Data storage and access facilitating techniques

#The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically and securely accessing and storing private data files and programs on a personal computing device with internet or other network access. In a preferred embodiment, a small, key-shaped data storage drive (also referred to as a “portable data storage unit conjoinable to a system of one or more computers” or “Key Device”) interfaces with a personal computer via a Uniform Serial Bus (“USB”) port, or other such computer/hardware communication means, and thereupon automatically initiates a software program containing user authentication information located on the Key Device and therewith automatically accesses a secure server located on the internet that accesses and presents to the user (via the personal computer) secure, private data and program files stored on the secure server. The data or program files may be presented in ways that private data files ordinarily are presented on a personal computer—represented by a disk drive or file icon, such as a file icon located on the “desktop” of a personal computer or as a subdivision of a data directory (e.g. “My Computer,” within Microsoft Windows). Preferably, the presentation and access discussed above terminates automatically upon removal of the Key Device, preventing unauthorized access to the private data by other users of the same personal computing device.

#Thus, the apparatus and method allow the user to automatically access virtually unlimited secure, private data files from an unlimited number of personal computers with internet or other network access, without carrying fragile, cumbersome diskettes or other such data devices that are subject to the risk of physical loss, while eliminating the time-consuming, labor-intensive memorization, entry and navigation involved with manual entry of user authentication information (typically, a username and password) on a secure website or network.

#In another preferred embodiment, multiple Key Devices may be used to allow multiple users access to the same file(s) and/or program(s) from multiple remote locations. The user authentication information may be centrally modified and/or managed by a manager of the secure server, thereby “deactivating” specific key-shaped data storage drives, accessible through a different security protocol, which allows for production of clone devices, or devices allowing some, but not all access to the secure, private data files and programs on the secure server for that purpose.

#FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary programming and methodology for a conjoined-initiating program of a portable data storage unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary physical structure of a portable data storage unit in the conjoining configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 3 is a diagram of the exemplary physical structure of the portable data storage unit of FIG. 2, in the stowed configuration.

#FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary programming and methodology for a conjoined-initiating program of a portable data storage unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In step 102, a processor of a system of one or more computers is directed to detect whether the portable data storage unit is conjoined to one of the computers within said system of one or more computers. If not, the processor returns to step 101. If the portable data storage unit is conjoined to one of the computers within said system of one or more computers, the processor proceeds to step 103. In step 103, the processor determines whether the computer to which the portable data storage unit is conjoined is connected to the remainder of said network, which, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, would consist of the internet. If not, the processor returns to the initiation of step 103. If the computer to which the portable data storage unit is conjoined is connected to the remainder of said network, the processor proceeds to step 104. In step 104, the processor accesses a particular data storage and/or program file or files, as preferably stored in the memory of the portable data storage unit. The processor then proceeds to step 105, in which the processor retrieves specified secure log-on information from the portable data storage unit, verifying authenticity of the user of the portable data storage unit. The processor then proceeds to step 106, in which it presents said particular data storage and/or program file or files to the user, preferably through a conventional user-interface, such as a computer monitor, and may permit modification thereof by the user. The processor then proceeds to step 107, in which it determines whether the portable data storage unit has been disconnected from the system of one or more computers. If not, the processor returns to the initiation of step 106. If the portable data storage unit has been disconnected from the system of one or more computers, the processor then saves any changes made by the user to said particular data storage and/or program file or files in their original location on the system of one or more computers.

#FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary physical structure of a portable data storage unit 200 in the conjoining configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A computer port-conjoining member 201 with gripping members 203 and a spring-loaded hinge 205 allow the portable data storage unit to physically conjoin with the system of one or more computers via a hardware access port on said system of one or more computers (not pictured). A pliable button member 207 is depressed by the physical case of a computer within said system of one or more computers when the portable data storage unit is conjoined. Said pliable button member 207 naturally resists being depressed by descending along a slope 209. Two descending ribs 211 and 213 are attached to said pliable button member and descend along with said pliable button member when said pliable button member is depressed. A pin 215 is attached to said computer port-conjoining member 201, and moves along a channel 217 when said computer port-conjoining member 201 swings into a housing 219 in a housing slot 221. If the two descending ribs (or locking members) 211 and 213 have not descended, because the pliable button member is not depressed, said pin 215 will be held against either of said descending ribs, depending on the location of said pin 215 in said channel 217, due to the force of the hinge 205, the spring of which tends to pull the port-conjoining member closed into the housing 219. Of course, if said pin 215 is positioned within said channel 217 on the side of the ribs furthest from said pliable button member 207, said pin 215 will slide along said channel 217 unobstructed by said ribs 211 and 213, and said computer port-conjoining member 201 will slide to closed position. As a user prepares to use said portable data storage unit 200, he or she will fully open said computer port-conjoining member 201 which, due to the pin 215 hitting rib 211, will be locked fully open, allowing easy conjoining of the portable data storage unit 200 with said system of one or more computers. When said conjoining has taken place, said pliable button member 207 will be depressed by the housing of a computer, causing said ribs 211 and 213 to descend, causing said pin 215 to be released and allowing force from the spring within hinge 205 to be applied to said computer port-conjoining member 201, which will pinch slightly with the housing 219. Naturally, the gripping members 203, which have now inserted within a computer port, will tend to angle backwards, creating a barb effect. Also, naturally, the pin 215 will be positioned between the two ribs 211 and 213, due to the gap or “play” between the computer housing and the housing 219. When the user begins to withdraw the portable data storage unit 200, the pliable button 207 will no longer be depressed and the rib 213 will rise, holding the computer port-conjoining member 201 from snapping shut uncontrollably. Rather, the user will depress the pliable button 207 while holding the exposed computer port-conjoining member 201, and carefully stow it within the housing 219.

#FIG. 3 is a diagram of the exemplary physical structure of the portable data storage unit of FIG. 2, in the stowed configuration, as explained above.