Sarnoff Corporation

David Sarnoff Research Center, Inc.

Robert Bleidt

Danny Chin

James Timothy Kaba

James Timothy Christopher Kaba

A multiple user data storage, retrieval and distribution system containing a parallel processing computer system that forms a digital information server. The server contains a plurality of parallel processors each connected to a information storage device. The user data is stored in a distributed manner amongst the information storage devices. The distribution system dynamically allocates the users to the system based upon the user's requested operating mode. As such, during successive user service periods, all the users are supplied their requested data. The system also provides error detection and correction for the data requested by the users. Furthermore, additional data can be added to the information storage devices during each service period and select information storage devices can be recalibrated without affecting system operation. Even though the system allocates users dynamically such that the data is retrieved from the information storage devices in an arbitrary order, the system contains an output timing sequencer that generates output data in a predefined order no matter the order in which the data is retrieved from the information storage devices. The disclosed apparatus and method find applicability in video servers, medical imaging, special effects and animation and location based entertainment systems among other applications.

Method of striping data onto a storage array

Method of striping a data stream onto subsets of storage devices in a

A method for allocating multiple users to a multiple user data distribution system. More specifically, a data retrieval method for dynamically allocating multiple users to a plurality of parallel processors each connected to an information storage device in a multiple user distribution system. The method allocates each user to at least one processor. The allocated processor represents a slot within a service period. The service period comprises a plurality of slots such that within a given slot an allocated user accesses a subset of information storage devices to supply data to the user. The users are dynamically allocated to the slots in a service period such that the specific time at which each user is serviced and the subset of information storage devices that services them varies from service period to service period. However, each user is serviced during each service period. The allocation of the user within a service period is defined by the user's present mode of operation and next mode of operation, i.e., the mode the user will use in the next service period. Additionally, the method provides error detection and correction for the data retrieved from the information storage devices. Furthermore, the method enables new data to be added to the information storage devices during each service period and permits a select number of information storage devices, such as disk drives, to be recalibrated without impacting the operation of the system.

Method of allocating multiple users to a multiple user data distribution

System for supplying streams of data to multiple users by distributing a

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Atlanta, GA, United States of America

Robert Bleidt