Patent ID: 7191286
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for redundant data storage on an individual hard drive, comprising the steps of: defining at least two data storage segments on said individual hard drive; associating a first read/write head with a first data storage segment of said at least two data storage segments; associating a second read/write head with a second data storage segment of said at least two data storage segments; said defining and associating steps are performed in response to receipt of a software mode select command that has a format comprising multiple parameter selection fields, and is used to set the hard drive to a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) level selected from any one of multiple RAID levels; responsive to a write operation for storing a predefined set of data on said individual hard drive, storing said predefined set of data on said first data storage segment with said first read/write head, and storing said predefined set of data on said second data storage segment with said second read/write head; and using a third read/write head associated with a third storage segment on said individual storage hard drive to store parity information pertaining to data stored on said first and second data storage segments.