Patent ID: 6385614
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G06F,G11B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for insuring that when a data resource which is located on a web server and is accessible by a plurality of computer users that each have a web browser but is only useable by one computer user at a time has been allocated to a computer user, the data resource will be made available to other computer users under certain conditions, the method comprising:first transmitting a temporary identifier to a first computer associated with a first computer user of the plurality of computer users that have the right to access the data resource; first receiving an initial request for access to the data resource from the first computer associated with the first computer user, said initial request including said temporary identifier; determining if the data resource is available; providing, if the data resource is determined to be available, the first computer associated with the first computer user with exclusive access to the data resource for a first predetermined period of time; second receiving a subsequent request that relates to the data resource from the first computer associated with the first computer user, said subsequent request including said temporary identifier; second transmitting a reply to said subsequent request if said subsequent request is received within said first predetermined period of time; releasing the data resource for allocation to any of the plurality of computer users that have the right to access the data resource upon the expiration of said first predetermined period of time if said subsequent request from the first computer associated with the first computer user is the most recent request from the first computer and is not accorded a time that is within a second predetermined period of time, wherein said second predetermined period of time is within said first predetermined period of time and less than said first predetermined period of time; and renewing, if said subsequent request from the first computer associated with the first computer user is the most recent request from the first computer and is accorded a time that is within said second predetermined period of time, exclusive access of the first computer user to the data resource.