Computer implemented method for simultaneous multi-user editing of a document
US6067551A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99954
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Word processing program module having a multi-user editing capability provided for by the utilization of a multi-user control file (MCF) that is created when a document is first accessed. The MCF is comprised of individual record files for the master copy of the document, and each user and includes an assigned name, a date/time number, and a version identifier number. The MCF facilitates the tracking of the version identifier numbers to control the timing and sequence of events when a user opens, saves, and/or closes a document. The MCF also facilitates the control of the reconciliation of documents that may be required when a user attempts to save as well as facilitates the performing of the necessary timing functions when conflict resolving is required before edits are saved. The MCF further facilitates the capability to automatically recover the multi-user editing environment from a system failure as well as to manually remove a user from the multi-user editing environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.