Abstract:
In a computer system comprising a screen, a screen saver determines if a predetermined time period lapses and, saves a screen when the predetermined time period has elapsed. When the screen saver runs, messages can be left, and, when a user is identified, he can gain access to the left messages.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to data processing systems and methods. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     When the same image is displayed by a computer screen during a long period of time, the front surface of the screen can deteriorate. Moreover, when a user is not working with his or her computer, it is not necessary that the screen of his computer continues displaying data and wasting electrical power. 
     Screen savers are software that automatically switch the image displayed by a computer screen when no input events, such as keyboard presses, mouse movement or mouse button clicks, are received after a predetermined amount of time. The new image is a moving picture. Thus, the screen savers save electrical power and increase the screen component&#39;s life. 
     To avoid an unauthorized person from accessing a user&#39;s confidential information when a user is away from his computer area, screen savers are often equipped with authentication routines. When a user touches the mouse or the keyboard of the computer, the user is requested to enter a security code. If the security code is recognized, the user can use the computer. Otherwise, the use of the computer and the access to the files and resources of the computer is denied. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     When a visitor enters the working area of the user, if the user is not there, the visitor may want to leave a message to the user. Sometimes, the message can contain confidential information that neither the visitor or the user wants to leave accessible to a third party. 
     This invention provides systems and methods that permit a visitor to leave an electronic message in the user&#39;s computer even when the screen saver denies access to the user&#39;s files, data and other computer resources. 
     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the systems and methods according to this invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram outlining a first exemplary embodiment of a data processing system according to this invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram outlining a second exemplary embodiment of the data processing systems according to this invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a flowchart outlining a first exemplary embodiment of a data processing method according to this invention; 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are a flowchart outlining a second exemplary embodiment of the data processing methods according to this invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a first exemplary image displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a second exemplary image displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a password graphical users interface displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a message entry graphical user interface displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention; and 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an exemplary image displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram outlining a first exemplary embodiment of a data processing system according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a data processing system  100  is connected to a display  110  and an input circuit  120 . 
     The data processing system  100  can be a computer or any other known or later developed system capable of processing data and driving a display and receiving data from an input circuit  120 . The display  110  can be a cathode ray tube display, a liquid crystal display or any other known or later developed system capable of displaying data. The input circuit  120  can be one or more of a keyboard a mouse, a touch screen, a touch pad, a microphone or any other known or later developed circuit capable of inputting data. 
     In operation, the data processing system  100  is first in a normal mode in which the user can gain access to all the processing functions that the data processing system  100  is able to perform. After each data input from the input circuit  120 , the data processing system  100  measures the elapsed time period since the last data input. The data processing system  100  then determines if this time period is longer than a predetermined time period. If so, the data processing system  100  switches into a screen saver mode. In the screen saver mode, the image displayed by the display  110  is a moving image so that the display components do not deteriorate. 
     In the screen saver mode, when data is input through the input circuit  120 , the data processing system  100  drives the display  110  to display a menu to invite the person who used the input circuit  120  to select between at least the functions of leaving at least one new message, viewing any messages that may have been left, or accessing the normal mode to use the processing functions of the data processing system  100 . 
     When the person chooses to leave a message, this person is considered to be a visitor by the data processing system  100 . Thus, the visitor is allowed to leave a message using the input circuit  120 . The data processing system  100  stores the visitor&#39;s message and returns to the moving image to protect the display components. 
     When the person chooses to view the messages left, the data processing system  100  authenticates this person, i.e., determines if this person is authorized to gain access to any messages that may have been left and to the normal mode. If the person is not authorized, the person does not gain access to the normal mode or to the message(s) left during the screen saver mode. 
     When the user is authenticated, the data processing system  100  displays any messages that may have been left. Then, the data processing system  100  returns to the normal mode. 
     FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram outlining a second exemplary embodiment of the data processing systems according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a data processing system  200  comprises at least some of an input/output port  210 , a printer manager  220 , a display manager  230 , a text editor  240 , a cache memory  250 , an authentication manager  260 , a memory manager  270 , a clock circuit  280 , a non-volatile memory  290  and a communication manager  300 , connected together by a data/control bus  205 . 
     The input/output port  210  is connected to one or more of a mouse  215 , a printer  225 , a display  235 , a keyboard  245  and a network  255 . The input/output port  210  receives data from one or more of the mouse  215 , the keyboard  245  and the network  255  and transmits the received data to the data/control bus  205 . The input/output port  210  also receives data from the data/control bus  205  and transmits that data to at least one of the printer  225 , the display  235 , the keyboard  245  and the network  255 . 
     The printer manager  220  drives the printer  225 . For example, the printer manager  220  can drive the printer  225  to print messages from the text editor  240 . The display manager  230  drives the display  235 . The text editor  240  allows the user to compose and edit messages. The cache memory  250  is a memory that stores messages composed using the text editor  240 . The authentication manager  260  authenticates the current user, i.e., determines if the current user is authorized to gain access to the messages stored in the cache memory  250  or to the data and software stored in the non-volatile memory  290 . The memory manager  270  manages reading data from and writing data to both the cache memory and the non-volatile memory  290 . The clock circuit  280  provides clock signals. The non-volatile memory  290  stores software and data used by the data processing system  200 . For example, the non-volatile memory  290  stores word processing software and communication software. The communication manager  300  drives the transmission of data to and the reception of data from the network  255 . 
     In operation, the data processing system  200  is in a normal mode in which the user can gain access to any data and/or software stored in the non-volatile memory  290 . After each data input from the mouse  215 , the keyboard  245 , the network  255  or any other input device connected to the input/output port  210 , the display manager  230  measures the elapsed time period since the last data input. The display manager  230  then determines if this time period is longer than a predetermined time period. If so, the display manager  230  switches the data processing system  200  into a screen saver mode. In the screen saver mode, the image displayed by the display  235  is a moving image so that the display components do not deteriorate. 
     In the screen saver mode, the display manager  230  displays an image that represents the number of messages left in the cache memory  250 . When the mouse  215 , the keyboard  245  or any other input device connected to the input/output port  210  are used by a current user, such as a visitor to the owner of the data processing system  200 , the display manager  230  displays a menu on the display  235  to invite the current user who used that input device to select between leaving at least one new message, viewing the message(s) left, exiting the screen saver mode, or returning to the screen saver mode. 
     When the current user chooses to leave a message, the current user is considered to be a visitor by the data processing system  200 . Then, the text editor  240  allows the visitor to compose and edit a message. The memory manager  270  stores the visitor&#39;s message in the cache memory  250  and returns to the screen saver mode to again display the moving image to protect the display components. 
     When the current user chooses either to view the message(s) left or to exit the screen saver mode, the authentication manager  260  authenticates that the current user is an authorized user of the data processing system  200 . If the current user is not authorized, the current user is not allowed access to the normal mode or to any messages that may have been left while the data processing system  200  was in the screen saver mode. 
     Once the current user is authenticated, if the user selected to exit the screen saver mode, the display manager  230  switches the data processing system  200  to the normal mode. In contrast, once the user is authenticated, if the current user selected to view any messages that may have been left, the display manger  230  displays any messages that were left and a menu of possible processing to be applied to each such message. For example, the menu allows the user, for each message, to print the message, to forward the message, to delete the message, or to save the message in the non-volatile memory  290 . 
     For example, if the user selected printing a message, the memory manager  270  transfers data corresponding to the message from the cache memory  250  to the printer manager  230  and the message is printed by the printer  225 . If the user selected forwarding the message, the user is requested to select a destination that can be reached through the network  255 . In response, the memory manager  270  transfers data corresponding to the message from the cache memory  250  to the communication manager  300 . The message is then transmitted by the communication manager  300  to the selected destination. If the user selected deleting the message, the memory manager  270  deletes the data corresponding to the message from the cache memory  250 . 
     If the user selected saving the message, the user is requested to enter a file name. In response, the memory manger  270  creates a file having the entered name in the non-volatile memory  290 . Next, the memory manager  270  transfers the data corresponding to the message from the cache memory  250  to the newly created file. Then, the user can view and process another message or exit the screen saver mode. 
     FIG. 3 is a flowchart outlining a first exemplary embodiment of a data processing method according to this invention. Beginning in step S 100 , control continues to step S 110 , where the data processing system is placed into a normal operating mode in which the user can gain access to all the available functions provided by the data processing system. Next, in step S 120 , the elapsed time period since the last data input is measured. Then, in step S 130 , a determination is made whether this time period is longer than a predetermined time period. If so, control continues to step S 140 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 120 . 
     In step S 140 , the data processing system is placed into a screen saver mode. In the screen saver mode, a moving image is displayed. Next, in step S 150 , a determination is made whether an input to the data processing system has been received. If so, control continues to step S 160 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 140 . 
     In step S 160 , a menu is displayed on a display device of the data processing system to a current user. The menu invites the current user who generated the input to the data processing system to select between two or more functions. These functions can include, for example, leaving a new message, viewing the messages left, entering the normal mode or returning to the screen saver mode. Then, in step S 170 , determination is made whether the current user selected leaving a new message. If so, control continues to step S 180 . Otherwise, control jumps to step S 190 . 
     In step S 180 , the current user is allowed to leave a message, and the message is input and stored. In various exemplary embodiments of this invention, the message is stored in a specific memory different from a memory where user files and software can be stored. Control then returns to step S 120 . 
     In contrast, in step S 190 , a determination is made whether the current user is authorized to gain access to any messages that may have been left and to the normal mode. If so, control continues to step S 200 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 150 . 
     In step S 200 , each message that has been left is displayed, in turn. Control then returns to step S 110 . 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are a flowchart outlining a second exemplary embodiment of the data processing methods according to this invention. Beginning in step S 300 , control continues to step S 310 , where the data processing system is placed into a normal operating mode in which the user can gain access to all the available functions of the data processing system. Next, in step S 320 , a determination is made whether an input to the data processing system has been received by the data processing system. If so, control returns to step S 310 . Otherwise, control continues to step S 330 . In step S 330 , an elapsed time period since the last received input is measured. Then, in step S 340 , a determination is made whether the time period since the last input exceeds a predetermined period of time. If so, control continues to step S 350 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 310 . 
     In step S 350 , the data processing system is place into a screen saver mode. Next, in step S 360 , a number of messages left in the screen saver mode is determined, and a moving picture, including information relating to the number of messages left, is generated. Then, in step S 370 , the generated moving picture is displayed. Next, in step S 380 , a determination is made whether an entry has been made. If so, control continues to step S 390 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 380 . 
     In step S 390 , a first menu is displayed. The first menu provides one or more control functions such as, for example, exiting the screen saver mode, entering a new message, and reading the left messages. Then, in step S 400 , a determination is made whether one of the displayed functions has been selected. If so, control continues to step S 410 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 400 . 
     In step S 410 , a determination is made whether entering a new message has been selected. If so, control continues to step S 420 . Otherwise, control jumps to step S 430 . In step S 420 , a new message is input and stored. In various exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods of this invention, the message is stored in a specific memory different from a memory where the user files and software can be stored. Control then returns to step S 360 . 
     In contrast, in step S 430 , a request for the current user to enter a security code is displayed. Next, in step S 440 , a determination is made whether a security code has been entered. If so, control continues to step S 450 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 440 . In step S 450 , a determination is made whether the correct security code has been entered. If so, control continues to step S 460 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 370 . In step S 460 , a determination is made whether exiting the screen saver mode has been selected. If so, control jumps back to step S 310 . Otherwise, control continues to step S 470 . 
     In step S 470 , a message and a second menu are displayed. The message is, for example, the oldest remaining message. The displayed second menu provides one or more control functions, such as, for example, exiting the screen saver mode, deleting the displayed message, printing the displayed message, saving the displayed message and forwarding the displayed message. Next, in step S 480 , a determination is made whether one of the control functions has been selected. If so, control continues to step S 490 . Otherwise, control returns to step S 480 . 
     In step S 490 , a determination is made whether exiting the screen saver mode has been selected. If so, control jumps back to step S 310 . Otherwise, control continues to step S 500 . 
     In step S 500 , the selected control function is performed. If deleting the displayed message has been selected, the displayed message is deleted. If printing the displayed message is selected, the displayed message is printed. If saving the displayed message is selected, a request for user to select a directory and a name for the displayed message is displayed and, upon proper selection, the displayed message is save in the selected directory, with the selected name. If forwarding the displayed message is selected, a request for the user to select a destination to which the displayed message should be forwarded is displayed and upon proper selection, the displayed message is forwarded to the selected destination. 
     Next, in step S 510 , a determination is made whether any unread messages are left. If so, control returns to step S 470 . Otherwise, control jumps back to step S 310 . 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a first exemplary image  500  displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention described above with respect to FIG. 1-4. The image  500  is displayed at a moment a determination has been made that no input to the data processing system has been made through an input device for at least the predetermined amount of time. In the image  500 , a message  510  moves slowly and continuously within the bounds of the display to save the screen components. In particular, the message  510  contains an indication that messages have been left for the user of the data processing system. More particularly, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the message  510  indicates that two messages have been left. However, in other exemplary embodiments according to the data processing systems and methods of this invention, any known or latter developed screen saver image can be displayed. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a second exemplary image displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention. The image  600  can be displayed after, or instead of, the image  500 , upon a current user touching a mouse, typing on a key of a keyboard or generating some other input event in the data processing system. In response, the image  600 , containing a main window  610  that includes a menu, is displayed. The menu provides the functions of adding a message, viewing one or more left messages or exiting the screen saver mode. The adding a message function is selected by selecting an add messages button  620 . The adding a message function is intended to be chosen by visitors. The viewing left message(s) function is selected by selecting a view message button  630 . The exiting function is selected by selecting an exiting button  640 . The viewing left message(s) function and the exiting function are intended to be chosen by the authorized user of the computer system. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a third exemplary image  700  displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention. The image  700  is displayed when one of the viewing message(s) function or the exiting function has been selected. In a main window  710 , a message  720  invites the user to enter the user&#39;s security code by typing symbols into a window  730 . 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a fourth exemplary image  800  displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according to this invention. The image  800  is displayed when the adding message(s) function has been selected. A message  820  invites the visitor to type a message in a window  810 . The visited selects an end button  830  when the message is completed. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a fifth exemplary image  900  displayable using any one of the first-fourth exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems and methods according this invention. The image  900  is displayed when the security number entered by the user is recognized as corresponding to an authorized user. In a main window  910 , a message is displayed. One message  920  indicates that the messages displayed in the main window  910  is the third one among three messages left. A delete button  930  allows the user to choose to delete the message displayed in the main window  910 . A print button  940  allows the user to print the message displayed in the main window  910 . A save button  950  allows the user to save the message into a non-volatile memory, such as, for example, a hard disk. A forward button  960  allows the user to forward the message to another processing system through a communication network, such as for example an intranet or the Internet. An exit button  970  allows the user to exit the screen saver mode. 
     Each of the data processing systems  100  and  200  can be implemented on a programmed general purpose computer. However, each of the data processing systems  100  or  200  can also be implemented ion a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwire electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA or PAL, or the like. In general, any device capable of implementing a finite state machine that is in turn capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 or  4 A- 4 B, and/or that is capable of generating, displaying and allowing user interaction with the graphical user interfaces shown in FIGS. 5-9, can be used to implement the data processing systems  100  or  200 , respectively. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the non-volatile memory  290  is a hard disk. However, in other exemplary embodiments of the data processing systems according to this invention, the non-volatile memory can be any known or later developed storage device, such as a floppy disk and drive, a hard disk and drive, a writeable CD-ROM or DVD disk and drive, flash memory, or the like. It should also be appreciated that the non-volatile memory can be located locally to display or can be located remotely from the display. 
     Each of the links between the data processing systems  100  and  200  and the displays, input circuits, mouse, keyboard and printer can be any known or later developed device or system for connecting a data processing system to a peripheral or a network, including a direct cable connection, a connection over a wide area network or a local area network, a connection over an intranet, a connection over the Internet, or a connection over any other distributed processing network or system. Further, it should be appreciated that any of these links can be a wired or wireless link. The network  255  can be a wide area network or a local area network, an intranet, the Internet or any other distributed processing network or system. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.