Patent Abstract:
A method to generate and save diagnostic data in the event of an application error, wherein the method supplies a first computing device comprising a microprocessor and a first computer readable medium and an application encoded in said computer readable medium, wherein said application comprises an error handling module. The method further supplies a second computing device comprising a microprocessor and a second computer readable medium and an error data management module encoded in said second computer readable medium, wherein said error data management module comprises a diagnostic data generating module, wherein said first computing device is in communication with said second computing device. The method executes the application, detects by the error handling module an application error, and detects by the error data management module the application error. The method then receives by the error handling module a completion signal from the error data management module, and provides an error signal from the error handling module to a support center.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an apparatus and method to generate and collect diagnostic data in the event of an application error. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Data storage systems are used to store information provided by one or more host computer systems to a storage server. Such storage servers receive requests to write information to one or more data storage devices, and requests to retrieve information from those one or more data storage devices. 
         [0003]    Applications resident on one or more of the host computers, and/or applications resident on a storage server facilitate the flow of data to and from the storage server, and to and from a plurality of data storage devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The invention comprises an apparatus and method to generate and save diagnostic data in the event of an application error. The method supplies a first computing device comprising a microprocessor and a first computer readable medium and an application encoded in the computer readable medium, wherein the application comprises an error handling module. The method further supplies a second computing device comprising a microprocessor and a second computer readable medium and an error data management module encoded in the second computer readable medium, wherein the error data management module comprises a diagnostic data generating module, wherein the first computing device is in communication with the second computing device. 
         [0005]    In certain embodiments, the first computing device is the same as the second computing device, and the first computer readable medium is the same as the second computer readable medium. In certain embodiments, the first computing device comprises a host computer. In certain embodiments, the second computing device comprises a storage server. 
         [0006]    The method executes the application, detects by the error handling module an application error, and detects by the error data management module the application error. The method then receives by the error handling module a completion signal from the error data management module, and provides an error signal from the error handling module to a support center. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s data processing system; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  summarizing certain steps of Applicant&#39;s method; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  summarizing certain steps of Applicant&#39;s method; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  summarizing certain additional steps of Applicant&#39;s method. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0012]    This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0013]    The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0014]    The invention is described herein in the context of a data storage system. This description should not be interpreted to limit the invention described and claimed herein to data storage systems. Rather, Applicant&#39;s invention can be implemented in a single computing device, or in two computing devices that remain in communication with one another. 
         [0015]    Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules (e.g., modules  112 ,  132 ,  140 , and  150 ) in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module (e.g., modules  112 ,  132 ,  140 , and  150 ) may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module (e.g.,  112 ,  132 ,  140 , and  150 ) may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like. 
         [0016]    Modules (e.g., modules  112 ,  132 ,  140 , and  150 ) may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module (e.g., modules  112 ,  132 ,  140 , and  150 ) need not be physically collocated, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. 
         [0017]    Indeed, a module of executable code (e.g., modules  112 ,  132 ,  140 , and  150 ) may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. 
         [0018]    The schematic flow chart diagrams included are generally set forth as logical flow-chart diagrams (e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow-chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method (e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of Applicant&#39;s data processing system  100 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , data processing system  100  comprises storage server  120 , host computers  110  and  130  in communication with storage server  120 , and a plurality of data storage devices  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and  190 , in communication with storage server  120 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , storage server  120  is in communication with service center  102  via communication link  104 . 
         [0020]    Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , storage server  120  comprises a microprocessor  122 , a computer readable medium  124 , an Application  140  encoded in computer readable medium  124 , and an error data management module  150  encoded in computer readable medium  124 . 
         [0021]    Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , Application  140  comprises an error handling module  142 . Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , error handling module  142  comprises a database/lookup table  144 , wherein that database/lookup table  144  associates each of a plurality of different Application error conditions with a specific error data management module response interval. 
         [0022]    Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , error data management module  150  comprises a diagnostic data generating module  152 . Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , diagnostic data generating module  152  comprises a database/lookup table  154 , wherein database/lookup table  154  associates each of plurality of different Application error conditions with a specific data collection script. 
         [0023]    As a general matter, host computers  110  and  130  each comprises a computing device, such as a mainframe, personal computer, workstation, and combinations thereof, including an operating system such as Windows, AIX, Unix, MVS, LINUX, etc. (Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation; AIX is a registered trademark and MVS is a trademark of IBM Corporation; UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries licensed exclusively through The Open Group; and LINUX is a registered trademark of Linus Torvald). In certain embodiments, one or more of host computers  110  and  130  further includes a storage management program  113 / 133 . In certain embodiments, that storage management program may include the functionality of storage management type programs known in the art that manage the transfer of data to and from a data storage and retrieval system, such as for example and without limitation the IBM DFSMS implemented in the IBM MVS operating system. 
         [0024]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , host computers  110  and  130  comprise a microprocessor  115  and  135 , respectively, a computer readable medium  111  and  131 , respectively, and an application  112  and  132 , respectively encoded in computer readable medium  111  and  131 , respectively. 
         [0025]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , Application  112 / 132  comprise an error handling module  114 / 134 , respectively. Further in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , error handling module  114 / 134  comprise a diagnostic data generating module  116 / 136 , respectively. 
         [0026]    Host computers  110  and  130  communicate with storage server  120  via communication links  117  and  127 , respectively, using any known I/O interface. In certain embodiments, communication links  117  and  127  utilize one or more of the following I/O interfaces, ESCON, FICON, Fibre Channel, INFINIBAND, Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, TCP/IP, iSCSI, SCSI I/O interface, and the like. 
         [0027]    Storage server  120  communicates with data storage devices using communication links  165 ,  175 ,  185 , and  195 , respectively using any known I/O interface. In certain embodiments, communication links  165 ,  175 ,  185 , and  195 , utilize one or more of the following I/O interfaces ESCON, FICON, Fibre Channel, INFINIBAND, Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet, TCP/IP, iSCSI, SCSI I/O interface, and the like. 
         [0028]    In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and/or  190 , comprises a magnetic storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that magnetic storage medium. In certain embodiments, storage server  120  comprises a virtual tape server and one or more of data storage devices  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and/or  190 , comprises a magnetic tape storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that magnetic tape storage medium. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and/or  190 , comprises an optical storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that optical storage medium. In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and/or  190 , comprises an electronic storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that electronic storage medium. In certain embodiments, one or more of data storage devices  160 ,  170 ,  180 , and/or  190 , comprises a holographic storage medium in combination with hardware, firmware, and software, needed to write information to, and read information from, that holographic storage medium. 
         [0030]    Applicant&#39;s method provides a mechanism to generate diagnostic data when an error occurs in an application, such as for example and without limitation application  112  ( FIG. 1 ) and/or application  140  ( FIG. 1 ). Applicant&#39;s error data management module  150  ( FIG. 1 ) comprises a diagnostic data generating module  152  ( FIG. 1 ). Diagnostic data generating module  152  comprises a database/lookup table  154 , wherein that database/lookup table associates each of a plurality of application error conditions with a specific data gathering script. Each data gathering script comprises instructions regarding data to be dumped and/or collected if a specific error condition is detected in the application. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 2 and 3  summarize Applicant&#39;s method to generate and store diagnostic data in the event of an application error.  FIG. 2  summarizes portions of Applicant&#39;s method implemented by Applicant&#39;s error data management module.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  summarizes portion of Applicant&#39;s method implemented by an error handling module resident in the application itself. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , in step  210  the method provides a data storage system comprising a plurality of host computers, a storage server in communication with each of the host computers, a plurality of data storage devices in communication with the storage server, and Applicant&#39;s error data management module, such a error data management module  150  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0033]    In step  220 , the method detects an error in an executed application. In certain embodiments, step  220  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  220  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s error data management module is encoded in a computer readable medium disposed in the storage server of step  210 . In certain embodiments, the application is running on the storage server of step  210 . In certain embodiments, the application is running on a host computer in communication with the storage server of step  210 . 
         [0034]    In step  230 , the method determines if a specific data gathering script is associated with the error condition detected in step  220 . In certain embodiments, the diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module comprises a plurality of data gathering scripts, wherein each of those data gathering scripts is associated with a specific error condition. In certain embodiments, step  230  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  230  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. 
         [0035]    If the method determines in step  230  that a specific data gathering script is not associated with the error condition detected in step  220 , then the method with respect to Applicant&#39;s error data management module transitions from step  230  to step  240  and ends. Alternatively, if the method in step  230  determines that a specific data gathering script is associated with the error condition detected in step  220 , then the method transitions from step  230  to step  250  wherein the method invokes the specific data gathering script associated with the detected error of step  220 . In certain embodiments, step  250  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  250  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. 
         [0036]    In step  260 , the method, using the executed data gathering script of step  250 , generates and/or collects data designated in that data gathering script. In certain embodiments, step  260  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  260  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. 
         [0037]    In step  270 , the method saves the data generated and/or collected in step  260  to a designated location  128  ( FIG. 1 ) in a computer readable medium. In certain the method saves the data generated and/or collected in step  260  to a storage location designated by the data collection script of step  250 . In certain embodiments, step  270  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  270  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. 
         [0038]    In step  280 , the method determines if diagnostic data generation/collection is complete. In certain embodiments, step  280  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  280  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. 
         [0039]    If the method determines in step  280  that diagnostic data generation/collection is not complete, the method transitions from step  280  to step  260  and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines in step  280  that diagnostic data generation/collection is complete, then the method transitions from step  280  to  290  wherein the method send a Completion Signal to the application of step  220 . In certain embodiments, step  290  is performed by Applicant&#39;s error data management module. In certain embodiments, step  290  is performed by a diagnostic data generating module portion of Applicant&#39;s error data management module. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in step  310  the method provides a data storage system comprising a plurality of host computes, a storage server, a plurality of data storage devices in communication with the storage server, and an application comprising an error handling module. 
         [0041]    In step  320 , the method establishes a default waiting period, wherein the method delays sending an error signal after detecting an application error for that default waiting period. In certain embodiments, the default waiting period of step  320  is established by the owner and/or operation of the storage server of step  310 . In certain embodiments, the default waiting period of step  320  is established by the owner and/or operator of one or more of the host computers of step  310 . 
         [0042]    In step  325 , the method detects an error in an executed application. In certain embodiments, the application of step  325  is running on the storage server of step  310 . In certain embodiments, the application of step  325  is running on one or more host computers of step  310 . In certain embodiments, step  325  is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. 
         [0043]    In step  330 , the method determines if additional diagnostic data from Applicant&#39;s error data management module (“EDMD”) is required. In certain embodiments, step  330  is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. In certain embodiments, the error handling module portion of the executed application comprises a database/lookup table, wherein that database/lookup table indicates for each of a plurality of application error conditions whether additional diagnostic data generated and/or collected by Applicant&#39;s EDMD is required. 
         [0044]    If the method determines in step  330  that additional diagnostic data generated and/or collected by Applicant&#39;s EDMD is not required, then the method transitions from step  330  to step  390  ( FIG. 3B ), and provides an error signal alerting service personnel about the application error. In certain embodiments, in step  390  ( FIG. 3B ) the method provides an error message to a service center, such as service center  102  using communication link  104 . Providing such an error message is sometimes referred to as “calling home.” In certain embodiments, the communication link  104  comprises a telephone link. In certain embodiments, communication link  104  utilizes an TCP/IP communication protocol. 
         [0045]    Alternatively, if the method determines in step  330  that additional diagnostic data generated and/or collected by Applicant&#39;s EDMD is required, then the method transitions from step  330  to step  340  wherein the method determines if an error-specific EDMD response interval has been established for the application error detected in step  325 . In certain embodiments, step  340  is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. 
         [0046]    If the method determines in step  340  that an error-specific EDMD response interval has not been established for the application error detected in step  325 , then the method transitions from step  340  to step  360  ( FIG. 3B ) wherein the method sets a reporting delay interval to the default waiting period of step  320 . In certain embodiments, step  360  ( FIG. 3B ) is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. The method transitions from step  360  to step  370  ( FIG. 3B ). 
         [0047]    Alternatively, if the method determines in step  340  that an error-specific EDMD response interval has been established for the application error detected in step  325 , then the method transitions from step  340  to step  350  wherein the method sets a reporting delay interval to the error-specific EDMD response interval established for the application error detected in step  325 . In certain embodiments, step  350  is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. 
         [0048]    The method transitions from step  350  to step  370  ( FIG. 3B ) wherein the method determines if a completion signal has been received from Applicant&#39;s EDMD. In certain embodiments, step  370  ( FIG. 3B ) is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. 
         [0049]    If the method determines in step  370  ( FIG. 3B ) that a completion signal has been received from Applicant&#39;s EDMD, then the method transitions from step  370  to step  390  ( FIG. 3B ) and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines in step  370  that a completion signal has not been received from Applicant&#39;s EDMD, then the method transitions from step  370  to step  380  ( FIG. 3B ) wherein the method determines if a time interval starting at the error detection of step  325  to the present exceeds the reporting delay interval of step  350  or step  360 . In certain embodiments, step  380  ( FIG. 3B ) is executed by an error handling module portion of the executed application. 
         [0050]    If the method determines in step  380  that a time interval starting at the error detection of step  325  to the present does not exceed the reporting delay interval of step  350  or step  360 , then the method transitions from step  380  to step  370  and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines in step  380  that a time interval starting at the error detection of step  325  to the present does exceed the reporting delay interval of step  350  or step  360 , then the method transitions from step  380  to step  390  and continues as described herein. 
         [0051]    In certain embodiments, individual steps recited in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A, and  3 B may be combined, eliminated, or reordered. 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s invention includes instructions, such as instructions  126  ( FIG. 1 ) written to computer readable medium  124  ( FIG. 1 ), where those instructions are executed by a microprocessor, such as microprocessor  122  ( FIG. 1 ), to perform one or more of steps  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and/or  290 , recited in  FIG. 2 , and/or one or more of steps  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360 ,  370 ,  380 , and/or  390 , recited in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         [0053]    In other embodiments, Applicant&#39;s invention includes instructions residing in any other computer program product, where those instructions are executed by a microprocessor external to, or internal to, data storage system  100 , to perform one or more of steps  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  270 ,  280 , and/or  290 , recited in  FIG. 2 , and/or one or more of steps  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360 ,  370 ,  380 , and/or  390 , recited in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In either case, the instructions may be encoded in a computer readable medium comprising, for example, a magnetic information storage medium, an optical information storage medium, an electronic information storage medium, and the like. By “electronic storage media,” Applicant means, for example, a device such as a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, compactflash, smartmedia, and the like. 
         [0054]    While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6