Patents by Inventor John Andrew Starks

John Andrew Starks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230177009
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies that provide an element of security related to file system operations. Individual nodes in a file system, such as a directory or a file, can be associated with information that describes how to handle letter case when a file name included in a file system operation request is used to locate a file in the file system. For example, a case sensitive designation associated with a directory can require a case sensitive match between a file name included in a request and a file name included in the directory, in order to perform the requested file system operation. In another example, a case preferring designation associated with a directory first checks for a case sensitive match between file names. If a case sensitive match does not exist, then a case insensitive match between the file names can be used to perform the requested file system operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Neal Robert CHRISTIANSEN, Chandra Kumar Konamki VIJAYAMUNEESWARALU, Craig Ashley BARKHOUSE, Sven GROOT, John Andrew STARKS
  • Publication number: 20230066840
    Abstract: Using metadata for a contentless file to provide a guest context access to file content. Within a guest context, a file system is mounted from a container image which lacks a first file's content and which includes metadata defining properties of the first file and mapping data defining information for identifying a second file within another filesystem from which the first file's content is obtainable Based on the properties, a filesystem operation involving the first file is performed without switching to a host context, and a requested access to the first file's content is responded to. Responding includes, based on the mapping data, communicating a request for the host context to supply the first file's content and, after returning from a context switch, responding to the requested access by supplying content of the second file from guest memory page(s) which are mapped to host memory page(s) containing the second file's content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Ping XIE, Scott BRENDER, Shaheed Gulamabbas CHAGANI, John Andrew STARKS, Arun U. KISHAN
  • Patent number: 11544095
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e. composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations. In particular, a remote sharing manager operates with a composite engine interface to support generating composite images configured for split layer memory sharing, split layer direct access memory sharing, and dynamic base images. In operation, a plurality of files and a selection of a remote sharing configuration for generating a composite image are accessed. The composite image for the plurality of files and the remoting sharing configuration is generated. The composite image is communicated to cause sharing of the composite image, sharing of the composite image is based on the remote sharing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Starks, Scott A. Brender, Shaheed Gulamabbas Chagani, Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 11544094
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e., composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations to support resource isolation and operating system (OS) virtualization functionality. In particular, a container engine interface supports creating, mounting, and providing access to and from composite images or composite containers. In operation, a plurality of files for generating a composite image are accessed. The composite image for the plurality of files is generated. The composite image includes a set of common flat files. The composite image is communicated to cause mounting of the composite image, where mounting the composite image is based on a metadata file from the set of common flat files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Starks, Scott A. Brender, Shaheed Gulamabbas Chagani, Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 11537561
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies that provide an element of security related to file system operations. Individual nodes in a file system, such as a directory or a file, can be associated with information that describes how to handle letter case when a file name included in a file system operation request is used to locate a file in the file system. For example, a case sensitive designation associated with a directory can require a case sensitive match between a file name included in a request and a file name included in the directory, in order to perform the requested file system operation. In another example, a case preferring designation associated with a directory first checks for a case sensitive match between file names. If a case sensitive match does not exist, then a case insensitive match between the file names can be used to perform the requested file system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Neal Robert Christiansen, Chandra Kumar Konamki Vijayamuneeswaralu, Craig Ashley Barkhouse, Sven Groot, John Andrew Starks
  • Patent number: 11507406
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e., composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations to support resource isolation and operating system (OS) virtualization functionality. In particular, a container engine interface supports creating, mounting, and providing access to and from composite images or composite containers. In operation, a plurality of files for generating a composite image are accessed. The composite image for the plurality of files is generated. The composite image includes a set of common flat files. The composite image is communicated to cause mounting of the composite image, where mounting the composite image is based on a metadata file from the set of common flat files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Starks, Scott A. Brender, Shaheed Gulamabbas Chagani, Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 11507407
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e. composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations. In particular, a remote sharing manager operates with a composite engine interface to support generating composite images configured for split layer memory sharing, split layer direct access memory sharing, and dynamic base images. In operation, a plurality of files and a selection of a remote sharing configuration for generating a composite image are accessed. The composite image for the plurality of files and the remoting sharing configuration is generated. The composite image is communicated to cause sharing of the composite image, sharing of the composite image is based on the remote sharing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Starks, Scott A. Brender, Shaheed Gulamabbas Chagani, Ping Xie
  • Publication number: 20200409921
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e., composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations to support resource isolation and operating system (OS) virtualization functionality. In particular, a container engine interface supports creating, mounting, and providing access to and from composite images or composite containers. In operation, a plurality of files for generating a composite image are accessed. The composite image for the plurality of files is generated. The composite image includes a set of common flat files. The composite image is communicated to cause mounting of the composite image, where mounting the composite image is based on a metadata file from the set of common flat files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: JOHN ANDREW STARKS, SCOTT A. BRENDER, SHAHEED GULAMABBAS CHAGANI, PING XIE
  • Publication number: 20200409723
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e. composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations to support resource isolation and operating system (OS) virtualization functionality. In particular, a layout manager operates with a composite engine interface to support generating composite images with optimized configurations (i.e., pre-alignment and pre-computed hashes of for executable files). In operation, a plurality of files for generating a composite image are accessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: JOHN ANDREW STARKS, SCOTT A. BRENDER, SHAHEED GULAMABBAS CHAGANI, PING XIE
  • Publication number: 20200409736
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a set of common flat files in a composite image that can be mounted as a container (i.e. composite container) to support isolation and interoperation of computing resources. Container management is provided for a container management system based on a composite image file system engine that executes composite operations. In particular, a remote sharing manager operates with a composite engine interface to support generating composite images configured for split layer memory sharing, split layer direct access memory sharing, and dynamic base images. In operation, a plurality of files and a selection of a remote sharing configuration for generating a composite image are accessed. The composite image for the plurality of files and the remoting sharing configuration is generated. The composite image is communicated to cause sharing of the composite image, sharing of the composite image is based on the remote sharing configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: JOHN ANDREW STARKS, SCOTT A. BRENDER, SHAHEED GULAMABBAS CHAGANI, PING XIE
  • Publication number: 20190188279
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies that provide an element of security related to file system operations. Individual nodes in a file system, such as a directory or a file, can be associated with information that describes how to handle letter case when a file name included in a file system operation request is used to locate a file in the file system. For example, a case sensitive designation associated with a directory can require a case sensitive match between a file name included in a request and a file name included in the directory, in order to perform the requested file system operation. In another example, a case preferring designation associated with a directory first checks for a case sensitive match between file names. If a case sensitive match does not exist, then a case insensitive match between the file names can be used to perform the requested file system operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Neal Robert CHRISTIANSEN, Chandra Kumar Konamki VIJAYAMUNEESWARALU, Craig Ashley BARKHOUSE, Sven GROOT, John Andrew STARKS
  • Publication number: 20190050560
    Abstract: The techniques described herein enable client APIs to be deployed within isolated computing environments while externally exposing and/or maintaining a log of computing events that the client APIs perform and/or attempt to perform within the isolated computing environments. Generally described, configurations disclosed herein enable audit parameters associated with client application programming interfaces (APIs) to be deployed within an isolated computing environment to generate a log of computing events performed by the client APIs. Ultimately, access to the log of computing events is provided externally to the isolated computing environment without exposing sensitive computing resources (e.g., a host operating system (OS)) to the various client APIs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Yolando PEREIRA, Margarit Simeonov CHENCHEV, Giridhar VISWANATHAN, Constantin Sorin OPREA, John Andrew STARKS, Kyle Patrick SABO, Douglas Evan COOK, Seth Christopher BEINHART, Charles Glenn JEFFRIES, Ankit SRIVASTAVA, Benjamin M. SCHULTZ, Hari R. PULAPAKA
  • Patent number: 9875160
    Abstract: A computer system maintains identifiers that identify changed blocks of virtual machine (VM) storage. The computer system accesses a stable VM checkpoint comprising a restorable VM image at a time, and that stores a representation of data of at least one block as it existed at the time. The computer system converts the checkpoint to a reference point. Reference point information is transferable with the VM, such that if the VM is moved to a different computing system, any data identified by the reference point is recoverable. The conversion includes querying the storage to determine an identifier corresponding to the block of the checkpoint at the time, storing this identifier as a part of the reference point, and releasing the representation of the data of the block from the checkpoint. The computer system then uses the reference point to identify changes in the blocks of the storage since the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Angshuman Bezbaruah, Lars Reuther, Taylor O'Neil Brown, John Andrew Starks
  • Publication number: 20170109240
    Abstract: A computer system maintains identifiers that identify changed blocks of virtual machine (VM) storage. The computer system accesses a stable VM checkpoint comprising a restorable VM image at a time, and that stores a representation of data of at least one block as it existed at the time. The computer system converts the checkpoint to a reference point. Reference point information is transferable with the VM, such that if the VM is moved to a different computing system, any data identified by the reference point is recoverable. The conversion includes querying the storage to determine an identifier corresponding to the block of the checkpoint at the time, storing this identifier as a part of the reference point, and releasing the representation of the data of the block from the checkpoint. The computer system then uses the reference point to identify changes in the blocks of the storage since the time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Angshuman Bezbaruah, Lars Reuther, Taylor O'Neil Brown, John Andrew Starks
  • Patent number: 9430272
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to establishing efficient virtual machine reference points and to specifying a virtual machine reference point to query incremental changes. In one scenario, a computer system accesses a stable virtual machine checkpoint that includes portions of underlying data stored in data storage, where the checkpoint is associated with a specific point in time. The computer system then queries the data storage to determine data storage identifiers that reference the point in time associated with the checkpoint and stores the determined data storage identifiers as a virtual machine reference point, where each subsequent change to the data storage results in an update to the data storage identifier, so that virtual machine reference point is usable to identify incremental changes from specific points in time on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Angshuman Bezbaruah, Lars Reuther, Taylor O'Neil Brown, John Andrew Starks
  • Publication number: 20160179568
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to establishing efficient virtual machine reference points and to specifying a virtual machine reference point to query incremental changes. In one scenario, a computer system accesses a stable virtual machine checkpoint that includes portions of underlying data stored in data storage, where the checkpoint is associated with a specific point in time. The computer system then queries the data storage to determine data storage identifiers that reference the point in time associated with the checkpoint and stores the determined data storage identifiers as a virtual machine reference point, where each subsequent change to the data storage results in an update to the data storage identifier, so that virtual machine reference point is usable to identify incremental changes from specific points in time on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Angshuman Bezbaruah, Lars Reuther, Taylor O'Neil Brown, John Andrew Starks