The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 25, 1996
Filed:
Dec. 06, 1993
Hidehiko Iwasaki, Hiratsuka, JP;
Ryoichi Suzuki, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Yoshinori Tsuneda, Odawara, JP;
Katsutoshi Mizuno, Kanagawa-ken, JP;
Hidemi Baba, Odawara, JP;
Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;
Hitachi Computer Peripherals Co., Ltd., Odawara, JP;
Abstract
A disk array system having a plurality of disk units includes an upper-level data transfer controller for controlling transfer of data to and from an upper-level apparatus, a data buffer for temporarily storing therein data from the upper-level apparatus, a drive data transfer controller for controlling the data transfer between the buffer and the units, and a main microprocessor for controlling the the transfer controllers. When transferring data, the microprocessor indicates an address to be used in the buffer and a distribution mode of data to the data transfer controllers so that the data transfer is conducted thereafter without intervention of the microprocessor. During the transfer, the microprocessor can generate information for a subsequent data transfer to indicate the information to the transfer controllers. After a data transfer is terminated, the pertinent transfer controller can immediately execute the next data transfer, which increases the utilization efficiency of the data bus.