US 5,930,801 AGranted

Shared-data environment in which each file has independent security properties

AssigneeXerox Corporation

InventorsBrian C. Falkenhainer, Mitchell Garnaat

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Abstract

A shared-data system, such as could be used with an intranet or internet, in which a large quantity of files available in a file system are each individually assigned an identification number. This identification number is then converted into a non-location-based URL, such as a simple scalar number, which can be retained in a user's network browser. Further, each file has associated therewith an individual data object, by which an owner of a particular file can specify read and write access to the file. The system enables new users to create their own accounts to access the file system, without causing a general security breach. The use of location-independent URLs to identify files enables individual users to organize the files independently, and also avoids "stale" web links which occur when websites are reorganized.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A method of managing a plurality of files stored in an electronic file system, comprising the steps of:

assigning to each file in the file system a unique identification number;
assigning to a user with access to any file in the file system a unique identification number;
providing an object database, the object database including therein an object associated with each file in the file system, the object including the identification number of the file and an identification number of a user having access to the file;
providing a software mechanism whereby each identification number assigned to a file is associated with a location-independent URL;
converting a location-based URL of a file to a location-independent URL including an identification number usable by the software mechanism;
and
when a user enters a URL of a desired file, determining the identification number of the desired file, determining the identification number of the user, and consulting the object associated with the desired file to determine if the user has access to the file.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/961,002Filed 30 Oct 1997
Granted: 27 Jul 1999
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G06F 21/6218
Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules: to a system of files or objects, e.g. local or distributed file…
G06F 12/1483
By checking the subject access rights: using an access-table, e.g. matrix or list
G06F 2221/2141
Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for…:…
Y10S 707/99932
Database or file accessing: access augmentation or optimizing