US5968131A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System and method for securely synchronizing multiple copies of a workspace element in a network
Assignee: FB COMMERCIAL FINANCE Inc
•
Filing: 1998-10-26
•
Granted: 1999-10-19
•
Expires: 2018-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A system includes a general synchronization module at the client site for operating within a first firewall and for examining first version information to determine whether a first workspace element has been modified. The system further includes a synchronization agent at a global server for operating outside the first firewall and for forwarding to the general synchronization module second version information which indicates whether an independently-modifiable copy of the first workspace element has been modified. A synchronization-start module is maintained at the client site for operating within the first firewall and for securely initiating the general synchronization module and the synchronization agent when predetermined criteria have been satisfied. The system further includes means for generating a preferred version from the first workspace element and from the copy by comparing the first version information and the second version information, and means for storing the preferred version at the first store and at the second store.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel J. Mendez
- 👤 Mark D. Riggins
- 👤 Prasad Wagle
- 👤 Christine C. Ying
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:16
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/10; G06Q10/107; H; H04; H04L; H04L51/00; H04L51/42; H04L63/00; H04L63/10; H04L63/02; H04L63/08; H04L63/0807; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99939; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99944; Y10S707/99945; Y10S707/99951; Y10S707/99952; Y10S707/99953
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A computer-based method, comprising: (a) providing first memory storing a first workspace element and first version information for identifying any modifications made to the first workspace element since a previous examination; (b) providing second memory coupled via a network to the first memory, the second memory storing an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element and second version information for identifying any modifications made to the second workspace element since the previous examination; (c) generating from the first version information a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (d) generating from the second version information a second examination result which indicates whether the copy has been modified since the previous examination; (e) initiating steps (c) and (d) after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (f) determining a preferred version based on the first and second examination results and on the first and second version information; and (g) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A computer-based method, comprising: (a) providing first memory storing a first workspace element and first version information for identifying any modifications made to the first workspace element since a previous examination; (b) providing second memory coupled via a network to the first memory, the second memory storing an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element and second version information for identifying any modifications made to the second workspace element since the previous examination; (c) generating from the first version information a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (d) generating from the second version information a second examination result which indicates whether the copy has been modified since the previous examination; (e) initiating steps (c) and (d) after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (f) determining a preferred version based on the first and second examination results and on the first and second version information; and (g) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the first version information includes a date and time indicating when the first workspace element was last modified.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the second version information includes a date and time indicating when the second workspace element was last modified.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) further includes comparing the first version information against a last synchronization signature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the last synchronization signature includes a date and time of the previous examination.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (d) further includes comparing the second version information against a last synchronization signature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the last synchronization signature includes a date and time of the previous examination.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) includes determining the difference between the first workspace element and the second workspace element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1, wherein, if the first workspace element has been modified and the second workspace element has not been modified, the preferred version is the first workspace element as modified.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1, wherein, if the first workspace element has not been modified and the second workspace element has been modified, the preferred version is the second workspace element as modified.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 1, wherein, if the first workspace element and the second workspace element have been modified, the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus a set of modifications selected from any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and from any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether predetermined criteria have been satisfied includes determining whether a system clock reads a predetermined time of day.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether predetermined criteria have been satisfied includes recognizing a particular computer event.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether predetermined criteria have been satisfied includes recognizing a predetermined number of modifications to a workspace element.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
185 words
A system, comprising: (a) first memory for storing first workspace elements and first version information for identifying any modifications to the first workspace elements since a previous examination; (b) second memory coupled via a network to the first memory for storing independently modifiable copies of the first workspace elements and second version information for identifying any modifications to the copies since the previous examination; (c) a general synchronization module for generating from the first version information first examination results, which indicate which first workspace elements have been modified since the previous examination; (d) a synchronization agent for sending at least a portion of the second version information to the general synchronization module, so that the general synchronization module can obtain second examination results which indicate which copies have been modified since the previous examination; (e) a synchronization-start module for initiating the general synchronization module and the synchronization agent after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (f) means for determining preferred versions based on the first and second examination results; and (g) means for storing the preferred versions at the first store and at the second store.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
185 words
A system, comprising: (a) first memory for storing first workspace elements and first version information for identifying any modifications to the first workspace elements since a previous examination; (b) second memory coupled via a network to the first memory for storing independently modifiable copies of the first workspace elements and second version information for identifying any modifications to the copies since the previous examination; (c) a general synchronization module for generating from the first version information first examination results, which indicate which first workspace elements have been modified since the previous examination; (d) a synchronization agent for sending at least a portion of the second version information to the general synchronization module, so that the general synchronization module can obtain second examination results which indicate which copies have been modified since the previous examination; (e) a synchronization-start module for initiating the general synchronization module and the synchronization agent after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (f) means for determining preferred versions based on the first and second examination results; and (g) means for storing the preferred versions at the first store and at the second store.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the first version information includes a date and time indicating when each first workspace element was last modified.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the second version information includes a date and time indicating when each second workspace element was last modified.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the general synchronization module compares the first version information against a last synchronization signature.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 17, wherein the last synchronization signature includes a date and time of the previous examination.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the means for generating preferred versions determines the difference between each first workspace element and the corresponding copy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the portion of the second version information includes all the second version information, and wherein the general synchronization module generates the second examination results to determine which copies have been modified.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 9, wherein the synchronization agent determines which copies have been modified, and wherein the portion includes the second version information corresponding to the modified copies.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 16, wherein, if the first workspace element has been modified and the second workspace element has not been modified, the preferred version is the first workspace element as modified.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 16, wherein, if the first workspace element has not been modified and the second workspace element has been modified, the preferred version is the second workspace element as modified.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 16, wherein, if the first workspace element and the second workspace element have been modified, the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus a set of modifications selected from any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and from any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the means for determining determines whether a system clock reads a predetermined time of day.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the means for determining determines whether a particular computer event occurred.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the means for determining determines whether a predetermined number of modifications to a workspace element occurred.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
149 words
A computer-based method, comprising: (a) providing first memory storing a first workspace element and first version information for identifying any modifications to the first workspace element since a previous examination; (b) providing second memory coupled via a network to the first memory, the second memory storing an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element and second version information for identifying and modifications to the second workspace element since the previous examination; (c) waiting until predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (d) generating from the first version information a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (e) receiving data related to the second version information from the second store; (f) determining a preferred version based on the first examination result and on the received portion; and (g) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
149 words
A computer-based method, comprising: (a) providing first memory storing a first workspace element and first version information for identifying any modifications to the first workspace element since a previous examination; (b) providing second memory coupled via a network to the first memory, the second memory storing an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element and second version information for identifying and modifications to the second workspace element since the previous examination; (c) waiting until predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (d) generating from the first version information a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (e) receiving data related to the second version information from the second store; (f) determining a preferred version based on the first examination result and on the received portion; and (g) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the data includes the second version information if the copy has been modified since the previous examination.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the data includes the second version information, and further comprising the step of generating from the second version information a second examination result indicating whether the copy has been modified since the previous examination.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 33, wherein the data includes an indication that the copy has not been modified.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 31, wherein, if the first workspace element has been modified and the second workspace element has not been modified, the preferred version is the first workspace element as modified.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 31, wherein, if the first workspace element has not been modified and the second workspace element has been modified, the preferred version is the second workspace element as modified.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 31, wherein, if the first workspace element and the second workspace element have been modified, the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 31, wherein the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus a set of modifications selected from any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and from any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 31, wherein the means for determining determines whether a system clock reads a predetermined time of day.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 31, wherein the means for determining determines whether a particular computer event occurred.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 31, wherein the means for determining determines whether a predetermined number of modifications to a workspace element occurred.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
147 words
A computer-readable storage medium storing program code for causing a computer to perform the steps of: (a) receiving a start signal after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (b) retrieving first version information identifying any modifications to a first workspace element since a previous examination from first memory; (c) requesting, from second memory which is coupled via a network to the first memory and which stores an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element, copy information identifying any modifications to the copy since the previous examination; (d) generating, from the first version information, a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (e) determining a preferred version based on the first examination result, on the first version information and on the copy information; and (f) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
147 words
A computer-readable storage medium storing program code for causing a computer to perform the steps of: (a) receiving a start signal after predetermined criteria have been satisfied; (b) retrieving first version information identifying any modifications to a first workspace element since a previous examination from first memory; (c) requesting, from second memory which is coupled via a network to the first memory and which stores an independently modifiable copy of the first workspace element, copy information identifying any modifications to the copy since the previous examination; (d) generating, from the first version information, a first examination result which indicates whether the first workspace element has been modified since the previous examination; (e) determining a preferred version based on the first examination result, on the first version information and on the copy information; and (f) storing the preferred version in the first memory and in the second memory.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein, if the first workspace element has been modified and the second workspace element has not been modified, the preferred version is the first workspace element as modified.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein, if the first workspace element has not been modified and the second workspace element has been modified, the preferred version is the second workspace element as modified.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
85 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein, if the first workspace element and the second workspace element have been modified, the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
79 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein the preferred version includes a version of one of the first or second workspace elements before the previous examination plus a set of modifications selected from any modifications made to the first workspace element as determined from the first version information and from any modifications made to the second workspace element as determined from the second version information.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein determining whether predetermined criteria have been satisfied includes determining whether a system clock reads a predetermined time of day.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein determining whether predetermined criteria have been satisfied includes recognizing a particular computer event.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computer-readable storage medium of claim 42 further storing program code for causing the computer to perform the step of: wherein determining whether predetermined criteria have been satisfied includes recognizing a predetermined number of modifications to a workspace element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-10-18 | 2003-04-19 | 2003-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-18 | 2007-04-19 | 2007-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-18 | 2011-04-19 | 2011-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |