Selective access and editing in a database
Inventors
Maluf, David A. • Gawdiak, Yuri O.
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-7698274-B1
Publication Date
2010-04-13
Expiration Date
2024-09-22
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Abstract
Method and system for providing selective access to different portions of a database by different subgroups of database users. Where N users are involved, up to 2N−1 distinguishable access subgroups in a group space can be formed, where no two access subgroups have the same members. Two or more members of a given access subgroup can edit, substantially simultaneously, a document accessible to each member.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and system for selective access to different portions of a database by different subgroups of database users. It allows up to 2N−1 distinguishable access subgroups in a group space for N users, where no two access subgroups have the same members. Each access subgroup can access different mutually exclusive portions of the database, and two or more members of a given access subgroup can edit a document accessible to each member substantially simultaneously.
The invention addresses the problem that complex databases with many users often require selective access based on a user's "need to know". Existing systems lacked the ability to provide flexible selective access to overlapping or mutually exclusive portions of a database for different user groups, while allowing substantially simultaneous editing of shared documents by members of these groups. There is also a need for flexibility to change definitions of accessible portions by specified access groups.
The invention enables selective access to as many as 2N−1 mutually exclusive portions of a database for subgroups of N users. It supports simultaneously editable documents within these access subgroups, with optional numerical priorities assigned to members so that proposed edits by one user are reviewed and accepted or declined by higher priority users. The system can save multiple edited copies by users, freeze them for viewing by other members, and produce an omnibus edited copy that incorporates non-conflicting changes upon user demand. This improvement facilitates collaborative editing with controlled access and conflict resolution among subgroup members.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim that covers a method for managing database access and editing among at least three users, with assigned priorities for proposed changes.
Selective access to a document portion only by a user subgroup
Providing a portion of a database document accessible only to a specific subgroup of M users, disallowing access by any user outside this subgroup.
Priority assignment for user access and editing
Assigning a unique priority value to each user in the subgroup to order proposed changes and their review.
Controlled sequential editing with timeout intervals
Permitting users with ascending priorities to propose changes sequentially, with termination of editing after specified timeout intervals referenced to start and last edit times, and displaying proposed changes distinctly by color, font, or font size.
Visual review, acceptance, or rejection of proposed changes
Permitting each subsequent user to review, accept or decline previously proposed changes before entering their own edits, with the process repeated through the subgroup.
The claims cover a method for managing database access by forming exclusive access subgroups of users, assigning priority to control editing order, displaying changes distinctly, and enabling review and acceptance of edits in a defined sequence, thereby facilitating selective access and substantially simultaneous editing within user subgroups.
Stated Advantages
Allows restrictive selective access to database portions based on user groups and their need to know.
Enables substantially simultaneous editing of shared documents by multiple users within access subgroups.
Supports conflict detection and resolution through prioritized review of proposed changes.
Provides flexibility to change access definitions and accommodate overlapping access groups.
Facilitates collaborative editing with visual differentiation of proposed changes over time.
Documented Applications
Databases supporting complex programs with many tasks and workers requiring selective access based on need to know, including confidential evaluations and supervisory reports.
Human resource management systems where access to sensitive information like personality assessments must be restricted and edited collaboratively.
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