US6185574B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple display file directory and file navigation system for a personal computer
Assignee: 1 VISION SOFTWARE Inc
•
Filing: 1997-11-26
•
Granted: 2001-02-06
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Expires: 2017-11-26
Abstract
Abstract The parallel virtual directory system can extend the native file system to provide a superior method for organizing a computer system's physical storage devices or locations. These can include hard disks and removable media or remote storage locations such as on the Internet. Interceptor modules can monitor all file or memory changes such as creations, writes and deletes to the native file system and can pass this information to the parallel virtual directory system. The parallel virtual directory system may be accessed through the native fie system methods allowing users to view their file system as it existed at any point in time, including removable media that is no longer present in the system. Further, via the parallel virtual directory system and the Interceptor modules, users can access any file in any of the monitored file systems. The parallel virtual directory system may be implemented using database technology thereby allowing multiple views of the parallel virtual directory system to be offered to the user based on their needs and can thus be used to ease navigation through the file system. Further, a set of information management processes can run at the application level providing data management services such as backup, archiving, recording of digital video programming, or even controlled playback or utilization of that information. The information management processes can configure the parallel virtual directory system to capture the information they require and use the gathered information to efficiently complete their data management functions.
Inventors
- 👤 David E. Howard
- 👤 John J. Gandee
- 👤 Kurt E. Godwin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/10; G06F16/16; G06F16/168; G06F16/18; G06F16/188; G06F16/192; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/14; G06F11/1446; G06F11/30; G06F11/32; G06F11/34; G06F11/3466; G06F11/3476; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943; Y10S707/99951; Y10S707/99952; Y10S707/99953
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 117
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one file storage device which stores at least one file for use by the computer system; b) a native file directory system which provides file attribute information of at least one file storage device; c) a virtual file directory system which provides at least a portion of the file attribute information of the native file directory system and which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device; and d) an operating system which is capable of accomplishing input/output procedures through the virtual file directory system; wherein the native file directory system and the virtual file directory system both may contain a common file.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one file storage device which stores at least one file for use by the computer system; b) a native file directory system which provides file attribute information of at least one file storage device; c) a virtual file directory system which provides at least a portion of the file attribute information of the native file directory system and which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device; and d) an operating system which is capable of accomplishing input/output procedures through the virtual file directory system; wherein the native file directory system and the virtual file directory system both may contain a common file.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising a retriever element which retrieves a file presented by the virtual directory.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 2 and further comprising a determiner element which determines whether a storage medium is connected to the computer system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 3 and further comprising a prompter element which prompts a computer operator to mount the storage medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 3 and further comprising a mounter element which automatically mounts the storage medium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 3 and further comprising a connector element which automatically establishes connection with a remote storage device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising a storage medium which can be accessed to obtain file attribute information of files stored on the storage medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 7 and further comprising an element which designates a particular storage medium as a medium to monitor for changes to files stored on the particular storage medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 7 and further comprising a monitor element which monitors for a mounting of a storage medium on the computer system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 9 and further comprising: an accesser element which accesses a mounted storage medium; and a retriever element which retrieves information about that storage medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising an updater element which updates a virtual directory with changed file attribute information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising a monitor element which monitors for changes made to the native directory.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising a presentation element which presents a directory of file information for a removable storage medium while the removable storage medium is not connected to the computer system.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus to utilize a virtual directory of files on a computer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising a second virtual directory for use by the operating system of the computer system.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of utilizing a virtual directory of files for use by an operating system of a computer system, the method comprising: a) utilizing a single computer capable of interfacing to a computer system, the computer being capable of utilizing a plurality of file storage devices, wherein at least one of the file storage devices is capable of storing a plurality of files and wherein at least one of the files comprises file attribute information; b) presenting on the single computer a native directory of at least one of the plurality of file storage devices utilized by the computer system, such that an operating system of the computer system can access a desired file by way of the native directory; c) presenting on the single computer a virtual directory for use by the operating system, the virtual directory comprising at least a portion of the file attribute information for at least one of the files stored on the plurality of file storage devices and which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device; wherein the operating system can access through the virtual directory files represented by the file attribute information on the virtual directory; and wherein the native directory and the virtual directory contain a common file.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of utilizing a virtual directory of files for use by an operating system of a computer system, the method comprising: a) utilizing a single computer capable of interfacing to a computer system, the computer being capable of utilizing a plurality of file storage devices, wherein at least one of the file storage devices is capable of storing a plurality of files and wherein at least one of the files comprises file attribute information; b) presenting on the single computer a native directory of at least one of the plurality of file storage devices utilized by the computer system, such that an operating system of the computer system can access a desired file by way of the native directory; c) presenting on the single computer a virtual directory for use by the operating system, the virtual directory comprising at least a portion of the file attribute information for at least one of the files stored on the plurality of file storage devices and which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device; wherein the operating system can access through the virtual directory files represented by the file attribute information on the virtual directory; and wherein the native directory and the virtual directory contain a common file.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 wherein the virtual directory is accessible by an application program.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: accepting a command for a file presented by the virtual directory; and causing retrieval of the file presented by the virtual directory.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 17 and further comprising determining whether a storage medium is connected to the computer system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 18 and further comprising prompting a computer operator to mount the storage medium if the storage medium is not mounted.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 18 and further comprising automatically mounting the storage medium.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 18 and further comprising automatically establishing a connection with a remote storage device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: storing a file on at least one of the plurality of storage devices; and storing file attribute information of the file on the virtual directory.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising accessing a storage medium to obtain file attribute information of files stored on the storage medium.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising querying a computer operator whether file attribute information for a piece of storage media should be added to the virtual directory.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 23 and further comprising designating a particular storage medium as a medium to monitor for changes to files stored on the particular storage medium.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 25 and further comprising providing to the computer operator a list of storage media available to be monitored.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 26 and further comprising displaying a list of storage media being monitored.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 26 and further comprising displaying a list of storage media not being monitored.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 or 23 and further comprising monitoring for a mounting of a storage medium on the computer system.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 29 and further comprising: accessing a mounted storage medium; and retrieving information about that storage medium for storage on the virtual directory.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 30 and further comprising checking whether the mounted storage medium should be monitored.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 31 and further comprising checking whether any changes have been made to the mounted storage medium since the mounted storage medium was removed from the computer system.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 32 and further comprising updating the virtual directory with changed file attribute information from the storage medium.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising monitoring for changes made to a monitored native directory.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 34 and further comprising monitoring for input/output commands to know when file changes occur.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 or 34 and further comprising monitoring for a new file saved to the monitored native directory.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 or 35 and further comprising monitoring for a new version of a file saved to the monitored native directory.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 36 and further comprising updating the virtual directory with file attribute information for the new file.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 37 and further comprising updating the virtual directory with file attribute information for the new version.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising monitoring for a command to open a file.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 40 and further comprising: a) associating a file handle with a file retrieved from a monitored native directory; b) monitoring for the file handle to know when a revised file is being stored to the monitored native directory; c) capturing file attribute information for the revised file; and d) storing the file attribute information in the virtual directory.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising presenting a directory of file information for a removable storage medium while the removable storage medium is not connected to the computer system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 42 and further comprising receiving requests for a file stored on the removable storage medium which is not connected to the computer system.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 42 and further comprising automatically connecting the removable storage medium to the computer system.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 42 and further comprising prompting the computer operator to connect the removable storage medium to the computer system.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising presenting a second virtual directory for use by the operating system.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: receiving an open file command directed to the virtual file directory, wherein the file data requested is stored on a storage medium; and causing the file data stored on the storage medium to be opened.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: receiving an open file command directed to the virtual file directory for a file represented on the virtual directory but stored on a storage medium; initiating an open file command directed to the storage medium for the file represented on the virtual directory; and reading the file from the storage medium.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: receiving a save file command directed to the virtual file system for a file to be represented on the virtual directory; initiating a save file command directed to a storage medium where the file is to be stored; and storing the file on the storage medium.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising presenting the virtual directory in a hierarchical manner.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: entering a file name to be retrieved from the virtual directory; determining which storage medium stores file data for the file name; and retrieving the file data.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: maintaining file attribute information about at least one file not connected to the computer system; and presenting the file attribute information of the at least one file not connected to the computer system as a part of the virtual directory.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of utilizing a virtual directory of files as described in claim 15 and further comprising: presenting a first file having a file name in the virtual directory; and presenting a second file having the same file name in the virtual directory.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system, the apparatus comprising: a) a native hierarchical file directory of the computer system comprising file attribute information; b) a second file directory having a non-hierarchical directory; c) a portion of the file attribute information of the native file directory stored in the second file directory; d) an interceptor element which monitors input/output procedures directed toward the native file directory to intercept information about changes made to files on the native file directory while allowing the changes to be made to files on the native file directory; e) a relay element which relays the intercepted information about changes made to files on the native file directory to the second file directory; and f) a storage medium on which to store the intercepted information.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system, the apparatus comprising: a) a native hierarchical file directory of the computer system comprising file attribute information; b) a second file directory having a non-hierarchical directory; c) a portion of the file attribute information of the native file directory stored in the second file directory; d) an interceptor element which monitors input/output procedures directed toward the native file directory to intercept information about changes made to files on the native file directory while allowing the changes to be made to files on the native file directory; e) a relay element which relays the intercepted information about changes made to files on the native file directory to the second file directory; and f) a storage medium on which to store the intercepted information.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising: a scanner element which scans the native file directory to detect directory information of the native file directory to relay to the second file directory.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising a linker element which links with I/O procedures of the native file system to intercept changes to the native file system.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising a monitor element which monitors I/O requests from an application program directed toward the native file directory.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising a monitor element which monitors for I/O requests from the operating system of the computer system directed toward the native file directory.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising: a copier element which copies file path information for a file being stored on the native file directory; and a relay element which relays the file path information to the second file system.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising: a checker element which checks time stamp information for a file on a removable storage medium against a last recorded time stamp for a file having the same file name as that file on the second file directory.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus to update a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 54 and further comprising a capturer element which captures an application program name that originates a file request command.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of updating a file directory in a computer system, the computer system having a native hierarchical file directory and input/output procedures for the input/output of files on the native hierarchical file directory, the method comprising: a) utilizing a native hierarchical file directory comprising file attribute information; b) utilizing a second file directory having a non-hierarchical directory, the second file directory comprising at least a portion of the file attribute information of the native file directory; c) monitoring input/output procedures directed toward the native file directory to intercept information about changes made to files on the native file directory while also allowing such changes to be made to files on the native file directory; d) relaying the intercepted information about changes made to files on the native file directory to the second file directory; e) saving the intercepted information in the second file directory.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of updating a file directory in a computer system, the computer system having a native hierarchical file directory and input/output procedures for the input/output of files on the native hierarchical file directory, the method comprising: a) utilizing a native hierarchical file directory comprising file attribute information; b) utilizing a second file directory having a non-hierarchical directory, the second file directory comprising at least a portion of the file attribute information of the native file directory; c) monitoring input/output procedures directed toward the native file directory to intercept information about changes made to files on the native file directory while also allowing such changes to be made to files on the native file directory; d) relaying the intercepted information about changes made to files on the native file directory to the second file directory; e) saving the intercepted information in the second file directory.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising scanning the native file directory and relaying directory information of the native file directory to the second file directory.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising linking with the I/O procedures of the native file system to intercept changes made to the native file system.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising monitoring for I/O requests from an application program directed toward the native file directory.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising monitoring for I/O requests from the operating system of the computer system directed toward the native file directory.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising: copying file path information for a file being stored on the native file directory; and relaying the file path information to the second file system.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising monitoring for a mounting of a removable storage medium to the computer system.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 68 and further comprising determining whether the storage medium has been connected to the computer system before.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 69 and further comprising: reading the label of the removable storage medium; querying the second directory to see if file attribute data of the removable storage medium has been previously recorded with the second directory.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 69 and further comprising adding file information from the removable storage medium to the second directory.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 69 and further comprising updating on the second directory old file information for a file with new file information.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising polling a physical storage devices which can house removable media to determine whether a piece of removable media has been installed.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 73 and further comprising checking time stamp information for a file on the removable medium against a last recorded time stamp for that file on the second file directory.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 detecting a media change message from a file system driver.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 62 and further comprising: capturing an application program name that originates a file request.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
91 words
A computer system comprising: a) a native file directory accessible through a native file system; b) a configurable file database presentable as a virtual directory to store file attribute data which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device; c) a minimum number of file attribute fields of the configurable file database for storing file attribute information; and wherein the configurable file database can be configured to have additional file attribute fields to store additional file attribute information while maintaining the accessibility of the accessible native file directory.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
91 words
A computer system comprising: a) a native file directory accessible through a native file system; b) a configurable file database presentable as a virtual directory to store file attribute data which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device; c) a minimum number of file attribute fields of the configurable file database for storing file attribute information; and wherein the configurable file database can be configured to have additional file attribute fields to store additional file attribute information while maintaining the accessibility of the accessible native file directory.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer system as described in claim 77 and further comprising an adder element which adds a new file attribute to the configurable file database.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer system as described in claim 77 and further comprising: a selector element which selects a file attribute field; and a sorter element which sorts the configurable file database based on a selected file attribute field.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computer system as described in claim 77 and further comprising: a deleter element which deletes a file attribute field.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer system as described in claim 77 and further comprising and further comprising a sorter element which sorts the configurable file database based on a selected file attribute field into a first virtual directory.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer system as described in claim 81 and further comprising a sorter element which sorts the configurable file database based on a second selected file attribute field into a second virtual directory.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer system as described in claim 77 and wherein at least two files having the same file name are listed in the configurable file database.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of creating a non-hierarchical file directory for use by a computer having a native hierarchical file directory, the method comprising: a) establishing a native file directory on the computer which is accessible through a native file system; b) configuring a file database to have a first maximum number of file attribute fields; c) reconfiguring the file database to have a second maximum number of file attribute fields greater than the first maximum number of file attribute fields, presentable as a virtual directory which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device, the first maximum number of file attribute fields being adjustable after the creation of the non-hierarchical file directory; while d) maintaining the accessibility of the native file directory system after reconfiguring the file database.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of creating a non-hierarchical file directory for use by a computer having a native hierarchical file directory, the method comprising: a) establishing a native file directory on the computer which is accessible through a native file system; b) configuring a file database to have a first maximum number of file attribute fields; c) reconfiguring the file database to have a second maximum number of file attribute fields greater than the first maximum number of file attribute fields, presentable as a virtual directory which appears to an operating system as a physical, locally attached device, the first maximum number of file attribute fields being adjustable after the creation of the non-hierarchical file directory; while d) maintaining the accessibility of the native file directory system after reconfiguring the file database.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 84 and further comprising adding a new file attribute to a file database.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 84 and further comprising: selecting a file attribute field; and sorting the file database based on the selected file attribute field.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 86 and further comprising presenting the sorted database.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 84 and further comprising: deleting a file attribute field from the file database; and presenting the database.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 84 and further comprising: selecting a file attribute field; sorting the file database into a first group of files based on the selected file attribute field; and presenting the first group of files in a first virtual directory.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 89 and further comprising: selecting a second file attribute field; sorting the file database into a second group of files based on the second file attribute field; presenting the second group of files in a second virtual directory.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of updating a file directory in a computer system as described in claim 84 and further comprising utilizing time stamp information to maintain at least two files having same the same filename but different time stamp information in same file database.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus comprising: a) a native file directory for storing directory information; b) a virtual file directory capable of storing at least a portion of the directory information stored on the native file directory; c) a private interface coupled to the virtual file directory which is capable of communicating commands to the virtual file directory and which provides capability beyond said native file system; wherein the native file directory and the virtual file directory both may contain a common file.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus comprising: a) a native file directory for storing directory information; b) a virtual file directory capable of storing at least a portion of the directory information stored on the native file directory; c) a private interface coupled to the virtual file directory which is capable of communicating commands to the virtual file directory and which provides capability beyond said native file system; wherein the native file directory and the virtual file directory both may contain a common file.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as described in claim 92 and further comprising a sorter element which sorts the virtual file directory based on user criteria input by a computer operator.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as described in claim 93 and further comprising a filter to filter file information stored on a database of the virtual file directory.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as described in claim 92 and further comprising a second virtual file directory.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as described in claim 95 wherein the virtual file directory and the second virtual file directory are accessible to an application program of the computer system.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as described in claim 96 and further comprising a reconfigurer which reconfigures the virtual file directory.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as described in claim 92 and further comprising a redefiner element which redefines the hierarchy of the virtual file directory after a first hierarchy of the virtual file directory is established.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 92 and further comprising a storage medium on which to store a file represented on the virtual file directory in order to backup the file.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system, the computer system having a native file directory comprising directory information, the method comprising: a) inputting to the virtual file directory at least a portion of the directory information stored on the native file directory; b) utilizing a database to store the portion of directory information in the virtual file directory; and c) issuing a command to the database by way of a private interface to the virtual file directory which provides capability beyond said native file system; wherein the native file directory and the virtual file directory both may contain a common file.
Claim 108
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system, the computer system having a native file directory comprising directory information, the method comprising: a) inputting to the virtual file directory at least a portion of the directory information stored on the native file directory; b) utilizing a database to store the portion of directory information in the virtual file directory; and c) issuing a command to the database by way of a private interface to the virtual file directory which provides capability beyond said native file system; wherein the native file directory and the virtual file directory both may contain a common file.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising managing the database based on the command issued to the database by way of the private interface.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising: inputting user criteria for sorting of file information stored in the database; and sorting the file information based on the input user criteria.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 102 and further comprising utilizing a filter to filter the file information in the database.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising: sorting the virtual file directory; presenting a first group of file information stored in the database in a first virtual directory; presenting a second group of file information stored in the database in a second virtual directory; and making the first virtual directory and second virtual directory accessible to the operating system of the computer system.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising: sorting the virtual file directory; presenting a first group of file information stored in the database in a first directory; presenting a second group of file information stored in the database in a second virtual directory; and making the first virtual directory and second virtual directory accessible to an application program of the computer system.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 105 wherein the application program reconfigures the virtual file directory.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising redefining a hierarchy of the virtual file directory after a first hierarchy of the virtual file directory is established.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising presenting a native file directory in addition to the virtual file directory for use by an operating system of the computer system.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of utilizing a virtual file directory for a computer system as described in claim 100 and further comprising storing a file represented on the virtual file directory to a storage device in order to backup the file.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-02-06 | 2004-08-07 | 2005-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-02-06 | 2008-08-07 | 2009-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-02-06 | 2012-08-07 | 2013-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |