Abstract: A processor contains a move engine and a memory controller contains a mapping engine that, together, transparently reconfigure physical memory to accomplish addition, subtraction, or replacement of a memory module. A mapping engine register stores current and new real addresses that enable the engines to virtualize the physical address of the memory module being reconfigured and provide the reconfiguration in real-time through the use of hardware functionality and not software. Using the current and new real addresses to select a source and a target, the move engine copies the contents of the memory module to be removed or reconfigured into the remaining or inserted memory modules. Then, the real address associated with the reconfigured memory module is re-assigned to the memory module receiving the copied contents, thereby creating a virtualized physical mapping from the addressable real address space being utilized by the operating system into a virtual physical address space.

Abstract: A processor contains a move engine and mapping engine that transparently reconfigure physical memory to accomplish addition, subtraction, or replacement of a memory module. A mapping engine register stores FROM and TO real addresses that enable the engines to virtualize the physical address of the memory module being reconfigured and provide the reconfiguration in real-time through the use of hardware functionality and not software. Using the FROM and TO real addresses to select a source and a target, the move engine copies the contents of the memory module to be removed or reconfigured into the remaining or inserted memory module. Then, the real address associated with the reconfigured memory module is re-assigned to the memory module receiving the copied contents, thereby creating a virtualized physical mapping from the addressable real address space being utilized by the operating system into a virtual physical address space.

Abstract: A storage subsystem that has detected the necessity of the data relocation determines whether the data relocation is possible or not from one storage unit to another within the particular storage subsystem. A virtualization device is notified in the case where the data relocation in the particular subsystem is impossible. The manager of the virtualization device gives an inquiry to the storage subsystems as to whether any one of them can become a relocation destination or not. A storage subsystem determines, based on the related information, whether the data relocation requested is possible or not within the particular storage subsystem. In the case where such a relocation is possible, the copying process is carried out for data relocation from one storage subsystem to another in compliance with an instruction from the virtualization device.

Abstract: A method to maintain information in a virtual tape system comprising a library inventory using a plurality of storage attributes. The method includes forming a dataset comprising information, and assigning one or more storage construct names to that dataset. The method provides the dataset and the one or more storage construct names to the virtual tape system. The method assigns a plurality of storage attributes to the logical volume using the one or more storage construct names. The method then selects storage management actions for the logical volume based upon those assigned storage attributes.

Abstract: Mechanisms and techniques disclose a system that provides access to data using a two part cache. The system receives a data access request containing a first data reference, such as an open systems request to access data. The system then obtains a history cache entry from a history cache based on the first data reference and obtains a partition cache entry from a partition cache based on the first data reference. Cache entries contain mappings between open systems reference locations and non-open systems references to locations in the data to be accessed. The system then performs a data access operation as specified by the data access request using a second data reference based upon either the history cache entry or the partition cache entry. Upon performance of the data access operation, the system then updates the history and partition caches with new cache entries and can resize the partition and history caches as needed.

Abstract: In writing all logical blocks in a data stripe in a disk array, a controller generates a logical address tag block corresponding to these logical blocks. The controller stores the logical address tag block in logical address tag block areas ensured other than data areas on the disk array which store the data stripe.

Abstract: A disk array system of the type that each controller has an independent and dedicated cache. The disk array system can change control of a desired volume between desired controllers without suspending the system. When volumes are taken over between controllers, a switch-source controller de-stages data of a subject volume on the data cache to a storage subject disk to maintain the disk content reflection (coherency). Even if each controller has an independent and dedicated cache, a desired volume can be taken over between desired controllers without suspending the system. Each controller has a configuration manager which stores the controller number of a switch-destination controller to allow automatic volume take-over and automatic control by the original controller.

Abstract: A data storage system wherein a host computer is coupled to a bank of disk drives through an interface. The interface has a plurality of directors and a memory interconnected by a bus. The directors control data transfer between the host computer and the bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memory. The interface includes a plurality of ESCON adapters, a front end portion of the directors being coupled between the host computer and the busses through the ESCON adapters. Each one of such adapters includes a plurality of adapter ports each one being coupled to a corresponding port of the host computer. Each one of the adapters also includes a plurality of adapter board gate arrays and a plurality of optic interfaces. Each one of the optic interfaces is coupled between a corresponding one of the adapter port and a corresponding one of the adapter board gate arrays.

Abstract: A data server system and a computer apparatus is provided that can process external accesses reliably during mobile use. A main PC set in the suspend or hibernation mode during mobile use is configured so as to read/write data only from/to an MRAM having no mechanically movable parts and capable of withstanding higher levels of vibration than a hard disk drive (HDD) in response to a predetermined operation from a hand-held terminal. A power supply controller keeps power supplied to the MRAM and stops the supply of power to the HDD having mechanically movable parts. Whether or not the main PC is moving is decided automatically by detecting if the main PC is connected to an AC power source, a LAN cable, and a telephone cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing command queue ordering with benefit determination of a prefetch operation. For each command in a hard disk drive command queue, a rotational position optimization (RPO) score is calculated. A prefetch benefit is calculated for each command in the hard disk drive command queue within a working partition. The RPO score is modified utilizing the calculated prefetch benefit for the commands in the hard disk drive command queue within the working partition. A best RPO score is identified to select a next command in the hard disk drive command queue to execute.

Abstract: A data storage device having a fixed device architecture capable of operating in a first capacity mode or in a second capacity mode, and capable of switching between that first capacity mode and that second capacity mode. In certain embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format. In other embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format. A data storage device comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code disposed therein for recording information in alternative information storage architectures. A data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more of Applicants' data storage devices. A computer code product comprising a data management system which supports the capability to record information on a data storage medium using alternative information storage architectures.

Abstract: A data storage device is described that includes a plurality of host interface units, a plurality of disk interface units, and a plurality of disk drive units each coupled to one of the disk interface units. The host interface units may be coupled to one or more external host systems for performing a data operation to a disk drive system. A disk drive unit includes a controller with an onboard memory subdivided into two sections in which one of the sections may be used in connection with performing caching operations of data. The data cached may be from the disk platter associated with the disk drive unit, or, the data cached in the section may also be from another disk drive unit different from the one associated with the disk drive unit in which the section is included. Commands are generated for performing data caching operations to the section of the onboard memory.

Abstract: Information to be stored is input to a plurality of information carrier storage means that interact with each other. A unit amount of information carriers is added to a position selected from the information carrier storage means, and nonlinear diffusion of information carriers is executed from the selected information carrier storage means to its neighboring information carrier storage means, and at the same time, nonlinear dissipation is executed from the information carrier storage means. At that time, the dissipation amount is determined so that the amount adding the difference between the amount of addition and the amount of dissipation to the input representation does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. When equilibrium is confirmed as a result of judgement whether changes in amount of information carriers of each information carrier storage means has become small or not, the amount of information carriers stored in the information carrier storage means is output as a numerical value.

Abstract: A hardware command queue for mass storage systems having a memory device. A plurality of entries are defined in the memory device, at least some of which are active entries. At least some of the active entries correspond to pending access commands and at least one entry is a head entry corresponding to an in-flight access command. A physical target location is stored in each active entry and a computed servo distance value is stored in each active entry. A link list including pointers defining an execution sequence is stored with the command queue.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting a host to a tape drive for accessing a tape cartridge in a data storage system having a tape library provided with cartridges and tape drives includes the host requesting a desired cartridge to access. In response to the request, a proxy agent queries the library to determine which of the tape drives are available to receive the desired cartridge. The proxy agent then selects a tape drive from the available tape drives to receive the desired cartridge. The desired cartridge is then mounted into the selected tape drive. An access controller then connects a virtual tape drive associated with the host to the selected tape drive to provide the host with access to the desired cartridge. The selected tape drive may be selected as a function of its location with respect to the storage location of the desired cartridge.

Abstract: A method to import a logical volume and first storage attributes assigned to that logical volume into a second virtual tape system from a first virtual tape system. The method assigns one or more first storage attributes to that logical volume, assigns an identifier, and writes an export physical volume comprising the logical volume, the first storage attributes, and the identifier. The method then imports the logical volume, the logical volume identifier, and the first storage attributes, into the second virtual tape system, and associates one or more construct overridden flags with the logical volume if the second virtual tape system specifies use of one or more of second storage attributes.

Abstract: A volume provider unit in a computer system that detects a logical block address of a read or write I/O accessing a logical volume of a storage device from a host. According to the logical block address fetched, a storage domain of the logical volume is dynamically expanded. Moreover, the storage domain of the logical volume is reduced or expanded according to an instruction of logical volume capacity reduction or expansion from a host commander part to a volume server.

Abstract: The invention provides flexible disabling of disk sets. One or more disks in a RAID subsystem may be identified as temporarily inactive. The disk or disks are then marked as inactive by setting one of a set of bits associated with each disk in the RAID subsystem. If an inactivated disk is a data disk, marking it as inactive also marks it as read only. If an inactivated disk is a parity disk, the RAID group to which it supplies parity is also inactivated and a file system must look to a mirror of the inactivated RAID subsystem for its data. When a data disk is reactivated it is marked as read/write by clearing its associated bit. When a parity disk is reactivated it is also marked as read/write by clearing its bit, however, it is not available for use until it has synchronized its operation with its mirror.

Abstract: In a system where a storage device is coupled to a computer, a storage area in the storage device is efficiently allocated to the computer.

Abstract: A system that emulates a tape cartridge mounted in a tape drive, and methods of operation are disclosed. The emulated tape drive communicates with a client using an interface protocol defining an addressable range. The emulated tape cartridge has a virtual addressable range that matches or exceeds the addressable range defined in the interface protocol. One or more storage appliances provide the emulation of the tape drive and a plurality of virtual volumes. An interface manager disposed between the client and the storage appliances mounts the virtual volumes as necessary to assemble the emulated tape cartridge.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card stores a plurality of audio objects (AOBs) that compose a plurality of tracks and playlist information showing a reproduction order for the tracks. The semiconductor memory card also stores, as resume information (PLMG_RSM_PL), (1) a Playlist_Number showing which playlist information was used the last time playback was performed for the semiconductor memory card, (2) a Track_Number showing the last track to be played back, and (3) a Playback_Time showing a position at which where playback was stopped as a time expressed in relation to the start of the track.

Abstract: A computer system includes a host computer, a disk control device controlling operation of a storage sub-system, and a management server managing configuration of the storage sub-system. The host computer registers the result of grouping of a plurality or volumes in the storage sub-system according to a use purpose in a volume management table including a volume identifier, a physical address, and a group identifier allocated in the disk control unit. During access to the volume via the host, the disk control unit obtains the physical address belonging to a storage belonging to a group identical to the group input via the host, notifies information described on the volume list of the storage allocated at the physical address to the management server, and causes the server to display the information.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for audio data retrieval from an optical media. The method includes reading a sector of audio data from the optical media, the sector comprising a sector data and a sector sub-code; collecting the sector sub-code; correcting any errors in the sector data in a fixed time period; calculating a time offset between a time for the collecting of the sector sub-code and the fixed time period; and matching the corrected sector data to the sector sub-code based on the calculated time offset. A method and system for retrieving audio data from an optical media has been disclosed. The present invention uses a fixed time period for the sector data error correction process. By using a fixed correction time, the sector data and the sector sub-code can be automatically matched based upon an offset calculated from the fixed correction time.

Abstract: Space is allocated on data storage devices in proportion to weights associated with the storage devices. The weights can be dynamically adjusted at any time in order to accommodate changes in the system and to better utilize the storage devices. The technique used to perform the allocating is independent of the weights used by the allocating. Further, the allocation technique can accommodate general purpose data streams having varying lengths and/or varying access patterns, as well as special purpose data streams, such as video streams.

Abstract: An electronic flash memory external storage method and device for data processing system, comprising firmware which directly controls the access of electronic storage media and implements standard interface functions, adopts particular reading and writing formats of the external storage media, receives power via USB, externally stores data by flash memory and access control circuit with cooperation of the firmware, and the driver with the operating system, and has write-protection so that the data can be safely transferred. The method according to the present invention is highly efficient and all parts involved are assembled as a monolithic piece so that it has large-capacity with small size and high speed. The device operates in static-state and is driven by the software. It is plug-and-play and adapted to micro-data processing system.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: A hard disk unit includes a disk, controller microprocessor, host bus interface, buffer memory, buffer memory controller and disk formatter. The bus interface receives write operations, and the corresponding write operation data is stored in the buffer memory. The buffer memory controller also includes a set of address registers and a set of block count registers. The microprocessor loads the address registers with the buffer memory addresses of data of multiple write operations and loads the block count registers with the size of the corresponding data. The microprocessor then issues a single command to the buffer memory controller to transfer the data from the buffer memory to the disk formatter. The address registers and block count registers enable the data of multiple write operations to be transferred and written to a disk in an order other than the order in which the write operations were received at the bus interface.

Abstract: A buffer assisted data storage method and system has built-in fingerprint recognition function. Recognized data is provided with a high hit-rate in a short time with the assistanace of a buffer, when a user processes his/her identity recognition through the built-in fingerprint recognition module of the data storage device. As a result, the entire identification and verification process is faster and more efficient. In addition, with the aim of enhancing flexibility of usage, an operation setup interface is introduced to optimize the overall performance of the buffer.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more drive portions and a controller. The one or more drive portions may each comprise one or more drives. The controller may be configured to map correctly correlating addresses to the one or more drives.

Abstract: The present invention increases efficiency of a binary translation process by correlating selected foreign code to previously translated binary host code. This approach eliminates repetitive translation of foreign code when the foreign code is executed on a host computer system. During the translation process, a database of translated foreign code is populated and thereafter a software layer checks for correspondence between the foreign code and binary code stored in the database. If the database contains corresponding code, that code is transferred to system memory for execution and there is no need to retranslate the foreign code. Minimizing the time spent translating the foreign code results in improved execution speed on the host computer system. The software layer creates an index into the database by hashing the foreign code or by using the storage location of the foreign code. By way of example, the sector of a disk drive where the foreign code is stored determines the index into the database.

Abstract: In a storage area network (SAN), when a host accesses a storage system, the host is certified to restrict any unauthorized access. The storage system includes an access setting section and a certifying section to restrict accesses from respective hosts. When a host accesses data on a disk, the host issues an inquiry to a file server program of a host to receive information of a physical location of a file containing the data on the disk. The host accesses the disk according to the information. Simultaneously, the file server program allows, by a disk management program, the access to the area specified by the access request from the host.

Abstract: An intelligent data storage manager is operational in a virtual data storage system that uses a storage element to store data for a host processor. The storage manager includes a host interface and a controller. The host interface receives a virtual volume having virtual blocks from a host processor. The controller sequentially segments the virtual volume into data pages. Each data page includes virtual blocks of the virtual volume. The controller generates a meta data page associated with the virtual volume to map the data pages to the virtual blocks of the virtual volume. The controller uses the meta data page to selectively store the data pages onto the storage element. The storage element has a partitioning configuration and the amount of the virtual blocks included by each data page is a function of the partitioning configuration of the storage element. The meta data page associated with the virtual volume includes meta data page records.

Abstract: An information processing system for managing data stored in two storage devices using different storage formats. The system includes a first disk device for storing data in a first format and a second disk device for storing data in a second format. An upper level device having a display unit and an input unit is connected to the first disk device and the second disk device, for accessing data of the first disk device in the first format and data in the second disk device in the second format. The display unit includes a user interface providing a first area for displaying data of the first disk device and a second area for displaying data of the second disk device. Instructions received from the input unit to transfer data between the first disk device and the second disk device are effected by designating data in the first area or the second area of the display unit, and moving the designated data to a destination area of the display unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for specifying and identifying logic volumes in computer systems that store logical volumes on multiple storage elements are disclosed. The logical volume identifier may be unique with respect to all other logical volumes stored on the storage elements. The logical volumes may be conventional logical volumes, partitions, or hyper volumes.

Abstract: A disk subsystem assures the sequence and the coherence of data updating with two or more disk subsystems is provided with an asynchronous remote copy function. A main center 9 includes a computer system having the configuration of slave subsystems 3-2 to 3-n connected with a master disk subsystem 3-1. It secures the coherence between data at the main center 9 and the remote center 10 at the temporary suspension by repeating temporary suspension and release of the temporary suspension of the remote copy by the master subsystem 3-1 at predetermined opportunities. It also repeats temporary suspension and release of the temporary suspension of the remote copy by slave subsystems 3-2 to 3-n connected to it.

Abstract: An information processing device such as a game machine is selectively connectable to different peripheral devices such as memory devices. These peripheral devices may be provided with characteristics for distinguishing one from another. The information processing device carries out operations based on the peripheral device connected thereto.

Abstract: In a recordable disk recording controller circuit, a data buffer manager receives a command and sends the command to a micro-controller. The micro-controller generates a set of register batches from each command and sends the register data and index of the register batch to a batch register controller. The batch register controller receives the register data and index of the register batch from the micro-controller and stores the received register data and index of the register batch in a batch buffer. The batch register controller retrieves the register batches from the batch buffer and writes the master registers of an encoder controller based on the register index and register data of the register batches after the master registers of the encoder controller are updated into the slave registers of the encoder controller. The encoder controller generates control signals to a recording circuit depending on updated slave registers.

Abstract: A storage device controller configured for coupling to a storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive) having a multiple locations for storing data. The controller is coupled to receive a WRITE ANYWHERE command including write data. Unlike a conventional write command, the WRITE ANYWHERE command does not specify a location of the storage device where the write data is to be stored. The controller responds to the WRITE ANYWHERE command by: (i) selecting one or more unused locations of the storage device, and (ii) writing the write data to the storage device, wherein the writing of the write data includes directing the storage device to store the write data in the one or more unused locations of the storage device. At least a portion of the write data in stored in each of the one or more unused locations. The controller may be coupled to receive the WRITE ANYWHERE command from a host configured to track usage of the locations of the storage device.

Abstract: There is provided an information recording/recording device that can easily modify the respective reproduction control programs and other programs of plural disk drive units simply by mounting an information recording medium in one disk drive unit. One disk drive unit uses predetermined recording information of a mounted information recording medium to rewrite a program stored in a nonvolatile memory of the one disk drive unit, and transfers a program to another disk drive unit over an interface bus to instruct program rewriting. According to the rewriting instruction from the one disk drive unit, the other disk drive unit rewrites a program stored in a nonvolatile memory thereof. If the information recording medium is reproduced in one disk drive unit, program information can be transferred to a different disk drive unit.

Abstract: A recording medium, such as a high-density and/or read-only recording medium including a data area including at least two data sections and a linking area to link neighboring data sections, the linking area including at least one physical address, and to methods and apparatuses for forming, recording, and reproducing the recording medium.

Abstract: A digital data storage system comprises a storage device, a descriptor memory and a control device. The storage device stores a series of records, the records being organized in a plurality of tracks, each track being associated with one of a plurality of cylinders. The descriptor memory stores a descriptor associated with storage device. The descriptor contains selected information relating to the records stored by the at least one storage device. Each descriptor includes a plurality of cylinder portions each configured to store selected information relating to a respective one of the cylinders in the storage device. Each cylinder portion, in turn, includes a plurality of track descriptors each configured to store selected information relating to a respective one of the tracks in the respective cylinder. The storage device also stores the descriptor associated therewith, the cylinder portions of the descriptor being augmented with additional information relating to the respective ones of the cylinders.

Abstract: A rotating media storage device (RMSD) includes a cache memory and a microprocessor for executing a read caching algorithm for storing data in the cache memory. The microprocessor modifies the read caching algorithm when a vibration state is detected to optimize data transfer rates to and from the media in a vibrating operational environment.

Abstract: Locating a plurality of data records stored linearly on a data storage medium includes: reading data relating to the plurality of data records stored on the data storage medium from a memory device associated with the data storage medium; determining a position of the data record on the data storage medium for each data record to be read; and determining an order in which to read the plurality of data records from the data storage medium to minimize time needed to read the plurality of data records.

Abstract: In a data storage subsystem, drive-level processing treats data storage media as WORM by automatically advancing a write append limiter as data is written, and preventing changes to data occurring before the write append limiter. Despite this media's WORM nature, the drive-level processing permits limited overwriting of data at the end of tape since the write append limiter lags the current write location by the margin of a write allowance index. Thus, despite the drive's treatment of the media as WORM, the drive permits overwriting of trailing metadata in order to facilitate write append operations.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention described in the specification and drawings is a distributed and highly available data storage system. In one embodiment, the distributed data storage system includes a plurality of data storage units that are controlled by an object management system. The object management system preferentially selects the distributed data storage units for performing the file access requests according to the external inputs/outputs with which the file access requests are associated. In response to a file creation request that is associated with an external input of one distributed data storage unit, the object management system preferentially creates a data file in that distributed data storage unit. In response to a file retrieval request that is associated with a data file and an external output of a distributed data storage unit, the object management system preferentially returns a hostname and pathname of a copy of the data file that is stored within that distributed data storage unit.

Abstract: Mechanisms and techniques disclose a system that provides access to data using a two part cache. The system receives a data access request containing a first data reference, such as an open systems request to access data. The system then obtains a history cache entry from a history cache based on the first data reference and obtains a partition cache entry from a partition cache based on the first data reference. Cache entries contain mappings between open systems reference locations and non-open systems references to locations in the data to be accessed. The system then performs a data access operation as specified by the data access request using a second data reference based upon either the history cache entry or the partition cache entry. Upon performance of the data access operation, the system then updates the history and partition caches with new cache entries and can resize the partition and history caches as needed.

Abstract: Load balancing of activities on physical disk storage devices is accomplished by monitoring reading and writing operations to logical volumes on the physical disk storage devices. A list of exchangeable pairs of logical volumes is developed based on size and function. Statistics accumulated over an interval are then used to obtain access activity values for each logical volume and each physical disk drive. A statistical analysis selects one logical volume pair. After testing to determine any adverse effect of making that change, the exchange is made to more evenly distribute the loading on individual physical disk storage devices.