Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, information processing method, and program that malfunction less.SOLUTION: A hard disk device 10 includes: a head section 10F1 for writing data in a storage area and reading the data from the storage area by using a plurality of heads; a determination section 10F2 for determining performance of each one of the heads based on results of writing and reading with respect to the storage area; and an allocation section 10F7 which, when determining that there is at least one deteriorated head with deteriorated performance among the heads, allocates data having been allocated to the deteriorated head, to a head other than the deteriorated head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for protecting a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD") from damage are known. For example, the disk surface of an HDD may be damaged by dropping, vibration, impact, or the like. To protect against such damage, there are techniques such as retracting the head.

[0003] For example, an information processing apparatus first identifies the power state. Then, if it determines that the power state is a low power consumption state, the information processing apparatus reduces the frequency of evacuating data from the actual storage area to the auxiliary storage area. In this way, techniques for reducing the performance degradation of the non-volatile storage device due to frequent access and the influence on the physical functions are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional techniques have a problem that if access to the HDD continues at a high frequency, the magnetic head deteriorates in performance and the HDD malfunctions.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce malfunctions of the HDD.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention uses a plurality of heads to write data to a storage area and read the data from the storage area, and a head unit writes to the storage area and determines the performance of each of the heads based on the results of writing and reading. If it is determined that there is a degraded head among the heads whose performance has deteriorated, the allocation unit will allocate the data assigned to the degraded head to the heads other than the degraded head. It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, malfunctions in HDDs can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of controlling the hard disk drive 10. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the positional relationship between the disk 15 and the magnetic head 11. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a hard disk drive 10. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the overall process. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a functional configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following examples will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the examples described below.

[0010] [Example of an information processing device] Figure 1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. The following explanation will use the example where the information processing device is a hard disk drive 10 as shown in the figure.

[0011] The hard disk drive 10 has a hardware configuration that includes a magnetic head 11, an arm 12, an actuator 13, a control circuit 14, and a disk 15, etc. The hard disk drive 10 may also include other devices.

[0012] The disk 15 has a disc shape and stores data.

[0013] The magnetic head 11 writes data to the disk 15 and reads the data previously written on the disk 15.

[0014] Hereinafter, the writing to the disk 15 by the magnetic head 11 may be referred to as "Write", and the reading of the data previously written on the disk 15 by the magnetic head 11 may be referred to as "Read".

[0015] The arm 12 supports the magnetic head 11.

[0016] The actuator 13 is a device that moves the arm 12.

[0017] The control circuit 14 is a device that executes operations and processes to control the entire hard disk drive 10.

[0018] [Example of setting storage areas for test writing and test reading] For example, storage areas (hereinafter referred to as "test areas") are set in advance for test writing and test reading. Hereinafter, three storage areas, i.e., the first test area M1, the second test area M2, and the third test area M3, will be described as examples.

[0019] Note that the number of test areas may be other than three, and the test areas may be set in a range other than that shown in the figure.

[0020] Malfunctions of the HDD may be caused by the magnetic head 11 or by the disk 15 or the like. Therefore, the hard disk drive 10 performs tests separately on a plurality of test areas. Then, the hard disk drive 10 compares the respective test results. For example, there may be a case where the test results are different between the first test area M1 and the second test area M2. If one test result is a performance value equal to or greater than the threshold, while the other test result is a performance value less than the threshold, the hard disk drive 10 can determine that damage to the disk 15 or the like is the cause of the failure.

[0021] Also, the hard disk drive 10 may count the failure locations and determine the degree of failure based on the test results in a plurality of test areas. Specifically, the failure time refers to the point at which the degree of failure reaches a certain value. Note that even if there is one failure location, it may be regarded as the failure time. However, the hard disk drive 10 may be set to determine that there are two or more failure locations as the failure time.

[0022] In many cases, the reliability of the hard disk drive 10 decreases as the number of failure locations increases. Thus, it is desirable for the hard disk drive 10 to be able to determine the failure time based on the test results.

[0023] As described above, it is desirable that a plurality of storage areas used for testing be provided on the disk 15. In this way, with a plurality of test areas, the hard disk drive 10 can more accurately determine the deterioration of performance.

[0024] [Control Example of Hard Disk Drive 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control example of the hard disk drive 10. For example, writing to and reading from the disk 15 are controlled as follows.

[0025] The disk 15 is mounted in a plurality of numbers according to the capacity.

[0026] The disk rotation function module 20 controls the rotation speed of the disk 15 and the like.

[0027] The head positioning function module 21 guides the magnetic head 11 to the address position.

[0028] The head support function module 22 supports the magnetic head 11.

[0029] The read / write function module 23 sends commands to control writing to disk 15 and reading from disk 15.

[0030] The control module 24 controls the head positioning function module 21, the head support function module 22, and the read / write function module 23, etc.

[0031] The Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU26") is an example of a processing unit and control unit that controls the entire hard disk drive 10.

[0032] The control interface 25 is an interface for controlling the CPU 26 and the control module 24.

[0033] Note that the module configuration is not limited to the one shown in the diagram. For example, the module configuration may include other modules.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of the positional relationship between the disk 15 and the magnetic head 11. For example, the magnetic head 11 can be controlled to have the following positional relationship with the disk 15.

[0035] The disk 15 is composed of a lubricant, a protective film 153, a magnetic material 154, and a substrate 155, etc.

[0036] The gap between the fluidized portion 151 and the magnetic head 11 is approximately 3 to 5 nanometers. Air flows between the fluidized portion 151 and the magnetic head 11.

[0037] The lubricant consists of a fluid portion 151 and a fixed portion 152. The fluid portion 151 and the fixed portion 152 together have a thickness of approximately 2 to 5 nanometers.

[0038] The substrate 155 is made of a material including, for example, aluminum or glass.

[0039] A protective film 153 is located on top of the magnetic material 154. A lubricant is then applied to protect the protective film 153.

[0040] For example, continuous operation can easily cause the temperature inside the device to rise. When the temperature rises, the lubricant vaporizes and adheres to the magnetic head 11, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, vibration or shock may cause the magnetic head 11 to come into contact with the disk 15, resulting in lubricant adhering to the magnetic head 11. In addition, if the disk 15 is damaged, it may become impossible to read or write data.

[0042] Note that the configuration may differ from that shown in the diagram.

[0043] [Example of disk 15 allocation] Figure 4 shows an example of the internal structure of a hard disk drive 10. As shown in the figure, when using multiple magnetic heads 11 and multiple disks 15, one or more disks 15 are pre-assigned to each magnetic head 11.

[0044] If any of the multiple magnetic heads 11 is determined to be a head with degraded performance (hereinafter referred to as a "degraded head"), the data assigned to the degraded head will be assigned to a head other than the degraded head.

[0045] For example, before the magnetic head 11 malfunctions, the hard disk drive 10 backs up the data to a disk to which another magnetic head with good performance is assigned. In this way, since a magnetic head other than the degraded head 11 is used, operation can continue.

[0046] [Overall processing example] Figure 5 shows an example of the overall processing.

[0047] In step S0501, the hard disk drive 10 starts writing and reading data.

[0048] In step S0502, the hard disk drive 10 starts measuring its operating time.

[0049] In step S0503, the hard disk drive 10 determines whether the elapsed time is within the specified time. If the elapsed time is not within the specified time (NO in step S0503), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0504. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is within the specified time (YES in step S0503), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0503.

[0050] In step S0504, the hard disk drive 10 determines whether or not it is operating. If it is operating (YES in step S0504), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0505. On the other hand, if it is not operating (NO in step S0504), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0506.

[0051] In step S0505, the hard disk drive 10 interrupts its operation.

[0052] In other words, when data writing and reading begin in step S0501, the hard disk drive 10 starts measuring the operating time (step S0502). If the time is within a predetermined time, the measurement continues (YES in step S0503). On the other hand, if the operating time exceeds the predetermined time (NO in step S0503), the hard disk drive 10 determines whether or not the read / write operation is continuing (step S0504).

[0053] Next, if the hard disk drive 10 is still operating (YES in step S0504), it interrupts its operation (step S0505). Specifically, in step S0505, the hard disk drive 10 saves the position where processing will resume in memory, etc.

[0054] In step S0506, the hard disk drive 10 moves the magnetic head 11 to the test area. If read / write operations are complete (NO in step S0504), the hard disk drive 10 immediately moves the magnetic head 11 to the test area.

[0055] In step S0507, the hard disk drive 10 starts the test.

[0056] In step S0508, the hard disk drive 10 stores the test data into memory.

[0057] In step S0509, the hard disk drive 10 compares performance values.

[0058] In step S0510, the hard disk drive 10 determines whether the performance value is above a threshold. If the performance value is above the threshold (YES in step S0510), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0511. On the other hand, if the performance value is not above the threshold (NO in step S0510), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0513.

[0059] In other words, step S0507 initiates a test to evaluate the performance of the magnetic head 11. First, in step S0508, the hard disk drive 10 reads pre-prepared test data.

[0060] The test data consists of data with a pre-set data capacity and content. Therefore, since the hard disk drive 10 can determine the capacity and content of the test data, the accuracy or speed of writing and reading can be determined by comparing the written and read data with the pre-set capacity and content.

[0061] The following explanation describes an example where the hard disk drive 10 reads a test area during initial startup and stores the performance values ​​in their initial state. Furthermore, the following explanation uses the initial performance value (hereinafter referred to as the "first performance value") as a basis for determining whether performance has deteriorated. Note that the first performance value may be something other than the initial performance value. For example, the first performance value may be a set value.

[0062] Performance values ​​include reading accuracy, etc. The first performance value is stored in memory.

[0063] In step S0509, the hard disk drive 10 stores in memory performance values ​​such as read accuracy obtained by performing tests during operation, i.e., current performance values ​​(hereinafter referred to as "second performance values").

[0064] Then, in step S0509, the hard disk drive 10 compares the first performance value with the second performance value.

[0065] For example, a comparison can be used to determine whether the second performance value deviates significantly from the first performance value.

[0066] Furthermore, a baseline value is pre-set to determine what constitutes a large deviation.

[0067] In step S0511, the hard disk drive 10 backs up the data.

[0068] In step S0512, the hard disk drive 10 determines whether the data backup is complete. If the data backup is complete (YES in step S0512), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0513. On the other hand, if the data backup is not complete (NO in step S0512), the hard disk drive 10 proceeds to step S0512.

[0069] In step S0513, the hard disk drive 10 returns to continuous operation.

[0070] In step S0514, the hard disk drive 10 continues to operate continuously.

[0071] In other words, if the determination is made and there is a degraded head (YES in step S0510), the hard disk drive 10 saves the data so that the data is reassigned from the degraded head to another magnetic head 11 (step S0511).

[0072] In this way, if the performance degradation of the magnetic head 11 can be quantitatively determined by its performance value, then a degraded head can be identified with high accuracy.

[0073] From this point forward, the hard disk drive 10 will prevent data from being assigned to the degraded head. Specifically, the hard disk drive 10 will prohibit the use of the degraded head and the use of the disk 15 assigned to the degraded head.

[0074] On the other hand, if the performance value is not above the threshold (NO in step S0510), the hard disk drive 10 determines that the magnetic head 11 can continue to be used and continues operation (steps S0513 and S0514).

[0075] Note that the overall processing is not limited to the example above. For example, the overall processing may be performed in a different order than the example above. Also, the overall processing may include processes other than those shown above.

[0076] [Example of performance values] Performance degradation refers to a state where processing speeds such as data reading and writing become slower, or where errors are more likely to occur. The performance value is a value that indicates such data reading and writing performance.

[0077] It is preferable to use performance values ​​that represent Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (hereinafter referred to as "SMART values"). SMART values ​​are managed, for example, by a dedicated program or BIOS. Alternatively, performance values ​​may also represent reliability, processing speed, or other metrics.

[0078] SMART values ​​include the number of errors during read and write operations, among other things.

[0079] Using SMART values ​​as performance metrics allows the HDD's built-in tools to be used based on the SMART results. Furthermore, since SMART values ​​are a common metric used across HDDs, they can be applied to a variety of HDDs.

[0080] Furthermore, performance metrics should ideally include things like the time required to read data from the storage area.

[0081] If the magnetic head 11 is degraded, the time required to read data from the storage area often increases. Therefore, by comparing the time required to read data in the initial state with the time required to read data in the current state, the hard disk drive 10 can determine the degree of performance degradation of the magnetic head 11.

[0082] [Example of Functional Configuration] Figure 6 shows an example of a functional configuration. For example, the hard disk drive 10 includes a head unit 10F1, a determination unit 10F2, and an allocation unit 10F7. It is also desirable for the hard disk drive 10 to further include a fault determination unit 10F3, an initial storage unit 10F4, a test unit 10F5, and a comparison unit 10F6, etc.

[0083] The head unit 10F1 uses multiple heads to write data to a storage area and to read data from the storage area. For example, the head unit 10F1 is implemented using a magnetic head 11 or the like.

[0084] The determination unit 10F2 performs a determination procedure to determine the performance of each head based on the results of writing to and reading from the memory area. For example, the determination unit 10F2 is implemented by a CPU 26 or the like.

[0085] If the allocation unit 10F7 determines that there is a degraded head, it performs an allocation procedure to reassign the data assigned to the degraded head to another head. For example, the allocation unit 10F7 is implemented by the CPU 26 or the like.

[0086] The failure detection unit 10F3 performs tests on memory areas used for multiple tests and executes a failure detection procedure to determine the timing of failure based on the test results. For example, the failure detection unit 10F3 is implemented by a CPU 26 or the like.

[0087] The initial memory unit 10F4 performs an initial memory procedure to store a first performance value. For example, the initial memory unit 10F4 is implemented by the control circuit 14, etc.

[0088] The test unit 10F5 performs a test procedure to obtain a second performance value by performing test writes and test reads to the memory area. For example, the test unit 10F5 is implemented by the CPU 26, etc.

[0089] The comparison unit 10F6 performs a comparison procedure to compare the first performance value and the second performance value. For example, the comparison unit 10F6 is implemented by the CPU 26 or the like.

[0090] The failure rate of HDDs is high, with 5% after 1.5 years of use, 1.5% after 3 years, and 12% after 3 years or more.

[0091] To reduce the failure rate of an HDD, one method is to retract the magnetic head 11 to the home position to lower the internal temperature of the device when it remains idle for a certain period of time. However, if the HDD is accessed frequently, it is difficult to create an idle state. As a result, the magnetic head 11 cannot return to the home position and remains on the disk 15. In such cases, if vibration or shock occurs, the magnetic head 11 may come into contact with the disk 15, causing destruction or damage to the disk 15.

[0092] Furthermore, prolonged operation can easily cause the internal temperature to rise. As a result, lubricants used in mechanical drive parts, or lubricants applied to the surface of the disk 15, are more likely to vaporize. Consequently, lubricants may adhere to the magnetic head 11, potentially degrading the performance of the magnetic head.

[0093] For example, some systems using HDDs may operate continuously for 24 hours. In such systems, it is difficult to maintain an idle state. As a result, the temperature inside the HDD tends to rise. Therefore, the magnetic head often deteriorates due to vaporized lubricant.

[0094] To avoid such performance degradation of the magnetic head 11 and subsequent HDD failures, the hard disk drive 10 monitors the status of the operating magnetic head 11 and determines the degree of performance degradation. The hard disk drive 10 then migrates the data written to the disk assigned to the magnetic head 11 to another disk before the performance of the magnetic head 11 deteriorates significantly.

[0095] As described above, by changing the assignment of data allocated to a degraded head to another head, the number of times the degraded head is used for access can be reduced. When accessing data with a degraded head, errors and other malfunctions often occur during writing or reading. Therefore, by using a head other than the degraded head, the hard disk drive 10 can improve data access. In this way, the hard disk drive 10 can reduce malfunctions of the HDD.

[0096] Furthermore, the hard disk drive 10 may use either a comparison of the first performance value and the second performance value, or a comparison with a threshold value, or both, to determine the performance of each head.

[0097] In other words, by comparing the first performance value and the second performance value, it is possible to determine how much the performance of the hard disk drive 10 has degraded from its initial state. Furthermore, the first performance value varies from device to device, and may differ between individual devices.

[0098] On the other hand, thresholds can be set uniformly across multiple devices based on experiments and other factors.

[0099] Therefore, the hard disk drive 10 may determine that a head is degraded overall if either of the two comparison results (OR) indicates a performance degradation. By using comparison results based on different criteria in this way, the hard disk drive 10 can reduce the possibility of overlooking a degraded head.

[0100] [Other embodiments] Each of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. A "processing circuit" includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), or circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0101] The information processing device may be a network device equipped with an HDD, a storage server, or an image forming apparatus, etc. In other words, the information processing device may be a Network Attached Storage (NAS), etc.

[0102] An information processing device executes information processing methods using programs or the like. The information processing method is realized by the coordinated execution of the arithmetic unit, control unit, and memory device provided by the information processing device.

[0103] The embodiments described above are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed information. Such modifications are also included within the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10: Hard disk drive 10F1: Head section 10F2: Judgment section 10F3: Failure determination section 10F4: Initial storage section 10F5: Test Department 10F6: Comparison section 10F7: Allocation section 11: Magnetic head 12: Arm 13: Actuator 14: Control circuits 15: Disc 20: Disk rotation function module 21: Head positioning function module 22: Head support function module 23: Light function module 24: Control Module 25: Control I / F 26:CPU M1: First Test Area M2: Second Test Area M3: Third Test Area [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0105] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-120376

Claims

1. A head unit that uses multiple heads to write data to a storage area and read data from the storage area, If the operating time exceeds the specified time, a determination unit determines the performance of each of the heads based on the results of writing to and reading from the storage area, If the operating time exceeds the specified time, and it is determined that there is a degraded head among the heads whose performance has deteriorated, the allocation unit will allocate the data assigned to the degraded head to the heads other than the degraded head. An initial storage unit that stores a plurality of first performance values ​​indicating the performance in the initial state, If the operating time exceeds the specified time, a test unit performs test writes and test reads to the memory area to obtain multiple second performance values ​​that represent the current performance values. If the operating time exceeds the specified time, a comparison unit compares the first performance value and the second performance value multiple times. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The unit that makes the determination said, The determination is made based on whether the performance value indicating the aforementioned performance is above or below a threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned performance values ​​are, This is the SMART value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned performance values ​​are, This is the time required to read the data from the aforementioned storage area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The unit that makes the determination said, The performance is determined by performing test writes and test reads on the storage area on the disk. The memory area used for testing is, Multiple units are provided on the disk The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further includes a fault detection unit that performs tests on the memory area used for multiple tests and determines the timing of failure based on the test results. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. Using a hard disk, Each head is assigned a disk. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing method performed by an information processing device equipped with a head unit that uses multiple heads to write data to a storage area and to read the data from the storage area, If the operating time exceeds the specified time, a determination procedure is performed to determine the performance of each of the heads based on the results of writing to and reading from the storage area. If the operating time exceeds the specified time, and it is determined that there is a degraded head among the heads whose performance has deteriorated, the system performs an assignment procedure to assign the data assigned to the degraded head to a head other than the degraded head. An initial storage procedure for storing a plurality of first performance values ​​that represent the performance in the initial state, If the operating time exceeds the specified time, a test procedure is performed to obtain multiple second performance values, which are the current performance values, by performing test writes and test reads to the memory area. If the operating time exceeds the specified time, a comparison procedure is performed to compare multiple first performance values ​​and second performance values. Information processing methods including

9. A program for causing an information processing device to execute the information processing method described in claim 8.

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