Storage management system with file aggregation supporting multiple aggregated file counterparts
US5983239A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99955
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A data storage subsystem employs managed files comprising one or a contiguous aggregation of multiple constituent user files. A mapping table cross-references each managed file with the names and locations of its constituent user files. A storage table cross-references each managed file with its address. Eventually, "deleted-file space" arises as individual user files are deleted from managed files. "Reconstruction" consolidates managed files to regain this wasted space. Reconstruction preferably permits multiple embodiments of a managed file called "siblings". Reconstruction identifies contiguous regions of user files within a managed file, and copies these regions to adjacent locations in a target area. Before entering the reconstructed file in any tables, the mapping table is searched for a "paradigm" managed file containing the same user files as the reconstructed file. Finding a paradigm file, the storage table is modified by deleting reference to the pre-reconstruction filename, and adding an entry cross-referencing the paradigm file with the reconstructed file's storage address. Not finding the paradigm file, a new sibling filename is designated for the reconstructed file, a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.