DE102006005840B4 - A method of processing a data set together, and a network system and a communication system for performing the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for jointly processing a data volume (V) by at least two users (U1; U2) by means of processing units (PC1; PC2) which can be operated by them and by accessing user nodes (EUN, UHN), each one of the users (U1, U2 ) and which can be connected to one another via a network system (20), wherein the amount of data (V) to be processed is stored in at least one of the user nodes (EUN1, UHN1), comprising the following steps:
- establishing data connections between one or more of the processing units (PC1; PC2) and the respectively assigned user nodes (EUN1, UHN1, EUN2, UHN2);
- duplicating the amount of data (V) and storing the multiplied amount of data ( V , V ' V') in at least one of the interconnected user nodes (UHN1, UHN2, EUN2) in which the amount of data (V) is not stored;
- Editing the amount of data (V) and / or at least one duplicated amount of data ( V , V ' V') by at least one of the users (U1) in at least one of its associated user node (EUN1);
- Check if a ...

Description

The The invention relates to a method, a network system and a communication system for the joint processing of a data volume by several users with the help of several processing units.

In "Practical experiences of designing a distributed collaborative system "; Okubo, T., Matsutsuka, T. Nomura, Y., Hara, H., Uehara, S., Fujitsu Labs. Ltd .; Enterprise Distributed Object Computing Conference, 2000. EDOC 2000. Proceedings. Fourth International becomes a project information management system describing Java applications and relying on the model-based, decentralized, collaborative work support concept.

In Network systems it is common that users turn to locally separate processing units, e.g. at personal computers and work on a joint project. The must belonging to the respective project Data sets, such as Text documents, graphics, tables or database entries, edited together can be So supplemented by every user or changed can be. This requires that each of the users have access to each one has the most recent data or data sets.

The Storage of data or data volumes can be centralized or decentralized respectively. In particular, you can the data is distributed decentrally to storage devices in the processing units be saved. But if the data or data sets to several distributed storage devices are distributed, then it must be ensured be that each processing unit via data connection also access to the corresponding memory devices of the other processing units and the latest data is available.

are the processing units locally very far apart, the data connection between the processing unit and the corresponding memory devices usually via a wide-spread network, such as the internet and the like. Such a network can be prone to error, leaving the person at any time Access to the decentralized storage devices by the processing units can not be guaranteed with satisfactory safety. moreover it is in case of failure of storage devices none of the users possible, to access all data, in particular all current data to be able to and thus to be able to work on the corresponding project. This Problem also arises with a central data storage.

It Therefore, an object of the present invention is a method Network system and a communication system available too in which multiple users share data in a dataset with the help of processing units, where access to the jointly processed data volume or its data by each processing unit against a failure in the network very reliable guaranteed can be.

These The object is achieved by the method according to claim 1 and by the Network system or the communication system for one of the siblings claims solved.

• – Herstellen von Datenverbindungen zwischen einer oder mehrerer der Verarbeitungseinheiten und den jeweils zugeordneten Nutzer-Knoten;
• – Vervielfältigen der Datenmenge und Speichern der vervielfältigten Datenmenge in mindestens einem derjenigen miteinander verbundenen Nutzer-Knoten, in denen die Datenmenge nicht gespeichert ist;
• – Bearbeiten der Datenmenge und/oder mindestens einer vervielfältigten Datenmenge durch mindestens einen der Nutzer in zumindest einem der ihm zugeordneten Nutzer-Knoten;
• – Prüfen, ob eine der Datenmengen bearbeitet worden ist;
• – Synchronisieren der Nutzer-Knoten zum Datenabgleich einer bearbeiteten Datenmenge mit zumindest einer noch nicht bearbeiteten Datenmenge.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for jointly processing a data volume by a plurality of users by means of processing units which can be operated by them and which access a network system is provided. The network system comprises a plurality of user nodes respectively assigned to the processing units or the users, which can be connected to one another via the network system, the amount of data being stored in at least one of the user nodes. The method comprises the following step

• - establishing data connections between one or more of the processing units and the respectively assigned user nodes;
• - duplicating the amount of data and storing the duplicated amount of data in at least one of the interconnected user nodes in which the amount of data is not stored;
• - editing the amount of data and / or at least one duplicated amount of data by at least one of the users in at least one of its associated user nodes;
• - Check if one of the datasets has been processed;
• Synchronizing the user nodes to reconcile a processed data set with at least one unprocessed data set.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that it enables the processing of common data without the possibly remote processing units having to have permanent access to a common memory device. The amount of data to be jointly processed is stored as a whole or at least partially several times (at least twice) in the user nodes assigned to the respective processing units whose data are synchronized with one another so that the most up-to-date data is available to each user at a corresponding processing unit stand. If one of the user nodes fails, the users of the other processing units can continue to process the shared data.

• – Aktualisieren der Datenmenge in dem ersten der Nutzer-Knoten durch die Daten in einem zweiten der Nutzer-Knoten;
• – Aktualisieren der Datenmenge in dem zweiten Nutzer-Knoten durch die Daten des ersten Nutzer-Knotens;
• – Hinzufügen von Daten des Nutzer-Knotens zur der Datenmenge des zweiten Nutzer-Knotens und das Hinzufügen von Daten des zweiten Nutzer-Knotens zu der Datenmenge des ersten Nutzer-Knotens.

With the proposed method, therefore, a particularly secure data synchronization is possible. In particular, synchronizing the user nodes may include at least one of the following operations:

• Updating the amount of data in the first of the user nodes by the data in a second one of the user nodes;
• Updating the amount of data in the second user node by the data of the first user node;
• Adding data from the user node to the data set of the second user node and adding data from the second user node to the data set of the first user node.

Particular advantages emerge from the subclaims which relate to preferred embodiments of the invention:
Accordingly, preferably each user is assigned at least two user nodes, one of which is set up as an end user node comprising a client program running on the user's processing unit, and one of which is set up as a user home node, comprising a server program running on a network unit of the network system with which the client program cooperates.

• – Aktualisieren der noch nicht bearbeiteten Datenmenge in einem der Nutzer-Knoten, insbesondere in einem ersten Nutzer-Heimat-Knoten, durch Datenabgleich mit der bearbeiteten Datenmenge in einem anderen der Nutzer-Knoten, insbesondere in einem ersten End-Nutzer-Knoten,
• – Aktualisieren der noch nicht bearbeiteten oder aktualisierten Datenmenge in einem der Nutzer-Knoten, insbesondere in einem zweiten Nutzer-Heimat-Knoten, durch Datenabgleich mit der bearbeiteten und/oder aktualisierten Datenmenge in einem anderen der Nutzer-Knoten, insbesondere in einem ersten Nutzer-Heimat-Knoten,
• – Aktualisieren der noch nicht bearbeiteten oder aktualisierten Datenmengen in einem der Nutzer-Knoten, insbesondere in einem zweiten End-Nutzer-Knoten, durch Datenabgleich mit der bearbeiteten und/oder aktualisierten Datenmenge in einem anderen der Nutzer-Knoten, insbesondere in einem zweiten Nutzer-Heimat-Knoten.

In addition, the synchronization preferably includes at least one of the following operations:

• Updating the unprocessed data volume in one of the user nodes, in particular in a first user home node, by matching the processed data volume in another of the user nodes, in particular in a first end user node,
• Updating the not yet processed or updated data volume in one of the user nodes, in particular in a second user home node, by comparing the processed and / or updated data volume in another of the user nodes, in particular in a first user node home node,
• Updating the data sets which have not yet been processed or updated in one of the user nodes, in particular in a second end user node, by comparing the processed and / or updated data volume in another of the user nodes, in particular in a second user home node.

• – Einfügen von Daten aus der bearbeiteten Datenmenge bzw. aus der aktualisierten Datenmenge in die noch nicht aktualisierte Datenmenge;
• – Löschen von Daten in der noch nicht aktualisierten Datenmenge in Abhängigkeit von Daten-Löschungen, die in der bearbeiteten Datenmenge bzw. in der bereits aktualisierten Datenmenge erfolgt sind;
• – Ersetzen von Daten in der noch nicht aktualisierten Datenmenge in Abhängigkeit von Daten-Ersetzungen, die in der bearbeiteten Datenmenge bzw. in der bereits aktualisierten Datenmenge erfolgt sind;
• – Angabe von Zeigern, die auf die Bearbeitung bzw. die Aktualisierung von Daten hinweisen, und Zuordnen der Zeiger zu der noch nicht aktualisierten Datenmengen.

In this context, it is advantageous if the updating of the dataset in one of the user nodes comprises at least one of the following operations:

• - insert data from the processed data set or from the updated data set into the not yet updated data set;
• - deleting data in the not yet updated data set as a function of data deletions that have taken place in the processed data set or in the already updated data set;
• - Replacing data in the not yet updated dataset depending on data substitutions made in the processed dataset or in the already updated dataset;
• - Indication of pointers that indicate the processing or updating of data, and assignment of the pointers to the not yet updated data sets.

In addition, will preferably the data synchronization, in particular the updating of Datasets, performed, by the data sets with identifiers, in particular with version identifiers and / or Pointers will be provided indicating the timeliness of the last data change Specify, in particular the last data state, the last data insertion, the last data deletion, specify the last data replacement and / or the last data version.

In In this context, preferably the version identifiers or pointers defined in the form of vectors and in an algorithm (version tracker) processed. The identifiers preferably include memory addresses Timestamps, checksums (Checksum) and / or references to document properties, such as author, Editor system, processing terminal, language, etc.

Prefers becomes the data connection between the respective user nodes, especially between the user home nodes, as permanent or at least produced as a quasi-permanent data connection.

In addition, will connecting the user nodes preferably performed so that the user nodes transmit their respective addresses to a connection control unit, once the respective processing unit with the appropriate user node is connected, and wherein the connection control unit the connection establishment controls between the user nodes.

• – eine Schnittstelle (Verbindungsschnittstelle) zum Verbinden mit einem anderen Nutzer-Knoten bzw. mit einer zugeordneten Verarbeitungseinheit;
• – eine Speichereinheit zum Speichern zumindest der gemeinsam zu bearbeitenden Daten, also der ganzen Datenmenge oder Teilen daraus;
• – eine Synchronisationseinheit zum Durchführen einer Synchronisation der miteinander verbundenen Nutzer-Knoten mittels Datenabgleich einer bearbeiteten Datenmenge mit zumindest einer noch nicht bearbeiteten Datenmenge, d.h. insbesondere mittels Datenabgleich und Aktualisierung der Daten in den Nutzer-Knoten.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a network system is provided for concurrently processing an amount of data. The network system includes a plurality of interconnectable user nodes, each of which User node includes the following components:

• - An interface (connection interface) for connecting to another user node or with an associated processing unit;
• A memory unit for storing at least the data to be processed together, that is to say the entire data volume or parts thereof;
• - A synchronization unit for performing a synchronization of the interconnected user node by means of data synchronization of a processed amount of data with at least one unprocessed amount of data, ie in particular by means of data synchronization and updating the data in the user node.

Farther a connection detector may be provided to determine whether a processing unit over a corresponding data connection is connected to the user node is, wherein the synchronization unit is designed, a synchronization of the data in the user nodes whose connection detectors are one Established connection to the corresponding processing unit have to do with the data of other user nodes.

According to one another embodiment the present invention provides a connection control unit which is connectable to the user node of the network system and the user node is controlled so that the user nodes on the connect with each other.

Farther can the synchronization units of the user nodes are designed to be synchronized at least one of the following operations: Refresh the Amount of data in the first of the user nodes by the data of a second the user node; Updating the dataset in the second user node the data of the first user node; Add data from the first user node to the dataset of the second user node and adding Data of the second user node to the data amount of the first user node.

It also includes the network system preferably has a secured core network with a connection control unit, the two each of the user home nodes drives to these user home nodes directly according to the peer-to-peer principle connect to.

• – Einfügen von Daten aus der bearbeiteten Datenmenge bzw. aus der aktualisierten Datenmenge in die noch nicht aktualisierte Datenmenge;
• – Löschen von Daten in der noch nicht aktualisierten Datenmenge in Abhängigkeit von Daten-Löschungen, die in der bearbeiteten Datenmenge bzw. in der bereits aktualisierten Datenmenge erfolgt sind;
• – Ersetzen von Daten in der noch nicht aktualisierten Datenmenge in Abhängigkeit von Daten-Ersetzungen, die in der bearbeiteten Datenmenge bzw. in der bereits aktualisierten Datenmenge erfolgt sind;
• – Angabe von Zeigern, die auf die Bearbeitung bzw. die Aktualisierung von Daten hinweisen, und Zuordnen der Zeiger zu der noch nicht aktualisierten Datenmengen.

The synchronization units of the user nodes are preferably configured to perform the synchronization according to at least one of the following operations:

• - insert data from the processed data set or from the updated data set into the not yet updated data set;
• - deleting data in the not yet updated data set as a function of data deletions that have taken place in the processed data set or in the already updated data set;
• - Replacing data in the not yet updated dataset depending on data substitutions made in the processed dataset or in the already updated dataset;
• - Indication of pointers that indicate the processing or updating of data, and assignment of the pointers to the not yet updated data sets.

According to one Another aspect of the present invention is a communication system with such a network system and with processing units, each connectable to one of the user nodes of the network system are provided. In the processing units, preferably Personal computer or mobile data terminals or communication terminals are each one of the end user nodes in turn, each one of the user home nodes assigned to the network system and can be connected to this. Farther can the processing units should be designed so that the amount of data in the storage unit of the connected user node as files in the processing unit is provided.

The Invention, the resulting advantages will be hereinafter based on preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings explained in more detail:

1 shows schematically the structure of a communication system according to the invention.

2 shows the structure of the communication system in more detail.

In the 1 is an embodiment of a communication system according to the invention 10 represented, in which inter-communicating end-users (hereinafter also referred to as users or short users), have access to data sets or data via a network system, which can be edited together. The 1 shows essentially the logical structure of the communication system, which will be discussed here first. Based on 2 , which also reflects the physical structure of the system, will then also discuss the physical system components and their functions.

The 1 shows exemplary for multiple users two communicating users U1 and U2. Each user is assigned an end user node (so-called EndUserNode) EUN1 or EUN2, which is connected to a provided network system 20 is connected, which is preferably designed as an Internet-based overlay network. The end user nodes EUN1 and EUN2 are logical network entities that are implemented on the user side in the processing units or terminals of the users. In the example shown, these are personal computers PC1 and PC2 in which run client programs that perform the function for the respective end-user node EUN1 or EUN2.

The logical structure of the network system shown 20 itself includes several network-side nodes or network units 21 , in particular user home nodes UHN, so-called UserHomeNodes, which in turn correspond to one of the end user nodes EUN. The user home nodes UHN1 and UHN2 are therefore also logical network instances, but these are implemented on the network side in local components, in particular servers. In the example shown here, there run server programs that perform the function for the respective home user node UHN1 or UHN2.

The network units 21 , in particular the connected servers, form a secured core network TCS, a so-called TrustedSystemCore, so that secure and direct communication can be established for the users U1 and U2 via their nodes EUN1 and UHN1 or UHN2 and EUN2.

Before the figure description is continued, the terms and designations used are explained in more detail:
Under a secure communication is understood in particular a secured by encryption against eavesdropping and misuse communication. Direct communication here means, in particular, communication via a point-to-point connection (PeerToPeer) between two nodes, in particular end-user nodes.

there with End User Node here is the respective user-side node which is assigned to an end user as a logical network instance is to allow it to access the network to network services to use. As stated previously, each end-user node is essentially one by one on a terminal application software installed by the user, in particular client software, realized. The user can then use client software from the network, especially from the local servers, provided network services use. Here are above all communication services in the broadest sense meant, so any kind of information or data exchange between two or more end users, who are also communication partners to be named. As examples of such communication services are in particular telephony, messaging, To name file sharing or window sharing.

With Home node is here called the network-side node, the as a logical network instance corresponds to an end-user node, and thus assigned to the respective end user. Every home node is essentially by a software installed in the network, in particular server software installed on a server. The home user node or the server is thus with the end user node or the client the user's connection.

In the basis of the 1 Thus, the nodes EUN1 and UHN1 correspond to each other, which are assigned to the first user U1. Likewise, the nodes EUN2 and UHN2 correspond to each other, which are assigned to the second user U2. Each user thus has at least one end user node and one associated user home node. The term "user home node" is intended to express that it is the node that is responsible for the respective user on the network side, in which or via these "user home nodes" in particular the user data of the user managed by the respective user. Thus, the UHN1 manages the data of the first user and the UHN2 the data of the second user.

For the actual core network TSC form the UHN and other network nodes 21 (Such as relay nodes or redundant nodes), the essential network units, via which direct and secure communication connections are preferably established between each two users or their end-user node EUN. In the 1 are exemplified two EUN, namely the first end user node EUN1 and the second end user node EUN2, the network side with the corresponding first user home node UHN1 and with the second user home node UHN2 in Connection stand. If a home node fails, its function can be taken over by another network node, which will be described in detail later.

Regarding the Network structure are all nodes including the EUN as well as the UHN can be seen as a logical network units through implementation of appropriate software on suitable hardware units, in particular on user terminals or servers, are realized.

The user terminals are in the here in 1 example shown two personal computer PC1 or PC2. But it can also be used any other type of terminal, such as laptops or mobile communication devices that process the appropriate software; They are therefore also called processing units. In contrast, all units that are the actual network system 20 include, ie the servers and other units integrated in the core network TSC, called network units.

To the end user node EUN1 and EUN2 is to say that each of associated with them at least one of the processing units PC1 or PC2 is, wherein the processing unit may be a conventional terminal, such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal digital assistant) or another terminal can have an input and output unit (not shown), which allows a user Enter and modify data. Here is a particular user interface (Desktop), on which the user is controlled by mouse (clicks as well as drag and drop using a PC mouse) can control the communication with the partner and e.g. Drag & Drop a transfer of Can cause files with texts, pictures and the like.

at The present invention is particularly concerned with the users the possibility to collectively access data of a dataset too can and edit them. These are, for example, text data of a document file, such as a WORD * file, or image data in the form of a photo or a Graphic, such as a JPG file or a GIF file, or user data in the form of a table, such as an EXCEL * file, or even a Database file, such as an ACCESS * file (* the words WORD, EXCEL and ACCESS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc., USA). When there is a shared access to a dataset or file ensured by the solution according to the invention, that the data changes, which the users or the system itself perform, as free of conflict as possible be matched. If any conflicts occur a system-controlled automatic conflict resolution. Or The system makes at least a suggestion for the users who have the conflict then solve by manual input can.

In the 1 By way of example, an amount of data in the form of a document V is shown, to which the users U1 and U2 have access via their respective terminal PC1 or PC2. The document or file content (volume) is duplicated so that it exists in multiple copies or versions V and V and V ' and V', each stored on one of the nodes EUN1, UHN1, UHN2 and EUN2, respectively are. These versions V, V , V ' , V' or duplications may differ due to the data changes. However, the invention provides a steady and timely synchronization and conflict-free as possible data reconciliation to bring the file contents versions V to V 'on the same data state, in which the last changes are taken into account.

For each file, there are duplications or versions. The data are thus stored multiple times, preferably stored both in the end user node EUN and in the home user node UHN. As stated above, the file contents may be in different versions V to V 'or variants. For two users, there may be four different versions V, V , V ' , V' in the nodes EUN1 and UHN1 as well as EUN2 and UHN2. If the data comparison is completed, the versions are identical, ie there are then four copies or clones with the same data content. In the nodes, all the data of a document including the changes already made can be stored in each case, so that historical data is present in order to be able to undo certain changes. However, less data may also be stored, eg only the changed data or data changes, the overall data of the file being centrally located in the network system 20 or only stored on one of the nodes. There would then only be a complete file, which is preferably stored in the location of a user, ie in one of its nodes EUN or UHN. The remaining nodes would have only modification data or just pointers pointing to the actual location. As a result, the required storage volume is kept small. Also, other division of data storage is possible, in particular the division into partial datasets, which are distributed to the nodes and only in case of need to put together again to the total amount of data (total file or total document).

In all mentioned cases Each node includes at least a minimum amount of data necessary for the actual Synchronization or data synchronization are needed.

This minimum amount of data is also referred to here as the synchronization volume V, V , V ' , V'. This essentially refers to information about the last or a number of recent data processes, which document or display the data status in the nodes and their changes, in particular in the form of amendment comments and cancellation comments. The indications also indicate when data is currently stored on only one node but has not yet been synchronized or synchronized with the other nodes. This procedure has special advantages for Changes that users make to documents while their end-user node is not connected to the network, that is, when those users are "offline."

The following example is based on the 1 the data comparison will be clarified:
The first user U1 first creates a new document in the form of a letter or processes an existing document. The corresponding file is stored locally on its terminal PC1, ie the first end user node EUN1 has a file in a first version V with the corresponding document content. If the user-side node EUN1 is already connected to the network-side node UHN1, a data synchronization takes place immediately, so that the same data content is stored in both nodes EUN1 and UHN1. Thus on EUN1 the original version V and on UHN1 an identical copy and a cloned version V respectively.

In order for the second user U2 to have this latest version as well, it is done in the network system 20 if necessary or quasi-permanently a data comparison with the second user home node UHN2 of the second user U2 and its end user node EUN2, if the second user is online. On the UHN2 there is a version V ' and on the EUN2 a version V', which are both identical to the original version V. The second user thus gets on his terminal PC2 a copy or a clone V ', which corresponds to the original version V. When the second user makes data changes, the reconciliation is done in reverse order.

Provided the users U1 and U2 are online and all nodes are connected to the network are connected or fail, usually occur no special conflicts on. It can only happen the special case that both Users simultaneously data changes make, so that must be decided, which data version should be considered the current version. This conflict also occurs if at least one of the users makes data changes while he is is offline or if individual nodes should fail and a spontaneous data reconciliation not possible is.

to solution such or similar conflicts are preferred during synchronization or during data synchronization Defined version identifiers or pointers in the form of vectors and processed in an algorithm.

In addition, now on the 2 Reference is made, which shows in detail the structure of the network with the home user nodes UHN implemented therein and the structure of the processing units with the user end nodes EUN implemented therein:
The processing units PC1, PC2 for the EUN and the servers for the UHN each have an interface IF, via which a data connection is established from the respective end user node EUN1 or EUN2 to the assigned user home node UHN1 or UHN2 can be. The connection is via a conventional data connection, which may be, for example, a LAN connection, a telephone connection, a conventional Internet connection, a line connection and the like. However, the connection is secured by encryption.

Frequently the processing units PC1, PC2 only temporarily, e.g. by request of the respective user U1 or U2 with the corresponding home node UHN1, UHN2 connected. However, it can also be provided that the processing units PC1, PC2 with the corresponding home node UHN1, UHN2 permanently, at given times or depending on be connected to another rule.

The network system 20 can be considered a packet-oriented network system 20 be formed, in which data from a network unit 21 can be transmitted to a next depending on an address. The network units or network nodes, in particular the home nodes UHN1 and UHN2, between which the data is exchanged, are determined by means of a connection control unit 22 identified. This can be part of a service node SN (ServiceNode), which is provided for the connection establishment and for further network functions services.

Each of the home nodes UHN1, UHN2 comprises a connection detector 211 , a storage unit 212 , a data interface 213 and a synchronization unit SYNC. The storage units 212 The home nodes UHN1, UHN2 serve to store common data which is kept synchronized with each other in all the memory units of the home nodes UHN1, UHN2. As has already been explained above, the synchronization of the common data can be performed permanently between the user units UHN1, UHN2 or, according to another embodiment, it can be carried out depending on whether there is a data connection with the corresponding processing unit PC1, PC2.

The data interface 213 the home node UHN1, UHN2 serves to connect the home node UHN1, UHN2 with others through the connection control unit 22 identified home nodes UHN1, UHN2 of the network system 20 so that data communication with one or more other home nodes is possible. Thereby More than two users can communicate with each other and access and process data together.

common Data over the processing units PC1, PC2 processed by different users be in at least one of the respective processing unit assigned user node, ie for PC1 in the respective end user node EUN1 and / or the home node UHN1 stored. The data is up Establishment of the data connection to the respective end user node EUN1 or EUN2 of the corresponding processing unit PC1 or PC2 available. To have to the shared data between the corresponding home nodes UHN1 or UHN2 are synchronized.

The connection control unit 22 of the network system 20 defines those network-side nodes, here UHN1 and UHN2, in which common data to be accessible to the communicating processing units PC1, PC2 is stored. The connection control unit 22 defines, therefore, between which user-side nodes EUN1, EUN2 a connection is to be made to perform the synchronization of the common data. The connection control unit 22 is integrated in a service node SN, it may alternatively also be integrated in one or more of the other nodes, in particular in a home node UHN1 or UHN2.

The synchronization of the data in the storage units 212 the network-side node UHN1, UHN2 takes place with the aid of the local synchronization units SYNC. The same applies to the storage units (not shown) in the user-side nodes EUN1, EUN2. The synchronization is performed by the local synchronization unit SYNC. For this purpose, the synchronization unit SYNC of each node (eg in EUN1) checks whether there are differences to the data status of the other nodes (eg UHN1). The data or data versions V to V 'are analyzed and added or updated data in the storage unit of the user node whose version must be updated.

If differences in the version are detected, then the data synchronization takes place in such a way that the shared data that has not yet been stored there are correspondingly supplemented or updated in each node. For example, the storage unit 212 the first user node UHN1 added and updated data to the storage unit 212 of the second user node UHN2 are transmitted, so that the common data present there with the added or updated data from the first network-side user node UHN1 supplemented or updated.

To the network system 20 As far as possible, the synchronization can be performed depending on the structure of the data connection between one of the processing units PC1, PC2 and the corresponding home node. For example, in establishing the data connection between each of the processing units PC1, PC2 and the corresponding network-side user node UHN1, UHN2, a connection between the first home node and the remaining home nodes can be made to the common ones stored in the first home node Updating data, ie updating it. Once the synchronization has been completed, these data can be processed via the first processing unit PC1 and are available to other home nodes after the data connection between the first processing unit PC1 and the first home node UHN1 has been disconnected, as soon as they are connected to their corresponding processing unit , Of course, it can also be provided that, during the existence of the data connection between the respective processing unit PC1 and the respective home node UHN1, which are detected by the connection detector 211 is determined at regular intervals or user-defined synchronization with the other home nodes can be performed.

The network system 20 may comprise a number of home nodes UHN1, UHN2, wherein it is defined by means of selection data which of the home nodes UHN1, UHN2 synchronize the common data with each other so that the user group which can obtain access to the common data is enabled by the Selection data is defined. The selection data could be the connection control unit 22 be predetermined or exist in an identifier that is assigned to the common data in the storage units of the home node. That is, common data in the home nodes having the same identifier is used by the connection control unit 22 identifies and synchronizes the thus identified common data in the thereby determined home node UHN1, UHN2 performed while other data and / or other home nodes UHN1, UHN2 are excluded from the synchronization.

The number of processing units PC1, PC2 and the possible home nodes UHN1, UHN2 is in the communication system according to the invention 10 not limited. If one of the home nodes in the network system 20 Although the processing unit PC1, PC2 assigned to this home node is indeed cut off from the access to the corresponding data, it can however be ignored The users of the other processing units continue to access and manipulate the shared data via their respective home node because the shared data is stored directly in the home node.

The shared data stored in the respective home node are organized as files, e.g. as files in a specific directory. The respective storage device For example, a conventional Data storage unit in the form of a hard disk or generally one Memory that has data in the form of a conventional file system. The processing units PC1, PC2 are preferably designed that when setting up the data connection the shared files in the storage unit of the associated User node UHN1, UHN2 on the corresponding output unit represent and edit locally, in particular, as would it be a file directory stored in another local storage device (not shown) of the respective processing unit would.

Herewith a user of the processing unit PC1, PC2 the common Edit data as if it were they are stored on a local hard drive. When editing exist data can with the help of a so-called.

Version tracker either in the processing unit PC1, PC2 or in the corresponding assigned home nodes UHN1, UHN2 can be provided, the changes be followed. Does it come to simultaneous editing of the common Data, so can over a corresponding time code the time of a change be determined and dependent of the time code only one of the changes be allowed. Alternatively, the Processing units priorities be assigned so that a change of data through a Processing unit takes precedence over the modification of data by a more of the processing units.

A The idea of the present invention is that several users at local common to each other from remote processing units Data, e.g. in a common project, without to rely on access to a particular storage device be just over an extensive network is accessible. Due to the decentralized storage the common data and the automatic synchronization of the shared data either permanent or triggered by Certain system events can each user in a reliable way Get access to the shared data even if parts of the Network system have failed. Access to the common Data is attached namely the communication system according to the invention namely only depending on whether the processing unit has a data connection to the can build their assigned home node.

10

communication system

20

Network system with TSC

TSC

secured Core Network (Trusted System Core)

21

Network units in particular nodes UHN and SN

User node, namely:

EUN,

End-user node (End User Nodes) or

UHN

User home node (User Home Nodes)

EUN1

first End-user node

EUN2

second End-user node

PC1

First Processing unit as personal computer

PC2

Second Processing unit as personal computer

UHN1

first User home node

UHN2

first User home node

V-V '

amount of data (Data volume), especially document

IF

Interface (s) for connection between EUN and

UHN

SYNC

Synchronization unit (s) in the EUN or UHN

211

connection detector in the UHN

212

storage unit in the UHN

213

Data Interface in the UHN

SN

Service node (service node) in the network system 20

22

Link controller in the service node SN

Claims (13)

Method for jointly processing a data volume (V) by at least two users (U1; U2) by means of processing units (PC1; PC2) which can be operated by them and by accessing user nodes (EUN, UHN), each one of the users (U1, U2 ) and which are connected via a network system ( 20 ), wherein the data volume (V) to be processed is stored in at least one of the user nodes (EUN1, UHN1), comprising the following steps: - establishing data connections between one or more of the processing units (PC1; PC2) and the respective ones associated user nodes (EUN1, UHN1, EUN2, UHN2); - Duplicate the amount of data (V) and save the duplicated amount of data ( V , V ' V') in mindes at least one of those interconnected user nodes (UHN1, UHN2, EUN2) in which the data amount (V) is not stored; - Editing the amount of data (V) and / or at least one duplicated amount of data ( V , V ' V') by at least one of the users (U1) in at least one of its associated user node (EUN1); - checking if any of the data sets (V, V , V ' V') has been processed; Synchronizing the user nodes (EUN1, UHN1, EUN2, UHN2) for reconciling a processed data volume (V) with at least one unprocessed data volume ( V , V ' V'), each user (U1) having at least two user nodes (EUN1, UHN1), one of which is set up as an end user node (EUN1) comprising a client program running on the processing unit (PC1) of the user (U1), one of which being a user home Node (UHN1) is set up on a network unit ( 21 ) of the network system ( 20 ) running server program, with which the client program cooperates. The method of claim 1, wherein the data matching so that takes place in each node (EUN, UHN) which there yet stored common data to be supplemented or updated accordingly. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the synchronization comprises at least one of the following operations: - updating of the as yet unprocessed data volume ( V ) in one of the user nodes, in particular in a first user home node (UHN1), by data matching with the processed data volume (V) in another one of the user nodes, in particular in a first end user node (EUN1), updating the not yet processed or updated data volume ( V ' ) in one of the user nodes, in particular in one second user home node (UHN2), by reconciliation with the processed and / or updated data set ( V ) in another of the user nodes, in particular in a first user home node (UHN1), - updating the not yet processed or updated data sets (V ') in one of the user nodes, in particular in a second end user node (EUN2), by reconciliation with the processed and / or updated data set ( V' ; ) in another of the user nodes, in particular in a second user home node (UHN2). The method of claim 3, wherein updating the amount of data in one of the user nodes comprises at least one of: inserting data from the processed data set (V) or the updated data set into the not yet updated data set ( V ); Deleting data in the not yet updated data volume ( V ) as a function of data deletions that have taken place in the processed data volume (V) or in the already updated data volume; - Replacement of data in the not yet updated amount of data ( V )) depending on data substitutions made in the processed data set (V) or in the already updated data set; - Indication of pointers that indicate the processing or updating of data, and assignment of the pointers to the not yet updated data sets. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data adjustment, in particular the updating of the data sets (V, V , V ' V') is performed by the data sets (V, V , V ' V') with identifiers, in particular with Version tags and / or pointers, indicating the timeliness of the last data change, in particular the last data state, the last data insertion, the last data deletion, the last data replacement and / or the last Specify data version. The method of claim 5, wherein the version identifiers or pointers are defined in the form of vectors and in an algorithm are processed... Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data connection between the respective user nodes (EUN, UHN), in particular between the user home nodes (UHN1, UHN2), as a permanent data connection is made. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection of the user nodes is carried out by the user nodes (EUH, UHN) transmitting their respective addresses to a connection control unit ( 22 ) as soon as the respective processing unit (PC1, PC2) is connected to the corresponding user node (EUN, UHN), and wherein the connection control unit ( 22 ) controls the connection establishment between the user nodes (EUN, UHN). Network system ( 20 ) for jointly processing a data volume (V) by at least two users (U1; U2) by means of processing units (PC1; PC2) which can be operated by them and by accessing user nodes (EUN, UHN), each of which one of the users (U1, U2 ) and the interconnected network units ( 21 ) of the network system ( 20 ), wherein the amount of data (V) to be processed is stored in at least one of the user nodes (EUN1, UHN1) and wherein Each of the user nodes (UHN1) comprises: an interface (IF) for connecting to another user node (EUN1) or to a processing unit (PC1) assigned to this user node (EUN1); A storage unit ( 212 ) for storing at least the data of the data set (V, V ) to be jointly processed; A synchronization unit (SYNC) for carrying out a synchronization of the interconnected user nodes (EUN1, UHN1) by means of data synchronization of a processed data volume (V) with at least one not yet processed data volume ( V , V ' V') whereby each user (U1) at least two user nodes (EUN1, UHN1) are assigned, one of which is set up as an end user node (EUN1) comprising a client program running on the processing unit (PC1) of the user (U1), and of which is set up as a user home node (UHN1) that is one on a network unit ( 21 ) of the network system ( 20 ) running server program, with which the client program cooperates. Network system ( 20 ) according to claim 9, wherein each of the user nodes, in particular each user home node (UHN1, UHN2), a connection detector ( 211 ) to determine whether the corresponding processing unit (PC1, PC2) is connected to the user node (UHN1, UHN2) via a data connection, the synchronization units (SYNC) of the user nodes (UHN1, UHN2) being designed that a synchronization of the data of those user nodes whose connection detectors ( 211 ) have detected a connection to the corresponding processing unit (PC1, PC2) to perform the data of other user nodes (UHN1, UHN2). Network system ( 20 ) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the network system comprises a secured core network (TSC) with a connection control unit ( 22 ) which respectively drives two of the user home nodes (UHN1, UHN2) to connect these user home nodes (UHN1, UHN2) directly according to the peer-to-peer principle. Network system ( 20 ) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the synchronization units (SYNC) of the user nodes (EUN, UHN) are designed to perform the synchronization according to at least one of the following operations: - inserting data from the processed data set (V) or from the updated data set into the not yet updated data set ( V ); Deleting data in the not yet updated data volume ( V ) as a function of data deletions that have taken place in the processed data volume (V) or in the already updated data volume; - Replacement of data in the not yet updated amount of data ( V )) depending on data substitutions made in the processed data set (V) or in the already updated data set; - Indication of pointers that indicate the processing or updating of data, and assignment of the pointers to the not yet updated data sets. Communication system ( 10 ) with a network system ( 20 ) according to one of claims 9 to 12 and with processing units (PC1; PC2) in each of which one of the end user nodes (EUN1; EUN2) is set up and which is in each case connected to one of the user home nodes (UHN1; UHN2). of the network system ( 20 ) are assigned and can be connected to this.