Simultaneous multi-user document editing system

Abstract

A system and methods for simultaneous editing of a document by two or more users are disclosed. The document is divided into a number of sections. Each section is stored in a separate data container, which is part of a document tree. A master copy of the document tree is accessible to a server which transmits all or part of the document tree to two or more clients, each of which is operated by a user. The clients can independently lock different sections, allowing the users to simultaneously edit different sections. When a user completes editing a section, the modified section is stored on the master server and broadcast to other users. The document tree is headed by an independently lockable and editable parent container which is used to store summary information and other information, such as default formatting and other document wide information.

1 . A method for simultaneous multi-user editing of a document by a plurality of users including a first user and a second user, the method comprising: 
 (a) dividing the document into two or more sections;    (b) storing each of the sections in a separate container, wherein each of said containers may be locked by one of said users;    (c) locking one of said containers at the request of said first user;    (d) allowing said first user to edit the section of said document stored within said one container;    (e) locking another of said containers at the request of said second user; and    (f) allowing said second user to edit the section of said document stored within said other container,    wherein steps (d) and (f) occur during at least partially overlapping time periods.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 (g) after step (d), receiving a modified version of said one container from said first user; and    (h) modifying a master copy of said one container in accordance with said modified version.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 (i) broadcasting said modified master copy to said second user.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising: 
 (j) after step (h), unlocking said one container.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising: 
 (k) after step (j), locking said one container at the request of said second user and allowing said second user to edit said one container.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (c) is performed by: 
 i. allowing said first user to specify said one container;    ii. ensuring that said one container is not already locked by any user; and    iii. identifying said one container as being locked by said first user.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (c) is performed by: 
 i. allowing said first user to specify said one container;    ii. ensuring that said one container is not already locked by any user other than said first user; and    iii. identifying said one container as being locked by said first user.