JPH0895836A - Device and method for converting section data of storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable computers, which are different in both or one of the storage location and format of section data on the storage device, to access the storage device. CONSTITUTION: A partition table (section data) is read out of the storage device (step 101). It is analyzed whether or not the read partition table is suitable for the access by a computer system (step 102). When the partition table is not suitable for the access and the storage device can not be accessed (NO in step 103), the table is converted into a suitable one (step 104) and then the storage device is accessed (step 105). When the partition table is suitable for the access (YES in step 103), the storage device is accessed (step 105).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for converting partition data of a storage device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a computer system is provided with a large-capacity storage device (a magnetic disk storage device or the like) which is externally connected or internally stored therein. The computer system performs processing by reading out necessary files (data, programs, etc.) from this storage device and writing the files in this storage device.

Such storage devices are formatted by a computer system before use so that the computer system can write and read files. In the formatting process, the storage device is generally divided into logical partitions. How the storage device is divided into
Data indicating at which address of the storage device each partition is located is stored as a table (partition table) in a specific area (partition table storage area) of the storage device. After formatting the storage device, the computer system accesses the storage device based on the created partition table.

Computer systems perform various processes under the control of operating systems (OS) (DOS / V, MS-DOS, UNIX, etc.). Even if each of the plurality of computer systems is manufactured by a different manufacturer, files created by the respective computer systems under the same OS, especially text files, are
Any computer system can be used.

[0005]

However, the format of the partition table storage area and partition table generally depends on the type of computer system that formatted the storage device, and in particular on the manufacturer of the computer system. That is, computer systems of different manufacturers each create their own partition table in their own partition table storage area.

When the storage location of the partition table and its format differ between computer systems, the contents of the partition table of a magnetic disk storage device formatted by a computer system are
Other computer systems cannot see and access the storage. Therefore, conventionally, a file stored in a storage device formatted by one of a plurality of computer systems cannot be accessed by another computer system, and the storage device is shared or the file is shared. There was a problem that I could not do it.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to enable access of a storage device between computer systems having different storage locations and / or formats of partition data of the storage device. .

A partition data conversion device for a storage device according to the present invention comprises a data area divided into logical partitions for storing data, and a partition data area for storing first partition data representing the contents of the partition. A device for converting the partition data of a storage device including a read unit for reading the partition data from the partition data area, and the first partition data read by the reading unit for the second partition data. And a writing means for writing the second section data in the section data area of the storage device.

A partition data conversion method of a storage device according to the present invention is a data area divided into logical partitions for storing data, and a partition data area for storing first partition data representing the contents of the partition. A method for converting partition data of a storage device, comprising: reading partition data from the partition data area;
Section data of the second is converted into second section data,
The partition data of is written in the partition data area of the storage device.

The storage device includes a magnetic disk storage device, an optical disk storage device, a semiconductor storage device and the like. The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to the present invention is
It can be incorporated into an interface device that performs interface processing between a computer system and a storage device. This interface device has a SCSI (Small Co
mputer System Interface) Interface device etc. are included.

According to the present invention, the partition data (partition table) stored in the storage device can be converted. As a result, even if the storage device is formatted by a certain computer system,
Other computer systems will also be able to access this storage. Then, the storage device and the files stored in the storage device can be shared between a plurality of computer systems.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first partition data is stored in a first partition data area, and the writing means stores the second partition data in the second partition data. The data is written in a second divided data area different from the first divided data area. The second computer system creates partition data in the first partition data area, and the second computer system creates partition data in the second partition data area. The converted partition data is written to the second partition data so that the computer system can access the storage device. This allows the second computer system to access the storage device.

Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first partition data is generated by a first computer system and is used by the first computer system to access the storage device. The partition data conversion device of the storage device is connected to or built in the second computer system, and the conversion means is configured such that the second computer system stores the storage device in the storage device. So that you can access
The first section data is converted into the second section data. As a result, the second computer system to which the partition data conversion device of the storage device according to the present invention is connected can convert the partition data of the storage device when the storage device is accessed, and then the storage device Allows access to the device.

Preferably, the partition data conversion device of the storage device according to the present invention determines whether the first partition data read by the read means can be used by the second computer system. Is equipped with. Further, the converting means converts the first partition data into second partition data when the first partition data is not usable by the second computer system as a result of the determination by the determining means. And converting the first partition data into the second computer
If it can be used by the system, it is not converted.

If the second computer system has access to the first partition data, then no conversion is performed because it is not necessary to convert the partition data. As a result, unnecessary conversion processing can be omitted.

[0016]

1 is a block diagram showing a magnetic disk storage device (hard disk storage device) 5 and computer systems 1 and 2 using the magnetic disk storage device 3. As shown in FIG.

The computer systems 1 and 2 create partition tables (tables of partition data) in different areas of the magnetic disk storage device 5 in different formats. Computer systems 1 and 2
Performs various processes under the control of the same operating system (OS: DOS / V, MS-DOS, UNIX, etc.).

Computer systems 1 and 2 are connected to a magnetic disk storage device 5 via interface devices 3 and 4, respectively. Interface device 3
May be incorporated in an internal slot of the computer 1 or may be connected to the outside of the computer system 1 via a cable or the like. The same applies to the interface device 4.

The interface device 3 is a computer
In addition to sending and receiving control signals between the system 1 and the magnetic disk storage device 5, conversion of a logical (virtual) address of the magnetic disk storage device 5 and a physical address is also performed. That is, the computer system 1 gives a logical (virtual) address (logical address) to the interface device 3 when accessing the magnetic disk storage device 5. The interface device 3 uses the given logical address as a physical address (physical address) of the magnetic disk storage device 5, such as a head number, a cylinder number, and a sector number.
And the magnetic disk storage device 5 is accessed by these physical addresses. The same applies to the interface device 4. As an interface standard of the interface devices 3 and 4, SCSI (Small Computer) is used.
System Interface), SCSI2, IDE (Intellig
ent Drive Electronics), SASI (Shugart Associ
ates System Interface), and any of these standards may be used.

The computer system 1 and the interface device 3 also analyze / convert the partition table of the magnetic disk storage 5, as will be described later.

It is assumed that the magnetic disk storage device 5 is initially connected to the computer system 2 by a cable or the like as shown by a broken line. The magnetic disk storage device 5 is formatted by the computer system 2 to allow reading and writing of files (data, programs, etc.). In this format, the file storage area of the magnetic disk storage device 5 is divided into one or more logical partitions. A different OS can be stored in each partition. For example, the first O in the first partition
It is also possible to store S and store the second OS in the second partition. In this case, when the computer system is booted by the first partition, the booting process of the computer system is performed by the first OS. After that, the computer system executes the first O
Various processes will be performed under the control of S. On the other hand, when the computer system is booted by the second partition, the booting process of the computer system is performed by the second OS. Thus, by dividing one magnetic disk storage device into a plurality of partitions, the user or computer system can
One magnetic disk storage device 5 appears as a plurality of storage devices corresponding to each partition.

When the magnetic disk storage device 5 is divided into partitions, the computer system 2 creates data regarding partitions as a table (partition table). And the computer
The system 2 stores this partition table in the partition table storage area (generally, an area different from the file storage area) of the magnetic disk storage device 5. Based on the partition table stored in this partition table storage area, the computer system 2 accesses the file stored in any of the plurality of partitions.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the storage location in the magnetic disk storage device 5 of the partition table created by the computer system 2 and the contents of the partition table.

Logical Block Address (Logical Block
Address: LBA) and offset address are the above-mentioned logical address (virtual address). This partition table is used by the magnetic disk storage device 3
Logical block address 0, offset address 01
It shall be stored in BEh to 01FDh (64 bytes). In this example, the magnetic disk storage device 5 is divided into four partitions # 1 to # 4. 64-byte data at offset addresses 01BEh to 01FDh represent the contents of each partition # 4 to # 1.
16 bytes of data are allocated to each.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents of 16-byte data in each partition table of partitions # 1 to # 4.

The offset here represents the relative position from the head offset address in each partition table. In the partition table of each partition, the boot flag (1 byte), start head (1 byte), start sector (1 byte), start cylinder (1 byte), end head (1 byte), end sector (1 byte) ), End cylinder (1 byte), etc. are included. The boot flag is the computer
This is a flag indicating which partition is used to boot when the system boots. The start head and the end head indicate the start head and the end head of the corresponding partition, respectively. Similarly,
The start sector and the end sector indicate the start sector and the end sector of the corresponding partition, respectively. The same applies to the start cylinder, the end cylinder, and the like. These data define the physical layout of each partition on the magnetic disk storage device 5.

Consider a case where the magnetic disk storage device 5 storing such a partition table is connected to the computer system 1 and used.

When the computer system 1 formats the magnetic disk storage device 5, the computer system 1 creates a partition table at offset addresses 0000h to 01FFh of the logical block address 1 as shown in FIG. Shall be created. The format of the partition table of each partition is shown in FIG. The contents (particularly data arrangement) and size (number of bytes) of the partition table are also partially different from those shown in FIG.

In this case, the computer system 1
Cannot access files stored on the magnetic disk storage device 5 formatted by the computer system 2. This is because the computer system 1 cannot recognize the data regarding the partition of the magnetic disk storage device 5 because the storage location of the partition table and its format are different. Therefore, the partition table created by the computer system 2 is transferred to the computer system 1
Need to be converted to a layout and format that can be used by.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the electrical configurations of the computer system 1 and the interface device 3.

Since the computer system 1 and the interface device 3 are electrically connected to each other, the CPU 11 of the computer system 1 operates as the R of the interface device 3.
The programs, data, etc. stored in the OM 31 and the RAM 32 can be read. The interface circuit (I / F circuit) 33 transmits / receives a control signal to / from the magnetic disk storage device 5 and converts a logical address and a physical address, as described above.

The ROM 31 of the interface device 3 stores in advance an analysis / conversion program for analyzing and converting the partition table of the magnetic disk storage device 5. This analysis / conversion program is executed by the CPU 11 of the computer system 1. Further, in order to identify the partition table of the magnetic disk storage device 5, the ROM 31 stores the value of the logical block address in which the partition table is stored and the format of the partition table shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Is stored in advance.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing flow of the analysis / conversion program.

First, the CPU 11 operates the interface device 3
The data in the area in which the partition table of the magnetic disk storage device 5 is stored is read out via (step 101). Here, data of offset address 01BEh to 01FDh of logical block address 0 and offset address 0000h of logical block address 1 to
The data of 01FFh is read.

Subsequently, the CPU 11 analyzes the read data and determines whether this data represents a partition table (step 102).

That is, the data read from the offset addresses 01BEh to 01FDh of the logical block address 0 is compared with the format of the partition table shown in FIG. 4 for each partition. This offset
When data such as a start head and a start sector is not written in the address area, this area has a uniform value of data immediately after formatting (for example, 0). In addition, when data other than the partition table is written in this area, the value indicating the start head, the start sector, etc. is often an impossible value. On the other hand, when data such as the start head and the start sector is written in this area, such a uniform value or impossible value does not occur. In this way, by comparing the read data with the format of the partition table, the CPU 11 can determine whether the partition table is written in the area. This allows the CPU 11 to determine whether the magnetic disk storage device 5 is formatted by the computer system 2.
Similarly, it is determined whether or not the partition table is written in the area of the offset addresses 0000h to 01FFh of the logical block address 1.

Logical block address 1 offset
When it is determined that the partition table is written in the area of addresses 0000h to 01FFh (YES in step 103), (for example, logical block address 0
Since the computer system 1 can use the magnetic disk storage device 5 as it is, even if the partition table is stored at the offset addresses 01BEh to 01FDh of, the partition table conversion processing is not performed. The access process to the magnetic disk storage device 5 is performed to write or read the file (step 105).

Logical block address 0 offset
If it is determined that the partition table is stored in the area of address 01BEh to 01FDh and the partition table is stored in the area of offset address 0000h to 01FFh of logical block address 1 (step (NO in 103), the CPU 11 performs the conversion process of the partition table, and writes the converted partition table in the area of the offset address 0000h to 01FFh of the logical block access 1 (step 104).

The conversion of the partition table is shown in FIG.
And as shown in FIG. Partitions in computer system 2 are partition # 1
There are four partitions # 4, so these four partitions are respectively converted. Partition # 4 in computer system 2 is converted to partition # 1 in computer system 1. , Partition # 3 is converted to partition # 2, partition # 2 is converted to partition # 3, and partition # 1 is converted to partition # 4. Further, in each partition table, for example, the boot flag is converted into data having the same offset and the same size (the number of bytes). The value indicating the starting cylinder of the offset 03h is converted into the data of the double size of each of the offset 05h and the offset 09h. Computer·
If the original data before conversion does not exist, such as the data at offset 02h in the partition table for the system 1 (the table after conversion on the right side), the predetermined data (here, 0) is Written.

After the conversion and writing of the partition table, the magnetic disk storage device 5 is accessed to write or read the file (step 105).

The analysis of such a partition table is performed when the magnetic disk storage device 5 is accessed.
It can be performed every time, or only when the magnetic disk storage device 5 is connected to the interface device 3 for the first time.

In the above example, the storage areas of the partition tables before and after conversion do not overlap,
Even if the storage area of the partition table after conversion and that of the partition table before conversion all or partially overlap, conversion of the partition table and write processing of the partition table after conversion may be performed, or cancel You can also An inquiry as to whether to perform conversion and writing processing is displayed on the display device 15 (FIG. 2) to notify the user, and an instruction from the user (keyboard 16
Will be entered via).

Also, after confirming whether the area (the above logical block address 1) in which the converted partition table is written is free, the partition
You can also convert and write tables. If some data is already written in the area where the converted partition table is written,
The conversion and writing can be stopped or can be performed. Also in this case, the inquiry can be displayed on the display device 15 and the instruction from the user can be followed.

The partition table created by the computer system 1 can be subjected to the reverse conversion to the above conversion so that the computer system 2 can use it.

Data relating to a partition table of another computer system that creates a partition table in an area or format different from those of the computer systems 1 and 2 (data corresponding to FIGS. 3 to 5,
In addition, a partition table created by another computer system can be used by the computer system 1 by storing a conversion program corresponding to FIGS. 8 and 9 or data indicating a conversion relationship) in the ROM 31. It can also be converted to. The partition table created by the computer system 1 or 2 can also be converted so that it can be used by another computer system.

Although the magnetic disk storage device has been described, it may be an optical disk storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or the like. Further, although the CPU 11 of the computer system 1 performs the analysis / conversion processing, a CPU may be provided inside the interface device 3 and this CPU may perform the analysis / conversion processing.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, the partition table can be converted into a format suitable for accessing the computer system and stored in an appropriate storage area. This allows the computer system to access the magnetic disk storage device even if the storage area of the partition table and / or its format are different.
Files can be shared between systems.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a magnetic disk storage device and two computer systems using the magnetic disk storage device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed electrical configuration of the computer system and interface device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the storage area of a partition table and the contents of the partition table.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents of a partition table for each partition.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the storage area of a partition table and the contents of the partition table.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the contents of a partition table for each partition.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a partition table analysis / conversion process.

FIG. 8 shows how a partition table is converted.

FIG. 9 shows how a partition table is converted.

[Explanation of Codes] 1, 2 Computer system 3, 4 Interface device 5 Magnetic disk storage device 11 CPU 12, 31 ROM 13, 32 RAM 33 Interface circuit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Converting partition data of a storage device including a data area divided into logical partitions for storing data, and a partition data area storing first partition data representing the content of the partition. A reading unit that reads the partition data from the partition data area, a conversion unit that converts the first partition data read by the reading unit into second partition data, and the second unit. A partition data conversion device for a storage device, comprising: writing means for writing the partition data of 1. to the partition data area of the storage device. 2. The first partition data is stored in a first partition data area, and the writing unit stores the second partition data in the first partition data area.
The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to claim 1, wherein the data is written in a second partition data area different from the partition data area. 3. The first partition data is generated by a first computer system and is used by the first computer system to access the storage device. The partition data conversion device is connected to or built in the second computer system, and the conversion means allows the second computer system to access the storage device. The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to claim 1 or 2, which converts data into the second partition data. 4. A determination unit that determines whether the first section data read by the reading unit can be used by the second computer system, and the conversion unit determines by the determination unit. As a result, if the first partition data is not available by the second computer system, the first partition data is converted into second partition data, and the first partition data is converted into the first partition data. The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to claim 3, which does not perform conversion when it is usable by the second computer system. 5. The partition data conversion device of the storage device,
The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is incorporated in an interface device that performs an interface process between a computer system and the storage device. 6. The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to claim 5, wherein the interface device is a SCSI interface device. 7. The partition data conversion device for a storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a magnetic disk storage device. 8. Converting partition data of a storage device including a data area divided into logical partitions for storing data, and a partition data area storing first partition data representing the content of the partition A method for doing so, wherein the partition data is read from the partition data area, the read first partition data is converted into second partition data, and the second partition data is stored in the storage device. A partition data conversion method for a storage device that writes to the partition data area.