WO1996036004A1

WO1996036004A1 - Indexing system for information stored in a library of discrete storage devices

Info

Publication number: WO1996036004A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/006883
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth G. Smazik
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 1995-05-12
Filing date: 1996-05-10
Publication date: 1996-11-14
Also published as: AU5858996A

Abstract

An indexing system for information stored in a library of CD-ROMs selectively readable at a plurality of computer terminals comprises a hard drive storage device at each of the computer terminals including a master index of selectable information contained on each CD-ROM; a second index for information stored on all of the CD-ROMs in the library, the second index for each CD-ROM being substantially complete at the time of storage of information on that CD-ROM with respect to information on all other CD-ROMs existing at that time. A comparator compares the master index and the second index on any selected one of the CD-ROMs in the library to determine if the information matches. If the information does not match, the hard drive storage device of the selected computer terminal is updated to reflect the additional information in the CD-ROM so that the master index on the hard drive corresponds to the information on the second index of the selected CD-ROM. The information in the master index is preferably keywords relating to specific groups of information on the CD-ROMs and the location of that information thereon in order to facilitate selective access to that information.

Description

INDEXING SYSTEM FOR INFORMATION STORED IN λ LIBRARY OF DISCRETE STORAGE DEVICES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an indexing system for information stored in a library of discrete storage devices selectively readable at a plurality of computer terminals. More specifically, the present invention relates to an indexing system for information stored in a library of CD-ROMs selectively readable at a plurality of user computer terminals and an updating scheme for the indexing system prompted by each issue of a new CD-ROM for the library.

In business organizations having different divisions, it is the general practice to establish manuals for operating the business of each respective division. These manuals are generally printed. However, with the advent of the storage capabilities of CD-ROMs, it is advantageous to store the information from these manuals on CD-ROMs rather than in printed hard-copy manuals, since these CD-ROMs can be readily updated; and the information thereon can be read and processed by users' computer terminals for each respective business unit or division.

From time-to-time, new CD-ROMs are issued for up¬ dating manuals of existing business units. It would be desirable to have a master index accessible by all users of the respective divisions or business units for accessing information on any selected CD-ROM and any user terminal.

Various development tools presently exist for indexing information on individual CD-ROMs. These tools devote a portion of the CD-ROM storage to an index for information on that disc. The index contains a list of all the words stored on the CD along with the specific location of the words on the CD-ROM. Users of the CD-ROMs can initiate a word search for information on that disc. The development tools provide a word "wheel" for the users to select the appropriate word and allow the user to go directly to the selection of the CD-ROM containing the selected word. If the word "wheel" is too large, a separate CD- ROM may be issued that contains the large index. Users can insert the CD-ROM containing the index into the user terminal; initiate a word search; and then be instructed by the software to access the appropriate CD-ROM and launch to the selected word or group of information.

This existing type of indexing system for individual CD-ROMs does not provide the capabilities needed for establishing and maintaining an updated master index for a plurality of CD-ROMs in a library of CD-ROMs which is expandable over a period of time. Accordingly, a need in the art exists for such a master index and an appropriate means for updating the master index each time a new CD-ROM is issued and added to the library.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an indexing system and method for accessing information stored in a library of discrete storage devices such as CD-ROMs, which are selectively readable at a plurality of users' computer terminals.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a master index for an indexing system and method for a library of CD-ROMs which can be updated each time a new CD-ROM is issued, or a new version of existing CD-ROMs is issued.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system and method for accessing information in a library of CD-ROMs wherein the master index is stored on the respective hard drives of each user terminal, and updating of the master index on the hard drives can be performed for that user's hard drive when a new CD-ROM, or a new version of a CD-ROM, is added to that user's library.

The term "master index" used herein may include both a "drill down index" and a "keyword index." The "drill down" index may include information such as procedural outlines or menus relevant to a given business unit or division. The "keyword index" includes alphabetized lists of keywords or phrases.

The objects of the present invention are fulfilled by providing an indexing system for information stored in a library of discrete storage devices selectively readable at a plurality of computer terminals comprising: each computer terminal including storage means for storing a master index of selectable information contained on each storage device; each discrete storage device including a second index for information on all of the devices in the library, and an optional third index for information stored on that device; the second index for each storage device being complete at the time of storage of information on that storage device with respect to information on all other storage devices existing at that time; comparator means for comparing the second index on any selected one of the discrete storage devices in the library with the master index on the storage means of any selected computer terminal to determine if the master index is up-to-date; and means responsive to the comparator means for updating the master index on the storage means of the selected computer terminal to correspond to the information on the second index of the selected storage device.

The discrete storage devices in the system and method of the present invention are preferably CD-ROMs which store information such as text, files, graphics, videos, etc. The storage means in which the master index is stored at each computer terminal is preferably the hard drive for that terminal. The master index preferably includes keywords relating to information stored on each respective CD- ROM of the plurality of CD-ROMs in the entire library; and may also include menus, outlines, etc, in a "drill down index". An important aspect of the present invention is to permit any business organization or division having access to all or part of the library to independently issue a new CD-ROM while maintaining the logical links to information stored on the CD-ROMs of other organizations or divisions without effecting the master index of such other organizations or divisions.

Any functional group or division within a company can own one or more CD-ROMs which are part of an overall CD-ROM library for that company. The indexing scheme of the present invention attaches keywords or phrases to each piece of information (file) stored on a given CD-ROM. Each CD- ROM contains a cumulative list of keywords for the entire CD-ROM library along with references to the actual CD-ROM and selection that contains the desired file.

This keyword list and CD-ROM references are either automatically or manually updated and stored on the users' hard drive. Whenever a new CD-ROM is issued, which may be a completely new CD-ROM, or a new version of an existing CD-ROM, the CD-ROM keyword library (the master index) is updated with the keyword references and "drill down index" updates. The new CD-ROM can then be distributed to potential users. If the potential users are a sub-set of the total user population, only the users receiving the CD-ROM would benefit from the new expanded keyword library and "drill down index". However, for all other users the CD-ROM library remains fully functional. When the next CD-ROM is issued, the master index including the keyword library is updated. All users receiving this updated CD-ROM would receive the most current keyword library stored on that updated CD-ROM including any previous CD-ROM library updates. A key aspect of the present invention is the storing of the master index including the keyword library for the entire CD-ROM set on each respective users' hard drive.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present invention and wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a CD-ROM and a master index in one sector thereof, and how that master index is initially installed in the hard drive of a users' computer terminal;

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating how a selected users' hard drive is updated with a new master index when a new CD, or new version of an existing CD, is provided to that user; and

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of how information is stored on a CD in sectors including a master index, an index for information on each respective CD and readable information to be displayed.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring in detail to the drawings, there is illustrated a user computer 10 which would be available at each business unit or division for multiple users of the system. Each computer includes a conventional hard drive 12.

Computer terminals 10 are also equipped with other standard components including a central processing unit (CPU) ; a CD-ROM drive for reading CD- ROMs 14; and a floppy disc drive.

Each CD-ROM 14 is divided into sectors including at least a master index 16 of keywords and "drill down" information, and readable information 18 stored on the disc for display. In addition, a sector 20 may be provided including index information related to the information stored in information sector 18. This index (a third index) is sometimes called a word "wheel". Optionally, the index information stored in sector 20 may be stored on a separate index disc if the index information is too voluminous to be conveniently stored in sector 20.

During initial installation of a CD-library for a given user or division as illustrated in Fig. 1, the master index from a plurality of CD-ROM discs 14 are installed into the users' computer hard drive by transferring the master index from sector 16 for the entire CD library existing at that time into hard drive 12 of computer 10. The CD-ROM discs are inserted into the CD-ROM drives (not shown) within terminals 10 to effect this transfer. For purposes of explanation, we will designate any CD-ROMs which exist at the time of initial installation as version 1 of the entire CD library.

Fig. 2 illustrates how the hard drive 12 of any selected user computer can be updated each time a new version (version 2) of a CD-ROM is issued for addition to the entire CD library. As illustrated, information from master index 16 of disc 14 is input via line 16A to a comparator 22. Information relating to the master index stored on hard drive 12 of the selected users terminal is similarly introduced into comparator 22. Comparator 22 then makes a comparison of version 1 of the master index stored within hard drive 12, and version 2 stored within sector 16 of the new CD disc 14 inserted into the CD-ROM drive of terminal 10. The output of comparator 22 is fed to decision block 24; and if the comparator 22 indicates that version 1 and version 2 are the same, no update of the master index is made on the users' hard drive 12 as indicated in block 26. On the other hand, if version 1 is different from version 2 as determined by comparator 22, updated keyword and "drill down" information not present in hard drive 12 is transferred from the updated master index in sector 16 of disc 14 to the users' hard drive 12. The comparison routine in blocks 22 to 26 of Fig. 2 is performed in the CPU of computer terminal 10 under the direction of appropriate software instructions contained in either or both of sector 16 of CD-ROM 14, and the hard drive 12. A simplified example of the use of the indexing scheme of the present invention will facilitate a more complete understanding of the present invention. For the purposes of illustration, one could consider the master index as a bibliography for the entire CD library. A user of this bibliography then has a guide for further research in the library of CD-ROMs.

A user of the bibliography (the master index) through a search can identify additional resources on other CDs. From time-to-time, additional CD-ROMs or new versions of old CD-ROMs will be added to the CD library. The author or individual using post- authoring tools would identify keywords and phrases on the new CD-ROMs for addition to the bibliography (master index) stored in sector 16 of CD-ROM 14.

Preferably the keywords of the master index would be numerically coded. Identifying keywords or phrases could involve the use of a dialogue box. A keyword list would generate as new names or keywords as entered by the author. This tool would help authors standardize their terminology.

Each article or group of information on the CD would receive a unique numerical code. The numerical code could be stored in a table in the master index. Also stored in the table in the master index would be the functional name of the department or division issuing the CD; the number of the CD if the department has multiple CDs; and the field or article location or address. The bibliography (master index) would store the article number along with the number of the keywords and phrases and numbers of "drill down" routines, if appropriate.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the bibliography (master index) stored in section 16 of every CD would be transferred to the user's hard drive 12 upon initial installation; and each time a new CD is issued with a new bibliography (master index) the hard drive of each individual user is updated as illustrated in the block diagram of Fig. 2. When a user initiates a search, a list of key terms would appear in a scrolling screen on the user's computer terminal. The users can either scroll until a word is found, or the desired word may be input by the keyboard. Word searches are only conducted on the CD currently in the player or from a search on the data base stored in the user's CD. The numerical coding of key word (phrases) is advantageous in that it greatly reduces the amount of storage space required in both sectors 16 of disc 14 and hard drive 12 of each user's terminal.

The user search would most probably identify some articles on CDs that the user does not have in his respective division. However, the user would find hits on some of the CDs he has and could request the CDs that he doesn't have in his library from the company's entire library.

When a user selects a different keyword (other than the one stored in the current CD in the computer terminal) the user may be prompted to insert the appropriate CD into the computer terminal associated with the area of information selected.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An indexing system for information stored in a library of discrete storage devices selectively readable at a plurality of computer terminals comprising: each computer terminal including storage means for storing a master index of selectable information contained on each storage device; each discrete storage device including a second index for information stored on all of the devices in the library, the second index for each storage device being substantially complete at the time of storage of information on that storage device with respect to information on all other storage devices existing at that time; comparator means for comparing the second index on any selected one of the discrete storage devices in the library with the master index on the storage means of any selected computer terminal to determine if the master index is up-to-date; and means responsive to the comparator means for updating the master index on the storage means of the selected computer terminal to correspond to the information on the second index of the selected storage device.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the discrete storage devices are CD-ROM's.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the storage means of each computer terminal is a hard drive for that terminal.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage means of each computer terminal is a hard drive for that terminal.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the selectable information on the master index and the second index is keywords relating to readable information stored on each discrete storage device and the location thereon.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein the selectable information on the master index and the second index is keywords relating to readable information stored on each discrete storage device and the location thereon.

7. The system of claim 3 wherein the selectable information on the master index and the second index is key words relating to readable information stored on each discrete storage device.