PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10031919-B2
Application Number: US-201314106299-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Management of access to data distributed across multiple computing devices

Abstract:
Methods, systems and apparatus for a distributed data environment in which data can be seamlessly accessed from remote computing devices are disclosed. For a given user having multiple computing devices, a personal distributed data bank can be formed from data storage capacities resident at the multiple computing device. The given user can access data on any of the multiple computing devices without knowing on which of the multiple computing devices the data resides. In one embodiment, an index for the user&#39;s data within the personal distributed data bank can be provided to facilitate searching, browsing and accessing of user data by the given user.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for accessing distributed data, said method comprising:
 associating a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user; 
 forming a distributed personal data bank using data storage of the different computing devices; 
 maintaining an index of electronic data available in the distributed personal data bank, the index being available and maintained on the different computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks; and 
 accessing electronic data in the distributed personal data bank using the index, the data in the distributed personal data bank being accessible from the data storage of the different computing devices via the one or more wired or wireless networks, said accessing comprising:
 receiving a request for a specific electronic file from the distributed personal data bank; 
 determining whether the distributed personal data bank stores the specific electronic file on two or more different ones of the different computing devices; 
 selecting one of the two or more different ones of the different computing devices from which to retrieve the specific electronic file, the selecting being based at least in part on one or more characteristics associated with the specific electronic file that are acquired from the index; and 
 retrieving the specific electronic file from the selected one of the two or more different ones of the different computing devices. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said accessing accesses a particular electronic file from the distributed personal data bank and provides the particular electronic file to a target computing device, the target computing device being one of the different computing device associated to the particular user. 
     
     
       3. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said accessing comprises:
 determining whether the particular electronic file is usable by the target computing device; and 
 modifying the particular electronic file to be usable by the target computing device if it is determined that the particular electronic file is not usable by the target computing device. 
 
     
     
       4. The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said modifying modifies at least one of size, resolution or format of the particular electronic file. 
     
     
       5. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the index allows accessing data in the distributed personal data bank without regard to where the data is stored within the distributed personal data bank. 
     
     
       6. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the index allows searching for data in the distributed personal data bank without regard to where the data is stored within the distributed personal data bank. 
     
     
       7. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the data stored in the distributed personal data bank is redundantly stored. 
     
     
       8. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a given data item can be stored in the distributed personal data bank with automatic versioning control. 
     
     
       9. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the different computing devices are primarily devices used or owned by the particular user. 
     
     
       10. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the computing devices is a device primarily used or owned by another user, yet such computing device stores data that is authorized as accessible to the particular user. 
     
     
       11. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 determining most likely accessed data for the particular user; and 
 automatically distributing the most likely accessed data to one or more of the different computing device associated with the particular user. 
 
     
     
       12. The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said method further comprises:
 caching the most likely accessed data at the one or more of the different computing devices associated with the particular user. 
 
     
     
       13. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 determining most popular electronic files for the particular user; 
 determining one or more of the different computing devices from which the particular user is most likely to access the most popular electronic files; and 
 automatically distributing copies of the most popular electronic files to the most popular electronic files to the one or more of the different computing devices from which the particular user is determined to be most likely to access the most popular electronic files. 
 
     
     
       14. A method for accessing distributed data, said method comprising:
 associating a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user; 
 configuring distributed data policies applicable to data stored on the different computing devices; 
 maintaining an index of data available to the particular user on the different computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks; and 
 subsequently accessing the electronic data available to the particular user on the different computing device from any of the different computing devices using the index without regard to where the electronic data is stored within the different computing devices, wherein said accessing comprises:
 receiving a request for a specific electronic file from the distributed personal data bank; 
 determining whether the distributed personal data bank stores the specific electronic file on two or more different ones of the different computing devices; 
 selecting one of the two or more different ones of the different computing devices from which to retrieve the specific electronic file, the selecting being based at least in part on the one or more characteristics associated with the specific electronic file stored on the two or more different ones of the different computing device; and 
 retrieving the specific electronic file from the selected one of the two or more different ones of the different computing devices. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the distributed data policies comprise at least one policy on data retention. 
     
     
       16. The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the distributed data policies comprises at least one access location preference. 
     
     
       17. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon and executable by a computing device for accessing distributed data, said computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for associating a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user; 
 computer program code for forming a distributed personal data bank using data storage of the different computing devices; 
 computer program code for maintaining an index of electronic data available in the distributed personal data bank, the index being available and maintained on the different computing devices; and 
 computer program code for accessing electronic data in the distributed personal data bank using the index, the data in the distributed personal data bank being accessible from the data storage of the different computing devices, said accessing comprising:
 receiving a request for a specific electronic file from the distributed personal data bank; 
 determining whether the distributed personal data bank stores the specific electronic file on two or more different ones of the different computing devices; 
 selecting one of the two or more different ones of the different computing devices from which to retrieve the specific electronic file, the selecting being based at least in part on one or more characteristics associated with the specific electronic file that are acquired from the index; and 
 retrieving the specific electronic file from the selected one of the two or more different ones of the different computing devices. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The computer readable medium as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said computer program code for searching the distributed personal data bank using the index.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The instant application is a continuation of, and hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/571,254, which is titled “Management of Access to Data Distributed across Multiple Computing Devices” by inventors David Robbins Falkenburg, Michael J. Nugent, Duncan Robert Kerr, and Aaron Leiba, which was filed on 30 Sep. 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,645,327 on 4 Feb. 2014, and which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to accessing remote data and, more particularly, to accessing user data stored on multiple computing devices associated with a user. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Today, users tend to utilize many different computers. As a result, users store various electronic files on the different computers. 
     Portable memory devices can allow users to effectively move the data from one computer to another. Portable memory devices, such as memory sticks, are small peripheral devices that provide data storage. Users today often store electronic files on portable memory devices when they intend to utilize on different computers. It is also common for users to either send themselves an electronic mail message having attached electronic files or copy electronic files to a remote storage server (e.g., virtual remote storage drive). The electronic mail message or the remote storage server allows the user to access to the data from different computing devices that are able have network access. 
     Unfortunately, however, these conventional approaches require that users take actions in advance to see to ensure that particular electronic files are available. For example, the advance action can require that the electronic files be: (i) copied to a portable memory device, (ii) emailed to oneself, or (iii) copied to a remote storage server. If careful preparations to make the needed electronic files available are not taken, then the user will not have access to the needed electronic files when at another computing device. 
     Therefore, there remains a need for improved techniques for accessing data from multiple computing devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention pertains to methods, systems and apparatus for a distributed data environment in which data can be seamlessly accessed from remote computing devices. For a given user having multiple computing devices, a personal distributed data bank can be formed from data storage capacities resident at the multiple computing device. The given user can access data on any of the multiple computing devices without knowing on which of the multiple computing devices the data resides. In one embodiment, an index for the user&#39;s data within the personal distributed data bank can be provided to facilitate searching, browsing and accessing of user data by the given user. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including computer readable medium and graphical user interface). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method for accessing distributed data, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: associating a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user; forming a distributed personal data bank using data storage of the different computing devices; maintaining an index of electronic data available in the distributed personal data bank; and accessing electronic data in the distributed personal data bank using the index. The index can be available and maintained on each of the different computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. The data in the distributed personal data bank can be accessible from any of the different computing devices via the one or more wired or wireless networks. 
     As a method for accessing distributed data, another embodiment can, for example, include at least: associating a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user; configuring distributed data policies applicable to data stored on the different computing devices; and maintaining an index of data available to the particular user on the different computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. 
     As a computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored thereon and executable by a computing device for accessing distributed data, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: computer program code for associating a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user; computer program code for forming a distributed personal data bank using data storage of the different computing devices; computer program code for maintaining an index of electronic data available in the distributed personal data bank; and computer program code for accessing electronic data in the distributed personal data bank using the index. The index can be available and maintained on each of the different computing devices. The data in the distributed personal data bank can be accessible from any of the different computing devices. 
     As a distributed data management system, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: a plurality of computing devices associated with a particular user, where at least one of the computing devices is a portable computing device, where each of the computing devices has data storage that stores one or more electronic files associated with the particular user; and a distributed data access module configured to access the electronic files stored in the data storage of any of the computing devices associated with the particular user. An electronic file to be accessed at one of the computing devices can be retrieved from another of the computing devices automatically and seamlessly. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the distributed data management system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a flow diagram of a distributed data access method according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a data access method according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a flow diagram of a data access method according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary authorization table according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary diagram of data storage provided at a plurality of different computing devices according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary representation of an index according to one embodiment on the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary extended authorization table according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a data distribution process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to methods, systems and apparatus for a distributed data environment in which data can be seamlessly accessed from remote computing devices. For a given user having multiple computing devices, a personal distributed data bank can be formed from data storage capacities resident at the multiple computing device. The given user can access data on any of the multiple computing devices without knowing on which of the multiple computing devices the data resides. In one embodiment, an index for the user&#39;s data within the personal distributed data bank can be provided to facilitate searching, browsing and accessing of user data by the given user. 
     Each of the computing devices can, for example, be a personal computer (e.g., desktop computer, notebook computer or netbook computer), or a portable handheld electronic device (e.g., Portable Digital Assistant (PDA), multi-function mobile telephone). 
     Embodiments of various aspects of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a distributed data management system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The distributed data management system  100  operates to intelligently distribute data associated with a user across a plurality of different computing devices associated with that user. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the distributed data management system  100  manages data distribution amongst a home personal computer  102 , a notebook computer  104 , a multi-function mobile telephone  106  (e.g., smart phone), and a work personal computer  108 . These computing devices  102 - 108  are all associated with the user and can be interconnected via one or more data networks. The data networks can include wired or wireless networks. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the home personal computer  102  and the work personal computer  108  can couple to the wired network  110 . The notebook computer  104  can couple to a wireless network  112  which in turn can couple to a wired network  110 . The multi-function mobile telephone  106  can couple to a wireless network  114  which can couple to the wired network  110 . The wireless network  112  can, for example, pertain to a wireless LAN, WiFi, or WiMax network. The wireless network  114  can be similar to the wireless network  112  or can be a cellular communication network. 
     According to the distributed data management system  100 , data residing at any of the computing devices that are associated with and authorized by a particular user can be shared amongst the computing devices. For example, a document created by the particular user while operating the notebook computer  104 , even though stored on the notebook computer  104 , can be accessed by the home personal computer  102  via the one or more networks  110 - 114 . Similarly, a document created by the particular user while interacting with the multi-function mobile telephone  106  can be accessed by the work personal computer  108  via one or more of the networks  110 - 114 . In general, then, any one computing devices  10 - 108  can access data resident on any other computing devices  102 - 108 , so long as the computing devices  102 - 108  are associated with the particular user and authorized for data distribution. 
     The distributed data management system  100  can further include a data bank server  116 . The data bank server  116  can assist with the data management and distribution provided by the distributed data management system  100 . The data bank server  116  can operate as a central storage location for an index representing the data available from any and all of the computing devices. For example, the particular user will have an index that identifies data items for which the particular user can access. These data items can reside on any of the computing devices  102 - 108 . The index itself can also be stored on each of the computing devices  102 - 108 . Still further, in one embodiment, the data bank server  106  can further store some or all of the data available to the authorized user. The data stored by the data bank server  116  can be utilized for general data retrieval or for backup or redundancy purposes. 
       FIG. 2A  is a flow diagram of a distributed data access method  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The distributed data access method  200  can, for example, be provided by the distributed data management system  100 . In one implementation, the data bank server  116  can centrally manage data indexing and data distribution. In another implementation, one or more of computing devices associated with a user can (separately or together) manage data indexing and data distribution in a distributed manner. 
     The distributed data access method  200  can associate  202  a plurality of different computing devices to a particular user. For example, the computing devices  102 - 108  illustrated in  FIG. 1  can be associated with a particular user. A distributed personal data bank can be formed  204  using data storage on the different computing devices. Given that the different computing devices are associated with the particular user, the data storage associated with such different computing devices can be considered on an aggregate basis as a distributed personal data bank. In other words, the distributed personal data bank is formed from the data storage associated with the different computing devices. 
     Additionally, an index of data available in the distributed personal data bank can be maintained  206 . The index can identify available data and indicate where data resides (i.e., location) in the distributed personal data bank. The index can also include additional information for each data item (e.g., electronic file) in the distributed data bank. The additional information can, for example, pertain to one or more of: format, size, associated program, timestamp and the like. The additional information can be advantageous to the computing device desirous of receiving the data. Thereafter, data in the distributed personal data bank can be accessed  208  by the particular user using the index. The index allows efficient browsing, searching or retrieving of electronic files with respect to the distributed personal data bank. As a result, although the data is distributed across the various computing devices  102 - 108 , data anywhere within the distributed personal data bank can be accessed efficiently with the assistance of the index which provides information on the location, format, size etc. for the desired data. Following the block  208 , the distributed data access method  200  can end. 
     As noted above, access to data in the distributed personal data bank can make use of the index. The index allows the requesting computing device to be aware of the existence and location (e.g., network address) of various electronic files in the distributed personal data bank. The requesting computing device can present a user interface to the user to inform the use of the electronic files within the distributed personal data bank. Additionally, the index can also indicate current availability of electronic files. Since the various computing devices associated with the user are interconnected via various networks, such computing devices are not always coupled to and accessible via the network(s). Hence, the index can be frequently updated to maintain current information on actual availability. Updates to the index can be periodic as needed. If desired, the index can be updated on a nearly real-time basis if desired. 
     Furthermore, the index can also include one or more characteristics associated with the electronic files within the distributed personal data bank. The characteristics (or attributes) can vary with implementation. Examples of some characteristics for the electronic files are: format, size, associated application, timestamp, etc. These characteristics can be used to select which of like files (e.g., identical or similar) are to be accessed. These characteristics can also be used to determine whether a conversion (e.g., format conversion) is needed so that the electronic file is usable on the requesting computing device. 
       FIG. 2B  is a flow diagram of a data access method  220  according to one embodiment of the invention. The data access method  220  is, for example, suitable for use as processing associated with the block  208  of the distributed data access method  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . The data access method  220  can begin with a decision  222  that determines whether a file request has been received. When the decision  222  determines that a file request has not been received, the data access method  220  awaits a file request. It should be noted that data access is normally done in response to a file request. Hence, the data access method  220  can be considered to be invoked when a file request is received. 
     Once the decision  222  determines that a file request for an electronic file has been received, the availability of the requested file in the distributed personal data bank can be determined  224  based on the index. After the availability of the requested file has been determined  224 , a decision  226  can determine whether the requested file is available in the distributed personal data bank. Due to network connectivity or other reasons for interruption, one or more of the computing devices associated with the user may not be accessible. As result, in some cases, the requested file may not be currently available. When the decision  226  determines that the requested file is not currently available, the data access method  220  can end with the requested file not being retrieved. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  226  determines that the requested file is currently available, a decision  228  can determine whether the requested file is available from multiple locations within the distributed personal data bank. When the decision  228  determines that the requested file is available from multiple locations within the distributed personal data bank, one of the locations for the requested file can be selected  230 . The selection  230  of the location for the requested file can be determined by (i) the user that has initiated the file request, (ii) the requesting computing device or (iii) some other computing device. Regardless of whether the location for the requested file is selected manually by the user or automatically by a computing device, following the selection  230 , the requested file can be retrieved  232 . On the other hand, when the decision  228  determines that the requested file is only available from a single location in the distributed personal data bank, the block  230  can be bypassed and the requested file can then be retrieved  232 . Following the block  232 , the data access method can  220  end with the requested file having been retrieved. Thereafter, the requested file can be transmitted to the requesting computing device where it can then be utilized by the requesting computing device for the benefit of the user. 
       FIG. 2C  is a flow diagram of a data access method  240  according to another embodiment of the invention. The data access method  240  is, for example, suitable for use as processing associated with the block  208  of the distributed data access method  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . The data access method  240  can begin with a decision  242  that determines whether a file request has been received. When the decision  242  determines that a file request has not been received, the data access method  240  awaits a file request. It should be noted that data access is normally done in response to a file request. Hence, the data access method  240  can be considered to be invoked when a file request is received. 
     Once the decision  242  determines that a file request for an electronic file has been received, characteristics of the requested file in the distributed personal data bank can be obtained  246  based on the index. As noted above, in one embodiment, the index can include one or more characteristics associated with the electronic files identified therein. Here, one of more of the characteristics of the requested file can be obtained  246 . 
     Next, a decision  248  can determine whether the requesting computing device supports the requested file. The requesting computing device is the computing device from which the electronic file has been requested. For example, the characteristics of the requested file can specify a format of the requested file. When the decision  248  determines that the requesting computing device does not support the requested file, the requested file can be converted  250  into a compatible format. The requesting computing device must be able to present the requested file having its particular format. For example, the requesting computing device may have a low resolution display that it is unable to render high resolution graphics. In such an example, the requesting computing device can be understood to not support the high-resolution format of the requested file. Hence, for this example, the requested file could be converted into a low resolution format. As another example, the requesting computing device may not have an application program needed to open the requested file. In such an example, the requested file could be converted into another format such that the requested file is usable, even if only able to be viewed at the requesting computing device. Alternatively, when the decision  248  determines that the requesting computing device does support the requested file, the block  250  can be bypassed. Following the block  250  or bypass of the block  250 , the requested file can be retrieved  252 . Following the block  252 , the data access method  240  can end with the requested file having been converted  250  if needed. Thereafter, the requested file can be transmitted to the requesting computing device where it can then be utilized by the requesting computing device for the benefit of the user. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary authorization table  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The authorization table  300  specifies one or more computing devices that are associated a user. The authorization table  300  can identify associations for a single user (e.g., user- 1 ) or may include associations for each of a plurality of different users (e.g., user- 1 , user- 2 , . . . ). In any case, the authorization table  300  specifies one or more computing devices associated with a single user. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a particular user (user- 1 ) is associated with four different computing devices, which are labeled or identified as Home PC, Mobile Phone, Notebook and Work PC. In this illustrative example, these authorized computing devices correspond to the computing devices  102 - 108  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Consequently, data residing on data storage associated with any of the authorized computing devices can be accessed by and distributed for the particular user. Although the associated computing device are labeled or identified with textual names (e.g., Home PC) in the authorization table  300 , more generally the devices are uniquely identified by one or more of name, serial number, assigned identifier, network address, and user account. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary diagram of data storage provided at a plurality of different computing devices according to one embodiment of the invention. The data storage available to a particular user is aggregated from data storage available from each of the different computing devices. The different computing devices are, according to one example, Home PC, Work PC, Smart Phone and Notebook computer. 
     The data storage depicted in  FIG. 4  represents data storage at each of the different computing devices. The data storage at each of the different computing devices can include an index and zero or more electronic data files. In a first data representation  400 , the Home PC stores an index and a plurality of electronic data files, namely, file  1 , file  2  and file  3 . In a second data representation  402 , the Work PC stores an index and a plurality of electronic data files, namely, files  3  and  4 . Here, file  3  stored at the Work PC may be identical to the file  3  stored in the Home PC, or such files may be different versions of the same file. In a third data representation  404 , the Smart Phone (i.e., multi-function mobile telephone) stores an index and a plurality of electronic data files, namely, files  8 ,  9  and  10 . In a fourth data representation  406 , the Notebook computer stores an index but presently does not store any user files. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary representation  500  of an index according to one embodiment on the invention. The index describes various data items that are available to a particular user throughout the different computing devices  102 - 108  that have been associated with the particular user. In other words, the index describes data in a distributed personal data bank that is available to a particular user. 
     As to the exemplary representation  500  depicted in  FIG. 4 , the index identifies a plurality of files, namely, file  1 , file  2 , file  3 , file  4 , file  8 , file  9  and file  10 . Thus, the index in the exemplary representation  500  corresponds to and is descriptive of the aggregated data storage provided by the different computing devices as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Each of these identified files can further be located or characterized through additional information provided in the index. As such, the index can indicate at least a location for each of the corresponding files. The location can specify a network address, such as a URL, for the corresponding file. The index can further indicate additional information, such as size, format and timestamp for each of the files identified in the index. The size can pertain to the file size, resolution, scale and the like. The size pertaining to a file size can be denoted as a quantity (e.g., megabytes (MB)). The format can pertain to file format or content format. For example, in the exemplary representation  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the formats of the particular files within the index are provided as one of: Portable Document Format (pdf), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), or Microsoft Word (e.g., Word). The timestamps for the files can indicate creation or modification date (e.g., year, month, day, hour, minute and second). The index could also include version information if versioning were automatically imposed to on commonly named files. 
     Although these files in the exemplary representation  500  of the index are files associated with data storage of the computing devices associated with a particular user, it should be understood that in other embodiments data storage associated with one or more computing devices can be accessed even though not associated with the particular user. Here, to the extent authorized by the another user, the particular user is able to access data storage for a computing device primarily associated with a different user. Nevertheless, in such cases, the different user can authorize the particular user to have access to certain limited data. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary extended authorization table  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The extended authorization table  600  indicates that a particular user (user- 1 ) is permitted to access a specifically identified work server (“Work Server”) where access is restricted to a particular area (e.g., electronic folder) identified as “User- 1  Folder”. The extended authorization table  600  also indicates that the particular user (user- 1 ) is also permitted to access a specifically identified shared data residing at the Home PC associated with another user (user- 2 ), though such shared access is restricted to a particular area (e.g., folder) identified as are “Shared/Folder-A” which can represent a folder with a shared directory of the home personal computer (Home PC) of the another user. 
     In the distributed data environment described herein, a user is able to gain access to data associated with the user even though such data is distributed across a number of different computing devices that are associated with the user. Typically, the data need not be moved throughout the distributed data environment unless requested by an authorized user. However, in one embodiment, it can be advantageous to automatically distribute certain data to certain computing devices so that the data is more readily available, such as at reduced latency, to the authorized user. When data is automatically distributed in this fashion, the data can be stored at the data storage of the recipient computing device for non-volatile storage. Further, if the recipient computing device supports cache data storage, the data can be alternatively or additionally stored in the cache memory which is volatile storage. Similarly, in another embodiment, it can be advantageous to automatically distribute certain data to certain computing devices so that at least a portion of the data is redundantly stored, which can provide an automatic back-up function. The back-up data can be distributed across the computing devices or could be centrally stored. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a data distribution process  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The data distribution process  700  can be carried out within the distributed data management system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For example, in one embodiment, the data bank server  116  can operate to perform the data distribution process  700 . 
     The data distribution process  700  can determine  702  most popular data files for a particular user. For example, the most popular data files can be data files most often or most likely to be accessed in the immediate future by the particular user. In one implementation, by examining user actions or habits, the most popular data files can be dynamically determined in an automated fashion. Next, the data distribution process  700  can determine  704  those of a plurality of computing devices that are most likely to access the most popular data files. Copies of the most popular data files can then be distributed  706  to the one or more computing devices determined to be most likely to access the most popular data files. Following the block  706 , the data distribution process  700  can end. 
     The computing device can, for example, be a portable electronic device.  FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a computing device  800  suitable for use with the invention. The computing device  800  illustrates circuitry of a representative portable electronic device. 
     The computing device  800  includes a processor  802  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the computing device  800 . The computing device  800  stores data pertaining to electronic files in a file system  804  and a cache  806 . The file system  804  is, typically, semiconductor memory (e.g., Flash memory) and/or one or more storage disks. The file system  804  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the computing device  800 . However, since the access time to the file system  804  can be relatively slow, the computing device  800  can also include the cache  806 . The cache  806  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  806  is typically shorter than for the file system  804 . However, the cache  806  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  804 . Further, the file system  804 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  806 . The power consumption is often a concern when the computing device  800  is a portable computing device that is powered by a battery  824 . The computing device  800  also includes a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  820  and a RAM  822 . The ROM  820  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  822  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  806 . 
     The computing device  800  also includes a user input device  808  that allows a user of the computing device  800  to interact with the computing device  800 . For example, the user input device  808  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch-sensitive surface, etc. Still further, the computing device  800  includes a display  810  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  802  to display information to the user. A data bus  811  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  804 , the cache  806 , the processor  802 , an audio coder/decoder (CODEC)  812  and/or a video CODEC  815 . 
     In one embodiment, the computing device  800  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, videos, podcasts, etc.) in the file system  804 . When a user desires to have the computing device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  810 . Then, using the user input device  808 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  802 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data to one or more appropriate output devices. If the particular media item is encrypted, the particular media item is first decrypted as noted above, which could involve one or more layers of encryption. As an example, for audio output, the processor  802  can supply the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to the audio CODEC  812 . The audio CODEC  812  can then produce analog output signals for a speaker  814 . The speaker  814  can be a speaker internal to the computing device  800  or external to the computing device  800 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the computing device  800  would be considered an external speaker. As another example, for video output, the processor  802  can supply the media data (e.g., video file) for the particular media item to the video CODEC  815 . The video CODEC  815  can then produce output signals for the display  810  and/or the speaker  814 . 
     The computing device  800  also includes a network/bus interface  816  that couples to a data link  818 . The data link  818  allows the computing device  800  to couple to another device (e.g., another computing device, server computer, a host computer, or an accessory device). The data link  818  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  816  can include a wireless transceiver. The data link  818  can, in some cases, also provide power to the computing device  800  (e.g., to charge the battery  824 ). 
     A portable electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 8  may, but need not, be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels. Even smaller, and thus more portable devices, are wearable electronic devices. 
     In general, electronic files included within the aggregated data storage provided across computing devices associated with a user can pertain any of a variety of different type of data. For example, one or more of the electronic files might pertain to word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, contacts, media content (audio, video, image), etc. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     Embodiments of the invention can, for example, be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. Embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will become obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common meanings used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present invention. 
     In the foregoing description, reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the order of blocks in process flowcharts or diagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations in the invention. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20131213
Publication Date: 20180724
Grant Date: 20180724
Priority Date: 20090930
Inventors: FALKENBURG, DAVID ROBBINS
NUGENT, MICHAEL J.
KERR, DUNCAN ROBERT
LEIBA, AARON
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F16/134", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/134", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/178", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/178", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F17/30174", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F17/30094", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43781427