Patent ID: 6067551
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for simultaneous, multi-user editing of a document stored in a memory shared by a plurality of users, comprising the steps of:a. creating a multi-user control file in the shared memory that is associated with a master copy of the document when a first user of the plurality of users accesses the document in the shared memory from a local computer;b. assigning the master copy of the document a master copy version identifier number when the first user of the plurality of users accesses the document in the shared memory;c. creating a local copy of the document for editing by each user on each user's local computer, which first local copy duplicates the master copy, when each user of the plurality of users accesses the document in the shared memory;d. assigning each local copy of the document a unique user version identifier number when each user of the plurality of users accesses the document in the shared memory;e. initiating a save operation by one user of the plurality of users;f. when the one user of the plurality of users saves any edits made to the document, comparing the user version identifier number for that one user to the master copy version identifier number; andg. based on that comparison, reconciling the master copy and the one user's local copy of the document by determining whether any conflicts exist between the master copy and the one user's local copy, presenting those conflicts to the one user, and resolving those conflicts based on input from the user.