System of device independent file directories using a tag between the directories and file descriptors that migrate with the files
US5333315A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99953
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer file system, having a multiplicity of distinct disk storage devices, includes a multiplicity of file directories, stored on various disks. Each file directory is used to translate file names into corresponding tag values. For each disk there is a file descriptor table with a file descriptor entry for every file stored on the disk. A single tag directory contains one tag entry for every file stored in the system. The tag directory is used by the file system to find a file by translating a tag value into a pointer to the disk on which the file is stored and a pointer to the file's file descriptor entry. To move a file from a first disk to a second disk, the file is copied to the second disk, a new file descriptor entry for the copied file is generated in the file descriptor table for the second disk, the copy of the file on the first disk is de-allocated, and the tag entry for the file is updated to point to the second disk and to the file's new file descriptor entry. Thus, a file can be moved from a first disk a second without having to locate and update all the corresponding file directory entries. In a preferred embodiment, the file system includes a routine that monito…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.