter also has means for sorting commands and data to and from the plurality of host systems. The adapter acts as a single host system for the data storage device and includes means for retrieving error information from the data storage device in the event of a command terminating in an error.

Abstract: A DMA transfer device has stream inputting means for receiving an encoded first stream; first stream storing means for storing the first stream; a main storage unit which stores the stream of said first stream storing means; first DMA transfer executing means for executing a first DMA transfer from said first stream storing means to said main storage unit; first DMA transfer controlling means for controlling said first DMA transfer executing means on the basis of an amount of data which are stored in said first stream storing means or a free capacity; a processing unit which produces a second stream from the first stream that is read out from said main storage unit, and which writes the second stream into said main storage unit; second stream storing means for storing the second stream of said main storage unit; second DMA transfer executing means for executing a second DMA transfer from said main storage unit to said second stream storing means; and second DMA transfer controlling means for controlling said