Shared internet storage resource, user interface system, and method
View Patent ↗The Shared Internet Storage Resource provides Internet-based file storage, retrieval, access, control, and manipulation for a user. Additionally, an easy-to-use user interface is provided both for a browser or stand-alone application. The entire method provides means by which users can establish, use, and maintain files on the Internet in a manner remote from their local computers yet in a manner that is similar to the file manipulation used on their local computers. A high capacity or other storage system is attached to the Internet via an optional internal network that also serves to generate and direct metadata regarding the stored files. A web server using a CGI, Java®-based, or other interface transmits and retrieves TCP/IP packets or other Internet information through a load balancer/firewall by using XML to wrap the data packets. File instructions may be transmitted over the Internet to the Shared Resource System. The user's account may be password protected so that only the user may access his or her files. On the user's side, a stand-alone client application or JavaScript object interpreted through a browser provide two means by which the XML or other markup language data stream may be received and put to use by the user. Internet-to-Internet file transfers may be effected by directly downloading to the user's account space.
1. A shared file storage resource for a computer network, comprising:
an allocatable file storage resource;
a server, said server coupled to said storage resource, said server:
allocating individual user file space for a plurality of users on said storage resource;
receiving files for storage on said storage resource;
transmitting files stored on said storage resource;
generating control-protocol codes for transmitting said files;
receiving file commands for controlling files on said storage resource;
transmitting display codes indicating file status on said storage resource, said display codes representing said storage resource as a network drive;
a first network connection, said first network connection coupling said server to the computer network;
a workstation, said workstation:
receiving files for storage on said storage resource;
transmitting files stored on said storage resource;
receiving file commands for controlling files on said storage resource; and
transmitting display codes indicating file status on said storage resource, said display codes representing said storage resource as a network drive; whereby
a user may store, retrieve, and control files in a unique and secure file storage area on said allocatable storage resource available throughout the computer network and detached from said workstation.
2. The shared file storage resource for a computer network as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said display codes further comprise:
a browser-interpretable object, such as a JavaScript object, said object displaying file status on said storage resource as a web page.
3. The shared file storage resource for a computer network as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising:
a standalone program running on said workstation, said standalone program interpreting said display codes and providing a seamless interface to said user, said seamless interface presenting said storage resource as a local or network resource to said user and allowing said user to manipulate files on said storage resource in the same manner as local storage resources such as a floppy disk drive or a local hard drive.
4. The shared file storage resource for a computer network as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said computer network, further comprises:
the Internet.