US20060168075A1 - System, computer program product and method for selecting an application service provider - Google Patents

Abstract

A system, computer program product, and method for managing ASP documents includes requesting a transfer of an ASP document at an ASP user device connected to a remote document manager and a remote ASP via a network such as the Internet, establishing a predetermined time for effecting a transfer of the ASP document, and transferring the ASP document at a predetermined time via the network. According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the step of requesting a transfer may include sending a deferred transfer request to the remote document manager via the network when the ASP user device logs on to the remote document manager. In this regard, the user requests a transfer by inputting a deferred transfer option from a menu received from the remote document manager via the network. The step of establishing a predetermined time for effecting a transfer of the ASP document may include inputting the predetermined time, and sending the predetermined time to the remote document manager via the network or requesting the remote document manager to establish the predetermined time without sending a predetermined time to the remote document manager.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/839,221, filed Apr. 23, 2001. The entire content of the parent application is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention is directed to methods, computer-based systems and computer program products for exchanging documents, and in particular documents retrieved from, or stored to, application service providers.
• 2. Discussion of the Background
• An application service provider (ASP) is an entity, typically a company, that offers users remote access to software applications and related services that would otherwise have to be located on the user=s local computer. For example, ASPs can provide searchable databases of legal, medical, financial, educational, scientific, or marketing documents to individuals and/or companies via the Internet. Alternatively, some companies may provide in-house type ASPs whereby shared software applications and services are located on a company computer accessible by the employees via a company network. Thus, as used herein, the term “ASP” has a broad meaning that includes a provider that allows a user to use an application not loaded on the user's local computer.
• Today, there are a great number of ASPs providing various kinds of documents and services to a user. For example, one ASP may provide legal documents while another provides marketing, educational, scientific, financial, or medical documents. An example of a conventional network of ASPs connected to a user is shown inFIG. 1. As seen inFIG. 1,document ASPs10,20,30, and40 are connected to user72 via the Internet50. User72 includes a personal computer (PC)80, aprinter90, alocal storage device100 and amedium drive110, and may be part of a home computer system, for example. In this example, user7272 independently connects to one of the ASPs10-40 which provides the documents and services needed by the user72. For example, the user72 may connect to ASP30 via the Internet50 and download documents for viewing on the screen of the PC80, printing withprinter90, or storing in thelocal storage device100 and/ormedium drive110. Where different services are required, the user72 may have to access a different ASP.
• In the conventional system ofFIG. 1, the user72 must search the Internet50 for the ASP pertaining to the subject matter and services needed by the user72. While users of ASPs may be knowledgeable professionals such as attorneys and doctors, they may have limited experience and knowledge in searching for and selecting the ASP to meet their needs. Moreover, once the user selects an ASP, the ASP may not be compatible with the user72. For example the interface environment, such as a graphical user interface, may be unfamiliar or unrecognizable to the user, and documents provided by the ASP may be in a format unrecognizable to the user72. In this regard, user72 may have particular difficulty in using multiple ASPs such as the ASPs1040. Even, where the user72 is compatible with many ASPs, accessing and searching the ASPs individually is time consuming and costly due to different procedures and features associated with each ASP1040.
• One common use of ASPs is for storing and retrieving documents. For example, user72 may want to store business documents as electronic files in an ASP to save physical and electronic storage space local to the user72. These business documents can be retrieved by the user72 by accessing the storage ASP at any time. Moreover, user72 can obtain large documents such as reference documents and books from a document retrieval ASP as needed. These storage and retrieval ASP services create a further problem in that voluminous documents must be transmitted between the user72 and the ASP10-40 via the user's network connection which has a limited data transfer capacity. This may lead to the communication line between the user72 and the ASP10-40 being busy during extended transmission period times.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An object of the present invention is to provide a system, method and computer program product for allowing voluminous documents to be transferred between a user and an ASP with minimal disruption to the user.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a system, method, and computer program product for allowing users to store voluminous documents to an ASP.
• These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a novel method, system and computer program product for managing ASP documents.
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a system, computer program product, and method for managing ASP documents are provided. The method on which the system and computer program product are based includes requesting a transfer of an ASP document at an ASP user device connected to a remote document manager and a remote ASP via a network such as the Internet, establishing a predetermined time for effecting a transfer of the ASP document, and transferring the ASP document at a predetermined time via the network. According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the step of requesting a transfer may include sending a deferred transfer request to the remote document manager via the network when the ASP user device logs on to the remote document manager. In this regard, the user requests a transfer by inputting a deferred transfer option from a menu received from the remote document manager via the network. The step of establishing a predetermined time for effecting a transfer of the ASP document may include inputting the predetermined time, and sending the predetermined time to the remote document manager via the network or requesting the remote document manager to establish the predetermined time without sending a predetermined time to the remote document manager.
• In another aspect of the present invention, the method on which the system and computer program product are based may further include determining whether the ASP document is a storage document for storing in the remote ASP or a retrieval document for retrieving from the remote ASP. This determination may include determining that the ASP document is a storage document or determining that the ASP document is a retrieval document based on an operator input to the ASP user device. Where it is determined that the ASP document is a storage document, the method further includes inputting the storage document into the ASP user device, and transferring the ASP document via the network at the predetermined time. The ASP document may be input into the ASP user device by optically scanning a paper copy of the ASP document to provide a digital signal representative of the paper copy of the ASP document, and storing the digital signal in a memory associated with the ASP user device. Alternatively, the ASP document may be input by downloading an electronic copy of the ASP document from an external source to a memory associated with the ASP user device. In addition, a storage operation report may be received from the remote document manager at the ASP user device, and at which time the ASP document may be erased from a memory of the ASP user.
• Where the ASP document is a retrieval document, the method includes generating a document retrieval request in the ASP user device, sending the document retrieval request to the remote document manager via the network, and receiving the retrieval document at the predetermined time. The retrieval document can be received from either the ASP or the remote document manager. The method may also include generating a document retrieval result report, and sending the document retrieval result report to the remote document manager and/or the remote ASP via the network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional ASP/user network;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall system configuration for managing documents according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a document manager in more detail according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the functionality of a document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 5A, 5B, and5C depict data structures used for implementing a system for managing documents and selecting ASPs according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the role of the user and ASP in the process of selecting an appropriate ASP according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate document mall screens displayed on the user computer according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 describes an ASP alliance feature of the document manager according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a timing coordination function of the document manager according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing bulk transfer of documents between the user and document manager at a predetermined time according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 11A, 11B,11C, and11D illustrate a multifunction document processing center used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process for implementing a bulk transfer in the multifunction document processing center in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process for implementing a bulk transfer in the document manager in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process for implementing a bulk transfer in the selected ASP in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a computer system programmed to perform one or more special purpose functions of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall system configuration for managing documents according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a network50 a plurality ofASPs10,20,20,40, adocument manager60, anetwork55, a plurality of users70,72,74 and76. The users70-76 are interconnected by thenetwork55, and the ASPs10-40 are similarly interconnected bynetwork50.Network55 is connected to network50 by way of thedocument manager60, although these networks may be connected directly to each other, and may be parts of a single network such as the Internet. Thus, the users70-76 and ASPs10-40 are remote with respect to thedocument manager60. Each user70-76 may be a personal computer system such as the one shown as user70 inFIG. 1, or may be implemented as the general purpose computer system shown inFIG. 15. Alliteratively, users70-76 may be a facsimile machine, digital copier, scanner, hand held device, or any known device for processing and communicating data via a network. In addition or alternatively, users70-76 may be implemented as a multifunction document processing center such as the one shown inFIGS. 11A-11D, or a document storage device such as the Ricoh eCabinet™. ASPs10-40 are computer systems for remotely providing any of a variety of services via a communications network. The ASPs10-40 may also be implemented as a general purpose computer such as the computer system1500 ofFIG. 15.
• Thenetworks50 and55 are preferably the Internet, but can also be a local area network, a wide area network, any type of network such as an intranet, an extranet, or a combination thereof. An extranet may be used to provide controlled access to external users, for example through the Internet. How the users70 and thedocument manager60 can be connected to theInternet50 and55 is well-known in the art and is explained for example, in part38 of “How Computers Work”, by Ron White, Que Corporation, pps. 340-349, September, 1999, ISBN: 0-7897-2112-0, the entire content of this book being incorporated by reference. Other communications links fornetworks50 and55, such as a virtual private network, or a wireless link, may be used as well. Thus,FIG. 2 shows a system for accessing multiple ASPs through a document manager that provides a common interface to users of the ASPs.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating thedocument manager60 in more detail according to an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in this figure, thedocument manager60 connects an exemplary user70 to ASPs10-40 by way ofnetworks50 and55. The user70 may be implemented as any device for processing and communicating data via a network including computer system1500 ofFIG. 15. Thedocument manager60 includessearch engine62,storage device64,user interaction device65,format standardizing device66,consulting device67, and charge engine68, as well as awork flow engine69 shown on phantom. The work flow engine is an optional element used for issuing instructions to an establishing alliances among multiple ASPs as will be discussed with respect toFIG. 8.
• In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, user70 interacts (exchanges data) with thedocument manager60 via theuser interaction device65, so as to benefit from a number of services provided by thedocument manager60. Based on data inputted from the user70 and received by theuser interaction device65, thedocument manager60 can provide consulting services via theconsulting device67 to the user70 regarding document management in general. For example,consulting device67 can be configured to provide advice to user70 on topics such as document search strategies, document retrieval costs, document storage organization, updating documents, protection of secured documents, delivery options of documents, etc. In a preferred embodiment,consulting device67 automatically provides advice to user70 based on data inputted by user70 viauser interaction device65. For example, theconsulting device67 may be programmed to ask a series of questions to the user70, and to provide the user with a search strategy or storage strategy based on the user's answers. The questions asked by theconsulting device67 can be predetermined generic questions presented to any user, or personalized questions generated by theconsulting device67 based on previously acquired data from the user70.
• Theuser interaction device65 also provides registration and other interface functions for the user70. In one embodiment, the user70 may accessdocument manager60 by signing on, for example using a user-name and a password, which can be verified byuser interaction device65. If the user is not a registered user, theuser interaction device65 can request information such as a name, e-mail address, postal address, a telephone number and/or billing information from the user so as to generate a membership or registration information. Theuser interaction device65 may also receive the input data from the user70 regarding the type of documents the user is requesting. For example, the user may input a requested document format, such as e-mail addresses, postal addresses, telephone numbers, or information about the type of document management needed by the user70. Theuser interaction device65 can request more information from the user and/or provide the user70 with document managing advice, strategies, and information, for example, by way of theconsulting device67. In one embodiment, theuser interaction device65 also provides the user with the ASP addresses identifying where requested documents are available, or transmits the requested documents to the user70, along with a unified bill as will be described below.
• Thedocument manager60 also includes asearch engine62 configured to search and access ASPs based on data input from the user70, thesearch engine62 is also configured to retrieve documents. Thus, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, the user70 need only input information related to the document or service required without regard to the ASP from which the desired document is to be retrieved. Thesearch engine62 may also be configured to search the individual ASPs for documents when the ASPs do not have a search engine available. Search engines are well-known in the art and are explained for example, in part32 of “How The Internet Works”, by Preston Gralla, Que Corporation, pps. 185-189, August 1999, ISBN: 0-7897-2132-5, the entire content of this book being incorporated by reference.
• Thedocument manager60 also includes astorage device64 for storing the documents requested by the user70 in their original formats and/or in a standardized format. Thestorage device64 may also include the URLs of the ASPs from which a document was retrieved, and/or the billing information from each ASP from which thesearch engine62 retrieved documents. Thestorage device64 may store user information, such as user-names, user passwords, e-mail addresses, postal addresses, telephone numbers, current and prior type of documents requested, current and prior document management strategies for specific users, current and prior user-requested searches, and/or searching parameters. In one embodiment, thestorage device64 is accessible by the user, for example via theuser interaction device65.
• Thestorage device64 can include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROM, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, Flash Memory, Magnetic or Optical Cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions and/or data. Moreover, thestorage device64 may include a database, i.e., a digital repository, that may be implemented, for example, through a commercially available relational database management system (RDBMS) based on the structured query language (SQL) such as ORACLE, SYBASE, INFORMIX, or MICROSOFT ACCESS, through an object-oriented database management system (ODBMS), or through custom database management software.
• Thedocument manager60 also includes aformat standardizing device66 configured to standardize the formats of the documents retrieved from various ASPs. For example, theformat standardizing device66 can re-format the documents so that they may be accessed using a single GUI. Such re-formatting devices are well-known in the art, and one exemplary format may be the PDF Acrobat formal, by Adobe. In one embodiment, theformat standardizing device66 receives the standard format from theuser interaction device65 and stores the standardized documents in thestorage device64. The documents to be formatted by theformat standardizing device66 can be received from the ASPs vianetwork50, from the user70 via thenetwork55, from thestorage device64, or from theuser interaction device65.
• Thedocument manager60 may also include a charge engine68 configured to charge the user70 with a unified bill. For example, the unified bill can correspond to the sum of the bills received from the ASPs. The bills from the ASPs can be received from the ASPs or theuser interaction device65, and can be forwarded to theuser interaction device65, or to thestorage device64 for storing, or to the user70 vianetwork55.
• Thedocument manager60 described above can provide consulting advice to the user, generate document managing strategies for the user based on the user's specific needs, retrieve and organize the addresses of, and links to, ASPs1040, retrieve documents from the ASPs10-40, store the documents, format the documents, bill the user a unified bill, and/or transmit the documents to the user to be viewed, printed, or stored. Thedocument manager60 thus provides the user with access to ASP services, the ability to retrieve from ASPs, a consistent user interface, a single sign-on service, the ability to request a single search for different documents and different document types, a single billing service, and a flexible storage service. Thedocument manager60 may also suggest to the user and provide the user with online print and delivery services, for example by ordering documents from the ASPs and securing their delivery to the user via a courier. In this embodiment, thedocument manager60 can contract with the ASPs and the courier service to ensure proper delivery, to be the user's agent that keeps track of the delivery, and to inform the user of the status of the delivery. Thedocument manager60 can also generate a single bill for its services and those of the ASP and courier used.
• Thedocument manager60 also provide the user70 with the links to the ASP documents so that the user may access the documents via thedocument manager60 without having to store any document at the computer of the user, nor at thedocument manager60, if desired. In this respect, the user70 benefits from the searching, retrieving and storing known-how of the ASPs. In this embodiment, the ASP can charge a fee for access to their documents. In one embodiment, the fee may be incorporated into a unified bill generated by thedocument manager60 and provided to the user70 for its benefit. The term “unified bill” herein means a bill that includes the charges of at least two bills, or alternatively includes the charges from at least two different entities.
• Furthermore, thedocument manager60 permits the user to retrieve documents and to store the documents on a local storage device, either permanently or temporarily. Alternatively, the document manager allows the user70 to store a document at the ASP. For example, thedocument manager60 may be in a partnership with the ASPs to provide storage at the ASPs for documents of users, i.e. customers, of thedocument manager60. For instance, a user may decide to store sensitive legal documents; insurance contracts, or digital certificates on a local storage device for a predetermined period of time, and have the documents protected from loss, theft, fire, disaster, etc. by storing them at an ASP, which may provide better protection for the secured documents. In this case, the user benefits from the ASP's know-how for handling and protecting secured documents. In this embodiment, the ASP can charge a fee for the storage. In one embodiment, such a fee would be included in a unified bill computed by the document manager for the benefit of the user.
• Advantageously, the user does not have to be aware of the different ASPs used by thedocuments manager60 to create the collection of documents retrieved and transmitted to the user, and used to store documents at the ASPs. Therefore, the user may deal with a single user interface when receiving the requested documents and when transmitting the user documents to be stored at the ASPs. In addition, the unified billed, generated by the ASPs for either searching, delivering, or storing documents, provided by thedocument manager60 also alleviates the burden on the user70 to pay several different bills.
• Thedocument manager60 thus provides a single stop for consulting, billing, formatting, obtaining, reviewing, storing, and managing a variety of types of documents, such as legal, financial, insurance, engineering, accounting, or general office, educational, medical, governmental agencies documents. It is to be understood that the above-described configuration of thedocument manager60 is exemplary only, as many variations of the specific hardware and software used to implement the present invention will be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. To implement such variations, general purpose computer such as computer system1500 ofFIG. 15 may be programmed to perform the special purpose functions of any or all of items62-69 of thedocument manager60 ofFIG. 3. Moreover, principles and advantages of distributed processing such as redundancy and replication, may be implemented as desired to increase the robustness and performance of the system ofFIGS. 2 and 3, for example.
• FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the functionality of the document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 4,document manager60 offers user70 at least two types of services: as illustrated on the left of the diagram, the user70 can access thedocument manager60 for document consultation, and as illustrated on the right the user70 can access thedocument manager60 for a direct search. For the document consultation service, the user70 inputs data related to the type of document consultation requested atstep4000, for example, the type, number, format of documents needed, the budget available for the service, the time constraints for completing the service, the level of security required, etc. At step4010, the user70 signs on thedocument manager60, for example by providing a user-name and password. Once the user is signed on, thedocument manager60 performs a document consultation at step4020, for example, with theconsulting device67, which can generate a strategy for the service requested based on the inputted information from the user70, or by asking further questions. Based on the document consultation, thedocument manager60 selects the ASPs appropriate for the service requested by the user70 atstep4030. Thedocument manager60 sends the user70 feedback on the selection of the ASPs, atstep4040 for example indicating the costs and time of the service. Upon approval from the user70 at step4050, thedocument manager60 requests the service from the ASPs atstep4060.
• For the direct search service, theuser60 can input the search requested at step407G. Atstep4080 the user signs on the document manager and the user request is inputted at step4090. Thedocument manager60 then selects the ASPs appropriate for the requested service atstep4100 and requests the service from the ASPs atstep4060.
• For both services, the document manager signs on to the ASP to request the service atstep4110. In other words, if the user signs on thedocument manager60, the user an access several ASPs without signing on each ASP. Once the ASPs receive the requested service, the ASPS perform (execute) the service at step4120, for example, search for a specific document, provide the document to the user atstep4130 and bills thedocument manager60 atstep4140. Thedocument manager60 then provides the document(s) to the user70 atstep4150 and issue a single bill to the user for all services performed at step4160. Also, for both services, the user70 has the option of signing-on thedocument manager60 atstep4010 and4080 and the ASPs1040 atstep4110 and placing the request. This may be beneficial when the user knows which ASP can provide the desired service. In this case, thedocument manager60 can still perform the services of issuing a single bill, or reformatting the documents in accordance to the user's requested format, and/or securing the proper delivery of the document to the user, etc.
• As mentioned above, thedocument manager60 may select an appropriate ASP for the ASP transaction or service requested by the user. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the document manager70 selects an ASP based on document profile created by the user70 in previous interactions with thedocument manager60. In this embodiment, the document manager may also select an ASP based on a document consultation input and a transaction or service requested by the user70.FIGS. 5A, 5B, and5C depict data structures for implementing a system for managing documents and selecting an ASP in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The data structures are preferably in relational format, using tables, whereby information stored in one column (i.e., field) of a table is mapped or linked to information stored in the same row (i.e., record) across the other column (s) of the table, although any other format or relationship could be used. These data structures are used by thedocument manager60 and/or the user70 to manage documents in accordance with the present invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the data structures5A,5B, and5C are stored instorage device64 ofdocument manager60. However, any one or all of data structures5A,5B, and5C may be stored in a storage device of the user70, or any other suitable storage device remote to either or both the user70 anddocument manager60.
• FIG. 5A is a document profile table501 that includes afield503 for storing a user ID, afield505 for storing document profile names associated with the user ID infield503, and afield507 for storing industrial categories associated with each document profile name stored infield505. The user ID infield503 is a unique identifier associated with the user70 and the document profile name infield505 is a name assigned by the user70 to identify a particular type of document for which the user70 commonly requires the services of an ASP. In a preferred embodiment, an operator of user70 chooses a user ID during an initial registration process with thedocument manager60, and assigns profile names to common document transactions subsequently performed with thedocument manager60. Theindustrial category field507 includes industrial categories used to identify certain ASP services used for the user's ASP transaction and to select at least one ASP appropriate for performing the user's ASP transaction. These services and selected ASPs are stored in a separate data structure which will be described below with respect toFIG. 5B.
• To illustrate the use of a document profile table501,FIG. 5A includes two exemplary entries of different users and the profile names and industrial categories associated with each user. The first entry ofFIG. 5A shows thatfield503 may contain the number “071870” as a user ID, and in the same record,field505 may contain the entries “invoices”, “employee benefits”, and “service contracts” as corresponding document profile names. In addition, theindustrial category field507 includes the entries “accounting,” “insurance”, and “legal” as industrial categories associated with the invoices, employee benefits, and service contracts offield505. Thus, the first entry of table501 provides an example of a business entity that uses thedocument manager60 as a tool for managing documents related to the business and its employees. The second entry of document profile name table501 includes user ID “090269” infield503, and the corresponding entries “grocery bills”, and “general” infields505 and507 respectively and therefore is likely to correspond to a home user. Thus, the document profile table501 associates each of a number of user IDs with corresponding document profile names and industrial categories associated with each profile name. While it is possible to have only one industrial category associated with each profile name, it is also possible to have two or more industrial categories associated with a profile name.
• FIG. 5B is an industrial category table510 that includes afield511 for storing industrial categories, fields513-533 for storing a plurality of service functions associated with each industrial category, and afield535 for storing a selected ASP. The industrial category infield511 is a subject matter description by which ASP documents and services may be categorized. When a document consultation is conducted with the user to create a document profile as will be discussed below. The service functions in Fields513-533 are various general services typically offered by ASPs as will also be further described below. As seen inFIG. 5B, certain service functions are flagged as “necessary” in table510 indicating that the flagged service function is required for an associated industrial category infield511. Thus, each industrial category infield511 is associated with a number of service functions used for ASP transactions that fall within the industrial category. In actual implementation, the fields513-533 may be implemented using flags or True/False indicators, as filed in conventional databases. The selected ASP infield535 identifies an ASP that provides all of the service functions required for the industrial category. Thus, as seen in the first entry ofFIG. 5B, an ASP which manages real estate documents should have the service functions of Access Level Control, Internet Security, Collaboration, and Image Input, andASP 6 provides these functions. In one embodiment of the present invention, if the user does not need specific security functions, thedocument manager60 provides a “General” category where the user can select an appropriate ASP from among plural ASPs provided as shown by the last entry of table510 inFIG. 5B.
• As indicated above, the service functions of fields513-535 are services typically provided by an ASP. The Encryption service offield513 allows documents to be stored on a server with encryption using a digital certificate from a third party Certificate Authority, for example. Encrypted documents can only be decrypted by applying he designated key pair held by the owner of the documents. The Access level control service offield515 requires the user to have a predetermined access level before retrieving a document. The concept of the access level of a document is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/684,965, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT BY USING DOCUMENT AGENT, which is incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, the access levels identify the documents which a specific user (or operator) can access at the ASPs via thedocument manager60. The user70 (and similarly users72,74 and76) may assign an access level to each document stored at the ASP. During a document retrieval operation, the user's ID is transmitted to thedocument manager60 and thedocument manager60 retrieves documents that match the user's access level. As a result, security management can be accomplished and the search time can be reduced. The access level for each user can be stored in thedocument manager60 or at the user70. When documents are stored in the ASPs, the access level can be set with each document. Alternatively, the access level for each stored document can also be stored at the ASPs. When thedocument manager60 executes a document retrieval operation, the document manager's search engine and/or the ASPs' search engine execute the retrieval operation only for documents having an access level matching the user's access level. Consequently, the retrieval time is shortened and high security documents can be accessed by only appropriate users.
• As to the remaining service features in the industrial category table510, the Physical Storage feature offield517 provides a physical security service which includes establishment of data center in a secured environment. The Security Policy service offield519 provides a written security policy which is required in some industries when storing documents off-site. The Internet Security service offield521 requires that all users be authenticated to access document with optional digital certificate capability, and that all data transmission is done through a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). The Off-Site Backup service offield523 provides backup tapes or other media stored in a safe place remote from the primary data center of the ASP. The Audit service offield525 logs user activities. The Collaboration service offield527 allows users to jointly edit a document and tracks the edit history. The collaboration service allows users to check in/check out a document. The Workflow Transmission service offield529 provides a Document Delivery feature that gives the user the ability to deliver a document within a workgroup and to store a workflow profile. The Archiving service offield531 stores a document and creates a backup of the document. The Inage Input service offield533 allows users to upload images from digital cameras and other devices to the ASP and/or the ability to scan documents from a scanning device such as a Ricoh MFP and to store the images directly at the ASP site.
• Thus, the industrial category table510 associates industrial categories with a plurality of service functions used with the industrial category, and a selected ASP which provides the required functions. It is to be understood that the service functions offields513 through533 are exemplary only and that any desired service functions may be input in table510 as a condition for identifying selected ASPs. Moreover, the “necessary” conditions or flags shown inFIG. 5B are stored in thestorage device64 as a default condition. In a preferred embodiment, the user70 and ordocument manager60 can modify the conditions if necessary. In this embodiment, theconsulting device67 of thedocument manager60 automatically selects an ASP which is appropriate to the modified condition.
• In addition to the storage and retrieval transactions typically provided by ASPs, certain ASPs may provide special transactions and/or services not provided by the typical ASP.FIG. 5C is a special service table550 that includes afield551 for storing special services that may be provided by an ASP, and afield553 for storing ASP(s) that provide each special service. As shown inFIG. 5C,field551 of the special services table550 includes a print and delivery service and a digital signature service.Field553 indicates thatASP 1 andASP 7 provide the print and delivery, and digital signature services respectively. As with the service functions of table510, the special services infield551 are exemplary only and may be added to or modified as needed. Moreover, while the special service table550 ofFIG. 5C associates a single ASP to a special service, it is to be understood that multiple ASPs may be listed infield553 and/or be associated with a special service.
• As mentioned above, thedocument manager60 may select the appropriate ASP(s) for providing the user70 with the required service functions and selected special services.FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process for selecting an ASP according to one embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart ofFIG. 6 is in a relational format which shows the processing steps performed by the user70 and thedocument manager60. The process steps performed by these devices are separated by a vertical dashed line indicating thenetwork55. Thus, arrows that cross the dashed line indicate data transfer between the user70 anddocument manager60 vianetwork55.
• Instep601, a user ID is input to the user70 and sent to thedocument manager60. The user ID may be input as part of a login or registration process as previously described, or in response to a request from thedocument manager60 after the user has logged on thedocument manager60. Instep603, thedocument manager60 obtains document profiles associated with the user ID received from the user70. In this step, thedocument manager60 accesses the document profile table501 instorage device64 and searches theuser ID field503 for the user ID received. Once the user ID is located, thedocument manager60 reads all document profile names associated with the user ID fromfield505 of the document profile table501. As seen indecision block605, if the user ID received is not within the document profile table, or there are no document profile names associated with the user ID, then thedocument manager60 proceeds to step621 to initiate creation of a document profile as will be discussed below.
• Where document profiles are stored for the user ID received, then instep607 thedocument manager60 creates a document mall screen including a document profile menu with the document profile names obtained instep603, and a transaction menu retrieved from thestorage device64. As an example of how thedocument manager60 obtains document profiles for the document mall screen, if the user ID received instep603 is “071870” thedocument manager60 locates this user ID in the first entry of the document profile table501 and reads the profile names “Invoices”, “Employee Benefits”, and “Service Contracts” fromfield505 of the table. These document profile names are then used instep607 to create the document mall screen that is transmitted to the user70. The document mall screen including the document profile menu and ASP transaction menu may be downloaded to the user70 under the control of theconsulting device67 of the document manager70, for example.
• Instep609, the user70 displays the document mall screen received from the document manager70.FIG. 7A shows an example of a document mall screen displayed on the user70 instep609 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thedocument mall screen742 is displayed on a display of the user70 and allows an operator of the user70 to interact with thedocument manager60. Thedocument mall screen742 has one or a plurality of message areas, such asmessage area700 which informs the operator of various options or requirements, such as the requirement to sign up if the operator (or “user”) is new, or offering the option to start with a free document consultation. Thedocument mall screen742 has one or a plurality of selection buttons, such asselection button710, which may be selected to start an online document consulting session provided bydocument manager60. Thedocument mall screen742 also has one or a plurality of interactive areas, such asinteractive areas720,730,740 and750.Interactive areas720 and730 allow the operator to enter a user I.D. and a user password, respectively.Interactive area740 includes the transaction menu delivered from thedocument manager60 instep607, andinteractive area550 includes the document profile menu delivered from thedocument manager60 instep607.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, all or a portion of thedocument mall screen742 may be saved in a memory of user70. For example, user70 may display thedocument mall screen742 includingmessage area700,selection button710 andinteractive areas720,730,740, and750 so that the user can simultaneously send the document manager70 a user ID as well as the transaction and document profile information needed to complete the user's request. Alternatively, in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the user70 would display only theuser ID area20 andpassword area30 initially, and subsequently fill in the other areas of the document mall screen after sending the user ID to the document manager70. Moreover, while the screen ofFIG. 7A is labeled “The Document Mall”, it is to be understood that this is exemplary only and the aesthetics of the screen may be changed or customized for each user, or in any desired manner.
• As seen inFIG. 7A, the document profile menu inarea750 includes the document profiles associated with the user70. Returning to the example ofuser 071870, the document profile menu includes profile names “invoices”, “Employee Benefits”, and “Service Contracts.” The ASP transaction menu in area540 includes a list of ASP transactions or services that the user70 can select from. The ASP transaction menu lists various transaction options typically offered by ASPs such as “Storing” and “Retrieving”, and further lists special services such as “Print and Delivery” and “Digital Signature” offered by special service ASPs. As seen ininteractive area740 ofFIG. 7A, the ASP transaction menu may include a “continued . . . ” selection to allow the user to select or engage other ASP transactions on a continuation screen.
• Returning toFIG. 6, after displaying thedocument mall screen742 ofFIG. 7A, the user70 determines whether a document consultation is required based on the input from the operator of the user70 as shown bydecision block611. If a document consultation is requested by the operator, the user70 proceeds to step613 where a document consultation request is input and sent to thedocument manager60. However, where the operator does not require a document consultation, the user70 proceeds to step615. Instep615, the user70 inputs a document profile and transaction based on the items selected by the operator from the document profile menu and ASP transaction menu. Selection from the document profile menu, the ASP transaction menu, or the documentconsulting selection button710 may be accomplished, for example, by clicking a button on a mouse or remote control, pressing a key (or keys) on a keyboard or on the control panel, touching the display screen, speaking a command, etc. Where a menu includes a large number of selections that cannot be listed in a single viewing, the user may scroll to a second viewing by selecting a “continued . . . ” option as noted above and shown in the ASP service menu in area540. Whether or not a document consultation is requested, the information resulting fromstep613 or615 is then transmitted from the user70 to thedocument manager60 vianetwork55.
• Instep617, thedocument manager60 receives the information delivered from the user70 and determines whether a document consulting request is included in the information received. Where no document consulting request was received, thedocument manager60 determines that the information received includes a document profile and proceeds to step619 where the basic ASP is selected based on the document profile received from the user70. Specifically, as part ofstep619, thedocument manager60 searches field505 of the document profile table501 shown inFIG. 5A for the document profile name received from user70, and obtains the industrial category associated with this profile name fromfield507 of the document profile table501. With the industrial category known, the document manager70 then searchesfield511 of the industrial category table510 and selects the basic ASP associated with the known industrial category fromfield535 of the document profile table510. Thus, continuing with the example of theuser 071870, if the user70 inputs “Invoices” as the document profile name instep615, the document manager70 first identifies the industrial category as “accounting” from table501, and then selects ASP3 from table510 as the ASP appropriate for accounting documents. Thus, a basic ASP that provides typical ASP transactions and services may be selected using the document profile table501 and industrial category table510. In addition, after the basic ASP is selected instep619, a special ASP is selected instep631 as will be further described below.
• Where thedocument manager60 determines, indecision block617, that the user70 did request a document consultation, thedocument manager60 proceeds to step621 where a document mall screen including an industrial category menu and a transaction menu is created and sent to the user70. Instep623, the user displays the document mall screen with the industrial category and ASP transaction menus.FIG. 7B shows an example of a document mall screen displayed on the user70 instep623 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thedocument mall screen742 inFIG. 7B is identical to thedocument mall screen742 inFIG. 7A with the exception ofinteractive area750 and therefore the discussion ofFIG. 7B will be limited to this area.Interactive area750 includes an industrial category menu which lists industrial categories for selection by the user70. The industrial category menu serves as a request to the user to select a category that best describes the document that the user is obtaining ASP service for. As seen inFIG. 5B, the industrial category menu preferably includes all of the industrial categories included in the industrial category table510. As discussed above with respect toFIG. 5B, the document manager70 stores predetermined ASP service functions that are used with each industrial category and the ASPs that provides these service functions. The user70 that has requested a document consultation instep611, inputs an industrial category and ASP transactions selected by the operator of the user70 and sends this information to thedocument manager60 as shown bystep625.
• Instep627, thedocument manager60 selects a basic ASP based on the industrial category received from the user70. Specifically, the document manager70 searches field511 of industrial category table510 for the industrial category received from user70, and selects the ASP associated with this industrial category fromfield535 of table510. In one embodiment of the present invention, thedocument manager60 may also select a secondary basic ASP as a backup for the primary basic ASP. The secondary ASP may be used, for example, where the primary basic ASP is too busy to process the user's request or when the ASP cannot deliver or does not have the item which is desired. Whilestep627 describes selecting a basic ASP based on the industrial category input by a user that has requested a document consultation, it is to be understood that more information can be requested by thedocument manager60 and/or provided by the user70 as part of the document consultation process used for determining a basic ASP.
• Where thedocument manager60 selects a basic ASP based on the industrial category received from the user70, the user70 either does not have a document profile as determined indecision block605 or has requested a document consultation instep615 to create a new document profile, for example. In either situation, thedocument manager60 creates and stores a document profile for the user as indicated bystep629. The document profile includes the user ID, profile name, and an industrial category as shown in the document profile table501. In a preferred embodiment, the profile name is selected by the user as a convenient name to identify the document type which ASP services are needed for. In this embodiment, the user70 sends the document profile name to the document manager for creating the document profile. In another embodiment, thedocument manager60 may automatically assign a document profile name. It is also noted that the document profile includes the selected ASP related to the document profile name. However, this selected ASP is stored in the industrial category table510 so that the necessary service functions can be conveniently changed by the user70 ordocument manager60 as needed.
• In addition to selecting a basic ASP in either step619 or627, thedocument manager60 selects a special service ASP based on the transaction menu selection received from the user70 as shown instep631. As discussed with respect toFIGS. 7A and 7B above, thedocument mall screen742 includes an ASP transaction menu ininteractive area740. As seen in these figures, the ASP transaction menu includes typical ASP transactions such as “storing” and “receiving”, as well as special services such as “print and delivery” and “digital signature” which, according to the present invention, may be independently provided by special service ASPs. Based on the users input to the ASP transaction menu, instep631 thedocument manager60 determines whether a special ASP is needed in addition to the basic ASP. While the ASP transaction menu ofFIGS. 7A and 7B lists both general ASP services and special ASP services, an alternative embodiment of the present invention may provide separate special services menu delivered to user70 on demand.
• As part ofstep631, thedocument manager60 first determines whether a special service has been selected by user70 from the ASP transaction menu. If a special service was selected, thedocument manager60 accesses the special service table550 and matches the special service received from the user with a special service listed infield551 of the special service table550. Once the special service requested by the user70 is identified in the special service table550, thedocument manager60 obtains the ASP associated with the special service fromfield553 and selects this ASP as one of the ASPs that will process the users request. For instance, if the user selects Print and Delivery service, the ASP1 is selected as the special ASP based on the control of theconsulting device67 ofdocument manager60. If the user selects both of Print and Delivery service and Digital Signature service, the ASP1 and ASP7 are selected as the additional ASPs. These special ASPs are selected in addition to basic ASP selected instep619 orstep627. Where the user70 did not input a special service in the transaction menu, the document manager does not select a special ASP instep631 and proceeds to step633.
• With the basic ASP and the special service ASP selected, instep631 thedocument manager60 continues to process the users request with the identified ASPs. This step may proceed with connecting to the identified ASPs where the details of the service request are previously provided by the user70, or with feedback to the user70 to obtain further details such as a search query from the user70, and/or confirmation of the ASPs selected.
• As indicated above, thedocument manager60 of the present invention may select multiple ASPs to process the user's request. According to one embodiment of the present invention, where multiple ASPs are selected by the document manager, the document manager70 can store alliance relationships among the ASPs in thestorage device64. An alliance relationship allows the selected ASPs to communicate with each other to process the user request. Thus, the user receives the benefit of performing one search on multiple ASPs without the need of separately registering with each ASP. In this embodiment, thedocument manager60 includes aworkflow engine69 as shown in phantom inFIG. 3. The workflow engine creates instructions for each ASP based on instructions stored in thestorage device64 ofdocument manager60. Theworkflow engine69 reads the instructions from thestorage device64 and transmits the instructions to the selected ASPs vianetwork55. For instance, where the industrial category is Legal, and the user selects a Print and Delivery service and a Digital Signature service, theconsulting device67 selectsASP 2 for documents storing and document retrieving,ASP 1 for Print and Delivery andASP 7 for Digital Signature.
• FIG. 8 describes the ASP alliance feature of the present invention. This figure shows the exchange of information between thedocument manager60 andASPs2,1, and7, as well as the exchange of data amongASPs2 and1. The dashed box ofFIG. 8 represents thenetwork50 on which the data travels. In this example, theworkflow engine69 reads instructions from the storingdevice64 and instructsASP 1,ASP 2 andASP 7 as follows:
• For ASP 2: “Store a document transmitted from the document manager, then read out the stored document and transmit the stored document to theASP 2, and report the operation result to the document manager.”
• For ASP 1: “Receive the document from theASP 1, then execute digital signature on the received document, and transmit the signed document to the document manager.”
• For ASP 7: “Receive the document from the document manager, print out the received document, mail the printed document to the user, and report the operation result to the document manager.”
• Thus, in the example ofFIG. 8, ASP2 and ASP1 are in alliance while ASP7 has not made an alliance. Therefore the document obtained from ASP2 is transmitted directly from ASP2 to ASP1 while this same document must be first delivered to thedocument manager60 which forwards the document to ASP7 for print and delivery. The document manager transmits the above instructions to three ASPs simultaneously, and waits for the replies from the ASPS. Regarding the Print and Delivery service, since it may take at least one day to complete the service in a preferred embodiment, theASP 7 estimates service completion date and informs the user through the user's e-mail of the estimated service completion date, and or the document manager70.
• In addition to the ASP alliance feature in one embodiment of the present invention, thedocument manager60 also provides a unified keyword format for the user. When processing the user's request as instep633 ofFIG. 6, thedocument manager60 may receive a database type query from the user70. However, where multiple ASPs are selected,
• it is likely that each ASP has different input format for inputting information such as a date, wild card, keywords and so on. For instance, the date information may have to be inputted in mm-dd-yy format forASP 1, while the same information has to be inputted in yyyymmdd format forASP 2. Also, the wild card information may have to be indicated by using * forASP 1, but the same information may be designated by $ forASP 2. Further, a keyword phrase may be inputted as “intellectual property” forASP 1, but the same phrase has to be inputted as intellectual & property forASP 2. In order to realize a unified user interface, thedocument manager60 provides unified input format for the user, and translates the unified format to different formats, which are utilized with the selected or desired ASPs. In this embodiment, the storingdevice64 stores input formats of ASPs which can be controlled by the document manager70. Also, the storingdevice64 stores a unified input format, which is displayed on the user70 display for the document mall operation. Theuser interaction device65 translates the inputted date information, wild card information and/or keywords that are in a single or unified format to specific formats which are suitable for selected or desired ASPs and then transmits the translated formats to the selected ASPs. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, not only is the screen for inputting service requests unified, but also the other user interfaces are unified, even if plural ASPs are utilized to accomplish the user's request.
• The present invention also provides a timing coordination function for the user70 where multiple ASPs are selected. In the case of a retrieval operation, the documents that have inputted keywords are stored in plural ASPs. Based upon the ASPs' retrieving ability and the volume of the retrieved documents, it is likely that the timing of outputting the retrieved documents is different among the ASPs.FIG. 9 illustrates a timing coordination function of thedocument manager60 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Instep901, thedocument manager60 receives a service result from an ASP. The service result may be a document to be retrieved by the user70 or some other information provided to the user. Instep903, thedocument manager60 stores the service result in a memory such as thestorage device64. Thedocument manager60 then determines whether it has received all service results from all ASPs selected for the user's request as seen indecision block905. Where all service results have not been received, thedocument manager60 returns to step901 to receive the additional service results. For example, where thedocument manager60 selects 3 different ASPs to deliver documents to meet the users request, thedocument manager60 monitors the documents received and stored for this request, and where only one or two document shave been received, awaits reception and storage of the remaining documents. When all service results have been received, thedocument manager60 proceeds to step907 where it reads out the stored service results fromstorage device64, the complete results are then transmitted from thedocument manager60 to the user70 as shown bystep909.
• Thus, in order to provide unified operation for the user, the retrieved documents from each ASP are once stored in thestoring device64 of thedocument manager60. Under the control of the format-standardizingdevice66, thedocument manager60 determines whether or not thedocument manager60 receives operation results from all selected ASPs. If the operation results from all selected ASPs are received, theformat standardizing device66 reads out the stored retrieved documents from the storingdevice64, and transmits the retrieved results to the user.
• As discussed in the background section above, one problem with conventional user requests to an ASP is that documents to be stored and/or retrieved from the ASP may be voluminous and therefore may disable the user's communications line for a long period of time. This problem is particularly significant for home users with low data speed network connections, and any other low speed communication system such as, but not limited to, wireless connections. Thedocument manager60 of the present invention provides a mechanism for allowing the user70 to store and retrieve documents to ASPs without disabling the communications system of the user70 at inconvenient times.FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing bulk transfer of documents between the user70 anddocument manager60 at a predetermined time in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The “bulk transfer” described herein is similar to or may be considered to be a batch processing which is performed now, after a predetermined delay, or at a predetermined time. Such a transfer may be performed in accordance with the deferred delivery feature of Request for Comments (RFC) 1068 entitled BACKGROUND FILE TRANSFER PROGRAM (“BFTP”) by DeSchon et al., 1988, which is incorporated herein by reference. As withFIG. 6 described above, the flowchart ofFIG. 10 is in relational format with a vertical dashedline representing network55 separating the steps of the user70, from the steps of thedocument manager60.
• As seen inFIG. 10, the process of providing a bulk transfer function for the user70 begins with thedocument manager60 determining whether a document storage or retrieval request has been made by the user as shown bydecision block1001. This allows thedocument manager60 to avoid creating and sending a bulk transfer option to the user where the user is requesting a real time service such as access to a software application located at the ASP.Decision block1001 may be performed bydocument manager60 as part of the “process user request”step633 in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, or as part of the “feedback to user with service”step4040 shown inFIG. 4.
• In the typical situation where the user70 has requested a storage or retrieval transaction, thedocument manager60 creates a bulk transfer option request as shown instep1003. The bulk transfer option request allows the user70 to select a bulk transfer option for the transaction requested. After creating the bulk transfer option menu instep1003, thedocument manager60 proceeds to step1005 where a service detail request is created and sent to the user70 along with the bulk transfer option request. The service detail request is a request from thedocument manager60 to the user70 to provide more details about the service or transaction needed from the document manager and ASPs. For example, where the user70 has requested a document search and retrieval, the service detail request may ask the user for a boolean search query. As another example, where the user70 has requested access to a spreadsheet application located on the ASP, the service detail request may ask the user to input a spreadsheet application and the version of the application needed. If thedocument manager60 determines instep1001 that the user has not requested a storage or retrieval service, the document manager proceeds directly to step1005 and creates and sends the service detail request to the user70.
• Instep1007, the user70 displays the bulk transfer option request and/or service detail request to the operator of the user70. The bulk transfer option request is preferably a selection area similar to thearea710,740, and/or750 of thedocument mall screen742 illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, and the service detail request is preferably displayed as an interactive area for the user to input information such asareas720 and730, orareas740 and750 of thedisplay screen742. Selection of the bulk transfer option and entry of detailed information may be accomplished, for example, by clicking a button on a mouse or remote control, pressing a key (or keys) on a keyboard or control panel, touching a display screen, or a speaking command, etc.
• Indecision block1009 ofFIG. 10, the user70 determines whether the bulk transfer option has been selected by the operator based on inputs from the operator. Where a bulk transfer has not been selected, the user70 inputs and sends the operator's service details instep1011 to thedocument manager60 which processes the user's request with the selected ASPs based on these details entered by the user instep1013. Where the user70 determines that a bulk transfer request has been made, flow proceeds to step1015 where it determines whether the user's transaction is a storage transaction requesting to send documents to an ASP for storage, or a retrieval transaction requesting to receive documents delivered from the ASP. The storage/retrieval determination ofstep1015 is made based on previous entries of the user.
• Where the user's transaction is determined to be a storage transaction instep1015, the user inputs the storage documents and sends the storage documents (documents to be stored at one or more of the ASPs) to thedocument manager60 instep1017 at a predetermined time (or immediately) which will be further described with respect toFIG. 12 below. Instep1019, thedocument manager60 receives the storage documents and performs the storage service with the selected ASP(s). According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedocument manager60 generates a storage operation report instep1021 based on feedback from the storage ASP(s). How thedocument manager60 performs the storage service and generates a storage operation report will be further described below with respect toFIGS. 13 and 14.
• Where the user70 determines instep1015 that the required transaction is a retrieval transaction, flow proceeds to step1023 which inputs and sends the retrieval request to thedocument manager60. The retrieval request may be a boolean search query or any other information for identifying the document to be retrieved from the ASP(s). In a preferred embodiment, the user may also input a predetermined time for thedocument manager60 to return the retrieved document. Alternatively, thedocument manager60 may select an appropriate time for delivering the document such as midnight when the communications line of the user70 can be busy for a long period of time without inconvenience. Thus, instep1025 thedocument manager60 processes the document retrieval request with selected ASPS, and transfers the retrieval document at a predetermined time instep1027. Alternatively, the transfer of the document or information may be immediately. Instep1029, the user70 receives the retrieval document or storage report resulting fromstep1021 orstep1027 respectively. Thus, as shown by the process inFIG. 10, thedocument manager60 provides a bulk transfer of documents at a predetermined time between the user70 anddocument manager60. In a preferred embodiment, this feature is provided with a user device implemented as a multipurpose or multifunction machine, although any desired device such as any of the devices disclosed herein may be utilized.
• FIGS. 11A, 11B,11C, and11D show a multifunction machine or document processing center that may serve as the user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction document processing center inFIGS. 11A and 11B includes a central processing unit (CPU)1131, and various elements connected to theCPU1131 by aninternal bus1132. TheCPU1131 services multiple tasks while monitoring the state of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100. The elements connected to theCPU1131 include a read only memory (ROM)1133, a random access memory (RAM)1134, a hard disk drive (HDD)1135, a floppy disk drive (FDD).1136 capable of receiving afloppy disk1107, a communication interface (I/F)1138, and amodem unit1139. In addition, acontrol panel1137, ascanner unit1140, aprinter unit1141, and animage processing device1142 can be connected to theCPU1131 by thebus1132. The I/F1138 is connected to a network1129 such as a local area network which is preferably connected to a wide area network such as the Internet, although any network or connection of networks may be utilized. Themodem unit1139 is connected to a communication network1120, which is further connected to a network connection such as a public telephone line (not shown), or alternatively themodem unit1139 is directly connected to a public telephone line. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 may be implemented as the server shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,335, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• In one embodiment where the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 includes a digital copier, the modem unit139, thescanner unit1140, theprinter unit1141, and theimage processing device1142 are collectively called the image processing units of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100. These elements correspond to the hardware of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 which carry out the image processing functions of the digital copier.
• In a preferred embodiment, the program code instructions for the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 may be stored on thefloppy disk1107 so that the program code instructions can be read by theFDD1136, transferred to theRAM1134 and executed by theCPU1131 to carry out the instructions. These instructions may be menu management instructions, such as instructions to create, select, retrieve, transmit, display, and store menus and are directed to implementing the method steps described in previously described inFIGS. 4, 6, and10, or as described inFIGS. 12-14 below. These instructions permit the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 to interact as a user with thedocument manager60 and to control thecontrol panel1137 and the image processing units of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100. Moreover, the instructions may also include any instructions necessary for the operation of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100.
• Alternatively, the program code instructions maybe read from thefloppy disk1107 to theHDD1135. During a start-up of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100, the program code instructions may be read by theCPU1131, transferred to the RAM and executed by theCPU1131. Alternatively, the program code instructions may be loaded to the ROM1133. It is therefore understood that in the present invention, any of thefloppy disk1107, theHHD1135, theRAM1134, and the ROM1133 correspond to a computer readable storage medium capable of storing program code instructions or data structures utilized by the invention. Other devices and medium that can store the instructions and/or data structures according to the present invention include for example magnetic disks, optical disks including DVDs, magneto-optical disks such as MOs, and semiconductor memory cards such as PC cards, as well as any of the storage mediums discussed with respect toFIG. 15 below.
• FIG. 11B illustrates the internal mechanical and electrical-mechanical components of thedocument processing center1100. In this Figure, thescanner unit1140 is mounted on top of theprinter unit1141, although any desired configuration or arrangements of the elements of theprinter unit1141 and thescanner unit1140 may be utilized. For example, theprinter unit1141 and thescanner unit1140 may be physically separate from each other.
• FIG. 11C shows the configuration of thecontrol panel1137 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As seen in this figure, thecontrol panel1137 includes adisplay1142 that displays menus and messages allowing the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 to interact with thedocument manager60. In a preferred embodiment, thedisplay1142 displays the document mall screens ofFIGS. 7A and 7B. Thedisplay screen1142 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or any other suitable display suitable for providing an image to the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100. While thedisplay1142 is shown as being integral with thecontrol panel1137 inFIG. 11C, the display does not have to be integral with, or embedded in, thecontrol panel1137, but may simply be coupled to thecontrol panel1137 by either a wire or a wireless connection. Thecontrol panel1137 may also include keys for inputting information or requesting various operations. Alternatively, thecontrol panel1137 and thedisplay screen1142 may be operated by a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control, touching thedisplay screen1142, voice recognition, or eye-movement tracking, or a combination thereof.
• As also seen inFIG. 11C, thecontrol panel1137 can include a contrast amount key1143 for changing a contrast of thedisplay1142 and a display mode switch1155 for switching a display from a first mode to a second mode when depressed, located adjacent to thedisplay screen1142. For example, by depressing the display mode switch1155, an operator can switch from a digital copying mode display to an ASP document request mode display such as those displayed inFIGS. 7A and 7B. Thecontrol panel1137 can also include a mode reviewing key1144 for displaying the selected modes already set, and a menu or message changing key1145 for changing the menu or messages to be displayed on thedisplay screen1142. For example, the operator can depress the message changing key1145 to change from a document profile menu as shown inFIG. 7A to an industrial category menu shown inFIG. 7B. Thecontrol panel1137 can also include a program calling key1146 for calling or executing a user program when depressed, a user program register key1147 for registering a user program when depressed, and aguidance key1148 for displaying a guidance or help menu in thedisplay1142. Thecontrol panel1137 can also include a print switch1149 for starting a copying operation or ASP document operation when depressed, a tenkey keypad1150 for inputting data, or an alphanumeric keypad (not shown). These keypads can be used for example to enter the operator's user I.D., password, document name and type of document to store or retrieve, location to store the document, keywords, dates, access level and other information for interacting with thedocument manager60. Of course, thekey pad1150 can also be used to enter copy mode information, such as the number of copies, or the percentage magnification/reduction desired.
• The control panel1337 may also include a set number clear and copy stop key1151 for either clearing set numbers or parameters, or stopping a copying operation when depressed, and a confirming orenter key1152 for confirming information entered by the operator in order to use thedocument manager60, such as a user I.D., password, document type, document name, keywords, dates, access levels, and type of requests for thedocument manager60. The confirming or enter key1152 may also be used to confirm information to use the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 as a copy machine, such as the number of copies, magnification/reduction and/or a margin of a copy sheet. Thecontrol panel1137 may also include an interruption copy key1153 for interrupting a document storing operation, a document retrieving operation, or a copying operation when depressed. Apreheat key1154 for preheating a fixing roller, and/or a mode-clear key1154 clearing a preset mode can also be included to thecontrol panel1137. According to one embodiment of the present invention, thecontrol panel1137 can be implemented using the control panel shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,593, which is incorporated herein by reference.
• As indicated above, thedisplay screen1142 displays the document mall screens shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B. Thedisplay1142 can be made of a dot or pixel displaying device, utilizing for example, a liquid crystal or a fluorescent material, and can include a matrix touch panel overlaid on the dot displaying device, thereby allowing the operator to input commands to the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 by depressing thedisplay screen1142 itself. An example of such adisplay screen1142 is shown inFIG. 11D. Thedisplay screen1142 can be used to display one or a plurality of copy options and messages, for example to select a paper tray, to request stapling of the copies, to reduce or magnify, to set margins, etc. In addition to these copy mode settings and messages, thedisplay screen1142 of the present invention can display ASP document mode features to permit an operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 to interact with thedocument manager60. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11D, thedisplay screen1142 displays a “Document Mall” selection button1162 which allows the operator to select (e.g. by touching the “Document Mall” selection button1162) the ASP document mode and to have an ASP document mode menu displayed. In this example, the “Document Mall” selection button is positioned next to amessage display area1161, which may display copy mode messages and/or ASP document mode messages. In a preferred embodiment, thedisplay screen1142 shown inFIG. 11D is a basic menu (or “basic screen”), which is read from theRAM1134 and displayed when the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 is turned on.
• Advantageously, once the “Document Mall” button1162 is selected on display screen1142 (or the ASP document mode is otherwise requested) thedisplay screen1142 can display a menu for document ASP modes that is customized to the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100. For example, upon entering a user I.D. and a password, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 selects a customized menu to permit the operator to interact with thedocument manager60. The customized menus may be stored at the multifunction document processing center1100 (for example in thefloppy disk1107, theHHD1135, theRAM1134, and/or the ROM1133), received from thedocument manager60, or at another location, such as a general purpose computer (like the computer system shown inFIG. 15) which may be connected to the document manager via a network, such as a LAN.
• In one embodiment, the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 enters a user I.D. and the password using a default ASP document menu displayed after the ASP document mode is selected. The multifunctiondocument processing center1100 then requests the desired customized menu using a look-up table stored for example in one of the server's storage devices, such as thefloppy disk1107, theHHD1135, theRAM1134, and/or the ROM1133 or any other suitable storage device. For example, an operator “A” may enter her user I.D. which prompts the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 to select an ASP document mode menu customized for the ABC company for which operator “A” works. The multifunctiondocument processing center1100 thus can provide the operator “A” with a company level customization. Alternatively, or in addition, an operator “B” may enter her user I.D. which prompts the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 to select a menu customized for the legal department of the DEF company for which operator “B” works. The multifunctiondocument processing center1100 thus can provide the operator “B” with a group (or department) level customization. Alternatively, or in addition, an operator “C” may enter her user I.D. which prompts the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 to select a menu customized for the operator “C”. The multifunctiondocument processing center1100 thus can provide the operator “C” with an individual level customization. If the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 is part of a system that utilizes groupware such as Lotus Notes, the company name, the group or department name, and/or the individual name can be read out and from the groupware database.
• Thus, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 provides general document processing functions such as copying and printing, as well as a user interface to thedocument manager60. The multifunctiondocument processing center1100 would generally provide a central unit to be shared by several office workers in a business entity, for example. Thus, in providing a user interface with thedocument manager60, according to one embodiment, large documents stored to or retrieved from ASPs via thedocument manager60 do not the up the communications line1120 for long periods of time during business hours. Thus, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 is an ideal user for offering the bulk transfer feature generally discussed with regard toFIG. 10 above. However, if the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 has a fast communication connection and/or the size of the documents being retrieved is not too large, the bulk transfer feature may not be utilized.FIGS. 12, 13, and14 show flowcharts that show the bulk transfer process for the multifunctiondocument processing center1100, document manager600, and ASP respectively.
• FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process for implementing a bulk transfer in the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. After starting, instep1201, the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 logs on to the document mall and inputs information used by thedocument manager60 to determine an ASP. In this regard, the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 interacts with thedocument manager60 as described inFIG. 6 above by way of thedisplay1142. Instep1203, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 inputs a bulk transfer command in response to the operator depressing the control panel or otherwise indicating the bulk transfer option for a storage or retrieval operation as also described above. As the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 processes storage bulk transfers in a different manner than retrieval services, indecision block1205, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 determines whether the operator has requested a storage or retrieval transaction with an ASP. This determination is made based on information obtained as part of the log on and ASP determination process ofstep1201.
• Where the ASP transaction is a document retrieval transaction, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 proceeds to step1207 and transmits a document retrieval request to thedocument manager60 via communications line1120. The document retrieval request is entered into the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 by way of thecontrol panel1137 anddisplay1142. As indicated inFIG. 10 above, the document retrieval request may be a boolean search query and may include a predetermined time at which the operator of thedocument processing center1100 wishes the document to be received by the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 instep1209. In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 generates and sends a retrieval result report via communications line1120 as shown instep1211. The retrieval result report informs thedocument manager60 that the retrieval documents have been received as will be further described inFIG. 13 below. In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 generates and sends the retrieval result report only after the operator confirms that the requested documents have been received without problems.
• If thedecision block1205 results in the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 determining that the operator wishes to perform a storage transaction, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 inputs the documents to be stored at the ASP by scanning the documents instep1213 using thescanner unit1140. The scanning ofstep1213 is preferably performed by an optical scanning device but may be performed by any scanning or character recognition technology such as magnetic ink character recognition, for example. As an alternative to scanning,step1213 may be performed by generating a document in an electronic representation in any desired manner, such as by saving or writing the document in a desired format such as but not limited to Microsoft Word format, “PDF” format using Adobe Acrobat, or using any desired software program. Moreover, the electronic representation which is utilized may be in existence at thetime step1205 is performed, if the document is not scanned instep1213. In one embodiment, thescanning step1213 is performed when the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 places the documents into a feeder of thescanner unit1140 in response to a message displayed on thedisplay1142. The multifunctiondocument processing center1100 then writes the scanned document to theHDD1135 where it remains until the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 transmits the storage document(s) to thedocument manager60 at a preselected time by way of the communication lines1120 as shown instep1217.
• According to a preferred embodiment, theHDD1135 has a specific folder or directory which is made by the operator wherein the images which are stored in the specific folder are transmitted to the selected ASP at a predetermined time. For instance, the multifunction document processing center has a timer to set a time when the stored documents in theHDD1135 are transmitted to the selected ASP automatically. The scanned documents under the bulk transfer mode are stored in the specific folder in theHDD1135 until the pre-set time. The pre-set time is preferably a convenient time when operators of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 will not be inconvenienced by a long busy period of the communications line1120. TheCPU1131 checks whether an actual time reaches the preselected time, and if the actual time reaches the pre-selected time, the CPU controls or commands a read out of the stored documents from the specific folder in theHDD1135, and transmits the read documents either to the selected ASP or thedocument manager60. In one embodiment of the present invention, during the 24 hours, documents which have different document profiles can be stored in the hard disk, and subsequently transmitted to different ASPs based on the corresponding document profile.
• Instep1219, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 receives a storage operation result that is generated and sent from the document manager as will be further described with respect toFIG. 13 below. In a preferred embodiment, once the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 has received the storage operation result from thedocument manager60, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 automatically clears the stored or scanned storage documents from theHDD1135. According to the present embodiment, the batch transmission mode is set by manually inputting or selecting the mode. However, it is also possible to have such a batch transmission mode be the default mode which is automatically used, unless deselected by the user. Moreover, it is also possible to set the batch transmission mode if the controller of the copier detects an image tag such as bar code that is on the document. The bar code includes information to instruct the batch transmission mode and document profile such as user ID, selected ASP and e-mail address. The use of bar codes to encode information, and the reading and decoding of bar codes is generally known and is described for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,677,770, and 5,671,282 which are incorporated herein by reference. The Asp(s) selection and/or Document menu downloading may be performed based on the information of a bar code in the same manner as described above.
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process for implementing a bulk transfer in thedocument manager60 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Instep1301, thedocument manger60 logs the user onto the document mall and receives information used for determining and selecting an ASP. As discussed above, the operator of the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 interacts with thedocument manager60 to log on to thedocument manager60, and transmit ASP determining information and a bulk transfer option to thedocument manager60. Instep1303, thedocument manager60 receives the bulk transfer request from the multifunctiondocument processing center1100. As thedocument manager60 processes storage bulk transfers in a different manner than retrieval transfers, indecision block1305, thedocument manager60 determines whether the user has requested a storage or a retrieval transaction. This determination is made based on information obtained as part ofstep1301 and/or1303.
• Where the ASP transaction is a document storage transaction, flow proceeds fromstep1305 to step1307 in which thedocument manager60 receives the storage document sent from the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 as described instep1217 of FIG.12 at the predetermined time. Instep1309, thedocument manager60 transmits the storage document to the selected storage ASP. According to a preferred embodiment, thedocument manager60 sends a storage result report instep1311 to the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 via communications line1120 to report that the user storage request has been completed by thedocument manager60.
• If thedecision block1305 results in thedocument manager60 determining that the user wishes to perform a retrieval transaction, thedocument manager60 receives the document retrieval request from the user and retrieves the requested document from the selected retrieval ASP as shown instep1313. Once thedocument manager60 has obtained the retrieval document from the selected ASP instep1313, thedocument manager60 writes the retrieved document to a memory such as thestorage device64 of thedocument manager60, as shown instep1315.
• Instep1317, thedocument manager60 transmits the retrieved documents to the user at a predetermined time. As with the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 described instep1217 ofFIG. 12, thedocument manager60 preferably includes a timer or clock which sets a time when the stored documents in thestorage device64 are to be transmitted to the user automatically. Moreover, as also discussed, the pre-set time may be a time requested by the user instep1301 and1303 above, or may be a time selected by thedocument manager60. As discussed with respect to step1211 inFIG. 12, the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 generates a retrieval result report and sends this report to thedocument manager60. Instep1319, thedocument manager60 receives the retrieval result report from the user. Instep1321, thedocument manager60 then clears the stored retrieval document from thestorage device64 of thedocument manager60.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process for implementing a bulk transfer in the selected ASP in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Instep1401, the selected ASP receives the service request from thedocument manager60. The service request received by the selected ASP may be accompanied by a user ID and/or other information that will allow the selected ASP to send a document directly to the multifunctiondocument processing center1100 if necessary. Moreover, the service request instep1401 may be accompanied by access level information used to implement access level control as described above with respect toFIG. 5B. As the selected ASP must process a bulk storage transfer in a different manner than a retrieval transfers, indecision block1403, the selected ASP determines whether the operator and/ordocument manager60 has requested a storage or retrieval transaction with the ASP.
• When the requested service is a document retrieval transaction, the ASP receives the document retrieval request instruction from thedocument manager60 instep1405. The ASP then retrieves the requested retrieval document from a storage space from which the selected ASP operates as shown instep1407. Once the retrieved document is obtained, the selected ASP then sends the retrieved document to thedocument manager60. In one embodiment of the present invention, the selected ASP may also send or transmit the retrieved document to the user where the ASP has obtained a user ID and/or other user information instep1401 as described above. Such a transmission to the user or multifunctiondocument processing center1100 occurs at a predetermined or present time, after a predetermined delay, as soon as possible, or immediately. In this embodiment, thedocument manager60 serves primarily to log the retrieval transaction and/or provide a unified bill to the user.
• Where the selected ASP determines instep1403 that the requested ASP service is a storage transaction, the selected ASP receives the stored document from thedocument manager60 or the user70 as shown instep1411. In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage document received instep1411 is accompanied by access level information for the selected ASP to implement access level control as previously discussed. Moreover, the storage document received from thedocument manager60 and/or user, may include user e-mail address information. Instep1413, the selected ASP stores or writes the storage document to storage space used in the operation of the ASP. Once the user's storage document is stored in the ASP storage space, the selected ASP transmits an operation result to thedocument manager60 so that thedocument manager60 may create a storage result report and transmit this report to the user70 as described above. In one embodiment, where the storage document received instep1411 is accompanied by user e-mail address information, the selected ASP also transmits an operation result to the user.FIG. 14 shows an operation of the selected ASP. If the ASP receives documents with user ID and access level information, the ASP engine checks whether or not a folder corresponding the user ID exists. If a folder exists, the ASP engine controls the storage of such documents to the folder corresponding to the user ID. When the storage operation ofstep1413 is completed, the ASP engine commands a transmission of the operation result to the document manager instep1415. The process ofFIG. 14 then ends.
• FIG. 15 illustrates acomputer system1501 upon which an embodiment according to the present invention may be implemented. The illustrated computer and/or computer system may be utilized with or as any of processing or computing devices utilized with or by the invention.Computer system1501 includes abus1503 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and aprocessor1505 coupled withbus1503 for processing the information.Computer system1501 also includes amain memory1507, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), flash RAM), coupled tobus1503 for storing information and instructions to be executed byprocessor1505. In addition,main memory1507 may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed byprocessor1505.Computer system1501 further includes a read only memory (ROM)1509 or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled tobus1503 for storing static information and instructions forprocessor1505. Astorage device1511, such as a magnetic disk or optical disc, is provided and coupled tobus1503 for storing information and instructions.
• Thecomputer system1501 may also include special purpose logic devices (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) or configurable logic devices (e.g., generic array of logic (GAL) or reprogrammable field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)). Other removable media devices (e.g., a compact disc, a tape, and a removable magneto-optical media) or fixed, high density media drives, may be added to thecomputer system1501 using an appropriate device bus (e.g., a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus, an enhanced integrated device electronics (IDE) bus, or an ultra-direct memory access (DMA) bus). Thecomputer system1501 may additionally include a compact disc reader, a compact disc reader-writer unit, or a compact disc juke box, each of which may be connected to the same device bus or another device bus.
• Computer system1501 may be coupled viabus1503 to adisplay1513, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user. Thedisplay1513 may be controlled by a display or graphics card. The computer system includes input devices, such as akeyboard1515 and acursor control1517, for communicating information and command selections toprocessor1505. Thecursor control1517, for example, is a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections toprocessor1505 and for controlling cursor movement on thedisplay1513. In addition, a printer may provide printed listings of the data structures shown inFIGS. 5A, 5B, and5C, or any other data stored and/or generated by thecomputer system1501.
• Thecomputer system1501 performs a portion or all of the processing steps of the invention in response toprocessor1505 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in a memory, such as themain memory1507. Such instructions may be read into themain memory1507 from another computer-readable medium, such asstorage device1511. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained inmain memory1507. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.
• As stated above, thesystem1501 includes at least one computer readable medium or memory including instructions used to carry out processing according to the teachings of the invention and for containing data structures, tables, records, or other data described herein. Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, the present invention includes software for controlling thecomputer system1501, for driving a device or devices for implementing the invention, and for enabling thecomputer system1501 to interact with a human user, e.g., a customer. Such software may include, but is not limited to, device drivers, operating systems, development tools, and applications software. Such computer readable media further includes the computer program product of the present invention for performing all or a portion (if processing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementing the invention.
• The computer code devices of the present invention may be any interpreted or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpreters, dynamic link libraries, Java classes, and complete executable programs. Moreover, parts of the processing of the present invention may be distributed for better performance, reliability, and/or cost.
• The term “computer readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions or data toprocessor1505 for execution. A computer readable medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks, such asstorage device1511. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such asmain memory1507. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprisebus1503. Transmission media also may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.
• Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, hard disks, floppy disks, tape, magneto-optical disks, PROMs (EPROM, EEPROM, Flash EPROM), DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, or any other magnetic medium, compact disks (e.g., CD-ROM), or any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, or other physical medium with patterns of holes, a carrier wave (described below), or any other medium from which a computer can read.
• Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying out one or more sequences of one or more instructions toprocessor1505 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions for implementing all or a portion of the present invention remotely into a dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local tocomputer system1501 may receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled tobus1503 can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data onbus1503.Bus1503 carries the data tomain memory1507, from whichprocessor1505 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received bymain memory1507 may optionally be stored onstorage device1511 either before or after execution byprocessor1505.
• Computer system1501 also includes acommunication interface1519 coupled tobus1503.Communication interface1519 provides a two-way data communication coupling to anetwork link1521 that is connected to a local network (e.g., LAN1523). For example,communication interface1519 may be a network interface card to attach to any packet switched local area network (LAN). As another example,communication interface1519 may be an asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) card, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation,communication interface1519 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.
• Network link1521 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example,network link1521 may provide a connection throughLAN1523 to ahost computer1525 or to data equipment operated by a service provider, which provides data communication services through an IP (Internet Protocol) network1527 (e.g., the Internet).LAN1523 andIP network1527 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals onnetwork link1521 and throughcommunication interface1519, which carry the digital data to and fromcomputer system1501, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.Computer system1501 can transmit notifications and receive data, including program code, through the network(s),network link1521 andcommunication interface1519.
• Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (1)

1. A method for managing applications service provider (ASP) documents, comprising:

requesting a transfer of an ASP document at an ASP user device connected to a remote document manager and a remote ASP via a network;

establishing a predetermined time for effecting a transfer of said ASP document; and

transferring said ASP document at a predetermined time via said network.

Images