Method of striping a data stream onto subsets of storage devices in a multiple user data distribution system
First Claim
1. In a multiple user data distribution system containing a parallel processor computer having a plurality of parallel processors each connected to an information storage device, wherein said multiple user data distribution system supplies data, in response to user commands, to a plurality of users, a method for striping data into said multiple user data distribution system comprising the steps of:
- providing a continuous stream of data that is subdivided into discrete segments;
dividing said plurality of information storage devices into a plurality of subsets of information storage devices;
selecting a sequential number of discrete segments of said data stream for each of said subsets of information storage devices;
storing said selected number of discrete segments of data in each of said subsets of information storage devices; and
repeating said discrete segment selecting and storing steps until said discrete segments form, within each subset of information storage devices, a plurality of blocks of contiguous data having a predetermined size such that said discrete segments comprising each of said data blocks have a striped pattern.
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Abstract
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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. In a multiple user data distribution system containing a parallel processor computer having a plurality of parallel processors each connected to an information storage device, wherein said multiple user data distribution system supplies data, in response to user commands, to a plurality of users, a method for striping data into said multiple user data distribution system comprising the steps of:
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providing a continuous stream of data that is subdivided into discrete segments; dividing said plurality of information storage devices into a plurality of subsets of information storage devices; selecting a sequential number of discrete segments of said data stream for each of said subsets of information storage devices; storing said selected number of discrete segments of data in each of said subsets of information storage devices; and repeating said discrete segment selecting and storing steps until said discrete segments form, within each subset of information storage devices, a plurality of blocks of contiguous data having a predetermined size such that said discrete segments comprising each of said data blocks have a striped pattern. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification