Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-31
2001-07-24
Homere, Jean R. (Department: 2777)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C707S793000, C709S203000, C709S219000, C709S224000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266678
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a dynamic file access system that operates in a client-server environment, and more particularly to a dynamic file access system for a multiple computing platform environment that allows file updates to be dynamically viewed.
BACKGROUND
It is often necessary to access computer files that have been stored on a disk drive or memory device of a network server or other remote computer from a user's computer or terminal. The user's computer or terminal may be connected to the network server or other remote computer by a communications medium or media and communications hardware, such as telephone lines and modems, a local area network and network interface cards, the Internet, or other suitable communications media.
Even though the user's computer is connected in this manner to the network server or other remote computer, it is often difficult to allow more than one user to access a data file at any given time. When a first user is accessing the data file and performing updates to the data file, it is necessary to lock out other users from accessing the data file, so as to prevent multiple concurrent updates from being performed. In particular, the operating system controlling updates to the data file may not be configured to allow other operating systems of other computing platforms to access the data file, so as to prevent corruption of the data file.
Despite the risk of corrupting the data in a data file that may result if multiple users require access to the file, it may still be desirable to allow certain users to view the contents of a data file as it is being updated. For example, the UNIX operating system provides a “tail-f” command that allows a data file to be viewed after it has been saved to a disk drive or other memory device. The “tail-f” command only works, however, for files that are being controlled by a resident version of UNIX. In a multiple computer environment, such as a client-server environment, the UNIX “tail-f” command cannot be used to view the contents of data files.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, a need has arisen for a file access system and method that reduce or eliminate the problems associated with known systems and methods for providing multiple user access to data files.
In accordance with the present invention, a file access system and method are provided that substantially reduce or eliminate disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed systems and methods for providing multiple user access to data files.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a file access system that allows a user to dynamically view updates to a data file even when that user is using a computing platform that is subject to a different operating system than the operating system having control of updates to the data file.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a file access system that allows additional functions to be performed on a data file other than dynamic viewing of updates, such as data string searches.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method for providing dynamic access to data file updates that may be incorporated into multiple applications, so as to allow data files used by the servers for those applications to be dynamically viewed by a user from any node of the system.
In accordance with the present invention, a system for viewing updates to a data file as they occur over time is provided. The system includes a file access client, such as a software package operating on a general-purpose computer, that requests dynamic access to the data file. The system also includes a file access server, such as a software package operating on a general-purpose computer. The file access server is connected to the file access client, such as through a network, and transmits the initial contents of the data file to the file access client and any data file modifications that occur over time.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for viewing updates to a data file as they occur over time. The method includes transmitting a request for file access from a file access client, such as a computer with a software system, to a file access server, such as another computer with a different software system. The file contents of the data file at the time the request was made are then transferred from the file access server to the file access client. File updates are transferred from the file access server to the file access client as they occur over time.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for dynamically viewing updates to a data file. The method includes receiving a message at a file status server, such as a computer software program operating on a general-purpose computing platform. The data file name is extracted from the message, and a call back service is started for the data file. A predetermined function is then performed on the data file to determine if there has been a change in the data file. The results from performing the function, if any, are transmitted to the user.
The present invention provides many important technical advantages. One important technical advantage of the present invention is a system for providing dynamic access to a data file of a computing platform that allows the contents of the data file to be viewed dynamically from another computing platform without creating a risk of data corruption.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention is a method for providing dynamic access to a data file of a computing platform that allows a user to view changes to that data file from other nodes of a network, so as to allow debugging, maintenance, or other suitable functions to be performed even though the user is not physically present at the computing platform that has control of the data file.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5261069 (1993-11-01), Wilkinson et al.
patent: 5452448 (1995-09-01), Sakuraba et al.
patent: 5706435 (1998-01-01), Barbara et al.
patent: 5724648 (1998-03-01), Shaughnessy et al.
patent: 5764913 (1998-06-01), Jancke et al.
patent: 5787452 (1998-07-01), McKenna
patent: 5829001 (1998-10-01), Li et al.
patent: 5926636 (1999-07-01), Lam et al.
patent: 5946686 (1999-08-01), Schmuck et al.
patent: 5978828 (1999-11-01), Greer et al.
patent: 6003087 (1999-12-01), Housel, III et al.
patent: 6009422 (1999-12-01), Ciccarelli
patent: 6128601 (2000-10-01), Van Horne et al.
Matson Kenneth D.
McDevitt Christopher J.
Baker & McKenzie
Computer Associates Think Inc.
Homere Jean R.
LandOfFree
System and method for dynamically viewing contents of a data... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for dynamically viewing contents of a data..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for dynamically viewing contents of a data... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2487039