Shared internet storage resource, user interface system, and method

Abstract

The Shared Internet Storage Resource provides Internet-based file storage, retrieval, access, control, and manipulation for a user. Additionally, an easy-to-use user interface is provided both for a browser or stand-alone application. The entire method provides means by which users can establish, use, and maintain files on the Internet in a manner remote from their local computers yet in a manner that is similar to the file manipulation used on their local computers. A high capacity or other storage system is attached to the Internet via an optional internal network that also serves to generate and direct metadata regarding the stored files. A web server using a CGI, Java®-based, or other interface transmits and retrieves TCP/IP packets or other Internet information through a load balancer/firewall by using XML to wrap the data packets. File instructions may be transmitted over the Internet to the Shared Resource System. The user's account may be password protected so that only the user may access his or her files. On the user's side, a stand-alone client application or JavaScript object interpreted through a browser provide two means by which the XML or other markup language data stream may be received and put to use by the user. Internet-to-Internet file transfers may be effected by directly downloading to the user's account space.

1 . A method for transferring data from a first network resource to a second network resource at the direction of a user, the steps comprising: 
 submitting a first file location indicating data to be transferred to the second network resource;    the second network resource requesting said data at said first file location from the first network resource;    the first network resource transmitting said data to the second network resource; and    the second network resource notifying the user of successful transfer upon successful reception of said data; whereby    the user may use the first and second network resources to obtain and control said data.    
   
   
       2 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the second network resource comprises a subscriber-based system of network-available storage space.  
   
   
       3 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second network resources are coupled to the Internet.  
   
   
       4 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 1 , the steps further comprising: 
 displaying to the user a status of transmission of said data from said first network resource to said second network resource.    
   
   
       5 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 1 , the steps further comprising: 
 verifying the user as a subscriber to or member of the second network resource.    
   
   
       6 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said step of the second network resource requesting said data further comprises: 
 determining if said requesting of data requires authentication.    
   
   
       7 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said step of the second network resource requesting said data further comprises: 
 determining if the user's personal credentials have previously been stored or are otherwise available;    if said personal credentials are available, using said personal credentials to authenticate said request of data;    if said personal credentials have not been previously stored or are not otherwise available, or are not accepted by the first network resource, and if allowed by the user, querying the user's local environment for potential credentials of the user and using them for the data request;    if one or more of said potential credentials are accepted, and if allowed by the user, storing said one or more of said potential credentials securely for reuse by the user for an associated domain of requests.    
   
   
       8 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 evaluating said data and determining if said data includes a location or other identifier of a related Internet or other file;    identifying said location; and    requesting said file.    
   
   
       9 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 the second network resource evaluating said data, identifying said location, and requesting said file.    
   
   
       10 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 storing files in a related and useful fashion in the user's account if multiple related files are requested.    
   
   
       11 . The method for transferring data as set forth in  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 limiting the scope of an expanded request to a reasonable number of files; and    allowing the user to set said scope;    if multiple files are to be requested.    
   
   
       12 . A method for transferring data from a first network resource to a second network resource at the direction of a user, the steps comprising: 
 submitting a first file location indicating data to be transferred to the second network resource, the second network resource being a subscriber-based system of network-available data storage space;    verifying the user as a subscriber to or member of the second network resource;    the second network resource requesting said data at said first file location from the first network resource;    the first network resource transmitting said data to the second network resource via Internet;    displaying to the user a status of transmission of said data from said first network resource to said second network resource; and    the second network resource notifying the user of successful transfer upon successful reception of said data; whereby    the user may use the first and second network resources to obtain and control said data.    
   
   
       13 . A method for transferring data from a first network resource to a second network resource at the direction of a user, the steps comprising: 
 submitting a first file location indicating data to be transferred to the second network resource, the second network resource being a subscriber-based system of network-available data storage space;    verifying the user as a subscriber to or member of the second network resource;    the second network resource requesting said data at said first file location from the first network resource;    determining if said requesting of data requires authentication;    determining if personal credentials of the user have previously been stored or are otherwise available;    if said personal credentials are available, using said personal credentials to authenticate said request of data;    if said personal credentials have not been previously stored or are not otherwise available, or are not accepted by the first network resource, and if allowed by the user, querying the user's local environment for potential credentials of the user and using them for the data request;    if one or more of said potential credentials are accepted, and if allowed by the user, storing said one or more of said potential credentials securely for reuse by the user for an associated domain of requests;    the first network resource transmitting said data to the second network resource via Internet upon authentication;    displaying to the user a status of transmission of said data from said first network resource to said second network resource;    evaluating said data and determining if said data includes a location or other identifier of a related Internet or other file;    identifying said location;    requesting said file;    the second network resource evaluating said data, identifying said location, and requesting said file;    storing files in a related and useful fashion in the user's account if multiple related files are requested;    if multiple files are to be requested, limiting the scope of an expanded request to a reasonable number of files and allowing the user to set said scope; and    the second network resource notifying the user of successful transfer upon successful reception of said data; whereby the user may use the first and second network resources to obtain and control said data.