WO2005050467A1

WO2005050467A1 - A storage device and system incorporating same

Info

Publication number: WO2005050467A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2004/000294
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Daniel Mcnab
Original assignee: Learning Technology Systems Limited
Priority date: 2003-11-21
Filing date: 2004-11-19
Publication date: 2005-06-02
Also published as: NZ529688A

Abstract

A system including a server side database driven web site (11) accessible by an Internet browser on a remote computer (10). The computer (10) is connected to an external storage device (15) in which files (16) become accessible upon downloading of relevant HTML code from the server (11).

Description

A Storage Device and System Incorporating Same

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a storage device and a system incorporating same wherein an external electronic storage device which is used as a secure source for remote files for Internet applications.

The system according to this invention is designed to operate on a client/server computer network system.

As is known in the art normal operation of an Internet application on a database driven web site involves a browser (on client PC) calling on a server to download a hypertext mark-up language HTML web page. The server compiles the HTML code through server side operating software and sends the HTML code to the browser.

The browser interprets the HTML code and looks for file references embedded in the HTML code such as images, audio JavaScript, XML and cascading style sheets. It then calls back to the server to download the required files which are stored in a uniquely identified folder e.g. Images. The page is then generated on the user's screen.

One of the major drawbacks of this type of system is the limitation imposed by e.g. bandwidth of Internet connections for the transfer of files requested by the browser after interpreting the HTML. This restricts the use of media rich content such as:- • Movie • Audio • Images • Documentation • 3D imagery/animation

This is due to large file sizes and transfer speeds across Internet connections. The limitations of long download times imposed by local connections, heavy use times and variations in Internet infrastructure makes the download of large files across the Internet inefficient.

Typically increased bandwidth overcomes this restriction but it increases cost for the end user. Also in some cases, increased bandwidth is not available to the user. Compression technologies are available but there is a trade off in faster download for less quality. For example, photographs can be saved in a joint Pictures Expert Group format ("JPEG"), which reduces the file size, but there is a corresponding loss of image quality.

Use of files external to the server has always been possible either through use of the client hard drive or CD ROM or DVD or another web server. However, this creates issues for suppliers regarding the protection and integrity of the files. That is, they are easily copied, duplicated or corrupted and give no protection of intellectual property i.e. copyright can be easily infringed.

While it is feasible to access files on a user's hard drive it would also be difficult to impose restrictions on part of a clients hard drive as it would introduce technical and legal issues and introduce obligations of support with subsequent cost factors. E-Learning systems use database driven web sites known as Learning Content and Management Systems(LCMS) to provide interactive learning content, administration and management of all facets of an education, training and knowledge management service in an online context. An LCMS can be explained as a software application hosted on a server and integrated with a database to store and retrieve data in response to user input.

The LCMS is Internet technology, which can be accessed by an Internet browser's software on the client's PC across the web or a network. The advantage of this type of infrastructure is that a hosting service provider can maintain an LCMS from a central place thus, removing the IT management burden from the end user. This also means that the end user gets all the benefits of upgrades and improvements to the LCMS.

LCMS are designed to enable subject matter experts (with minimal technology expertise) to design, create, deliver and measure the results of e-learning courses in a timely manner.

The LCMS can also provide certification and tracking for individual learners who need specific knowledge to certify for regulatory needs, professional licensure or quality control.

An LCMS can provide for the different types of knowledge acquisition, learner preferences, materials, learning methods, administration and schedules.

E-Learning systems of this type thus suffer from the abovementioned Internet limitations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an Internet based system which overcomes or, at least, goes some way to overcoming Internet limitations.

According to one broad aspect of the invention there is provided a system including a server side database driven web site (1 1 ) accessible by an Internet browser on a remote computer (10) characterised in that the computer (10) is connected to an external storage device (1 5) in which files (16) become accessible upon downloading of relevant HTML code from said web site (1 1 ).

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a system including a server side database driven web site accessible by an Internet browser on a remote computer characterised in that the computer is connected to an external storage device in which files become accessible upon downloading of relevant HTML code from said web site.

In a third broad aspect there is provided a system device connectable to a computer, the storage device (1 5) having one or more files for containing media and means for preventing the files (16) from being accessible via to a computer (10) to which the storage device is connected unless the computer has accessed a server side database (1 1 ) to which the storage device is associated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following more detailed description of the invention according to one preferred embodiment reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figures 1 and 2 are graphical representations of an Internet system according to the known art, and

Figure 3 is a similar graphical representation but showing an Internet based system according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of description of the present invention the invention will be described, in one application, in conjunction with an e-learning system using server side database driven web sites to provide interactive learning content, administration and management of all facets of an education training and knowledgement management service in an online context. Figures 1 and 2 graphically represent this system according to known art where an Internet browser 10 on a client PC can access operating software provided by a server 1 1 . Media rich files (movie, audio, images, graphics and the like) are stored in the LCMS in folders 1 2 on the server 1 1 .

In accordance with the known art when a web page is generated, the operating software 14 queries database 13, interprets the code, and downloads (in this case the learning contextual framework) to the client browser 10, which then presents it on the screen of the client PC. As part of the code interpretation, the operating software 14 also calls on the relevant media for download drawing it from the relevant folder 1 2. This occurs in a concurrent operation.

When an end user (client) makes a selection the process is repeated.

The operating software 14 can, by way of example, be Knowledge Now^® which is produced and distributed by Online Learning Systems Limited. Therefore, in the context of the system described above an online course will be created in Knowledge Now¹⁸ creating the contextual framework from a collection of reusable learning objects:-

Course Learning Objective Page Data Article Learning media

According to the present invention, however, the folders 1 2 containing the media rich content will not be located on the server. The present invention provides for the media rich content to be contained within folders 1 6 placed on an electronic external storage device (hereinafter "storage device") such as a USB flash drive 1 5 (see Figure 3). Thus instead of the browser 10 calling back to the server 1 1 for the specific files the browser 10 will call the specified media files contained on the storage device 1 5 attached to the clients PC. This will greatly reduce download times and increase quality.

Used in this combination the files on the storage device 1 5 are not usable in any contextual framework unless the HTML is first downloaded from the server. This renders the files on the external storage device meaningless without the contextual framework formed/constructed by the HTML code.

This would generally not apply to general web surfing but specific applications where IP is protected, end user tracing/tracking and version control.

Accordingly the storage device 1 5 is used as a storage means for:- Media • Movie • Audio • Images • Documentation • 3D imagery/animation

People tracking • Storage of the owners' interactions, learning and knowledge.

Consequently, when a client connects with the server there is only need for the learning contextual framework (i.e. course, learning objective, page, data article) to download. All rich media will be accessed from the storage device 1 5. The learning media will thus, be loaded on to the storage device 1 5 in a file structure identical to the operating software 14 (e.g. Knowledge Now^®) and distributed to clients. The storage device 1 5 will thus, be owned by the client as a "Personal Learning Device" that will be compact, portable, and unique to the user. The storage device 1 5 can thus also store the owners' inputs for upload on connection to the web.

As all rich media is contained on the storage device 1 5, the learning contextual framework can be manipulated from the server so as to present information to the client based on the client's profile and security rights. The storage device 1 5 can also perform other functions.

The storage device 1 5 will have a security feature. Access will only be available when the storage device communicates with the server. The server will interrogate the storage device, check for authenticity then unlock the storage device for normal use. Writing to the storage device 1 5 will only occur directly from the server, i.e. an end user will not be able to copy material from or directly onto the storage device.

This will serve the purpose of protecting against:-

• Unauthorised use i.e. without connecting to the server/operating software platform. • Unauthorised copying of material. • Unauthorised storage of files on the external storage device (i.e. risk of introducing viruses onto client machines). • Illegal copies.

Each storage device 1 5 will have proprietary coding to uniquely identify it. It will not be usable until it is connected to and activated by the server. This will require some form of interrogation from the server and a software-unlocking key to activate the storage device.

The unlocking key will be based on a signature that will consist of the following parameters.

• Access times • Access duration • Cognitive profile • Session key • Name or ID

The most unique part of the access signature is the cognitive profile. When a user interacts with the system their unique cognitive profile (session activity fingerprint) is recorded for that session. That session is recorded on the storage device 1 5 and on the server.

In a new session, the server 1 1 interrogates the storage device 1 5 and compares previous access signatures (which includes the cognitive profile). If they match access is given and the storage device 1 5 is activated. The uniqueness of the access signature is that the cognitive profile will be dynamic i.e. no two cognitive profiles can be the same and will vary session to session.

This is designed to prevent the counterfeiting or copying of the content of the storage device 1 5. Should a copy be made and then used the cognitive profile will be different from the original. Therefore, the cognitive profiles will not match and access to the storage device will be denied.

Should a counterfeited storage device be used immediately and before the authentic storage device/original 1 5 is used then it will be recognised by the server 1 1 as the authentic storage device.

However, when the original storage device is used again the server will not recognise it as a valid storage device as the cognitive profiles will not match (not synchronised). The system server will record that a storage device has attempted an illegal login and identify the signature from ID and historical session key logs.

The server will maintain version control surveillance. When the server connects to the storage device it will interrogate the storage device and check for: • Correct media and or amendments. This will enable changes to be made to the contextual framework or new content and allow for downloading to each storage device. Whenever version upgrades are available for download to a storage device, it will present the end-user with a dialog box (as for normal downloads) requesting the users permission. As some files may be large, potentially resulting in a long download time, it therefore gives the user the option of accepting or declining the upgrade. • Student Tracking Recording of Grades (offline) Recording of course activity (offline) • Errors

The storage device will also have the ability to be active offline for a period of time as determined by commands from the server. When the offline time period has elapsed the contextual framework will be lost and the storage device will therefore deactivate. Disconnecting from a PC will also deactivate the storage device.

This state will allow the user to use the storage device in an offline state without being connected to the server thus reducing cost. To activate the storage device the user must login to the server and repeat unlocking process.

In practical use, the client will log onto the LCMS operating software 14. The operating software 14 will then interrogate the storage device 1 5 for version updates and uploads. The client selects a course and the course downloads (in this case the contextual framework) and all media is accessed via the storage device 1 5. This negates the need to download bandwidth intensive media. The storage device 1 5 via inputs to the online course will record user inputs in an online and offline situation.

When required, the operating software 14 will interrogate the storage device 1 5 for its current status and for records of the users for upload.

The invention is open to modification as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the foregoing disclosure is based on the system being used in connection with the LCMS. However, the invention has application to other systems such as, for example, online gaming.

The invention can also be used as part of a standalone "course author" tool. This will enable an author to create an online course without being constrained by the Internet bandwidth or necessarily being online. The storage device 1 5 can contain all the tools necessary to create an online course within the course author environment.

The course author tool can be developed using Sharable Course Object Referenced Model (SCORM) or other standards. The course author will essentially create content in a reusable format (learning objects that are SCORM compliant) that can be uploaded to the operating software 1 1 of the LCMS system.

The present invention thus employs a storage device 1 5 which can be readily installed onto a user's PC and provide media rich learning which can be used in combination with the operating software of an LCMS thereby overcoming Internet and network limitations.

Claims

Claims:-

1 . A system including a server side database (1 1 ) accessible by a browser on a remote computer (10) characterised in that the computer (10) is connected to an external storage device (1 5) in which files (16) become accessible upon accessing the database.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the files (16) become accessible upon receiving a programming language and/or code from the database.

3. A system including a server side database driven web site (1 1) accessible by an Internet browser on a remote computer (10) characterised in that the computer (10) is connected to an external storage device (1 5) in which files (16) become accessible upon downloading of relevant HTML code from said web site (1 1).

4. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the storage device stores media including, but not restricted to, movie, audio, images, documentation, 3D imagery/animation.

5. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the storage device stores information specific to the user of the computer (10).

6. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the content loaded onto the storage device (1 5) is in a file structure identical to the operating software (14) on the server (1 1 ).

7. The system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the storage device (1 5) is capable of storing thereon user inputs for upload on connection to the web.

8. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 further including security means arranged to unlock the security device (1 5) upon successful completion of interrogation by the server (1 1 ) to check authenticity.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the storage device (1 5) includes a unique identifying code.

10. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the security means includes a software-unlocking key.

1 1 . The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the unlocking key is based on parameters including one or more of access time, access duration, cognitive profile, session key, name or other identification.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the storage device and server are arranged to each record a cognitive profile of a user session and prior to the beginning of a new session the server interrogates the storage device and compares the cognitive profile stored in the server with that stored on the storage device.

13. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the storage device (1 5) is arranged to be writable to only from the server (1 1).

14. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the system is an e-learning system.

1 5. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the operating software on the web site is Knowledge Now^®.

16. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the storage device is a USB flash drive.

17. A storage system device connectable to a computer, the storage device (1 5) having one or more files for containing media and means for preventing the files (16) from being accessible via to a computer (10) to which the storage device is connected unless the computer has accessed a server side database (1 1 ) to which the storage device is associated.

18. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 7 wherein the storage device (1 5) is capable of storing thereon user inputs for upload on connection to the web.

19. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 7 or 18 further including security means arranged to unlock the security device (1 5) upon successful completion of interrogation by the server (1 1 ) to check authenticity.

20. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 7, 18 or 19 wherein the storage device (1 5) includes a unique identifying code.

21 . The storage device as claimed in claim 1 9 wherein the security means includes a software-unlocking key.

22. The storage device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the unlocking key is based on parameters including one or more of access time, access duration, cognitive profile, session key, name or other identification.

23. The storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1 7 to 22 wherein the storage device (1 5) is arranged to be writable to only from the server (1 1 ).

24. The storage device as claimed in any one of claims 1 7 to 23 wherein the storage device is a USB flash drive.

25. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 3 substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3 of the drawings.