U.S. patent application number 12/621033 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for machine, program product, and computer-implemented method for file management, storage, and display in albums utilizing a questionnaire.
This patent application is currently assigned to Randall Reese. Invention is credited to Keith Culotta, Randall Reese.
Application Number | 20100132023 12/621033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42197332 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100132023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reese; Randall ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
Machine, Program Product, And Computer-Implemented Method For File
Management, Storage, And Display In Albums Utilizing A
Questionnaire
Abstract
A database stores a plurality of files assigned by a user to a
plurality of categories representing notable events in a life of
the user. The user is prompted to fill out a questionnaire
associated with a file. The questionnaire data includes album data,
a journal entry, event information, and display information,
including a relative picture size so that an album page can include
a large number of relatively small pictures, and a small number of
relatively larger pictures. Then a display device displays an album
of files in pre-selected formats responsive to the questionnaire
data. Individual journal entries can also be aggregated into one
master journal, and the display device can display a portion of the
master journal responsive to user criteria so that a user can view
journal entries for a category, a particular date range, or files
in an album.
Inventors: |
Reese; Randall; (Beaumont,
TX) ; Culotta; Keith; (Beaumont, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRACEWELL & GIULIANI LLP
P.O. BOX 61389
HOUSTON
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Assignee: |
Reese; Randall
Beaumont
TX
|
Family ID: |
42197332 |
Appl. No.: |
12/621033 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61116814 |
Nov 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
61116831 |
Nov 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
61116862 |
Nov 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
61116894 |
Nov 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
61116914 |
Nov 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/7 ; 707/802;
709/217; 715/769; 715/860 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0486 20130101;
H04L 67/06 20130101; G06F 3/04842 20130101; H04L 67/02 20130101;
G06F 16/285 20190101; G06F 40/14 20200101; G06F 3/0482 20130101;
G06F 16/16 20190101; G06F 40/174 20200101; G06F 3/04845 20130101;
G06F 16/5866 20190101; G06F 3/04817 20130101; G06F 16/182 20190101;
G06F 3/0481 20130101; G06F 7/08 20130101; G06F 16/287 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/7 ; 715/769;
707/802; 715/860; 709/217 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048; H04L 9/32 20060101 H04L009/32 |
Claims
1. A file management machine to perform a process of prompting a
user to fill out a questionnaire associated with a file and a
process of displaying an album of files in pre-selected formats on
a display device responsive to the questionnaire data associated
with the files, the file management machine comprising: at least
one database adapted to store a plurality of files; a computer
configured as a file management computer adapted to communicate
with the at least one database and the display device, the file
management computer having at least a processor and a tangible
memory; and a computer program product operable on the file
management computer and stored in the memory, the computer program
product comprising a set of instructions that, when executed by the
file management computer, cause the file management computer to
perform the operations of: relating in the at least one database a
file to a predetermined category representing notable events in a
life of a user through a user action so that dragging and dropping
the file onto an icon corresponding to the predetermined category
assigns the file to the predetermined category, prompting the user
to fill out the questionnaire associated with the file responsive
to the user action assigning the file to the predetermined
category, the questionnaire including album data, a journal entry,
event information, and display information, and displaying an album
of files in pre-selected formats on the display device, responsive
to the questionnaire data associated with the files.
2. A file management machine of claim 1, wherein the operations
further include: aggregating individual journal entries, each
associated with a file, into one master journal associated with the
user; and displaying a portion of the master journal on the display
device responsive to user criteria so that the user can view
journal entries for a category, for a particular date range, or for
files in the album of files.
3. A file management machine of claim 2, wherein the files
displayed in pre-selected formats in the album of files are linked
to the associated journal entries in the displayed portion of the
master journal so that when the user highlights a file, the
associated journal entry is also highlighted, and when the user
highlights a journal entry, an associated file is also
highlighted.
4. A file management machine of claim 1, wherein the display
information of the questionnaire includes a relative picture size
so that pre-selected formats for an album page include a large
number of files with a relatively small picture size, and a small
number of files or a single file with a relatively larger picture
size.
5. A file management machine of claim 1, wherein the questionnaire
for the file further includes a recall date and a threshold so that
the user receives an alert concerning the file prior to the recall
date, as triggered by the threshold.
6. A file management machine of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise prompting the user for login information, the
login information including a username, a password, and a status to
thereby allow complete access to the files, journals, and
questionnaire data to a member and restricted access to a
visitor.
7. A file management machine of claim 1, wherein the file
management computer is a first computer being remote from the user
and in communication with a plurality of second computers through
an electronic communications network, each second computer
associated with one of a plurality of users and configured as a
user computer, the first computer associated with the at least one
database so that the at least one database is remote from the
plurality of user computers.
8. A file management machine of claim 1, wherein the file
management computer is a first computer being associated with the
user and in communication with a second computer through an
electronic communications network, the second computer being
configured as a file management server and associated with the at
least one database so that the at least one database is remote from
the file management computer and the user.
9. A computer program product operable on a computer and stored in
a tangible computer memory, the computer program product comprising
a set of instructions that, when executed by the computer, cause
the computer to perform a process of prompting a user to fill out a
questionnaire associated with a file and a process of displaying an
album of files in pre-selected formats on a display device
responsive to the questionnaire data associated with the files, the
computer program product performing the operations of: relating in
the at least one database a file to a predetermined category
representing notable events in a life of a user through a user
action so that dragging and dropping the file onto an icon
corresponding to the predetermined category assigns the file to the
predetermined category; prompting the user to fill out the
questionnaire associated with the file responsive to the user
action assigning the file to the predetermined category, the
questionnaire including album data, a journal entry, event
information, and display information; and displaying an album of
files in pre-selected formats on the display device responsive to
the questionnaire data associated with the files.
10. A computer program product of claim 9, wherein the operations
further include: aggregating individual journal entries, each
associated with a file, into one master journal associated with the
user; and displaying a portion of the master journal on the display
device responsive to user criteria so that the user can view
journal entries for a category, for a particular date range, or for
files in the album.
11. A computer program product of claim 10, wherein the files
displayed in pre-selected formats in the album of files are linked
to the associated journal entries in the displayed portion of the
master journal so that when the user highlights a file, the
associated journal entry is also highlighted, and when the user
highlights a journal entry, an associated file is also
highlighted.
12. A computer program product of claim 9, wherein the display
information of the questionnaire includes a relative picture size
so that pre-selected formats for an album page include a large
number of files with a relatively small picture size, and a small
number of files or a single file with a relatively larger picture
size.
13. A computer program product of claim 9, wherein the
questionnaire for the file further includes a recall date and a
threshold so that the user receives an alert concerning the file
prior to the recall date, as triggered by the threshold.
14. A computer program product of claim 9, wherein the operations
further comprise prompting the user for login information, the
login information including a username, a password, and a status to
thereby allow complete access to the files, journals, and
questionnaire data to a member and restricted access to a
visitor.
15. A computer-implemented method for causing a computer to perform
a process of prompting a user to fill out a questionnaire
associated with a file and a process of displaying an album of
files in pre-selected formats on a display device responsive to the
questionnaire data associated with the files, the
computer-implemented method comprising: relating in the at least
one database a file to a predetermined category representing
notable events in a life of a user through a user action with a
computer so that dragging and dropping the file onto an icon
corresponding to the predetermined category assigns the file to the
predetermined category; prompting the user to fill out a
questionnaire associated with the file responsive to the user
action assigning the file to the predetermined category, the
questionnaire including album data, a journal entry, event
information, and display information; and displaying an album of
files in pre-selected formats on the display device responsive to
the questionnaire data associated with the files.
16. A computer-implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
aggregating individual journal entries, each associated with a
file, into one master journal associated with the user; and
displaying a portion of the master journal on the display device
responsive to user criteria so that the user can view journal
entries for a category, for a particular date range, or for files
in the album.
17. A computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein the files
displayed in pre-selected formats in the album of files are linked
to the associated journal entries in the displayed portion of the
master journal so that when the user highlights a file, the
associated journal entry is also highlighted, and when a user
highlights a journal entry, an associated file is also
highlighted.
18. A computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the display
information of the questionnaire includes a relative picture size
so that pre-selected formats for an album page include a large
number of files with a relatively small picture size, and a small
number of files or a single file with a relatively larger picture
size.
19. A computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the
questionnaire for the file further includes a recall date and a
threshold so that the user receives an alert concerning the file
prior to the recall date, as triggered by the threshold.
20. A computer-implemented method of claim 15, further comprising:
prompting the user for login information, the login information
including a username, a password, and a status to thereby allow
complete access to the files, journals, and questionnaire data to a
member and restricted access to a visitor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of: U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,814, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,831, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,862, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,894, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,914, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008, all of
which are each incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties. This application also relates to: U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled "Machine,
Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for File
Management, Storage, and Display" filed on the same day herewith;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled
"Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for File
Management and Storage" filed on the same day herewith; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled "Machine,
Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for Randomized
Slide Show of Files" filed on the same day herewith; and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled
"Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for File
Management, Storage, and Access Utilizing a User-Selected Trigger
Event" filed on the same day herewith, all of which are each
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to file management
and organization, and, more particularly, to machines, program
products, and methods of file management, storage, and display,
including computer scrapbooking and journaling.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] With the proliferation of inexpensive digital cameras,
including the ubiquity of camera phones, personal photography has
never been more common. It is known, however, that many photographs
are underutilized. Typically, personal photographs are haphazardly
stored in drawers and boxes (if prints) or computer folders and
memory devices (if digital files), uncategorized and rarely viewed
by anyone. Photo albums provide well known means for storing and
viewing photographs. A photo album is a book with blank pages used
for making a collection of photographs. However, the tasks
associated with organizing, storing, and selecting photographs for
photo albums are quite time-consuming and require extensive
decision-making. While photo albums generally display photographs
with or without captions, scrapbooks feature other mementos in
addition to photographs, such as, e.g., ticket stubs, letters,
announcements, invitations, bulletins, programs, receipts, and the
like. Due to the inclusion of these mementos, scrapbooks often
provide better context for photographs than photo albums, but at a
cost of even more extensive decision-making.
[0006] Similarly, it is known that the proliferation of movie
clips, audio clips, and other electronic files has resulted in
unorganized, underutilized clutter on computer and file storage
systems. Likewise, it is well known that personal documents are
often haphazardly stored and uncategorized, including, e.g.,
personal financial records such as brokerage receipts and tax
records, personal medical records such as immunization charts, and
government documents such as marriage licenses.
[0007] Digital slide shows and rotating picture frames are known,
and the inclusion of a photograph in a particular computer folder
typically determines its inclusion in the slide show or rotation.
That is, the location of the file, whether in a particular folder
(or not), determines its inclusion (or exclusion) from the slide
show.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing, Applicant has recognized a need
for file organization systems, machines, program products, and
methods of file management, storage, and display.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide for converting
photographic prints and documents, i.e., hardcopies, into digital
or computerized files, i.e., softcopies, and then into organized
electronic albums and the display thereof. The conversion from
photographic prints and documents to digital files, i.e., from
hardcopies to softcopies, can include, for example, use of a
scanner or other input device that digitizes an optical image into
an electronic image represented as binary data as understood by
those skilled in the art. The conversion from digital files to
organized electronic albums can include, for example, the use of an
icon palette as described herein, with the icons corresponding to a
plurality of predetermined categories representing notable events
in a life of the user. In addition to scanned photographic prints
and documents, digital files can include, for example, digital
photographs, i.e., images originally captured using a digital
camera and digital documents, i.e., documents originally created on
a computer. Through the user action assigning the digital files to
the predetermined categories, the digital files can be organized
and accessed differently, i.e., with a different arrangement and
presentation, using the icon palette. Furthermore, this assembling
of individual images and documents into aggregations and
collections of related elements can result in new and enhanced
displays, such as albums, electronic scrapbooks, and slide shows as
described herein. In addition, embodiments of the present invention
facilitate the creation, preservation, and accessibility of
historical archives from otherwise unorganized and underutilized
clutter on computer and file storage systems.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,
for a file management system, responsive to the problems associated
with unorganized and underutilized files, including but not limited
to photographs. The system includes an icon palette displayed on a
user computer, with the icons corresponding to a plurality of
predetermined categories representing notable events in a life of
the user. The plurality of predetermined categories representing
notable events in a life of the user includes predefined default
categories and user-defined categories. The predefined default
categories can include, for example, marriage, faith, family,
children, friends, school, music, film, books, travel, work,
sports, pets, military, health, and others as understood by those
skilled in the art. The icon palette includes a palette boundary.
User action, including, for example, dragging and dropping one of
the plurality of unsorted files across the palette boundary onto an
icon on the icon palette assigns the file to one of the plurality
of predetermined categories. A file can be assigned to one or more
predetermined categories. The file management system also includes
a file management server, which then stores the file remotely from
the user computer and allows for retrieval of the file through an
electronic communications network, e.g., the Internet. The file
management system includes a client-server architecture, including
a thick-client or application client and also a thin-client or
browser, as understood by those skilled in the art. The file
management system can include a plurality of users associated with
a plurality of user computers.
[0011] The user can select the icons to be shown on the icon
palette, including adding or deleting icons. The user can create
icons corresponding to user-defined categories and delete icons
corresponding to predefined default categories. The user can select
an order for the icons on the icon palette and group icons
together. In addition, the user can expand or collapse the icon
palette to suit the user's preferences, including altering an
x-dimension, a y-dimension, or both x- and y-dimensions of the icon
palette, as understood by those skilled in the art. In an exemplary
embodiment, the user can match the scale of the icon palette to the
user's good vision, or alternately the user's poor vision. In
addition, the user can move the icon palette throughout the screen
associated with the user computer as understood by those skilled in
the art. The icon palette preserves the user-selected order for the
icons on the icon palette through changes in its size and location.
Moreover, the icon palette can use various indicia of a painter's
palette, including, for example, color, to identify the icons with
the predetermined categories representing notable events in a life
of the user. For example, the color of the icon for the category
"School" can be selected by the user to be the color of the user's
alma mater, such as, for example, burnt-orange.
[0012] Features of the file management system, according to
embodiments of the present invention, allow a user to quickly sort,
organize, categorize, and store files, including photographs. The
photographs can, for example, include digital photographs or
scanned prints. Countless other files, such as, for example,
medical and immunization records, school report cards, and
newspaper clippings, can also be scanned as digital files and then
managed, stored, and displayed according to embodiments of the
present invention. The use of icons and predetermined categories
provides the user with a visualization and a taxonomy for the
sorting and organizing of files. In addition, the predefined
default categories allow the user to begin sorting and organizing
files without having to create from scratch a categorization
scheme. User-defined categories allow the user to create additional
categories and personalize the file management system. For example,
a predefined default category can include the category children;
whereas user-defined categories can include categories Dick and
Jane, one for each child. In addition, the user can edit the icon
associated with each category so that the icon for the category
Dick is an image of Dick the child, an icon for the category Jane
is an image of Jane the child, and an icon for the category
children is an image of Dick and Jane, instead of a default icon of
generic children. In addition, the use of a remote file management
server provides the user portability, as files can be accessed
anywhere the Internet is available, and fault tolerance, in the
event of a flood, a fire, or severe equipment failure.
[0013] Example embodiments of the present invention provide for a
method, e.g., a computerized method, of file management. The method
can include prompting a user to fill out a questionnaire associated
with the file responsive to a user action assigning the file to a
predetermined category. The questionnaire can include any
additional categories, album data, a journal entry, event
information, and display information. The data from the
questionnaire can be ultimately stored in a database on a remote
file management server. The event information can include, for
example, the time, date, and location associated with the file. The
event information can be used for search and display purposes. For
example, to locate a particular file, a user can limit a search to
a particular date or a particular date range. In addition, the
questionnaire can include a data field for search words to
facilitate a later search for the file.
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention can provide, for
example, for displaying an album of files in pre-selected formats
on a display device, responsive to the questionnaires associated
with the files. Through the questionnaire, the user can assign a
file to an album and provide a relative picture size. With multiple
albums possible for each category, the files associated with a
particular album can relate to a single event or theme, such as,
for example, a child's birthday party or other event as understood
by those skilled in the art. The relative picture size can include,
for example, a value of "1" indicating a small picture, a value of
"5" indicating a large picture, and values of "2", "3", and "4" in
between, as understood by those skilled in the art. A single page
in an album can, for example, display only one file with a picture
size of "5"; whereas, a page in an album can, for example, display
two files with a picture size of "4" and many files with a picture
size of "1", as understood by those skilled in the art. By
automating the display of files into albums, including, for
example, any formatting (once an album assignment is determined by
the user), embodiments of the present invention provide an easy and
effortless way to view multiple collections of files.
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention further include, for
example, a journal. The master journal for the user's account is an
aggregation of individual journal entries, each associated with a
file and typically entered through a questionnaire. Embodiments of
the present invention include displaying a portion of the master
journal on the display device responsive to user criteria so that a
user can view journal entries for a category, a particular date
range, or files in an album. Furthermore, embodiments of the
present invention allow for simultaneously displaying an album and
the portion of the master journal associated with the files in the
album. In addition, the files displayed in pre-selected formats in
the album of files can be linked to the associated journal entries
in the displayed portion of the master journal so that when a user
highlights a file, the associated journal entry is also
highlighted, and when a user highlights a journal entry, an
associated file in the album is also highlighted.
[0016] The album and journal features of the present invention
individually and in conjunction provide context for a file. For
example, the files assigned to an album can be associated with a
child's birthday party. One file could be the invitation. Other
files can be pictures of the preparations for the party, including
the decorations and the cake. Still other files can be pictures of
the guests and scenes during the party. And additional files can be
photographs of the child using the gifts at a later time and copies
of the thank-you notes. The journal entries associated with the
files can identify the guests and record any details. As a result,
embodiments of the present invention provide the context typically
associated with a well-organized scrapbook, but with greater
convenience to the user.
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, a
randomizer module for displaying a slide show of randomized files
responsive to user criteria. The user can specify files for
inclusion in a slide show of randomized files through the
questionnaires. The randomizer module can then display the slide
show on the display device attached to the user computer and
external devices, such as, for example, electronic picture frames
and televisions. The user criteria can include one or more
categories to display, a quantity of files to select, a start date,
an end date, a duration the selected files will be presented by the
program, and a number of cycles to repeat selection and
presentation.
[0018] The benefits of the randomizer include the quick and
effortless display of various and numerous files maintained by the
file management system on a various display devices, including the
user computer and digital picture frames. The randomizer module
also greatly improves the utilization of the numerous files by
providing a convenient way to view files that otherwise would
remain scattered or stored. In addition, because the user
previously specified files for inclusion in the randomizer, only
appropriate files are displayed, preventing the inadvertent display
of a private file. By allowing the user to select categories to
display, the user can also tailor the randomizer slide show to the
audience. If a user's daughter is coming for visit, the user can
select a category with files associated with that daughter and her
children and not select a category with files associated with the
user's son and his children. Likewise, the randomizer module,
through user configuration and selection of categories, can avoid
displaying photographs of a former daughter-in-law if a new
daughter-in-law is expected to visit, as a courtesy.
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention include other features
and benefits, including a program product that prompts the user for
login information. Login information can include, for example, a
username, a password, and a status to thereby allow complete access
to a member and restricted access to a visitor or a trial user. The
benefit of a visitor status is to allow a user to share photographs
and other files, without providing complete and unrestricted access
to the member's other documents. For example, in-laws can share
pictures of a common grandchild without sharing personal medical or
military service records. Because the user determines the level of
access for a visitor account, different visitor accounts can have
different access configurations allowing, for example, an adult
child who has a medical power of attorney access to the member's
prescription records, but denying a minor grandchild with a
different visitor account access to those files. Another benefit of
a visitor status is to increase the number of people and the amount
of information or context. For example, photographs of a picnic
often include dates and other guests whose names or complete names
are unknown to the host. The use of visitor accounts facilitates
the gathering of this and other missing information.
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,
for allowing the user to indicate a desire or intention to make a
file (and associated journal entry) publicly available after the
death of the user, or alternately to delete the file. A user can
also use another event, time, or combination besides the death of
the user, to trigger a file being made public, such as, for
example, the year 2075 or, in the alternative, 25 years after the
death of the user. The user can specify such access on a
file-by-file basis, or alternately on a category-by-category basis,
so that private, personal information is deleted, but otherwise the
files can be accessible by third parties, for the benefit of
history. Embodiments of the present invention include legal
arrangements and associated documents necessary to carry out the
intentions of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, a wealth of
information regarding notable events in a life of the user would be
preserved for future generations of historians, both professional
and personal.
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention can also include
application software, i.e., program product, and a local database
on a user computer. The local database can store settings and
preferences for user accounts and can also record recent changes
made by the user. The system further includes an electronic
communications network connecting the remote computer server and
the user computer. According to embodiments of the present
invention, the user computer connects to the remote server computer
only when data needs to be transferred and upon initial login by
the user to synchronize the data in the local database and the
server database. The system can include a plurality of users
associated with a plurality of user computers.
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention can also include file
management machines, i.e., computers, including client or user
computers, and computer servers. The file management machines can
be configured, i.e., programmed, with computer program product to
implement various processes and operations as described herein. In
addition, embodiments of the present invention include enhancements
and other systems, machines, program products, and associated
methods of file management, storage, and display, as understood by
those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] So that the manner in which the features and benefits of the
invention, as well as others which will become apparent, may be
understood in more detail, a more particular description of the
invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings,
which form a part of this specification. It is also to be noted,
however, that the drawings illustrate only various embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
the invention's scope as it may include other effective embodiments
as well.
[0024] FIG. 1 is an environmental view according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a computer screen view of an icon palette
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is another computer screen view of an icon palette
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a client-server
architecture of a file management system according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a client-server
architecture of a file management system according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a file management
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a web browser architecture
of a file management system according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of a file management
system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a logic diagram for a launch sequence according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a logic diagram for a launch sequence using a
browser according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a logic diagram for an icon palette according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a logic diagram for an icon palette according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 21 is a logic diagram for a method of file management
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 22 is a data view according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 23 is second data view according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 24 is a third data view according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 25 is a fourth data view according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a questionnaire according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 27 is a questionnaire according to another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 28 is a visitor access configuration screen according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 29 is a randomizer setup screen according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIGS. 30A and 30B are views of a randomizer slide show
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 31 is a logic diagram for a method of file management,
storage, and retrieval according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0055] FIG. 32 is a logic diagram for a method of file management,
storage, and retrieval according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 33 is a computer program product according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0057] FIG. 34 is a computer configured as a file management
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate embodiments of the invention. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0059] Embodiments of the present invention provide for converting
photographic prints and documents, i.e., hardcopies, into digital
or computerized files, i.e., softcopies, and then into organized
electronic albums and the display thereof. The conversion from
photographic prints and documents to digital files, i.e., from
hardcopies to softcopies, can include, for example, use of a
scanner or other input device, such as, a voice recorder, a video
camera, or a digital camera. A scanner is an input device, e.g., a
computer peripheral, that digitizes an optical image into an
electronic image represented as binary data as understood by those
skilled in the art. Other input devices, e.g., digital cameras, can
communicate with a computer through standard input-out (I/O)
devices and ports as understood by those skilled in the art,
allowing the transfer of a file from memory associated with the
input device, e.g., the digital camera, to memory associated with
the computer for use with the embodiments of the present invention.
The conversion from digital files to organized electronic albums
can include, for example, the use of an icon palette as described
herein, with the icons corresponding to a plurality of
predetermined categories representing notable events in a life of
the user. In addition to scanned photographic prints and documents,
digital files can include, for example, digital photographs, i.e.,
images originally captured using a digital camera; digital
documents, i.e., documents originally created on a computer or
other electronic device; and sound or video recordings. Through the
user action assigning the digital files to the predetermined
categories, the digital files can be organized and accessed
differently, i.e., with a different arrangement and presentation,
using the icon palette. That is, files stored conventionally in
electronic folders on a computer, e.g., a document folder having
subfolders for pictures, music, and other classifications, or files
stored conventionally on various memory media, such as, compact
disks ("CDs"), digital video disks, ("DVDs"), memory sticks, hard
drives, subscriber identity module ("SIM" module or cards), and
others as understood by those skilled in the art, are transformed,
according to embodiments of the present invention, in location,
including to remote servers away from the user as described herein
and accessible through, e.g., the Internet; in arrangement,
including into a plurality of predetermined categories representing
notable events in a life of the user; and in presentation,
including through icons. This assembling of individual images and
documents into aggregations and collections of related elements can
further result in new and enhanced displays, such as albums,
electronic scrapbooks, and slide shows as described herein.
Moreover, journal entries and other associated data, as described
herein, provide and keep context so that the new and enhanced
displays are greater, i.e., more beneficial, than the sum of the
parts. These new and enhanced displays can provide, for example, a
visual depiction or representation of notable events in a life of
the user, including, for example, family or faith. In addition,
embodiments of the present invention facilitate the creation,
preservation, and accessibility of historical archives from
otherwise unorganized and underutilized clutter on computer and
file storage systems, including boxes of photographic prints,
documents, mementos, and records. That is, embodiments of the
present invention can efficiently change the physical into the
digital (or electronic), the unexplained into the annotated, and
the inaccessible into the accessible.
[0060] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,
for a file management system, illustrated in FIGS. 1-34, responsive
to the problems associated with unorganized, unsorted, and
underutilized files, including but not limited to photographs. The
system includes an icon palette 103, 200, 300, (see also, e.g.,
FIGS. 22 and 23 for alternate embodiments 2203 and 2303), displayed
on a user computer 101, 407, 507, 711, i.e., a machine, with the
icons 105, 203A-E, 303A-E, corresponding to a plurality of
predetermined categories representing notable events in a life of
the user. The system can also include a computer, i.e., a machine,
remote from the user configured as a file management server 111.
The predetermined categories associated with the life of the user
include predefined default categories and user-defined categories.
The plurality of predefined default categories can include a
number, e.g., three (3), of the following: marriage, faith, family,
children, school, travel, military, health, and others as
understood by those skilled in the art. Other embodiments for the
plurality of predefined default categories include friends, music,
film, books, work, sports, and pets (see, e.g., 2903 in FIG. 29).
The icon palette includes a palette boundary 201, 301. User action,
including, for example, dragging and dropping one of the plurality
of unsorted files across the palette boundary 201, 301 onto an icon
105, 203A-E, 303A-E on the icon palette 103, 200, 300 assigns the
file to one of the plurality of predetermined categories. A file
can be assigned to one or more predetermined categories.
[0061] User action on a computer can include, for example,
utilizing a computer mouse. A computer mouse is a pointing device
that detects, e.g., mechanically or optically, two-dimensional
motion relative to a supporting surface. The motion is typically
generated by the user to driver a cursor 207 on the computer
screen. That is, the mouse's motion typically translates into the
motion of a pointer on a display, which allows for fine control of
a graphical user interface ("GUI"). Physically, a mouse can be an
object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more
buttons. Other input devices for user action can include
trackballs, joysticks, and various game controllers as understood
by those skilled in the art. Directing the cursor 207 "on top" of a
file being displayed on a computer screen and then clicking the
button of the mouse allows the computer to select the file for
action. Action can include, for example, opening the file
(typically through a double-click as understood by those skilled in
the art), including automatically launching an application
associated with the file as necessary. Action can also include, for
example, dragging and dropping the file onto a folder or
application, such as an icon palette embodiment of the present
invention. As understood by those skilled in the art, dragging a
file involves selecting the file, then holding down the mouse
button while moving the mouse; likewise, dropping a file involves
releasing the mouse button when the cursor 207 on the screen is "on
top" of or associated with a location, file, or application on the
computer screen. As part of user action assigning the file to a
predetermined category, e.g., dragging and dropping the file on an
icon on the icon palette, the program product obtains information
about the file, including its name, file type or extension, and
location in memory, i.e., its path, and uses this information to
copy the file to file management server.
[0062] The user (see, e.g., U in FIG. 1) can select the icons 105,
203A-E, 303A-E to be shown on the icon palette 103, 200, 300
including adding or deleting icons. Through menu screens and use of
I/O devices, the user U can create icons or modify icons 105,
203A-E, 303A-E corresponding to user-defined categories and delete
icons corresponding to predefined default categories. The user U
can select an order for the icons on the icon palette and group
icons together. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the user can
adjust the relative size, i.e., expand or collapse, the icon
palette to suit the user's preferences, including altering an
x-dimension, a y-dimension, or both x- and y-dimensions of the icon
palette, as understood by those skilled in the art. Compare, e.g.,
the size of icon palettes 205 and 200 in FIG. 2. In an exemplary
embodiment, the user U can match the scale of the icon palette to
the user's good vision, or alternately the user's poor vision. In
addition, the user U can move the icon palette throughout the
screen associated with the user computer as understood by those
skilled in the art. That is, a location of the icon palette on the
display screen is controllable by the user U. The icon palette 103,
200, 300 preserves the user-selected order for the icons on the
icon palette through changes in its size and location. (See, e.g.,
FIGS. 2 and 3.) Moreover, the icon palette 103, 200, 300 can use
various indicia of a painter's palette, including, for example,
color and shape, to identify the icons with the predetermined
categories representing notable events in a life of the user. For
example, the color of the icon for the category "School" 203C can
be selected by the user to be the color of the user's alma mater,
such as, for example, burnt-orange. For example, the spacing of the
icons on the palette can suggest or evoke the spacing of separate
portions of paint on a painter's palette.
[0063] Features of the file management system, according to
embodiments of the present invention, allow a user to quickly sort,
organize, categorize, and store files, including photographs. See,
e.g., FIG. 3. The photographs 307 can, for example, include digital
photographs or scanned prints. Countless other files 311, such as,
for example, medical and immunization records, school report cards,
and newspaper clippings, can also be scanned as digital files and
then managed, stored, and retrieved according to embodiments of the
present invention. The use of icons 303A-303E and predetermined
categories provides the user with a visualization and a taxonomy
for the sorting and organizing of files. In addition, the
predefined default categories allow the user to begin sorting and
organizing files without having to create from scratch a
categorization scheme. Moreover, the existence of predefined
default categories facilitates the sharing of files, allowing two
users to share files categorized as Travel, without having to
further cull, sort, or organize for an exchange. User-defined
categories allow the user to create additional categories and
personalize the file management system.
[0064] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,
for a method of file management. See, e.g., FIG. 11. The method
includes prompting a user to fill out a questionnaire 1113
associated with the file responsive to a user action assigning the
file to a predetermined category 1103. The questionnaire can
include any additional categories, data, a journal entry, event
information, and display information. See, e.g., FIG. 22. The data
from the questionnaire is ultimately stored in a database on the
remote file management server. The event information includes, for
example, the time, date, and location associated with the file. The
event information is useful for searching and display purposes. For
example, to locate a particular file, a user can limit a search to
a particular date or a particular date range. In addition, the
questionnaire includes a data field for search words to facilitate
a later search for the file. As understood by those skilled in the
art, the questionnaire can include multiple screens, forms, pages,
windows, or queries. Because the questionnaire provides access to
and stores input in a database, questionnaire data may be added or
modified at once, in batches, or incrementally, as understood by
those skilled in the art.
[0065] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,
for displaying an album of files in pre-selected formats 2213 on a
display device, responsive to the questionnaires associated with
the files. Through the questionnaire 2600, the user can assign a
file to an album and provide a relative picture size 2609 so that a
pre-selected format for an album page includes a large number of
files with a relatively small picture size, and a pre-selected
format for an album page includes a small number of files or a
single file with a relatively larger picture size. With multiple
albums possible for each category, the files associated with a
particular album can relate to a single event or theme, such as,
for example, a child's birthday party or other event as understood
by those skilled in the art. By automating the display of files
into albums, including, for example, any formatting (once an album
assignment is determined by the user), embodiments of the present
invention provide an easy and effortless way to view multiple
collections of files.
[0066] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example,
for allowing the user to indicate a desire or intention to make a
file (and associated journal entry) publicly available after, for
example, the death of the user, or alternately to delete the file.
See, e.g., 2705 in FIG. 27. Through the questionnaire, the user can
specify a desire or intention to make a file accessible to the
public so that the user can designate a portion of the plurality of
files and associated journal entries to be made publicly available
after a user-selected trigger event. See, e.g., 2703 in FIG. 27. In
addition, the questionnaire can include a hyperlink to terms 2707
and an approval box for the user to select to approve the terms for
future access to the files. A user can also use a calendar event, a
death of the user, a time period after the death of the user, and
other events to trigger a file being made public, such as, for
example, the year 2075 or, in the alternative, 25 years after the
death of the user. The user can specify such access on a
file-by-file basis, or alternately on a category-by-category basis,
so that private, personal information is deleted, but otherwise the
files can benefit history. Embodiments of the present invention
include legal arrangements and associated documents necessary to
carry out the intentions of the user. These arrangements can
include the establishment of a recipient entity 109, including
non-profit or for-profit organizations, to acquire ownership rights
to the files, for example, to own or jointly own or otherwise
license the files and copyrights associated with the files. These
arrangements and associated documents can further include a joint
ownership with right of survival, a trust, a perpetual license, an
assignment of copyright ownership, a dedication to the public
domain, limited powers of attorney and other forms of agency, and
other legal arrangements and associated documents as understood by
those skilled in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, a recipient
of files according to such legal arrangement could charge for and
license access (and other rights) to the files, either directly or
indirectly, through subscriptions, sponsorships, advertising, and
other forms of payment. That is, publicly available does not
necessarily mean freely available. In an exemplary embodiment, a
wealth of information regarding notable events in a life of the
user would be preserved for future generations of historians, both
professional and personal historians. In an exemplary embodiment, a
death of the user can be verified by a published obituary or by a
contact list supplied by the user through the questionnaire, or
otherwise as understood by those skilled in the art. In another
embodiment, a journal entry recording the death of the user can be
created. In addition, funeral-related files, including, for
example, an order of service, a program, a video or audio recording
of services, a guest book, a eulogy text, an obituary, and others
as understood by those skilled in the art, can be added to the
files on behalf of the user and for the benefit of history.
[0067] Embodiments of the present invention further include, for
example, a journal 2201. A master journal 2301 for the user's
account is an aggregation of individual journal entries 2215, each
associated with a file and entered through a questionnaire. See
also 2201, 2501 and 2401 for portions of the master journal for an
album or category. Embodiments include displaying a portion of the
master journal on the display device responsive to user criteria so
that a user can view journal entries for a category, a particular
date range, or files in an album.
[0068] Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, a
randomizer module for displaying a slide show of randomized files
responsive to user criteria. See, e.g., FIGS. 30A and 30B. To use
the randomizer module, the user specifies in a database a plurality
of files for inclusion in a slide show of randomized files so that
only appropriate files are displayed. The randomizer module
randomly selects a set of files from the plurality of files
specified in the database for inclusion in the slide show
responsive to user criteria, displays the randomly selected set of
files in the slide show on a display device, and repeats the steps
of randomly selecting and displaying the set of files in the slide
show responsive to user criteria. Embodiments of randomizer module
can include, for example, random number generators, i.e.,
applications that generate series of numbers that are, attempt to
be, or appear to be random, or as if by chance. As understood those
skilled in the art, random number generation can use a seed value,
such as the current time, to generate a random number. Alternately,
embodiments can include prior collections of numbers, known as
random number tables. The random numbers generated or retrieved
from a table can be scaled to match the need. For example, if fifty
(50) files are associated with a category, a random number be
scaled so that each of the files has a similar chance of being
selected in the slide show for that category. Included in the
definition of random are so-called pseudo-random generation and
tables, in which certain results are ignored or eliminated because
although generated randomly, the results do not appear to be. For
example, if a given image is selected for display and then, by
random, the same image is selected again for the next position, the
pseudo-random generation or table may eliminate this result, i.e.,
skip to the next number in sequence. Likewise, pseudo-random
schemes in which missed or underselected files are favored or
weighted are considered as random for purposes of this
application.
[0069] The user specifies files for inclusion in a slide show of
randomized files through the questionnaires. The randomizer module
can then display the slide show on the display device attached to
the user computer and external devices, such as, for example,
electronic picture frames and televisions. External devices can
communicate with the user computer wirelessly as understood by
those skilled in the art. The user criteria can include one or more
categories to display, a quantity of files to select, a start date,
an end date, a duration the selected files will be presented by the
program, and a number of cycles to repeat selection and
presentation. See, e.g., FIG. 29.
[0070] The benefits of the randomizer include the quick and
effortless display of various and numerous files maintained by the
file management system on various display devices, including the
user computer and digital picture frames. The randomizer module
also greatly improves the utilization of the numerous files by
providing a convenient way to view files that otherwise would
remain scattered or stored. In addition, because the user
previously specified files for inclusion in the randomizer, only
appropriate files are displayed, preventing the inadvertent display
of a private file. By allowing the user to select categories to
display, the user can also tailor the randomizer slide show to an
audience.
[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, embodiments of the present
invention include a user U, using a user computer 101 to view an
icon palette 103, 200, 300 on a display screen 102 associated with
the user computer 101. The user computer 101 can communicate with a
file management server 111, associated with a recipient entity 109
established for acquiring ownership rights to files and located
remote, i.e., in a remote location, from the user U and the user
computer 101. The icon palette 103, 200, 300 includes icons 105,
203A-E, 303A-E corresponding to a plurality of predetermined
categories representing notable events in a life of the user U,
such as, for example, family 107. As the user U assigns one of a
plurality of unsorted files 311, such as, e.g., a recent picture of
his family, to one of the plurality of predetermined categories
through dragging and dropping 309 one of the plurality of unsorted
files across the palette boundary 201, 301 onto an icon on the icon
palette. The unsorted file 307, 311 can originate on the desktop
313 or within a folder, such as, for example, a folder of photos
305, as understood by those skilled in the art. As understood by
those skilled in the art, the user U can use a mouse or other such
device to drive a cursor 207 on the computer. As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3, the icon palette 200, 300 is scalable by the user
and can be moved about the screen. Compare, e.g., the size of icon
palettes 205 and 200 in FIG. 2.
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 4, embodiments of the present
invention include a system 400 with a client-server architecture
for file management, storing, and display. The system 400 includes
a first computer server 401, i.e., a machine. The first computer
server 401 includes a database engine 403 and stores a database
405. In an exemplary embodiment, the database 405 is a relational
database, such as, e.g., an SQL database. The database 405 contains
records for a plurality of user account settings, preferences,
journal entries, and files 406. The files can include various
formats such as, for example, JPEG, JIFF, MPEG, GIF, MP3, MP4, PDF,
WAV, and others as understood by those skilled in the art. The
system also includes a second computer associated with a user
defining a user computer 407, i.e., a machine. In an exemplary
embodiment, the user computer 407 is a MACINTOSH or WINDOWS
computer running an operating system from Apple Inc. or Microsoft
Corporation, as understood by those skilled in the art. In an
exemplary embodiment, the user computer 407 is configured via new
and enhanced program product 3301, 3402 to implement features and
functionality as described herein. The user computer 407 can
include a local database 411 and a thick-client or application
software client 409, i.e., computer program product, as understood
by those skilled in the art. The local database 411 stores settings
and preferences for user accounts and also records of recent
changes made by the user 408. The user computer 407 can temporarily
store the file and data associated with the file so that the user
can assign files and associate data with the file in the event of
slow or interrupted communication with the remote server 401. The
system 400 further includes an electronic communications network
413, for example, the Internet, connecting the computer server 401
and the user computer 407. Accordingly, the first computer server
401 is a remote server, being remote from the user computer 407.
The remote file management server 401 stores files remotely from
the user computer 407 and allows for retrieval of files through an
electronic communications network 413, e.g., the Internet. The
system can include a plurality of users associated with a plurality
of user computers.
[0073] In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the
database engine 503 can access a database or portions of a database
505 located a database server 510 or storage device 515, remote
from the computer server 501. The database can include user account
settings, preferences, and other data 506. The user computer 507
can operate a user application 509, which may include a local
database 511 storing user account settings, preferences, and recent
changes 508. In the system 500, the user computer 507 can
communicate with the file management server 501 machine through the
electronic communications network 513, e.g., the Internet. The
system can include a plurality of users associated with a plurality
of user computers. These embodiments allow for a scalable database
architecture with robust security and fault-tolerant properties as
understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, these
embodiments allow for rarely accessed data to be archived 517 on
tape device or other storage device 515, perhaps resulting in a
delay for the user to access the archived data, as understood by
those skilled in the art. Such storage devices can further be
located remote from the server 501. In an exemplary embodiment, the
file management server 501 machine can a computer or computers
running a WINDOWS, MACINTOSH, UNIX, LINUX, or other operating
system as understood by those skilled in the art. In an exemplary
embodiment, the file management server 501 machine is associated
with one or more remote (from the user) data centers providing
hosting, processing, and storage capabilities. As understood by
those skilled in the art, International Business Machines Corp.
("IBM") and various other organizations operate such facilities and
can provide additionally hardware, software, and services and
support. Such facilities can offer redundant and fault-tolerant
implementations. Redundant systems can include, for example,
multiple power sources, communication networks, computers and other
hardware, and associated monitoring and switching infrastructure,
as understood by those skilled in the art, so that no single
component failure results in a system failure. According to a
method 600 of communicating with the server, as illustrated in FIG.
6, the user computer connects to the remote server computer only
upon initial secure login by the user 601 and after a data change
when data needs to be transferred and to synchronize the data in
the local database and the server database 603. Requests to access
the server are validated through a secure login 605. In addition,
the use of a remote file management server provides the user
portability, as files can be accessed anywhere the Internet is
available, and fault tolerance, in the event of a flood, a fire, or
severe equipment failure.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 7, embodiments of the present
invention also include a system 700 with a thin-client or
browser-based implementations of a client-server architecture for
file management, storing, and retrieval, as understood by those
skilled in the art. The system 700 includes a first computer server
701. The first computer server 701 includes a web server 703, a
database engine 705, and a database 707. The database 707 contains
records for a plurality of user account settings, preferences,
journal entries, and files 709. In an exemplary embodiment, the
first computer server 701 machine is associated with a remote (from
the user) data center providing hosting, processing, and storage
capabilities. The system also includes a second computer associated
with a user defining a user computer 711. In an exemplary
embodiment, the user computer 711 is a MACINTOSH or WINDOWS
computer running an operating system from Apple Inc. or Microsoft
Corporation, as understood by those skilled in the art. The user
computer 711 includes a thin-client or browser client 713 as
understood by those skilled in the art. According to this
embodiment of the present invention, no local database is required
on the user computer 711, and communication with the server 701 is
necessary. The system 700 further includes an electronic
communications network 715, for example, the Internet, connecting
the computer server 701 and the user computer 711. The system can
include a plurality of users associated with a plurality of user
computers. According to a method 800 of communicating with the
server, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the user enters the URL into the
browser address bar 801. The URL, which stands for uniform resource
locator or universal resource locator, is the address of a
resource, such as, for example, a document or Web site, on the
Internet that consists of a communications protocol followed by the
name or address of a computer on the network and that often
includes additional locating information, such as, for example,
directory and file names. The server sends a secure page requesting
user name and password information 803. Then the computer connects
to the remote server computer through a secure connection 805, as
understood by those skilled in the art.
[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, embodiments of the present
invention provide launch sequences 900, 1000. The user launches the
application 901 or enters an URL address into the browser on the
user computer 1001 and is prompted for login information 903, 1003,
including, for example, a username and password, as understood by
those skilled in the art. Embodiments of the present invention
further provide during the login for a user's status as, for
example, a member, a visitor, and a trial 927, 1027. A member has
an existing account. A visitor is associated with a member account
but is restricted to allowed areas and permitted operations. See
also FIG. 28 for a visitor access configuration screen. A trial
status denotes a user without an account. If a user is not a member
905, 1005, an offer to sign up, or become a member, can be
presented 907, 1007. If the user so indicates a sign-up window 909
or sign-up page 1009 can be presented to the user. The data entered
in the sign-up window 909 or sign-up page 1009 can be communicated
to the database 913, 1013 on the file management server through the
electronic communications network 911, 1011 to create or deny a new
account. Other launch sequence embodiments of the present invention
send the user's name, password, and status 915, 1015 through the
electronic communications network 917, 1017 to the database on the
remote file management server to validate login information and
return account preferences 919, 1019. The file management server
then returns user settings, categories, and icons to the user
computer 921, 1021. If necessary, the file management server
synchronizes the settings, categories, and icons with those stored
locally on the user computer 923, 1023. Upon a successful launch
sequence, the software displays the user-appropriate icon palette
and icons and awaits user action 925, 1025 so that the user is
displayed the icon palette on the desktop 929, 1029.
[0076] The benefit of a visitor status embodiment is to allow a
user to share photographs and other files, without providing
complete and unrestricted access to the member's other documents.
For example, in-laws can share pictures of a common grandchild
without sharing personal medical or military service records.
Because the user determines the level of access for a visitor
account, different visitor accounts can have different access
configurations allowing, for example, an adult child who has a
medical power of attorney access to the member's prescription
records, but denying a minor grandchild with a different visitor
account access to those files. Another benefit of a visitor status
is to increase the number of people and the amount of information
or context. For example, photographs of a picnic often include
dates and other guests whose names or complete names are unknown to
the host. The use of visitor accounts facilitates the gathering of
this and other missing information.
[0077] As illustrated in FIGS. 11-12 and 26-27, embodiments of the
present invention provide methods 1100, 1200 for prompting a user
to fill out a questionnaire 1113, 1213 associated with a file
responsive to a user action selecting the file or assigning the
file to a category 1103, 1203. In a thick-client embodiment, the
software application receives a user action 1101 associated with
the icon bar, i.e., the icon palette. In a thin-client or
browser-based embodiment, a browser page displays the icon palette
1201 and awaits a user action. The kind of user action determines
the next step or operation 1103, 1203, as understood by those
skilled in the art. For example, dragging the cursor 207 over an
icon through use of a mouse or similar input device can result in
the icon under the cursor 207 being highlighted, or selected 1105,
1205, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example,
clicking on the icon palette 1127, 1227 provides for modification
of the icon palette. See, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14. The user action
can also include assigning a file to a predetermined category by,
for example, dragging and dropping an icon representing the file
onto an icon on the icon palette representing the category 1204.
The user action can also include selecting the file through a menu
as understood by those skilled in the art. Responsive to the user
action, the path to the file, e.g., the dropped object, is
captured, along with the assigned category, i.e., the category
associated with the icon 1107, 1207. A determination is made
whether the object, i.e., the file, is acceptable 1109, 1209. If
not, because the file type is unknown, the size is too big or too
small, the file contains a virus or other mal-ware, the file is
corrupted or otherwise defective, or other reasons as understood by
those skilled in the art then the user can be alerted 1111, 1211.
Then the action can be aborted and the user is returned to a
listening state 1125, 1225, or ready state as understood by those
skilled in the art. If the object, i.e., the file, is acceptable,
then the user is prompted to fill out a questionnaire 1113, 1213.
See, e.g., FIGS. 26-27. Upon completion, if the questionnaire form
is not acceptable 1115, 1215, the action is aborted, and the user
is returned to a listening state 1125, 1225, or ready state as
understood by those skilled in the art. If the form is acceptable,
multiple files are handled. That is, if multiple files are dropped,
each file is attached to the questionnaire 1117, 1217. In a
thin-client or browser-based embodiment, the data is sent to the
server 1223. In a thick-client embodiment, an addition
determination can be made whether the server is available 1119. If
not, the questionnaire data and files can be saved in a local
database for later uploading and synchronization to the server
1121. Once the server is available, the data and files can be sent
to the server 1123.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 26, prompting the user for the
questionnaire 2600 can result in the category and journal
information being sent to the application or browser 2651, so that
the user is displayed the questionnaire with some information
already populated 2653. The questionnaire 2600 can include, for
example, data for a category 2601, an album 2603, a name for the
file 2605, and a data field for search words to associate with the
file 2607. The questionnaire can include event information,
including data fields for an event date 2619 and an event time
2617, a location description 2621, a city 2623, a state 2625, and a
country 2627. In addition, the event information can include a
description of the weather 2629, a temperature 2631, a status of
the moon 2633, and other attributes as understood by those skilled
in the art. As understood by those skilled in the art, the file
name 2605 and category 2601 can be automatically populated
responsive to a user action that assigns the file to a category. In
addition, the event time 2617 and date 2619 can be automatically
populated, including from the time and date associated with the
file, if available. Other fields can also be automatically
populated, including with default values or a prior or common value
or a value derived from the user action or the file itself as
understood by those skilled in the art. The questionnaire 2600 can
display a thumbnail of the file 2637 or an icon that represents the
file type 2639. The questionnaire 2600 can also include a relative
picture size 2609 for displaying in an album, with, for example, a
value of "1" indicating a small picture, a value of "5" indicating
a large picture, and values of "2", "3", and "4" in between, as
understood by those skilled in the art. A page in an album can, for
example, display only one file with a picture size of "5"; whereas,
a page in an album can, for example, display two files with a
picture size of "4" and many files with a picture size of "1", as
understood by those skilled in the art. Through the questionnaire
2600, the user can also specify the files for inclusion in a slide
show of randomized files 2611. As illustrated in FIG. 27, through
the questionnaire 2701, the user can specify a desire or intention
to make a file publicly available 2703 (or delete a file as
understood by those skilled in the art) and select a trigger event
to make the file publicly available 2705. Examples include making a
file public upon death of the user 2705, making the file public 25
years after the death of the user, and others as understood by
those skilled in the art. In addition, the questionnaire 2701 can
include terms of a legal document 3410, or a hyperlink to the
terms, and an approval box for the user to select to approve the
terms 2707 for future access to the files. As illustrated in FIG.
34, the legal document 3410 can include, for example, an electronic
legal document stored in the memory 3401 of the file management
machine 3400.
[0079] The questionnaire also includes recall information 2613,
2615 as illustrated in FIG. 26. To utilize the recall feature, the
user fills out a recall date 2613 for a future date in the
questionnaire. The recall date can be, for example, the date a bill
is due, the date an insurance policy expires, an upcoming
anniversary, an upcoming birthday, or other future date. The user
also fills out a threshold, e.g., a number of days before the
recall date to receive an alert 2615. Later, when the user logs in
near the recall date 2613, within the number of days indicated by
the recall before data 2615, then the user receives an alert,
including, for example, a pop-up or notice screen. Alternately, the
alert can be an e-mail or other message as understood by those
skilled in the art. The alert can include the file or a thumbnail
of the file 2637.
[0080] The questionnaire 2600 also includes a journal entry 2635
associated with the file. Individual journal entries are aggregated
into one master journal for the user 2301, as illustrated in FIG.
23. In addition, a portion of the master journal can be displayed
on the display device. The portion can correspond to user criteria,
such as, for example, a category 2601, a particular data range, or
files in an album 2201, 2501 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 25.
[0081] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIG. 11, if the server is unavailable 1119, the
questionnaire can be saved in the local database on the user
computer 1121 for later uploading to the file management server
1123.
[0082] In addition, according to embodiments of the present
invention, multiple files may share a questionnaire for data entry
purposes and for ease of use 1117, 1217, as illustrated in FIGS.
11-12 and 25. If the data associated with a file changes, that file
can get a separate questionnaire.
[0083] Embodiments of the present invention provide for predefined
default categories and also user-defined categories and associated
icons. The user can add, delete, or edit the categories associated
with the life of the user, as well as the icons that represent the
categories, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-19 and 30. Embodiments of
the present invention include pop-up menus 1307, 1407 so that a
user can performs methods of editing 1500, 1600, adding 1700, 1800,
and deleting 1900 categories associated with the life of the user,
as well as the icons that represent the categories. The predefined
default categories associated with the life of the user can
include, for example, marriage, faith, family, children, friends,
school, music, film, books, travel, work, sports, pets, military,
and health 2903. Other categories are possible and within the scope
of the present invention, as understood by those skilled in the
art.
[0084] Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 13 and 14, can include methods 1300, 1400 of utilizing the
icon palette to access and manipulate the files, associated data,
and categories. In a thick-client embodiment, for example, a user U
can click on the icon palette 1301. The kind of click is determined
1303. For a left or double-click, as understood by those skilled in
the art, data can be displayed 1305. See, e.g., FIG. 20. For a
right click or long click, as understood by those skilled in the
art, a pop-up memo is displayed 1307. From the pop-up menu 1307,
the user U can edit a category name 1309. See, e.g., FIG. 15. The
user U can direct that the edits, i.e., changes, can be saved and
displayed 1311 or canceled and discarded 1313, as understood by
those skilled in the art. The user can also direct that a category
be added 1315 (see FIG. 17) or deleted 1317. The method 1300 can
also include altering the local icon palette while pending a
request to a remote server, e.g., hiding a deleted category 1319.
In a thin-client embodiment, for example, a user U can click on the
icon palette 1401, and a web page is sent 1403 responsively. The
web page can provide a subcategory list 1406, e.g., a list of
albums, with navigation links, as understood by those skilled in
the art, that lead to a display of data 1419. Clicking on a
navigation link by the user U can cause the display of an album's
files 1421 or journal entries associated with an album's files
1423. The web page can also provide a pop-up menu 1407. From the
pop-up menu 1407, the user U can direct that data be displayed 1405
(see FIG. 21), and the user U can edit a category name 1409. See,
e.g., FIG. 16. The user U can direct that the edits, i.e., changes,
can be saved and displayed 1411 or canceled and discarded 1413, as
understood by those skilled in the art. The user U can also direct
that a category be added 1415 (see FIG. 18) or deleted 1417 (see
FIG. 19).
[0085] Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 15 and 16, can include methods 1500, 1600 of customizing,
i.e., editing, the icon palette. For example, a user U can select
the icon palette for editing 1501, 1601. In a thick-client
embodiment, for example, a paste icon modal dialog window, e.g., an
edit category window, is opened, displaying a category name and
picture, or icon 1503. As understood by those skilled in the art, a
modal dialog window remains the front-most window and captures all
user action until it is closed 1521. In a thick-client embodiment,
for example, an edit page is displayed, having a category name and
picture, or icon 1603. As understood by those skilled in the art,
the "save" button on the edit category window 1505 or page 1605 can
be deactivated. The edit category window 1505 or page 1605 can
include a category name and a graphic of the current picture. The
user U can edit the category name 1507, 1607, by renaming the
category "children" with specific names, e.g. "Jack and Jill." The
user U can also drag a file, i.e., a new image, over the graphic
area 1509, 1609 to determine if the file type is appropriate 1511,
1611. The user U can also paste or drop a file, e.g., for an image
or picture, into the graphical area 1513, 1613. Whether the file
type is appropriate is determined 1515, 1615. If not, the user U is
alerted 1517, 1617. If the file type is appropriate, the image in
the file is sized and displayed in the graphic box 1519, 1619.
After customizing the icon palette, the "save" button is activated,
and the user can cancel or save the edits, then return to the
calling procedure 1523 or page 1623, as understood by those skilled
in the art.
[0086] Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 17 and 18, can include methods 1700, 1800 of creating new
categories. For example, once a user U has selected a new category
1701, 1801, a temporary category record is created 1703, 1803
having a default name, such as, "Untitled Category" with a default
picture of icon. The user U is prompted to edit the new category
1705, 1805. In a thick-client embodiment, for example, the
temporary category record can be saved, resulting in changes to the
display of the icon palette locally and changes added to the upload
queue for the remote server 1707. In a thin-client embodiment, for
example, the temporary record is saved, and refreshed web pages are
sent from the web server 1807, as understood by those skilled in
the art. If the user cancels the temporary new category, the
temporary record is discarded 1709 and the previous view returns,
i.e., the prior icon palette 1809.
[0087] Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
19, can include a method 1900 of deleting categories. In a
thick-client embodiment, for example, once a user U has selected to
delete a category 1901, a "delete" modal dialog box displays is
opened, displaying information about the category 1903. A
confirmation prompt 1905 is displayed to the user. If the user U
elects to cancel the deletion, the dialog box is closed 1907. If
the user elects to delete the category, the category can be hidden
from the icon palette locally and a delete request can be added to
the pending remote server upload queue 1909.
[0088] Embodiments of the present invention provide for the
displaying on a list of albums associated with a category, as
illustrated in FIGS. 20-22 and 24-25. By clicking on an icon 2001
or otherwise selecting a category from the server 2101, an album
list is retrieved 2003, 2103 and displayed to the user 2005.
Various data views, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-25, are available. A
user action is determined 2009, 2109. The user U can cancel the
album list, and the window can be closed 2011, 2111; the user (U)
can record and save changes 2013, 2113. In addition, the user U can
add files to a category by, e.g., dragging and dropping a file, or
object, to the category as described herein 2015, 2115. From the
list of albums, the user has various other navigation options.
Options for the user include displaying an album 2211, 2503 of
files in pre-selected formats on the display device responsive to
the questionnaires associated with the files, as illustrated in
FIGS. 22 and 25. The pre-selected formats (see 2211, 2503) can
include an album page displaying multiple files 2217, 2509 of the
same or different sizes. Another option includes displaying a
portion of the master journal 2201, 2501 on the display device
comprising individual journal entries 2215, 2507 associated with
files in an album. Furthermore, embodiments of the present
invention allow for simultaneously displaying an album 2503 and the
portion of the master journal associated with the files in the
album 2501. According to embodiments of the present invention, the
files displayed in pre-selected formats in the album of files can
be linked to the associated journal entries in the displayed
portion of the master journal so that when a user highlights a
file, the associated journal entry is also highlighted, and when a
user highlights a journal entry, an associated file is also
highlighted, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25. Specifically, see
2213 and 2215, and also 2505 and 2507.
[0089] As further illustrates in FIG. 22, an alternate embodiment
of the icon palette 2203 can display icons 2207a-2207n that
represent a plurality of predetermined categories representing
notable events in the life of the user. In addition, navigation
links to a journal 2205, i.e., a master journal, can be provided on
the icon palette 2203. See also, navigation link 2305, icon 2307,
and alternative embodiment of the icon palette 2303 in FIG. 23.
Furthermore, by clicking on a icon, for example, 2207b, a
subcategory list can be displayed 2209, allowing the user to
navigate to an album 2211 or to the journal 2201, or to display
both simultaneously, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25. Other
navigation paths and interactions are included in the embodiments,
as understood by those skilled in the arts.
[0090] Embodiments of the present invention provide for a member to
allow restricted access to the member's account to a visitor, as
illustrated in FIG. 28. The user, in this case a member, creates
the login name 2811 and password 2813 for the visitor 2809, through
a visitor access configuration screen 2801 as illustrated in FIG.
28. Through the visitor access configuration screen or screens, the
member determines the access level for the visitor on a file by
file basis 2803, on an album by album basis 2805, on a category by
category basis 2807, or a combination of these as understood by
those skilled in the art.
[0091] Embodiments of the present invention include a randomizer
module 2901 for displaying a slide show of randomized files
responsive to user criteria. The user specifies a file for
inclusion in a slide show of randomized files 2611 through the
questionnaire 2600, as illustrated in FIG. 26. Configured through a
randomizer setup screen 2901, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the
randomizer module can display the slide show on the display device
attached to the user computer and external devices 2917, such as,
electronic picture frames and televisions. The user can name, save,
and retrieve a particular randomizer configuration 2905. The user
criteria can include one or more categories to display 2903, a
quantity of files to select 2907, a start date 2909, an end date
2911, a duration the selected files will be presented by the
program 2913, and a number of cycles to repeat selection and
presentation 2915. An example embodiment, as illustrated on FIG.
29, indicates that in the first cycle 50 files will be randomly
selected from the checked categories, including marriage, family,
children, friends, school, music, travel, and pets. The selection
will be restricted to files with event dates on or between Jan. 25,
2007 and Jan. 25, 2008. The files will be displayed for 30 minutes,
and then a new 50 files will be selected and available for display
for 30 minutes. This process will repeat for five cycles. The files
will be displayed on a USB picture frame.
[0092] As illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B, the randomizer module
can consecutively display images 3002, 3004 on an electronic
picture frame 3001. For example, a first image 3002 can show a
present 3003 having a bow 3005 prior to being opened, and a second
image can show the aftermath of opening the present, including a
toy 3011, an open box 3007, and a discarded ribbon 3009.
[0093] Embodiments of the present invention include a method 3100
of file management, as illustrated in FIG. 31. The method can
include a start 3101. The method can include prompting a user for
login information 3103. The login information can include a
username, a password, and a status to thereby allow complete access
to a member and restricted access to a visitor. The method can also
include displaying an icon palette on a display device to the user
3105. The icon palette has a palette boundary and includes icons
representing a plurality of predetermined categories representing
notable events in a life of the user. The method can include
assigning one of a plurality of unsorted files to at least one of
the plurality of predetermined categories through a user action so
that dragging and dropping one of the plurality of unsorted files
across the palette boundary onto an icon on the icon palette
assigns the file to one of the plurality of predetermined
categories 3107. The method can include prompting the user to fill
out a questionnaire associated with the file responsive to the user
action assigning the file to the predetermined category 3109. The
questionnaire can include album data, a journal entry, event
information, and display information. The method can include
temporarily storing the file and data associated with the
questionnaire in a database on a local computer 3111 so that the
user can assign files and fill out questionnaires in the event of
slow or interrupted communication with the remote server. The
method can include storing the file and data associated with the
questionnaire in a database on a remote server 3113 so that the
user can access the file and associated data through an electronic
communications network. The method can also include aggregating
individual journal entries into one master journal for the user
3115. The method can include displaying a portion of the master
journal on the display device responsive to user criteria so that a
user can view journal entries for a category, a particular date
range, or files in an album 3117. The method can include displaying
an album of assigned files using pre-selected formats on the
display device 3119, responsive to questionnaires associated with
the files. Each file is associated with the same predetermined
category of the plurality of predetermined categories representing
notable events in a life of the user. The method can include
specifying in a database files for inclusion in a slide show of
randomized files 3121. The method can include randomly selecting a
set of files from the specified files responsive to user criteria
3123 and displaying randomly selected set of files in the slide
show on a display device 3125. The method can also include
repeating the steps of randomly selecting and displaying the set of
files in the slide show responsive to user criteria 3127. The
method can include an end or stop 3129.
[0094] Embodiments of the present invention include a method 3200
of file management, as illustrated in FIG. 32. The method can
include a start 3201. The method can include establishing a
recipient entity for acquiring ownership rights to files 3203. The
method can include storing in a database a plurality of files
assigned by a user to a plurality of categories representing
notable events in a life of the user so that the user can access
the plurality of files through an electronic communications network
3205. The method can include storing in the database a master
journal for the user where the master journal including individual
journal entries by the user and each journal entry is associated
with one or more files of the plurality of files 3207. The method
can include prompting the user through a questionnaire to select a
trigger event for making publicly available a file of the plurality
of files and an associated journal entry and to approve legal terms
so that the user can designate a portion of the plurality of files
and associated journal entries to be made publicly available after
the selected trigger event 3209. The method can include receiving
ownership rights by the recipient entity from the user according to
the user-approved legal terms for the designated portion of the
plurality of files and associated journal entries 3211. The method
can include providing access to third parties to the designated
portion of the plurality of files and associated journal entries
after the user-selected trigger event 3213. The method can include
verifying a death of the user through a published obituary or a
contact list supplied by the user through the questionnaire 3215.
Embodiments can further include verification through a death
certificate or governmental database. The method can also include
creating a journal entry for the user recording the death of the
user 3217. The method can include an end or stop 3219.
[0095] Embodiments of the present invention include a method of
file management. The method can include displaying an icon palette
on a display device to a user 3105. The icon palette includes icons
representing predetermined categories associated with a life of the
user. The method can also include assigning a file to a
predetermined category through a user action so that dragging and
dropping the file onto an icon on the icon palette assigns the file
to the predetermined category 3107. The method can include
prompting the user to fill out a questionnaire associated with the
file responsive to the user action assigning the file to the
predetermined category 3109. The questionnaire includes album data,
a journal entry, event information, and display information. The
method can further include displaying an album of files in
pre-selected formats on the display device, responsive to the
questionnaires associated with the files 3119.
[0096] Embodiments of the present invention include a method of
file management for a randomizer module. The method includes
specifying in a database a plurality of files for inclusion in a
slide show of randomized files so that only appropriate files are
displayed 3121. Each file of the plurality of files has been
assigned to at least one predetermined category associated with a
life of the user through a user action. The method includes storing
the plurality of files and the database on a remote server so that
a user can access the plurality of files and the database through
an electronic communications network 3113. The method also includes
randomly selecting a set of files from the plurality of files
specified in the database for inclusion in the slide show
responsive to user criteria 3123. The user criteria includes a
number of files to display, a start date of the files, an end date
for the files, a duration to display the files, and a number of
repetitions before selecting new files so that the user can tailor
the randomized slide show for an audience. The user criteria also
include a list of categories from which to draw files. The user can
name, save, and retrieve the user criteria for a particular
configuration. The method includes displaying the randomly selected
set of files in the slide show on a display device 3125. The method
includes repeating the steps of randomly selecting and displaying
the set of files in the slide show responsive to user criteria
3128.
[0097] Embodiments of the present invention include a system of
file management, storage, and display. The system includes a first
computer server associated with a file management provider defining
a file management server, the file management server being
positioned to manage, store, and retrieve files and associated
data. The system also includes a plurality of second computers
associated with a plurality of users defining user computers, each
user computer in communication with the file management server
through an electronic communications network. The system further
includes a computer program product associated with user computer
as discussed below.
[0098] Embodiments of the present invention include a computer
program product, stored on a tangible computer memory media,
operable on a computer, the computer program product including a
set of instructions that, when executed by the computer, cause the
computer to perform various operations. The operations include
displaying an icon palette on a display device to a user. The icon
palette includes icons corresponding to a plurality of
predetermined categories representing notable events in a life of
the user. The operations also include assigning a file to at least
one predetermined category through a user action so that dragging
and dropping the file onto an icon on the icon palette assigns the
file to the predetermined category. The operations include
prompting the user to fill out a questionnaire associated with a
file responsive to the user action assigning the file to the
predetermined category. The questionnaire can include any
additional predetermined categories, album data, a journal entry,
event information, and display information. The operations further
include displaying an album of files in pre-selected formats on the
display device, responsive to the questionnaires associated with
the files.
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 33, embodiments of the present
invention include a computer program product 3301, stored on a
tangible computer memory media 3305, operable on a computer 3303,
the computer program product including a set of instructions 3307
that, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform
various operations. The operations include storing in a database a
plurality of files assigned by a user to a plurality of categories
representing notable events in a life of the user so that the user
can access the plurality of files through an electronic
communications network 3309. The operations include storing in the
database a master journal for the user where the master journal
comprising individual journal entries by the user and each journal
entry associated with one or more files of the plurality of files
3311. The operations include prompting the user through a
questionnaire to select a trigger event for making publicly
available a file of the plurality of files and an associated
journal entry and to approve legal terms so that the user can
designate a portion of the plurality of files and associated
journal entries to be made publicly available after the selected
trigger event 3313. The operations include logging a receipt of
ownership rights by a recipient entity from the user according to
the user-approved legal terms for the designated portion of the
plurality of files and associated journal entries 3315. The
operations include providing access to third parties to the
designated portion of the plurality of files and associated journal
entries after the user-selected trigger event 3317. The operations
include verifying a death of the user through a published obituary
or a contact list supplied by the user through the questionnaire
3319. The operations include creating a journal entry for the user
recording the death of the user 3321.
[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 34, a file management machine 3400
can include a computer, having a memory 3401 having stored therein
program product 3402, a processor 3403, and an input-output
interface, or an I/O device 3404. The file management machine can
include the file management computer 3400 as a separate component,
module, program product, or server within an internal network of
servers comprising the system. In this way, the file management
computer may be configured as a plurality of computers or servers
connected via a local area network (LAN) or wide area network
(WAN). The file management system can be configured to include a
file management machine 3400 further communicating through its I/O
device 3404 with a database server 3405, a telecommunications
interface 3407, a web server 3406, and other equipment and
components as understood by those skilled in the art. See also
FIGS. 4, 5, and 7.
[0101] Other architectures, implementations, and organizations will
be understood by those skilled in the art to be included within the
embodiments of the present invention. Program products can be
implemented in a variety of software and programming languages,
including without limitation hypertext markup language ("HTML"),
Java, C, C++, XML, JavaScript, and others as understood by those
skilled in the art. Multi-processor computers, cloud computing,
server farms, multiple computer systems, multiple databases and
storage devices (including hierarchies of storage and access), and
other implementations will be recognized by those having skill in
the art as encompassed within the embodiments of the present
invention. For example, a single computer, a plurality of
computers, a server, or server cluster or server farm may be
employed, and this disclosure does not limit any configuration of
computers and servers for each. Moreover, each may be deployed as
at a server farm, data center or server cluster managed by a server
host, and the number of servers and their architecture and
configuration may be increased based on usage, demand, and capacity
requirements for the system. Moreover, embodiments include clusters
of computers, servers, storage devices, display devices, and
components interacting together, as understood by those skilled in
the art.
[0102] A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that various types of memory are readable by a computer such as
described herein, e.g., user computer, file management computer
server, or other computers and machine within embodiments of the
present invention. Examples of computer readable media include but
are not limited to: nonvolatile, hard-coded type media such as read
only memories (ROMs), CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs, or erasable,
electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), recordable
type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD-R/RWs,
DVD-RAMs, DVD-RWs, DVD+R/RWs, flash drives, memory sticks, and
other newer types of memories, and transmission type media such as
digital and analog communication links. For example, such media can
include operating instructions, as well as instructions related to
the system and the method steps described above and can operate on
a computer. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
such media can be at other locations instead of or in addition to
file management computer server to store program products, e.g.,
including software, thereon.
[0103] This application claims priority to and the benefit of: U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,814, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,831, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,862, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,894, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008; and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,914, by Reese et
al., titled "System, Program Product, and Method for File
Management, Storage, and Retrieval" filed Nov. 21, 2008, all of
which are each incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties. This application also relates to: U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled "Machine,
Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for File
Management, Storage, and Display" filed on the same day herewith;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled
"Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for File
Management and Storage" filed on the same day herewith; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled "Machine,
Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for Randomized
Slide Show of Files" filed on the same day herewith; and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, by Reese et al., titled
"Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for File
Management, Storage, and Access Utilizing a User-Selected Trigger
Event" filed on the same day herewith, all of which are each
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
[0104] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited to the illustrated embodiments
disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *