Location History:
- Los Altos Hills, CA (US) (2004 - 2007)
- Cupertino, CA (US) (1996 - 2013)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996-2013
Title: **Innovator Spotlight: James Lau**
Introduction
James Lau, an accomplished inventor based in Los Altos Hills, CA, has made significant contributions to the field of technology through his innovative approaches to data systems. With a remarkable portfolio of 17 patents, Lau stands out as a prominent figure in the realm of file system integration and RAID disk subsystems.
Latest Patents
One of Lau’s latest inventions focuses on "Allocating files in a file system integrated with a RAID disk sub-system." This invention aims to enhance the efficiency of data storage by integrating a file system with a RAID array that provides precise information about the arrangement of data blocks in the subsystem. The unique aspect of this invention is its use of separate current-write location (CWL) pointers for each disk in the array. As writes occur, these pointers advance through the disks, allowing the system to write on the disk with the lowest CWL pointer. The algorithm intelligently chooses a new disk only when it begins allocating space for a new file or has allocated N blocks on the same disk for a single file. Consequently, the CWL pointers remain no more than N blocks apart on different disks, ensuring that large files have N consecutive blocks stored on the same disk.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, James Lau has been affiliated with notable companies in the tech industry, including Network Appliance, Inc. and Auspex Systems, Inc. His experiences in these firms have likely contributed to the development of his innovative ideas and patents, reinforcing his reputation as a leading inventor in the field.
Collaborations
During his career, Lau has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including David Hitz and Michael A. Malcolm. These professional relationships have not only facilitated knowledge exchange but have also driven innovation and development in their respective projects, underscoring the importance of teamwork in technological advancement.
Conclusion
James Lau’s impressive track record of 17 patents and his contributions to RAID disk subsystem technology position him as a vital innovator in the tech industry. His latest invention showcasing novel approaches to file allocation reflects his ongoing commitment to improving data management systems. As he continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Lau serves as an inspiration to aspiring inventors and technology professionals alike.