DE102004049425B4 - Memory capacity management method for use in e.g. email service, involves determining memory-expansion contingents, and providing additional memory to user on reaching pre-determined memory volume by user, based on requirement - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves allocating and providing memory contingents, and determining memory-expansion contingents. An additional memory is provided around the expansion contingents to a user (U1, U2), upon reaching a pre-determined memory volume by the user, according to the requirement. A pre-determined time interval is lapsed for a final memory expansion. The expansion contingents are provided with acceptance of an offer by the user. - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a system for automatically controlled memory management.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a device for providing of unlimited storage space within an online service. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device to manage and expand storage space within one E-mail services for the User of a corresponding user account (account) in this E-mail service.

About the Internet mail services are offered, which are independent of a special email software directly above the browser and the Internet can be used by any user can. in this connection In particular, so-called "freemail" services are offered to users provide free email accounts, with each user an electronic mailbox with a specific storage volume is assigned. The applicant is itself an e-mail service provider (Provider) and offers such a service under the Interaddress www.freemail.de. A user can then under his assigned Address, such as Max.Mustermann@web.de, receive emails and ship as well as centrally received by the provider save sent emails. For needed here Storage space, the provider provides the user with a predetermined storage volume (Contingent) available. The allocated quota limits the storage space on the one hand for the in the mailbox filed emails, whereby usually also the size of the possibly. is limited to the e-mails attached files. That's the way it is for example, possible that for the attachments a max. Size of 5 MB is defined and a total storage quota of total 200 MB is set. The user can then send individual emails with attachments one size up to Send 5 MB and sent or received as long Save emails until the storage quota of 200 MB in the Total is reached. Such users, the more space want to avail of the over can go beyond the free scope often through paid services in the form of so-called club memberships (Club Account) received further rights and then for example use a storage quota of 1 gigabyte or more. Also allowed Club members often also receive emails with larger file attachments Send and receive 50 MB and more. The management of storage volumes and in particular, the allocation of quotas is also in others Online services are essential, such as online storage services (so-called Webdrives) or file exchange services (so-called file sharing).

by virtue of development in the digital world, in particular progress in terms of hardware the memory sizes as well accompanying software developments can be observed that the space requirements for special files keep going increases. While In the early 90s an online storage space of MB was considered sufficiently dimensioned, because initially only Emails with no or little file attachments have been sent nowadays Storage volume with about 1 GB and more needed and also offered. Because today are often transmitted via file transfer, Downloads and / or e-mail shipments with a larger data volume sent, about a collection of vacation pictures or music files in one Size of each 20 MB and more.

Around this need to meet more storage volume, the freemail providers have regularly the Quotas for their users increased trying to meet growing needs. The provision of flat-rate larger storage spaces creates however, the problem that the single user fixedly assigned it Storage volume is not fully exploited or this at least not permanently needed. While Some users are still able to get by with a few MB storage quota would need other users already have storage quotas in the GB range. It will, however nevertheless at least within a freemail service of the service provider a uniform storage quota of, for example, 1 GB for all offered - even if this space is not fully utilized. On the other hand The problem has increasingly occurred that even user abuse operate with the assigned memory locations, by taking a larger number order different e-mail accounts, each with a memory of 1 GB and thus in total a larger storage volume for free procure files, especially with music and / or video content park for free on the internet. As a result, they use a lot for free overall a lot of online storage volume, for otherwise they charge high fees to pay.

In the DE 10049618 A1 A method for coupling online and Internet services is proposed. In this case, the existing problem that in particular personalized services (e-mail, etc.) in Internet service providers and online providers are only accessible via telecommunications network and RAS / RADIUS access, but not via the public Internet, solved in the way that the ISP is equipped with an Open Internet Applications Platform (QIA) (for example freemail platform) and the platforms are coupled in such a way that the ISP customer also accesses via the Internet can use an extended service offer compared to the usual Internet customer.

competitors the applicant so far only have the users of their mail offer flat rate increases the storage space - for example on 5 GB of storage or a limited good customer base on GB memory.

task The present invention was therefore a method and a To provide memory management apparatus that suffers the disadvantages of The state of the art overcomes.

The Task is solved by a method for automatically controlled memory management, in particular to the automatically controlled memory extension, a user allocated storage volume within an online service, in particular an e-mail service, comprising the steps of: allocating and deploying a first storage quota; Determining a memory expansion quota; Offer a memory extension around the memory expansion quota to the user upon reaching a predetermined threshold for use of the first storage quota by the user under the condition that a predetermined time interval since the last memory extension has expired; and providing the memory expansion contingent upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

Also a system operating according to the method is proposed which at least one memory and an associated control device that manages the memory and gives the user a first storage quota and sets a memory expansion quota. The system also has a notification device that informs the user offers a memory extension around the expansion quota, when the control device reaches a predetermined storage volume determined by the user on the condition that a predetermined Time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension, wherein the control device and the notification device the extension quota upon acceptance of the offer by the Provide users.

The also means a device for automatic control the allocation of memory is proposed, in particular for automatic increase Memory, a memory quota assigned to a user within an e-mail service comprising: a storage device establishing and storing a threshold of an additional quota to memory; a user interface for displaying a prompt to the user to accept an offer for memory expansion for another additional quota to the user upon reaching the predetermined threshold of the additional quota by the user to switch freely; a time measuring device for determining whether a predetermined time interval since the last memory extension has expired; a device for providing the further Additional quota upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

With In other words, the system monitors automatically the current memory usage and provides the respective user successive additional quotas for memory expansion, if the User reaches the currently allocated storage volume. there is checked, whether a predeterminable time interval has elapsed since the last volume expansion (memory increase) is. The provision of the respective additional quota then takes place upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

By the automatically controlled user query becomes an individual Memory extension allows which provides the individual user with so much memory, as needed. There is no absolute limit to the storage volume. However, to prevent abuse, this storage contingent or the expansion of the storage quota to a time schedule. This ensures that the user has one more Memory extension only receives when the time interval of four weeks, for example. This avoids that abuse can be driven with the user account because it is not possible is that a user constantly Memory upgrades in short intervals or at once requests and assigned. However, there is no absolute upper limit of storage space. Thus, this method becomes practical an unlimited storage space provided as the user can receive any amount of memory required. A storage quota For example, it can start at 400 MB of space and the user can reach this storage volume successively the storage space expand by 100 MB each.

By the coupling of the allocation of a further quota to a predetermined one Time interval since the last memory extension becomes uncontrollable Spontaneous access anticipated the system's total storage space. The provision a predetermined time interval acts like a time lock - only after Expiration of a period of time new services are used, d. H. the storage quota elevated become.

Further Advantages emerge from the subclaims: Accordingly, it is envisaged that the achievement of the predetermined storage volume by means of a Threshold is detected. Thus, the memory expansion offered on reaching a predetermined threshold, the still below the limit of the current storage volume, so that the User before reaching the limit, ie before the exhaustion of the Storage volume can cause a memory extension.

In a further embodiment The present invention further provides a method comprising one or all of the following steps: storing the time of memory expansion; Setting a new threshold and / or Set a new time interval. It is particularly advantageous if one or more of these steps each after a memory extension accomplished becomes.

In In this context, there are other benefits, if one or several of the steps in dependence executed by the user associated parameters, in particular in dependence the following parameters: a user status; a membership in a club; a current and / or average storage volume, the that of the user actually uses; and / or an absolute value of the past time, before the last Memory extension was accepted by the user.

So For example, the initial storage volume (start quota) For members of a club or a paying service become. Or the storage quotas have different sizes, depending on whether the user has a simple account or a club account (club account) Has. The allocation of quotas may also be inconsistent and e.g. be dependent on the respective achieved storage volume. It can e.g. be a degressive division of areas: for example the quotas to lower memory range from 0-1GB each one Volume of 250 MB. The storage areas of 1-10GB have contingents with only 100 MB and all other quotas from 10GB are respectively 50 MB in size. In other words, the expansion quotas are dependent determined differently by the last achieved storage quota. It is advantageous if the size of the expansion contingents in non-linear dependence, especially in a decreasing manner, with the amount of storage volume reached changed becomes.

Just like that like the mere passage of time and the need for more storage space to an increase of the quota can, this is also due to a change in the user assigned parameters possible. For example, if the user is a member of the WEB.DE club, his storage quota may be are doubled abruptly, as it is possible, the absolute value of the memory quota assigned to the user, d. H. the current one required and to consider provided space. Also, it can be considered if the user regularly storage space takes or has long been no increase has availed.

It is also particularly advantageous when the system provides the user with a Notification sends as soon as the specified threshold is reached is. This can e.g. an indication in the form of an automatically from the system sent e-mail be with offer button or even an offer button that directly in the e-mail application on the graphical user interface (GUI) appears. This notification can be sent to the user be prompted to press a corresponding button and actively confirming in this way that the memory extension is desired becomes. This also prevents automatic programs Abuse with the memory extension could drive around getting automated higher To get storage quotas. The notification to the user can be done by him on his user interface Button, which he can press to signal his acceptance, it is equally possible that he gets an e-mail, which he sends back got to. Furthermore, it is possible that he opened a dialog window in which he also has to press a button to the memory extension to obtain. To further ensure the prevention of abuse Is it possible, that the user gets a string displayed graphically, he in one for that field must be entered to confirm that he wants the memory extension. On this way is the possibility of abuse further reduced.

Further Benefits arise when the new threshold and / or the new time interval is changed at each step of memory expansion. The change of the threshold and / or the new time interval may be determined by the since the last memory expansion made time dependent become.

In further embodiments of the invention, for example, a saving of the time of memory expansion, which ensures that the system is the value at which the last memory extension has taken place. Particularly preferred all date and / or time stamps of the increases are stored. A memory extension can then depend on the past history of memory extensions be made gig. For example, a memory extension could be offered unscheduled if no memory extensions have been used for a long time.

Just like that Is it possible, Decrease memory space if the space granted only very insufficient is exploited and this over a corresponding time took place. By setting a new threshold can be both a new absolute amount as well a new relative amount is chosen become. After an increase for example, from 5000 MB to 100 MB to 5100 MB after a time interval of at least four weeks, the new threshold is set to (absolutely) 5500 MB set, d. H. the additional quota will be (relatively) increased by 300 MB to 400 MB - the Time interval is set to six weeks, d. H. extended: next time will give the user an increase offered at 5500 MB when six weeks have passed.

This increase of the threshold value and / or the time interval can preferably take place on the basis of two different events:
First, it may occur because the stored program for increasing the memory management system memory space at this time provides for the expiration of a specific memory contingent. For example, the system may determine that after reaching a total memory quota of 10,000 MB, the incremental increments are only possible in the 50 MB range. Likewise, the program can provide that upon reaching the total quota of 7500 MB in the following steps by each 100 MB increase should be possible.

Secondly can the increase due to changes in the person of the user, d. H. because the user for example Has become a member of a club for which he pays monthly contributions. As a club member, he can now "unscheduled" an increase in the Storage quotas or e-mail attachments. It is equally possible that the threshold increases, d. H. that he can increase the memory in steps of 200 MB in the future or even the time interval is shortened, so he already after three weeks a renewed increase can take. So it is possible fixing the threshold and the new time interval of dependent on different events close.

Prefers become the steps of storing the time of memory extension, setting a new threshold or a new time interval executed after a memory extension. This will "the clock reset "and begins for the following Memory expansion possibility New. By setting a new threshold or a new one Time interval after the last memory increase can also be immediate for the user recognizable a change be displayed in the new threshold.

In a further embodiment The present invention provides a method wherein the new threshold and / or the new time interval at each step the memory extension changed (Increased / decreased) becomes.

Prefers This will automatically after a memory extension the threshold or the time interval newly adjusted. For example, it is possible the gradation of the storage areas in different sized contingents in particular non-linear but degressive graduations. For example, it is possible to allow for memory extensions in 100 MB at the bottom and from crossing a certain limit of only 50 MB. Also the time limit is then preferably dependent on the size of each current memory area, so can a first raise already be done within a short time, while later increases from longer past ones Time intervals dependent can be made. Preferably, it is also possible to "virtual Memory extensions ". For example, after a quarter of the specified Time interval informed the user that he is a virtual Memory expansion by, for example, 50 MB get - the system elevated automatically save the memory by 50 MB without this already is provided. After four weeks, the user gets the offer, activate the four times 50 MB at once.

The present invention and the advantages thereof now explained with reference to the schematic representations shown in the figures and further described:

1 showing the structure of an e-mail service system according to the invention;

2 showing a first flowchart for illustrating the method according to the invention;

3 showing a second flowchart for illustrating another embodiment of the present invention;

4 which shows an initial storage division (degressive allocation); and

5 showing a second storage allocation (quota) and the downgrading of a storage space allocation.

The 1 shows in block diagram a connected to the Internet WWW e-mail system FM, which has a service server SRV, which may be an SMTP server, and which has a memory connected to the user U1, U2, etc. of the E-mail service provides storage space M1, M2, etc. The system FM also includes a non-illustrated controller which performs memory management and allocation in accordance with the methods (s. 2 and 3 ). The users U1, U2, etc. have access to their respective email account and the associated online memory M1 or M2 via their personal computer or any other terminal running an Internet browser.

In the 2 a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. It will also be on the 4 referenced, which shows a memory allocation in different sized contingents. An initial memory S0 of 400 MB is initially assigned to the user (5 = 0, k = 0). As soon as a threshold value D0 is reached which, for example, is 50 MB below the limit of the current storage quota of 400 MB and as soon as a predetermined first time interval T1 (k = 1) of eg three weeks has elapsed, the user is offered an additional contingent S1 in the next step (T> Tk "Yes") The user now has the option of accepting or rejecting this offer, if he declines, it will remain at storage location S0 (400MB).

Prefers the time interval T1 is reset in this case, so that time starts anew to run. The time interval can also be chosen shorter when rejecting, so that the user already after a week, for example has, an offer to increase storage but to accept.

at Acceptance of the offer of the additional memory location S1 becomes the output memory S0 is increased by the additional quota (here by 400MB) (S = S + Sk; k = 1). In addition, will redefined the new supplementary quota S2 (k = 1,2,3 ...). It can the same value (k = 1, S1 = 400MB) should be provided again or a changed one (k = 2, S2 = 300MB), d. H. a reduced value can be provided. Also, an elevated Value to be provided. Also, the new time interval T which can have the same value as before (T = T1 = 3 weeks) or increased (T2 = 4 weeks, T3 = 5 weeks) or decreased (T2 '= 2 weeks, T3' = 1 week).

Of the User has now assigned the new storage quota (800MB) get started and the process steps start from scratch: Once the (new) time interval T1 has expired, the user will be taken the (new) additional storage quota S1 offered, which he then again accept or reject.

In 3 another embodiment of the present invention is shown. It's just like in 2 the possibility of increasing the memory according to time schedule provided for special contingents. In addition, however, a user-dependent parameter is provided, namely the club membership of the user. If the user becomes or is already a member of the club (club?), The initial storage capacity will be increased from 400MB to 1GB. Thus, a corresponding memory increase is given by the club membership. Due to the membership of the club cheaper values for the time interval (Tk = Tk / 2) and / or for the memory division etc. can be offered.

Especially but it is also preferred that the newly acquired club membership to leads, that the user in case of rejection of offered memory extension still get the option this later to activate. In this case, his memory initially remains the original one Value eg on S0. In the case of exercise of Option is a subsequent Acceptance of the previous (and rejected) offers and the user receives immediately a multiple contingent of e.g. 3 × 200MB = 600MB for memory expansion. The values for Tk and / or Sk are then preferably redefined. It takes place, so to speak Saving from a defined number (N = 3) offers for additional quotas.

On In this way, a method and a device is provided an automated storage management system to unlimited Memory expansion by users prefers a freemail system enable.

In the 5 is still a variant shown, in which the memory allocation is not provided evenly, but non-linear, with lower memory area (0-300MB) and in the upper memory area (from 2100MB) each smaller contingents (100MB or 200MB) are provided in the "middle" range of 300-2100MB, where the contingents are 300 or even 500 MB, which further optimizes the allocation of storage space in terms of total system volume and actual utilization when the system, especially the controller, detects it in that a user actually uses a storage volume on average only within a predeterminable range (eg 1400-1900MB), then the system may demote the user, for which the allocated storage volume S = 2700MB is preferred successively to a lower volume S '(2400MB), then to S''(2100MB) decreases at least until the user increases the actual average demand within a period of time (eg 2 months).

The This invention is applicable to all online services and systems space is allocated to users.

FM

Free mail system

SRV

E-mail server (SMTP server)

U1, U2

user

M1, M2

Allocated storage volume

WWW

WorldWideWeb (Internet)

CLB

Club Membership

S0

Initial storage quota

S1, S2, S3

Memory expansion quotas

T1, T2, T3

time interval

D0, D1

thresholds

k

number variable

Claims (12)

Method for automatically controlled memory management and memory extension, a storage volume allocated to a user within an online service with the steps: - To share and providing a first storage quota; - Establish a memory expansion quota; - Offer a memory extension around the memory expansion quota to the user upon reaching a predetermined threshold for use of the first storage quota by the user under the condition that a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension is; - Provide the storage expansion contingent upon acceptance of the offer by the user. The method of claim 1, further comprising individual ones or all of the following steps are performed: - Save the time of memory expansion; - setting a new threshold; - Fix a new time interval. The method of claim 2, wherein one or more the steps are each performed after a memory extension. Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein a or more of the steps depending user-assigned parameters are executed with at least one the following parameters: - user status, - Membership in a club, - Current and / or average storage volume that the user actually uses, - Absolute value the past time before the last memory expansion through the user has been accepted. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: Send a notification to the user that the predetermined Threshold is reached. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the new Threshold and / or the new time interval at each step of the Memory extension changed become. Method according to one of claims 2, 3, 4 or 6, in which the change the threshold and / or the new time interval since the last memory extension made dependent on past time becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the memory expansion quota depending on the last achieved memory quota is set different sizes. The method of claim 8, wherein the size of the memory expansion contingent in non-linear dependence with the height the storage volume reached is changed. The method of claim 9, wherein the size of the memory expansion contingents in decreasing terms with the height the storage volume reached is changed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in the online service associated with the user is an e-mail service. A system for automatically-controlled memory management and memory expansion, a storage volume allocated to a user within an online service, comprising: - at least one memory and an associated control device that manages the memory and provides the user with a first storage quota and sets a storage expansion quota; - And a notification device that offers the user a memory extension to the memory expansion quota when the controller detects the achievement of a predetermined threshold for the use of the first storage quota by the user under the condition that a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension; - wherein the control device and the notification device provide the memory expansion quota upon acceptance of the offer by the user.