US 10289547

Here is a concise summary of US patent 10289547:

US Patent 10289547

• Title: Method and apparatus for a network connected storage system
• Assignee: Western Digital Technologies Inc.
• Inventors: James N. Malina, Allen Samuels
• Filing Date: April 11, 2017
• Issue Date: May 14, 2019
• Abstract: A Data Storage Device (DSD) includes a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) for storing data, a network interface for communicating on a network, and a processor. According to one aspect, a command is received via the network interface for storing data in the NVM. A data writing methodology is dynamically selected for how the data will be physically stored in the NVM from among a plurality of data writing methodologies based at least in part on whether the command is to be performed using a first interface or a second interface for accessing data in the NVM. According to another aspect, respective storage capacities of the NVM and/or respective rates of consumption of different types of storage media in the NVM are assigned to the first interface and to the second interface.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for a Data Storage Device (DSD). The method involves the DSD receiving a command to store data through its network connection. Based on whether this command is intended for a "first interface" or a "second interface" for accessing data, the DSD dynamically chooses a specific way (data writing methodology) to physically store the data in its Non-Volatile Memory (NVM). Finally, the DSD proceeds to store the data using the chosen methodology.

• Claim 10: This claim describes a physical Data Storage Device (DSD) itself. It comprises Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) for data storage and a network interface for communication. Crucially, it includes a processor configured to perform the actions outlined in Claim 1: receiving a data storage command via the network, dynamically selecting a data writing methodology based on whether the command uses a first or second interface, and then storing the data in the NVM using that selected methodology.

• Claim 17: This claim describes a method for a Data Storage Device (DSD) that involves managing two different ways (interfaces) to access data stored in its Non-Volatile Memory (NVM). The method includes assigning specific storage capacities within the NVM, or specific rates at which different types of NVM storage media (e.g., disk, solid-state) can be utilized, to each of these two interfaces. Subsequently, data is accessed in the NVM via the first interface, and this access adheres to the previously assigned storage capacity or consumption rate.

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CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 10289547 did not return any specific results, indicating no active cases for this patent in the CAFC dockets for the year 2026 as of the current date (April 26, 2026).