JP2960667B2 - Information processing apparatus and external storage device driving method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a means for controlling the operation of an external storage device of various information processing apparatuses. The present invention relates to a technique that enables a system to always perform a desired operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an information processing system using a computer, a computer (host computer) is provided with a plurality of external storage devices, and the host computer utilizes a plurality of external storage devices.
Generally done.

Further, there is an increasing use of a disk array constituted by connecting a plurality of external storage devices (referred to as disk devices, disk drives, etc., as appropriate) in an array. For such a disk array, for example, see the paper “A Case for Redundant Arrays of I
nexpencive Disks (RAID) ", David A. Patterson, Garth
Gibson, and Randy H. Katz, Computer Science Divisi
on Department of Electrical Engineering and Comput
er Science, University of California Berkelay ", and in this paper, numbers from RAID levels" 1 "to" 5 "are given in association with each other depending on the configuration of the disk array. In addition, in addition to the RAID level described in the above-mentioned paper, only data distribution (level 0), mirrored distribution (level 01), and the like are defined and are generally known.

[0004] Among the above RAID levels, for example,
“RAID level 3” corresponds to a disk array configuration that is expected to improve performance for sequential file access for transferring a large amount of data, and “RAID level 5” reads small-sized (several KB) data. Is equivalent to a disk array configuration in which performance is expected to be improved for random access in which a large amount occurs. This can be explained, for example, in "Nikkei Electronics 1993/4/26 No.576
P.77-91 It is described in literatures such as “Special Feature Disk Array Device”.

As is well known, access control unique to a disk array includes processes such as "data striping" for distributing data among a plurality of disks and "parity generation" for generating redundant data to be stored in redundant disks. . For information on how to implement this access control,
Various methods have been proposed, but broadly classified, a method in which a host computer performs access control by software (software method), and a structure in which hardware for disk array control is provided as an access control by hardware. (Hardware method)
There are two control schemes. For this, for example,
"Nikkei Open Systems 1993/12 No.9 pages 155-161
It is described in documents such as "RAID by software". As an intermediate control means between the two,
A control method in which only a part of the control processing, for example, only the parity generation processing is performed by hardware has been considered. Hereinafter, such a control method using both software and hardware is referred to as a hybrid method.

Generally, control by software is inexpensive, but the resources of the host computer (CPU,
Main memory etc. If a CPU is used, a new CPU load will be used). However, since control is performed using software, the degree of freedom in configuration is high, and a new control method can be easily introduced. On the other hand, the control by hardware is more expensive than the control by software, but relatively does not require the resources of the host computer, and has an advantage that processing such as parity generation can be sped up. However, the degree of freedom of configuration is low,
The configuration of a disk array is often determined by the hardware architecture.

A technique for recognizing such a disk array configuration is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-49413. According to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-49413, when a disk array is constructed, a "correspondence table" of the array configuration in which information for grasping the configuration of the disk array is described is prepared, and system power is turned on. Sometimes, referring to the "correspondence table", a process of grasping (checking) a disk array formed by disks connected to the host computer is performed.

The "correspondence table" is updated when a new disk device is connected to the host computer.

[0009]

As shown in the above-mentioned prior art, the disk array of the software system has a relatively large degree of freedom in the configuration of the disk device. However, it is not considered that the configuration of the disk device is changed at any time, that is, that the configuration of the disk device is dynamically changed. It is necessary to reset the settings and reconstruct (format) the array. Also,
In the prior art, no consideration was given to changing the control method from the software method to the hybrid method or the hardware method.

That is, in the conventional disk array, it is possible to change the dynamic configuration and change the control method from the software method to the hybrid method or the hardware method as described above. Was not considered at all.

Further, it is completely considered that a disk device used in an old disk array is used as a disk device constituting a new disk array while retaining data in the disk device. Did not. For example, if a disk device used in a software system is used in a disk array in a hardware system, a format process is required or data needs to be reconstructed.

As described above, in the conventional disk array,
It was not easy to cope with changes in the array configuration.

An object of the present invention is to provide a system in which the configuration can be dynamically changed in the above-mentioned software, hybrid, and hardware disk array systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of switching from a software type disk array system to a hybrid type or hardware control type.

Still another object of the present invention is to enable a disk device used in an old disk array system to be used as a disk device constituting a new disk array while retaining data in the disk device. To provide a system.

[0016]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, the following means are conceivable.

That is, a system having an information processing device provided with a control means for driving and controlling a plurality of external storage devices, wherein each external storage device holds an identification number (ID number) for identifying the device. an ID number storing means for, by grouping a plurality of external storage device, when performing driving control according to the group-specific driving rules, configuration information, which is information used for the grayed <br/> loop component only And configuration information holding means for holding the information. Further, the information processing apparatus includes a configuration recognizing unit for recognizing the grouping, and a configuration retaining unit for storing at least the information recognized by the unit.

The configuration recognizing means obtains information stored in the ID number holding means and the configuration information holding means from each external storage device, and refers to the obtained information to each external storage device. Of the group to which the group belongs, and performs a registration process of registering the grasped result in the configuration holding unit. The control unit refers to the registration content of the configuration holding unit, and executes a driving rule unique to the group to control each external device. This is a system for driving and controlling a storage device.

Further, the following embodiment is also conceivable.

An information processing apparatus having at least one disk controller for driving and controlling the external storage device;
At least n of the plurality of external storage devices (n is
(Integer of 2 or more) is configured as a disk array, each external storage device is connected to one of disk controllers having an identifier (DCID), and the information processing device is configured to perform the drive control. A system comprising a control unit for generating a signal, wherein each of the external storage devices constituting the disk array comprises: an ID number retaining unit for retaining an identification number (ID number) for identifying the device; When performing drive control of an external storage device according to a drive rule specific to a disk array,
A configuration information holding unit that holds configuration information that is information used to configure a disk array. Further, the information processing apparatus includes a configuration recognizing unit for recognizing a configuration of the disk array, and a configuration holding unit for storing at least information obtained by the unit.

The configuration recognizing means obtains information stored in the ID number holding means and the configuration information holding means from each external storage device, and obtains the obtained information and the identifier (ID) for the external storage device. DCID)
With reference to, grasping how each external storage device is configured as a disk array, performing a registration process of registering the grasped result in the configuration holding means, the control means,
This is a system for controlling the drive of an external storage device constituting a disk array according to a drive rule specific to the disk array with reference to the registered contents of the configuration holding means.

[0022]

The control means provided in the information processing device controls the driving of a plurality of external storage devices.

The ID number holding means provided in each external storage device holds an identification number (ID number) for identifying the device. The configuration information holding means provided in each external storage device includes a plurality of external storage devices. When grouping devices and performing drive control according to the drive rules specific to the group,
Holding the configuration information is information used for the group minutes only.

The information processing apparatus includes a configuration recognizing unit for recognizing the grouping, and a configuration holding unit for storing at least information obtained by the unit.
The configuration recognizing unit included in the information processing apparatus acquires information stored in the ID number holding unit and the configuration information holding unit from each external storage device, and refers to the obtained information to each external storage device. The group to which the device belongs is grasped, and a registration process for registering the grasped result in the configuration holding unit is performed, and the configuration holding unit holds the registration information.

The control means refers to the registered contents of the configuration holding means and, based on a group-specific driving rule,
Drive control of each external storage device.

When the power is turned on, the power-on processing means provided in the information processing apparatus first activates the configuration recognizing means and performs the registration processing.

Further, when the external storage device is newly connected, the configuration recognizing means obtains the information stored in the ID number storing means and the configuration information storing means provided in the external storage device, and obtains the obtained information. With reference to the information , a group to which each external storage device belongs is grasped, and a registration process of registering the grasped result in the configuration holding unit is performed.

Further, the configuration recognizing means includes a fault,
An external storage device in an abnormal state including disconnection is detected, and processing for deleting registration information of the configuration holding unit corresponding to the detected external storage device is performed.

This makes it possible to dynamically change the configuration of the external storage device. Further, the control method can be changed from a software method to a hybrid method or a hardware method. Further, even when the configuration of the external storage device is changed, it can be used as a new external storage device configuration (disk array system) while retaining the conventionally stored data.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

This system is roughly divided into a host computer 10 and a plurality of external storage devices (in FIG. 1,
Six magnetic disk units 50 from "$ 1" to "$ 6"
And is configured.

The host computer 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 for executing programs.
A chipset 12 for arbitrating between the CPU 11, a main memory (main memory) 13, and the expansion bus 15;
A main memory 13 for storing a program for operating the CPU 11 and data necessary for processing performed by the CPU 11,
And a CPU bus 14 for connecting the CPU 12 and the chipset 12, an expansion bus 15, a plurality of expansion slots 16, and a timer 17 for generating time information.

The CPU 11 executes the control software 20. In the present invention, the CPU 11 executes the control software 20 so that the configuration recognizing means 2
1 is configured to operate. The main memory 13
A part of the area is a configuration holding unit 25.

The configuration holding means 25 may be realized by a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory in order to hold the stored contents.

The configuration recognizing means 21 and the configuration holding means 2
5 will be described later in detail.

As the extension bus 15, for example, ISA
(Industry Standerd Architecture), EISA (Enha
nced Industry Standerd Architecture), MCA (Mic
ro Channel Architecture), PCI (Peripheral Comp)
ornent Interconnect). Of course, there are no restrictions on the types of expansion buses that can be applied.

Further, in this embodiment, the extension bus 1
An interface board 30 (hereinafter, referred to as an I / F board 30) for connecting an external storage device 50 is connected to one expansion slot 16 provided in the device 5. In addition,
The I / F board 30 functions as a disk controller that drives and controls the connected external storage device according to an instruction given from the computer.

The I / F board 30 has an extension bus connection connector 31 and an external bus connection connector 32.
The board 30 and the extension bus 15 are connected by an extension slot 16 and an extension bus connector 31. The external bus connector 32 has a plurality of units (six units in FIG. 1).
Are connected. The disk device 50 may be an optical disk device, and the magnetic disk device is an example of a disk device.

Six magnetic disk devices 50 (numbers 501, 502, 5 and 5 as shown in FIG.
03, 504, 505, and 506) have the same configuration.

Each magnetic disk device 50 has an external bus connection connector 51 and a storage means 52.

Further, in the present invention, an ID number holding means 53 and a configuration information holding means 54, which will be described later, are provided in each magnetic disk device 50 as an external storage device.
These holding means may be realized by a non-volatile memory for holding the stored contents. Of course, if access to the held content is possible, it may be realized by a mechanical configuration such as a DIP switch.

Of course, a configuration in which recording is performed in a specific area of a recording medium mounted on the apparatus is also preferable.

The internal configuration and operation of the storage means 52 provided in the magnetic disk device 50 and having a function of storing information are well known, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

The magnetic disk device 50 and the host computer 10 are connected to an I / O
Connected via F board 30. Specifically, the external bus connector 32 on the I / F board 30 and the external bus connector 51 of the magnetic disk device 50 are connected by a cable 60. In this embodiment, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is used as the external bus. When SCSI is used, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of magnetic disk devices 50 can be connected in a daisy chain from the F board 30.

Needless to say, the type of external bus used in the present invention is not limited to SCSI, and various buses such as IEEE488 can be applied.

The computer system used in this embodiment has a display 81 as a display device, a keyboard 82 and a mouse 83 as input devices, and is connected to the host computer 10 via an input / output interface card 80. ing.

When a user (user) using the host computer 10 uses an application such as utility software, the user uses these input devices to give instructions to the host computer. Is configured to be displayed. In addition, for simplicity of explanation, illustration of these input / output devices is omitted in other drawings, but this does not mean that the input / output devices cannot be connected.

First, the ID number holding means 53 will be described.

(ID number holding means) ID number holding means 5
3 and the method of holding the ID numbers will be described. The ID number holding means is a nonvolatile memory (ROM, E
EPROM, etc.), jumper pins,
A configuration in which predetermined information can be set by a DIP switch or the like, and a configuration in which the information is recorded in a specific area of the recording medium of the external storage device (an area that is inaccessible to a user is desirable) It can be realized by the above.

In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that a configuration for recording in a specific area of a recording medium is employed.

There are two methods of assigning an ID number (a number unique to an external device for identifying an external storage device) stored in this specific area.

In the first method, I.
This is a method of assigning a D number. Each external storage device maker assigns a unique ID number to each external storage device and stores the ID number in a specific area of the external storage device before shipping.

For example, the ID number can be described as follows. It should be noted that the elements of each data structure are only those necessary for explaining the present embodiment.

In the first method, as shown in FIG.
The number is composed of four elements: a “company number” that is the number of the manufacturing company, an “apparatus number” that is the apparatus number, a “serial number” that is the serial number of the apparatus, and an “extension number”. I have.

Each element is represented by, for example, 32-bit data, and the ID number is 128-bit data.

Each external storage device has a command for reading the ID number. For example, the magnetic disk device adopting the SCSI interface used in the present embodiment prepares a vendor-unique SCSI command for reading an ID number. That is, when a SCSI command is given from the host computer via the disk controller, the ID number is read and sent to the host computer.

Next, the second method is a method of assigning a unique number within the array system when constructing the system. The ID numbers are written as shown in FIG.

That is, the ID number is two of the identifier and the identification number.
It has three elements.

At the time of shipment, the information in the ID number holding means 53 is preferably initialized. For example, FIG.
Information is stored as shown in FIG.

That is, “” ”is used for the“ identifier ”, and
“0” may be stored in the “identification number”.

The second method is an item of "initialization" and will be described later in detail.

Next, the configuration information holding means 54 will be described.

(Configuration information holding means) Configuration information holding means 5
4 and the method of storing the configuration information will be described. The configuration information holding means includes a non-volatile memory (ROM, E
This can be realized by a configuration using an EPROM or the like, or a configuration in which recording is performed in a specific area (preferably an area inaccessible to a user) of a recording medium of an external storage device. In a configuration in which recording is performed on a storage medium provided in an external storage device, if the storage medium is used for a removable optical or magnetic disk device or a tape recording medium is mounted on a removable external storage device, the configuration information is stored in the recording medium. It will be able to hold.

An example of the configuration information held by the configuration information holding unit 54 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a kind of data structure.
It is configured to include each element of “identifier”, “time”, “method number”, “stripe size”, “number of components”, “status”, “ID number”, and “component device”.
It should be noted that the “status” and the “configuration device” have the same number of information as the number of external storage devices constituting the disk array.

“Time” stores the time when the configuration information was generated. The “method number” stores the algorithm of the disk array control in numerical form. That is, the used disk array control algorithm is represented by numerical values. In this embodiment, the following will be described.

"0: RAID0", "1: RAID"
1, "3: RAID3", "4: RAID4",
“5: RAID5” and “9: single use”.

The “stripe size” stores information that is valid only when the “method number” is 3, 4, or 5.
3, RAID4, and RAID5.

Note that the stripe size is a unit of data to be distributed when data is distributed to a plurality of external storage devices. The “number of components” indicates the number of external storage devices to be operated in relation to the disk array control.
“Component device” holds the ID numbers of all related external storage devices. The component [n] holds the ID number of the n-th component, and the status [n] stores the state of the n-th component. The “status” has the following states.

That is, “TRUE: normal”, “FALS”
E: failure ”.

At the time of shipment, the information in the configuration information holding means 54 is preferably initialized. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, information may be stored.

That is, """for" identifier "," 0 "for" time "," 0 "for" method number "," stripe size "
"0", "Number of components" is "0", "Status []"
"FALSE" and "0" in "component []".

Since the identifier data does not match that of the system, it can be confirmed that the disk device is unused.

Next, the operation of the system will be described.

(Initialization) First, an initialization procedure will be described. It is assumed that the magnetic disk devices 501 to 506 are connected to the host computer 10 and activated. The magnetic disk devices 501 to 506 are respectively S
It corresponds to the CSI target IDs “1” to “6”.

By connecting six magnetic disk devices, the first
It is assumed that the power supply is started for the second time.

Here, of the two ID number holding methods, the above-described second method is adopted. The information in the ID number holding unit 53 and the information in the configuration information holding unit 54 are each initialized with the contents already described.

When the power is turned on and the system is started,
The control software 20 in the host computer 10 starts. First, by executing the control software 20,
Initializes all connected disk controllers and assigns numbers to the disk controllers.

In this embodiment, only one I / F board 30 is used as a disk controller. Therefore, “0” is assigned to this I / F board 30.

Next, the configuration recognizing unit 21 is activated, and the configuration recognizing unit 21 searches for what external storage device is connected to the host computer 10.
The ID number and the configuration information are read from all the connected external storage devices (six magnetic disk devices 50 in FIG. 1). However, here, since all magnetic disk devices are unused, no information is stored in the ID number and the identifier of the configuration information.

The configuration recognizing unit 21 generates a “disk object”, which is a kind of data structure, based on the read ID number and the configuration information, and registers it in the configuration holding unit 25.

The disk object is a data structure as shown in FIG.

The disk object is configured to have the A section and the configuration information. Further, the section A has a “controller number”, a “SCSI_ID number”, and an “ID number” including an identifier and an identification number.

The configuration information includes elements of “identifier”, “time”, “method number”, “stripe size”, “number of components”, “status []”, and “component []”. Have been.

The "controller number" stores the number of the disk controller to which the magnetic disk device is connected. The “SCSI_ID number” stores the target ID number of the SCSI to which the magnetic disk device connected to the disk controller is connected.

Further, the ID number and the configuration information respectively include the above-mentioned ID read from the magnetic disk drive.
Holds numbers and configuration information.

The configuration recognizing means 21 checks the magnetic disk devices connected in order from the 0th disk controller. First, disk controller 0 (see FIG. 1)
30), the target ID0 is checked, but since nothing is connected, information cannot be read. Next, when looking at ID1, since the magnetic disk device 501 is connected (that is, there is a device "# 1"), the ID number and the configuration information are read out, but nothing is stored in the identifier. It has not been. Therefore, the configuration recognizing unit 21 determines that the magnetic disk device is an unused magnetic disk device, generates a disk object as shown in FIG. 14, and links the configuration holding unit 25 with the link for managing the unused disk (unused link). ).

Subsequently, the ID number and the configuration information are sequentially read from ID2, and disk objects 502 to 506 are similarly generated (only the SCSI_ID numbers are different). Connect to links to be managed (unused links).

FIG. 2A shows a state of a link managed by the configuration holding unit 25. The configuration holding unit 25 has two links, an “unused link” for managing an unused disk and a “configuration link” for managing the configuration of a disk array, and a function of managing a disk device using the link. Having. At this stage, no disk device is connected to the configuration link.

Next, how to use each magnetic disk device is determined using utility software. The utility software is executed on the host computer 10. Here, it is assumed that a RAID0 disk array composed of four magnetic disk devices and a RAID1 disk array composed of two magnetic disk devices are configured using this utility software.

First, consider creating RAID0. The utility software extracts four disk objects from the unused links, as shown in FIG.
Change the disk object as shown in Here, the time when the disk object was created is obtained from the timer 17 provided in the host computer 10.

Now, assume that the time "1000" has been obtained. As shown in FIG. 15, "identifier", "time",
It can be seen from FIG. 15 that new information is stored in “stripe size”, “number of components”, “status []”, and “component []”.

Then, disk objects with SCSI target IDs 1 to 4 are obtained from the unused links. Further, each identifier includes “ABC_RAID_SYS”.
TEM "is stored. With this identifier, it is possible to identify the magnetic disk drive used in another disk array system. Also, by holding the identifier, it is possible to recognize that the magnetic disk device has already been initialized.

In the "time", the time "1000" at which the disk object was created is stored. A serial number is assigned to the “identification number” based on this time information (1000 to 1003 in this embodiment). The “number of components” is “4” and the status [0-3] in the configuration information
Are all “TRUE”, and the constituent devices [0-3] are “1”.
000 to 1003 ". Note that RA
To configure the disk array of ID0, set the “system number” to “0” and the “stripe size” to “32 KB”.
(32768 bytes) ". The ID number and the configuration information of the disk object created here are stored in the respective magnetic disk devices 501 to 504.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the configuration holding unit 25 changes the way of stretching the link.

Next, creation of RAID1 will be considered. The utility software extracts two disk objects from the unused links, as shown in FIG.
Change the disk object as shown in Here, the time when the disk object was created is obtained from the timer 17 provided in the host computer 10. Since time has passed since the time when RAID0 was created, different values will be obtained at this time.

In this embodiment, based on 1900, 1
Timer 1 with the function of counting up every (μsec)
7 is used. Therefore, if the operation of this timer is correct, the same time cannot be obtained. here,
It is assumed that "time" of "2000" is obtained.

Referring to FIG. 16, information of "SCSI_ID number", "identification number", "time", "method number", "stripe size", "number of components", "status []" and "configuration It can be seen that the number of devices [] ”has been changed.

Then, disk objects with SCSI target IDs 5 and 6 are obtained from the unused links. Further, each identifier includes “ABC_RAID_SYSTE”.
M ”is stored. In “time”, “time: 2000” at which the present disk object is created is stored.

Further, the “number of components” is changed to “2”,
"Status [0, 1]" is all "TRUE"
“Component device [0, 1]” is initialized with values of “2000” and “2001”, respectively. Since a RAID1 disk array is configured, the “method number” is set to “1”. In RAID1, the “stripe size” is not required, so it is set to “0”. The ID number and the configuration information of the disk object created here are stored in the magnetic disk devices 505 and 506, respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (C), the manner in which the links are stretched is changed in the configuration holding means 25. Thus, the initialization process is completed.

(Configuration Recognition Method) A description will be given of a method of recognizing the configuration of the external storage device, which has been initialized by the above procedure. The power is turned on and the system is started (step 230).
0), the control software 20 in the host computer 10 starts (step 2302).

First, the control software initializes all connected disk controllers and assigns numbers to the disk controllers (step 230).
4). In the case of the present embodiment, only one I / F board 30 is used. Therefore, the I / F board 30 functions as a disk controller, and the I / F board 30
The disk controller number “0” is assigned.

Next, the configuration recognizing means 21 recognizes the connected magnetic disk devices in order from the 0th disk controller. First, the disk controller 0
Target ID 0 (SCSI in step 2310)
_ID. Thus, SCSI_ID is
(Which is the target ID of the disk device connected to the disk controller of a certain number), but since nothing is connected, the information cannot be read. Next, when looking at ID1, since the magnetic disk device 501 is connected, the ID number and configuration information are read, and a disk object is generated (steps 2306, 2308, and 2310). The same disk object as that at the time of initialization is generated.

First, the configuration recognizing means 21 determines that the identifier is “A
BC_RAID_SYSTEM ". If the identifiers do not match, connect the disk object to an unused link. Similarly, the ID numbers and the configuration information are read from the other magnetic disk devices 502 to 506, and a disk object is created (until the end of step 2312 is satisfied). These disk objects are temporarily connected to temporary links. As the name implies, a temporary link is a link for temporarily connecting a disk object.

The configuration recognizing means 21 searches the disk object connected to the temporary link for the disk object with the latest time. Here, first,
Disk objects having identification numbers 2000 and 2001 can be detected. Since both objects have information of the same time (2000), either of them may be used. However, in this embodiment, the identification number 20 having a small identification number is used.
00 is selected based on the 00 disk object. The disc object with the identification number 2000 has information as shown in FIG.

The configuration recognizing means 21 confirms the number of components and the configuration devices, and recognizes that another magnetic disk device (ID: 2001) is required in addition to the present magnetic disk device (ID: 2000). . Therefore, the configuration recognition means 21
Retrieves the disk object with the identification number 2001 from the temporary link, and registers these two disk objects as RAID1 in the configuration holding unit 25 as configuration links.

Further, the configuration recognizing means 21 searches the disk object connected to the temporary link for a disk object having the next newest time. Here, objects with identification numbers 1000 to 1003 are detected. Since these four objects all have the same time information (1000), any disk object may be used. However, in this embodiment, the selection is made based on the disk object with the identification number 1000 having a small identification number. . The disk object having the identification number 1000 has information as shown in FIG.

The configuration recognizing means 21 confirms the number of components and the configuration devices, and, in addition to the present magnetic disk device (ID: 1000), further three magnetic disk devices (ID: 1001, ID: 1001).
1002, 1003) are necessary. Therefore, the configuration recognizing unit 21 searches the temporary links for the disk objects with the identification numbers 1001, 1002, and 1003, and registers the four disk objects as RAID0 in the configuration holding unit 25 as configuration links.

Further, the configuration recognizing means 21 searches for a disk object connected to the temporary link.
Since all disk objects have already been used, the disk object cannot be found. Thus, the recognition processing is completed.

(Read / Write Processing) Here, the external storage device whose configuration has been recognized by the above procedure is
The procedure for performing the read / write processing will be described.

By executing the control software 20, a read / write process is performed on the external storage device based on the configuration link information in the configuration holding unit 25. here,
The magnetic disk devices with identification numbers 2000 and 2001 are
It is set as AID1. In the case of RAID1, a write request from the host computer is issued to both magnetic disk devices, and the same contents are recorded.

This is performed according to a known RAID1 (mirror) algorithm.

The control software 20 has the identification number 200
Consider a case in which a certain write request is issued to a RAID 1 disk array composed of 0 and 2001.

By executing the control software 20, first, a configuration link is searched, and identification numbers 2000 and 2001 are searched.
Is searched for RAID1. Then, the disk object having the identification number 2000 is searched for, and the controller number (No. 0) of the disk object and the SCS
The request destination is determined based on the I_ID number (No. 5), and a write request is issued. Next, the disk object with the identification number 2001 is searched for, and the controller number (No. 0) and the SCSI_ID number (6
No.), a request destination is determined, and a write request is issued.

The same processing is performed for a RAID 5 disk array composed of identification numbers 1000 to 1003. In this case, processing is performed according to a known RAID5 algorithm.

(Normal end) Next, the processing at the time of power-off will be described. When the power is turned off, the control software 20 performs a process of writing back the configuration information in the disk object to each magnetic disk device. At this time, the timer 17
Update the time information according to. For example, when a power interruption occurs, the control software 20 obtains time information from the timer 17 (here, “time” of “3000”).
"Time" of all the configuration information is set to "3".
000 ".

This is shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. FIG.
Indicates that the time information in the disk object shown in FIG. 15 has been updated from "1000" to "3000". FIG. 18 shows that the time information in the disk object shown in FIG. 2000 to 300
It can be seen that it has been updated to "0".

A process of writing these configuration information back to each magnetic disk device is performed. Here, the identification number is not changed. The identification number is determined by the timer value at initialization,
It will not be changed thereafter. As described above, by updating the time information when the power is turned off, it is possible to cope with a magnetic disk device failure described later or a power failure during processing at the time of power shutdown.

(Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, based on the first embodiment, when the magnetic disk device 506 breaks down and becomes unusable during the read / write processing after the completion of the initialization and the configuration recognition. Will be described.

According to the first embodiment, since initialization and configuration recognition have been completed, at this point, a disk object is linked in the configuration holding means 25 as shown in FIG. . As shown in FIG.
Is a magnetic disk device with an identification number of 2000 (505)
And a magnetic disk device (506) having an identification number 2001.

(Disconnection of Failed Disk Device) When the failure of the magnetic disk device 506 is detected by executing the control software, the disk object with the identification number 2001 is deleted from the configuration link. And identification number 2
000 is updated as shown in FIG. The “time” at this time is “4000”.

The description of the process of the failure detection itself is publicly known, and will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 19, “time” is “40”.
00 ”, and“ status [1] ”is changed to“ FALSE ”due to the failure of the magnetic disk 506.

That is, first, “time” is updated to “4000”, and furthermore, processing is performed to set “status [1]” corresponding to the constituent device 2001 to “FALSE”.
Then, a process of storing the configuration information in the configuration information holding unit 54 of the magnetic disk device 505 with the identification number 2000 is performed.

(Read / Write Processing) The read / write processing performed after disconnecting the failed magnetic disk device 505 will be described.

By executing the control software 20, a read / write process is performed on the external storage device with reference to the configuration link information in the configuration holding means 25. For example, consider a case in which a certain write process is issued to RAID1, which is configured by magnetic disk devices with identification numbers 2000 and 2001.

By executing the control software 20, first, the configuration link is searched, and the identification numbers 2000 and 200 are searched.
1 is searched for RAID1. Then, a disk object with the identification number 2000 is searched for, and the controller number (No. 0) of the disk object and the SC
A request destination is obtained based on the SI_ID number (No. 5), and a write request is issued. Since it is RAID1, the identification number 20
01 must be issued to the magnetic disk device 01, but cannot be issued because the disk object is deleted and cannot be found. However,
Since the identification numbers 2000 and 2001 are RAID1 disk arrays, even if one of the magnetic disk devices fails as in the present embodiment, read / write processing is continued in accordance with the principle of RAID1.

(Configuration Recognition After Failure) Here, a configuration recognition method of an array system including a failed magnetic disk device 506 will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the magnetic disk device 506 has failed and cannot be used.

When the power is turned on and the system is started, the control software 2 in the host computer 10
0 starts. According to the same procedure as the “configuration recognition method” of the first embodiment, a disk object is generated, and the generated disk object is connected to a temporary link.

First, the configuration recognizing means 21 determines the “time” of the disk objects connected to the temporary link.
Search for the newest disk object. Here, it is assumed that a disk object with an identification number 2000 as shown in FIG. 19 is detected.

The configuration recognizing means 21 confirms the number of components and the configuration devices, and further includes one magnetic disk device (ID: 2001) in addition to the present magnetic disk device (ID: 2000).
Recognize that it is necessary. However, the magnetic disk device with the identification number 2001 is out of order.
It is determined from the status [1]. Configuration recognition means 21
Finds the disk object with the identification number 2000 without searching for the disk object with the identification number 2001.
The incomplete RAID 1 is registered as a configuration link in the configuration holding unit 25.

The identification number 200 that should have failed
Even if one disk object is connected to the temporary link, the disk object is not referred to because the time is old, and the process of registering it in the configuration holding unit 25 is not performed. Also, incomplete disk objects that are not referenced are
Perform processing to connect to unused links.

(Third Embodiment) This embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and a power failure occurs at the time of saving the configuration information at the time of power shutdown, so that the configuration information of all magnetic disk devices cannot be updated. The operation in the case of the above will be described.

As shown in the "normal end" of the first embodiment,
When the power is turned off, the configuration information of all the magnetic disk devices is updated. In the first embodiment, “time” is updated to “3000”. Here, paying attention to the magnetic disk devices of identification numbers 1000 to 1003 that constitute RAID 0, a power failure occurs before the configuration information of the identification number 1002 is updated, and the configuration information of the identification numbers 1002 and 1003 is updated. Suppose that it could not be done.

The identification number 100 before the power failure occurs
For 0 and 1001, the configuration information is stored based on the updated disk object as shown in FIG.

After the occurrence of the power failure, the magnetic disk devices of identification numbers 1002 and 1003 are
The old configuration information before the update as shown in FIG.

The major difference between these pieces of configuration information is that
Although “time” is updated to “3000” in the configuration information of the magnetic disk devices with the identification numbers 1000 and 1001,
In the configuration information of the magnetic disk devices of the identification numbers 1002 and 1003, “time” remains “1000”.

(Configuration Recognition After Power Restoration) Here, a method of recognizing the configuration of the array system after power restoration will be described. When the power is restored and the system is restarted, the control software 20 in the host computer 10 starts.
In the same procedure as the "configuration recognition method" of the first embodiment, a disk object is generated, and the generated disk object is connected to a temporary link.

First, the configuration recognizing means 21 searches the disk object connected to the temporary link for a disk object with the latest time. here,
The disk objects with identification numbers 1000 and 1001 having “time: 3000” updated before the occurrence of the power failure are detected. Since these two disk objects have the same "time" information, any disk object may be used. In this embodiment, the disk object with the identification number 1000 having the smaller identification number is selected as a reference.

The configuration recognizing means 21 confirms the number of components and the configuration devices, and, in addition to the magnetic disk device (ID: 1000), further three magnetic disk devices (ID: 1001,
1002 and 1003) are necessary. Of the three magnetic disk devices, the magnetic disk device with the identification number 1001 is acquired from the temporary link by the configuration recognizing unit 21 and the other identification numbers 1002 are obtained.
After the configuration recognizing unit 21 updates the disk objects, the configuration links are registered in the configuration holding unit 25 with the four disk objects as RAID0.

By performing such processing, if the configuration information is held in at least one of the magnetic disk devices constituting the disk array, the configuration of the disk array is correctly recognized and the array control is performed. It is possible to do.

(Fourth Embodiment) In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the case where the connection mode of the six magnetic disk devices has been initialized and changed as shown in the first embodiment is changed. The recognition method will be described.

In this embodiment, two I / F boards 30 are used. Four magnetic disk devices 501 to 504 are connected to the first I / F board (# 0), and the second
/ F board (# 1) has two magnetic disk drives 50
5 and 506 are connected.

The first I / F board ($ 0) is "0
), And the second I
The / F board (# 1) functions as the “first” disk controller.

The magnetic disk devices 501 to 504 have 1
SCSI target ID1 to I of the 1st I / F board
D4, and the magnetic disk drive 5
05 and 506 correspond to the SCSI targets ID1 and ID2 of the second I / F board.

(Method of Recognizing Configuration) When the power is turned on and the system is started, the control software 20 in the host computer 10 starts. First, by executing the control software, all connected disk controllers are initialized, and numbers are assigned to the disk controllers. In the case of this embodiment, two I / F boards 30 functioning as a disk controller are used.

Here, the magnetic disk devices 501 to 5
“0” is assigned to the I / F card to which the 04 is connected, and “1” to the I / F card to which the magnetic disk devices 505 and 506 are connected.

The configuration recognizing means 21 checks the magnetic disk devices connected in order from the 0th disk controller. Therefore, the disk controller 0
, The magnetic disk devices 501 to 50
4 are detected. The configuration recognizing unit 21 reads an ID number and configuration information from each magnetic disk device. Based on the read information, the SCSI target ID, and the disk controller number, a disk object as shown in FIG. 15 is generated, and the generated disk object is connected to a temporary link.

Next, the configuration recognizing means 21 checks the magnetic disk device connected to the first disk controller. Therefore, the magnetic disk devices 505 and 506 connected to the disk controller 1 are detected. The configuration recognizing unit 21 reads out the ID numbers and the configuration information from both the magnetic disk devices. Based on the read information, the SCSI target ID, and the disk controller number, a disk object as shown in FIG. 20 is generated, and the generated disk object is connected to a temporary link.

Next, the configuration recognizing means 21 determines the “time” of the disk objects connected to the temporary link.
Search for the newest disk object in the information. Here, first, disk objects with identification numbers 2000 and 2001 can be found. Both have the same time information (2000), and either may be used,
In the present embodiment, the selection is made based on the disk object with the identification number 2000 having the small identification number.

Then, the configuration recognizing means 21 checks the number of components and the configuration devices, and checks the magnetic disk device (ID: 200
0), one magnetic disk drive (ID: 2)
001) is necessary. Therefore, the configuration recognizing means 21 calculates the identification number 200 from the temporary link.
1 is searched, and the two disk objects are set as RAID1 and the configuration holding unit 2
5 is registered as a configuration link.

Further, the structure recognizing means 21 searches for a temporary link, and then searches for a new disk object of "time" information. Here, the identification number 1000
To 1003 disk objects are detected. These four disk objects are all "time" (10
00), any disk object may be used, but in the present embodiment, the disk object with the identification number 1000 having a small identification number is selected as a reference.

Then, the configuration recognizing means 21 checks the number of components and the configuration devices, and checks the magnetic disk device (ID: 100).
0), three more magnetic disk devices (ID: 1)
001, 1002, and 1003). Therefore, the configuration recognizing unit 21 searches the temporary links for the disk objects with the identification numbers 1001, 1002, and 1003, and sets these four disk objects as RAID0 to the configuration holding unit 25.
And register it as a configuration link. Thus, the configuration recognition processing is completed.

(Read / Write Process) Here, a procedure for performing a read / write process on an external storage device whose configuration has been recognized by the above procedure will be described. By executing the control software 20, the configuration holding means 25
A read / write process is performed with respect to the external storage device based on the information of the configuration link in the storage device. For example, the identification number 200
RAID configured with magnetic disk devices 0, 2001
Consider a case where a certain write process is issued to one disk array.

By executing the control software 20, first, a configuration link is searched, and identification numbers 2000 and 2001 are searched.
Is searched for RAID1. Then, the disk object having the identification number 2000 is searched for, and the controller number (No. 0) of the disk object and the SCS
A request destination is obtained based on the I_ID number (No. 1), and a write request is issued. Next, the disk object having the identification number 2001 is searched for, a request destination is obtained based on the controller number (No. 1) and the SCSI_ID number (No. 2) of the disk object, and a write request is issued.

As described above, according to the present invention, the configuration holding means 2
5, a disk object of the connected magnetic disk device is obtained with reference to the configuration link information, and a read / write process is performed on the magnetic disk device using the configuration information indicated by the obtained disk object. The ID number and configuration information held as the disk object remain set at the time of initialization for the magnetic disk device, but the controller number and the SCSI_ID number are
Assigned each time the power is turned on. Although the completely same recognition method is used in the first embodiment and the present embodiment, for example, for the magnetic disk device having the identification number 2000, the first embodiment uses the disk controller No. 0 and the SCS.
Magnetic disk device 50 connected to I target ID No. 5
In this embodiment, the disk controller 1 can be used to perform read / write on the magnetic disk device 505 connected to the SCSI target ID 1.

In the present invention, by holding the ID number and the configuration information, the role of the magnetic disk device can be continuously recognized by the magnetic disk device itself. Therefore, even if the connection configuration shown in the first embodiment is changed as in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the initialization process again, and the magnetic disk device used in the first embodiment is The connection configuration shown in FIG. 3 can be used as it is. Of course, the data stored by the user, which is held in each magnetic disk device, is held, so that there is no obstacle in use.

(Fifth Embodiment) In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, in the connection configuration shown in the fourth embodiment, a new magnetic disk drive is used while an external storage device is being used. A configuration recognition method when the 510 is connected to the “0” I / F board 30 will be described. Further, in this embodiment, the newly connected magnetic disk device is
The configuration is changed to a RAID4 disk array in addition to the RAID0 group.

(Construction Recognition Method) In this embodiment, the host computer executes the control software 20 so that the magnetic disk device 510 is newly connected by an interrupt signal from the I / F board 30. Can be recognized. When the control software 20 is executed to recognize that a new magnetic disk device 510 is connected, the configuration recognizing unit 21 is activated. First, the configuration recognizing means 21 first reads the magnetic disk drive 51
From 0, the ID number and the configuration information are read. Here, since it is assumed that the magnetic disk device is a new magnetic disk device, nothing is stored in the identifier. Therefore, the configuration recognition means 2
1 is determined to be an unused magnetic disk device, and the disk object is connected to an unused link in the configuration holding unit 25.

If the magnetic disk drive 510 is used in another disk array system, for example, even if “XYZ_RAID_SYSTEM” is obtained from the identifier, the identifier “ABC_ID” of the present disk array system is used.
RAID_SYSTEM "
The disk object for the magnetic disk device 510 is connected to an unused link.

(Modification of Configuration) When the utility software is started, the disk objects connected to the unused links are displayed on a display device (not shown). The utility software also performs such display processing. Although not shown, when a disk device for loading the utility software is connected and a predetermined command is input, the utility software is loaded on the main memory, and the utility software is configured to be executable. I just need.

The user selects this disk object and selects how to use the magnetic disk device from a menu of the utility software. Here, to extend RAID0 composed of identification numbers 1000 to 1003 to RAID4,
Select to use as a parity disk. Such a selection operation is configured to be able to be performed using a keyboard 82 (not shown).

When the method of use is selected, the utility software first takes out the disk object connected to the unused link and initializes it as shown in FIG. Here, from the timer 17, the "time"
It is assumed that information “5000” has been obtained.

The ID number and the configuration information of the disk object are stored in the ID number holding means 53 and the configuration information holding means 54 of the magnetic disk device 51. From the configuration links in the configuration holding means 25, the identification numbers 1000 to 1
003 remove the disc object, as shown in FIG. 22, it changes the disk object.

The ID numbers and the configuration information of these disk objects are stored in the ID number storage unit 53 and the configuration information storage unit 5 of each of the magnetic disk devices 501 to 504, respectively.
Save to 4. Then, RAID0 is deleted from the configuration link information of the configuration holding unit 25, and five disk objects with identification numbers 1000 to 1003 and identification number 5000 are newly registered as RAID4. By executing the control software 20, a parity is generated in the magnetic disk device 510 according to the RAID4 algorithm. Since this procedure is not the essence of the present invention, no particular description will be given.

As described above, the configuration recognizing means 21 can generate and register a disk object at any time. As a result, even if the configuration of the disk array system is dynamically changed, no problem occurs in use.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the present embodiment includes a host computer 10 and a plurality of storage devices 5.
0, and the host computer 1
At 0, an array controller 70 is provided.

The host computer 10 is the same as that described so far. In addition, the magnetic disk device 5
For 0, the one that has been subjected to the initialization processing described in the first embodiment is used. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the magnetic disk devices 501 to 506 connected to the I / F board 30 in the first embodiment are connected to the array controller 70.
Connect to

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the array controller 70.

The array controller 70 has five disk controllers 71 (# 0 to # 4), a bus converter 72 for enabling connection with an expansion bus of the host computer 10, a timer 73, and a high-speed generation of parity. Generation circuit 77, the disk controller 71, the bus converter 72, and the parity generation circuit 7
7 and a storage unit 76 that causes a part of the area to function as the configuration holding unit 25.

The configuration recognizing means 21 is activated by the CPU 75 executing the control software 20. In addition, control software 20
Are shown to exist independently, but are actually stored in the storage means 76, and the CPU 75 is configured to execute the control software 20 stored in the storage means 76.

The array controller 70 is connected to the expansion slot 16 of the host computer 10 by an expansion bus connector 79.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control software 20 uses the CP
Performed by U75. Then, the execution of the control software 20 activates the configuration recognizing unit 21 and performs a predetermined operation. The configuration holding unit 25 is realized as a partial area of the storage unit 76.

(Method of Recognizing Configuration) When the power is turned on and the system is started, the CPU 75 starts the execution of the control software 20 in the array controller 70. First, by executing the control software, each disk controller 71 on the array controller 70 is initialized, and each disk controller is assigned a number. In the configuration of the present embodiment, the array controller 70
Five disk controllers are provided, and numbers from “0 ($ 0)” to “4 ($ 4)” are given to each of them.

The configuration recognizing means 21 checks the connected disks in order from the 0th disk controller. Disk controller number 0, magnetic disk device 5
04 is detected to be connected. The configuration recognizing unit 21 reads the ID number and the configuration information from the magnetic disk device 504. These read information and SCSI
Target ID (ID of disk device 504 shown in the figure)
A disk object is generated based on “# 4”) and the disk controller number (number 0), and the generated disk object is connected to a temporary link. Similarly, from the disk controller No. 1, the magnetic disk device 503, from the disk controller No. 2, the magnetic disk device 502, from the disk controller No. 3, the magnetic disk device 501, and from the disk controller No. 4, the magnetic disk device 501. The disk devices 505 and 506 can be detected.

The configuration recognizing means 21 generates a disk object for each magnetic disk device, and connects the generated disk object to a temporary link. Subsequent recognition methods are the same as those in the above-described embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, by using the recognition method of the present invention also in the array controller, the magnetic disk device controlled by using the software system can be connected to the hardware array controller. , The configuration can be recognized. Further, when the connection of the magnetic disk device is changed, the initialization does not need to be performed again, and can be used as it is. Of course, the data in each magnetic disk device is retained, and there is no problem in use.

Now, when using the array controller 70, one problem occurs. That is, the output value of the timer 17 used for assigning the identification number at the time of initialization and the timer 73 on the array controller 70 do not always match. Therefore, when a new identification number is assigned, there is a possibility that an already assigned number is given. Therefore, in the present invention, the "time" of the configuration information read from each magnetic disk device at the time of configuration recognition is confirmed.

The "time" information is updated when the power is turned off, and holds the "time" information when the power is turned off. The configuration recognizing unit 21 selects the latest “time” from the disk objects connected to the temporary link.
To win. The "time" is compared with the current value of the timer 73. If the value of the timer 73 is delayed (that is, if the value is small), the process of resetting the timer 73 using the time obtained from the disk object is performed. Should be performed.

By performing such processing, this problem will be solved.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the present embodiment includes a host computer 10 and a plurality of storage devices 5.
0, and the host computer 10 includes:
An I / F board 40 having a timer 45 and a RAM 46 is provided.

The host computer 10 does not have the timer 17, but the other components are the same as those described in the embodiments. The magnetic disk device 50 used in the first embodiment is used.

In the present embodiment, the I / F board 40 is used.
It has the same function as the above, but the timer 45 and RAM
It is characterized in that it has 46.

In the first embodiment, the host computer 10
Although the timer 17 provided in the above was used, in the present embodiment,
The timer 45 provided in the I / F board 40 is used. As a result, the present invention can be applied to a host computer that does not have a timer (or has low accuracy even if it does). Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration holding unit 25 is provided in the main memory 13 in the host computer 10.
The configuration holding means 25 is stored in the RAM 46 on the / F card 40.
Is provided.

(Configuration Recognition Method) The configuration recognition method is the same as in the first embodiment.

Here, referring to FIG.
(Operating System) will be described.

The disk object created when the power is turned on is registered in the configuration holding means 25 in the RAM 46 (step 2400). RAM created when power is turned on
The disk object registered in the configuration holding unit 25 in 46 can be used when executing the control software 20 in different system software.

When the power is turned on, the control software 20 that is started and executed generally has an IPL (Initial Program Code).
ader) or BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
It exists in a system program called. This IP
L or the like, a system program called an OS (Operating System) is read (this is referred to as a “first OS”).
(Steps 2402, 2404, 2406).
Further, from the read first OS, another OS (referred to as “second OS”) is further read, and the second OS is read.
It is often performed to start the OS (step 240).
8, 2410, 2412). The first OS and the second OS of the IPL and the BIOS are control software 20 respectively.
The configuration recognizing means 21 is activated by the execution of the control software 20. That is, each control software 2
0 refers to a disk object created when the power is turned on and registered in the configuration holding unit 25 in the RAM 46,
The external storage device is controlled (for example, read / write).

[0189] Normally, the main memory stores the OS. In order to prevent the contents of the main memory from being changed and the configuration information from being changed when the OS is switched, a RAM 46 having a memory function is separately provided. The configuration information is stored so that the configuration information is retained even when the OS is switched.

That is, it is possible to provide a plurality of types of activation means (OS) for activating control means (for example, corresponding to a control program) for controlling the drive of the disk array. The means 21 can refer to the information registered in the configuration holding means 25.

In the conventional disk array system, means for exchanging disk array configuration information between system software has not been provided. For this,
There were problems such as that the disk array system could not be used since the power was turned on, or that the disk array that could be used with the first OS could not be used with the second OS.

In the present invention, by sharing the disk object between the system programs, it becomes possible to exchange the configuration information of the disk array. This enables sharing of disk array configuration information among a plurality of system software, which has not been realized in the conventional disk array system.

[0193]

As described above, according to the present invention, by referring to the information stored in the external storage device and performing configuration recognition, the host computer can change the configuration of the connected external storage device. It can be read from the external storage device itself.

Since the configuration information of the external storage device is stored in the configuration storage unit, the configuration can be dynamically changed in a software type, hybrid type, or hardware type disk array system. Further, the control method can be switched from the software method to the hybrid method or the hardware method without any trouble in use.

Even if such a dynamic change or system change is made, the configuration of the external storage device can always be correctly recognized, so that the disk device used in the old disk array system can be replaced with the data in the disk device. It is also possible to use the disk array device while configuring it so as to constitute a new disk array device.

Further, with a plurality of system software,
Since the configuration information of the external storage device held in the configuration holding means can be shared, a problem that a disk array that can be used by a certain system software cannot be used by another system software, etc. Does not occur.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection mode of disk objects in a configuration holding unit.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an array controller.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an ID number holding method.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an ID number holding method.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an ID number holding method.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of configuration information.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of configuration information.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a disk object.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a disk object for an unused disk.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a disk object.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a disc object generation process.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an OS startup sequence.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Host computer, 11 CPU, 12 Chipset, 13 Main memory (main memory), 14 CP
U bus, 15 ... expansion bus, 16 ... expansion slot, 17 ...
Timer, 20 control software, 21 configuration recognition means, 25 configuration holding means, 30 I / F board, 31
Expansion bus connector, 32 ... external bus connector,
40: I / F board, 45: Timer, 46: RAM, 5
0: magnetic disk drive, 51: external bus connector,
52: storage means, 53: ID number holding means, 54: configuration information holding means, 60: cable, 70: array controller, 71: SCSI controller, 72: bus converter, 73: timer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Naoto Matsunami 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi, Ltd.System Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Takashi Arakawa 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Hitachi, Ltd. Manufacturing System Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Ikuya Yagisawa 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi, Ltd.System Development Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Masahiro Takano 2880 Kozu, Kozu, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture Storage System Hitachi, Ltd. (56) References JP-A-4-370823 (JP, A) JP-A-4-49413 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G06F 3/06

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A system having an information processing device provided with a control means for driving and controlling a plurality of external storage devices, wherein each external storage device has an identification number (I) for identifying the device.
An ID number storing means for storing the D numbers) of grouping a plurality of external storage device, when performing driving control according to the group-specific driving rules, configuration information, which is information used for the group content only The information processing apparatus further comprises: a configuration recognizing unit for recognizing the grouping; and a configuration storing unit for storing at least the information obtained by the unit. The configuration recognizing unit obtains information stored in the ID number holding unit and the configuration information holding unit from each external storage device, and refers to the obtained information to determine a group to which each external storage device belongs. Then, a registration process of registering the grasped result in the configuration holding unit is performed, and the control unit refers to the registration content of the configuration holding unit and performs a group-specific driving rule. In controls driving each external storage device, the information processing system. 2. An information processing apparatus comprising at least one disk controller for driving and controlling an external storage device, wherein at least n of the plurality of external storage devices (n is
(Integer of 2 or more) is configured as a disk array, each external storage device is connected to one of disk controllers having an identifier (DCID), and the information processing device is configured to perform the drive control. A system comprising a control means for generating a signal, wherein each of the external storage devices constituting the disk array comprises: an ID number holding means for holding an identification number (ID number) for identifying the device; A configuration information storage unit configured to store configuration information that is information used to configure a disk array when performing drive control of an external storage device to be configured in accordance with a drive rule specific to the disk array. device, to store at least a configuration recognition means for recognizing the configuration of the disk array, the information that the unit has grasped A configuration storing unit, wherein the configuration recognizing unit acquires information stored in the ID number retaining unit and the configuration information retaining unit from each external storage device, and acquires the acquired information and the information for the external storage device. By referring to the identifier (DCID), it is understood how each external storage device is configured as a disk array, and a registration process for registering the grasped result in the configuration holding unit is performed. An information processing system that drives and controls an external storage device configuring a disk array according to a drive rule specific to the disk array with reference to registered contents of a configuration holding unit. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising power-on processing means for performing a predetermined process when power is turned on, wherein said power-on processing means includes a power-on processing means. An information processing system that activates the configuration recognizing means and performs the registration processing. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said configuration holding means comprises:
An information processing system comprising a RAM for storing registered information and being arranged on any one of disk controllers. 5. A method according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of types of activation means for activating said control means are provided,
An information processing system, wherein each activation unit activates the control unit with reference to information registered in the configuration holding unit by the configuration recognition unit. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said configuration recognition means comprises:
When an external storage device is newly connected, the information stored in the ID number holding unit and the configuration information holding unit of the external storage device is acquired, and the acquired information is referred to.
An information processing system, comprising: grasping a group to which each external storage device belongs; and performing a registration process of registering the grasped result in the configuration holding unit. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the configuration recognizing means includes:
When a new external storage device is connected, information stored in the ID number holding means and the configuration information holding means of the external storage device is acquired, and the acquired information and the identifier (DCID) for the external storage device are acquired. ), The information processing system performs a registration process of ascertaining how each external storage device is configured as a disk array, and registering the obtained result in the configuration holding unit. 8. The configuration according to claim 1, wherein the configuration recognizing means detects an external storage device in an abnormal state including a failure or disconnection, and corresponds to the detected external storage device. An information processing system for performing a process of deleting registration information of a holding unit. 9. A method for storing a plurality of external storage devices into a plurality of external storage devices.
Drive the external storage device, which is controlled by the host device of the storage device.
The external storage device comprises: identification information for identifying the external storage device;
Configuration information about the group to which the external storage device belongs
An external storage device having a specified storage unit, or identification information for identifying the external storage device,
Configuration information about the group to which the external storage device belongs
An external storage device in which a storage medium can be mounted, and the drive control method is such that the higher-level device, from each of the external storage devices,
Acquiring the identification information and the configuration information; and the information acquired by the higher-level device from each of the external storage devices.
The group to which each of the external storage devices belongs is identified based on the
Grasp and register the result in the storage means of the host device
And the host device performs the grouping based on the registered contents of the storage means.
Drive control of each external storage device according to the drive rules specific to the loop.
External storage device,
Drive method.