WO2006040075A1

WO2006040075A1 - Method and device for managing a memory location

Info

Publication number: WO2006040075A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/010784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tino Anic
Original assignee: Combots Product Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2004-10-08
Filing date: 2005-10-06
Publication date: 2006-04-20
Also published as: EP1685533A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the automatic control of memory management, in particular for automatically controlling the memory expansion of a memory allocation that has been assigned to a user within an online service, in particular an e-mail service and to a system that executes said method. The system comprises at least one memory and a control device that is connected to said memory, manages the latter, provides a first memory allocation for a user and defines a memory expansion allocation. The system also comprises a notification device, which offers the user a memory expansion in the form of an expansion allocation, if the control device ascertains that a predetermined memory volume has been reached by the user, on condition that a predetermined time period has elapsed since the previous memory expansion. The control device and the notification device provide the expansion allocation if the offer is accepted by the user.

Description

Method and device for the management of storage space

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing unlimited storage space within an online service. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing and expanding storage space within an e-mail service for the users of a corresponding user account (s account) in this e-mail service.

Mail services are offered via the Internet, which can be used by any user directly via the browser and the Internet, independently of any special e-mail software. In particular, so-called "freemail" services are offered, which provide the user with free e-mail accounts, whereby each user is assigned an electronic mailbox with a specific storage volume.The applicant itself is an e-mail service provider and offers A user can then use the address assigned to him, such as Max.Mustermann@web.de, to receive and send e-mails as well as to receive or send e-mails that have been centrally received by the provider. For the storage space required here, the provider provides the user with a predetermined storage volume (contingent) .The assigned quota, on the one hand, limits the storage space for the emails stored in the mailbox, and usually also the size of the emails For example, it is possible for the file attachments are defined to a maximum size of 5 MB and a total memory quota of 200 MB is set. The user can then send individual emails with attachments up to 5 MB in size and so on Store long sent or received emails until the storage quota of 200 MB in total is reached. Such users who wish to use more storage space beyond the free range can often obtain further rights through paid services in the form of so-called club memberships and then, for example, use a storage quota of a total of 1 gigabyte or more. Also club members are often allowed to send and receive e-mails with larger file attachments of 50 MB and more. The management of storage volumes and in particular the allocation of quotas are also essential for other online services, such as online storage services (so-called Webdrives) or file exchange services (so-called file sharing).

Due to the development in the digital world, in particular the advances in the hardware in terms of memory sizes and associated developments of the software is to be observed that the requirements for the storage space for special files continues to increase. While in the early 1990s, an online storage space of a few MB was considered sufficient, because initially only e-mails were sent with no or only small file attachments, today storage volumes of about 1 GB and more are needed and also offered. Because today are often also sent by file transfer, downloads and / or e-mail broadcasts with larger data volume, such as a collection of holiday pictures or music files in a size of 20 MB and more.

To meet this need for more storage, the freemail providers have regularly increased the quotas for their users and thus tried to meet the growing needs. By providing However, a larger overall storage space creates the problem that the individual user does not fully exploit the storage volume allocated to him or at least does not need it permanently. While some users would still be able to get by with a few MB storage quota, other users already need storage quotas in the GB range. However, 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, there has been an increasing problem that even users misuse the allocated memory spaces by ordering a larger number of different email accounts, each taking up 1 GB of memory, and thus totaling one provide more storage space free to park files, especially with music and / or video content for free on the Internet. As a result, they use a very large amount of online storage space for which they would otherwise have to pay high fees.

The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a method and a device for memory management which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

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

Also proposed is a system operating according to the method having at least one memory and associated control device which manages the memory and provides the user with a first memory quota and determines a memory expansion quota. The system also has a notification device that provides the user with a memory extension around the

Offers expansion contingent when the control device determines the user has reached a predetermined storage volume on the condition that a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension, wherein the control device and the notification device provide the expansion contingent upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

That is, there is also proposed an apparatus for automatically controlling the allocation of memory, in particular for automatically increasing memory, a memory quota allocated to a user within an e-mail service comprising: memory means for establishing and storing a threshold of an additional quota of memory; a user interface for presenting a prompt to the user for accepting an offer for memory expansion to enable another additional quota to the user upon reaching the predetermined threshold of the additional quota by the user; a time measuring device for Determining if a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension; a device for providing the additional additional quota upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

In other words, the system automatically monitors the current memory usage and successively offers the respective user additional contingents for memory expansion when the user reaches the currently allocated memory volume. In this case, it is checked whether a predeterminable time interval has elapsed since the last volume expansion (storage space increase). The provision of the respective additional quota then takes place upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

The auto-controlled user query provides a custom memory extension that provides the individual user with as much memory as they need. There is no absolute limit to the storage volume. However, in order to prevent abuse, this storage quota or the expansion of the storage quota is tied to a time specification. This ensures that the user does not receive additional memory expansion until the time interval of, for example, four weeks has elapsed. This avoids misuse of the user account because it is not possible for a user to constantly request and allocate memory extensions at short intervals or all at once. However, there is no absolute upper limit of storage space. Thus, virtually unlimited storage space is provided by this method since the user can obtain any amount of memory required. For example, a storage quota may start at 400 MB of storage space and the user may choose to Achieve this storage volume successively expand the storage space by 100 MB each.

By coupling the allocation of a further quota to a predetermined time interval since the last memory expansion, an uncontrollable spontaneous access to the total memory space of the system is anticipated. The provision of a predetermined time interval acts as a time lock - only after a period of time new benefits can be claimed, d. H. the storage quota will be increased.

Further advantages emerge from the subclaims:

Accordingly, it is provided that the reaching of the predetermined storage volume is determined by means of a threshold value. Thus, the memory extension is offered upon reaching a predetermined threshold, which is still below the limit of the current storage volume, so that the user can cause a memory extension even before reaching the limit, ie before the exhaustion of the storage volume.

In a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method further comprising any or all of the following steps: storing the time of memory expansion; Set a new threshold and / or set a new time interval. It is particularly advantageous if one or more of these steps are executed in each case after a memory extension.

In this context, there are further advantages when one or more of the steps are performed in dependence on parameters associated with the user, in particular as a function of the following parameters: a user status; a membership in a club; a current and / or average storage volume that the user actually uses; and / or an absolute value of elapsed time before the last memory extension was accepted by the user.

For example, the initial storage volume (starting quota) for members of a club or a paying service can be set higher. Or the storage quotas have different sizes, depending on whether the user has a simple account or a club account. The allocation of the quotas may also be inconsistent, e.g. be dependent on the respective achieved storage volume. It can e.g. For example, the contingents in the lower memory area of 0-1 GB each have a volume of 250 MB. The storage areas of 1-10 GB have contingents of only 100 MB and all other contingents of 10 GB and more are 50 MB in size. In other words, the expansion quotas are determined differently depending on the last storage quota reached. It is advantageous if the size of the expansion contingents is changed in a non-linear dependence, in particular in a decreasing manner, with the height of the storage volume achieved.

Just as the mere expiration of time and the need for more storage space can lead to an increase in the quota, this is also possible through a change in the parameters assigned by the user. For example, if the user is a member of the WEB.DE club, their storage quota may be suddenly doubled, as well as the absolute value of the storage quota allocated to the user, ie the currently required and provided storage space. Also can be taken into account when the user regularly takes up space or has long taken no increase in use.

It is also particularly advantageous if the system sends a notification to the user as soon as the predetermined threshold is reached. This can e.g. A note in the form of an automatically sent by the system e-mail with offer button or even an offer button that appears directly in the e-mail application on the graphical user interface (GUI). This notification to the user may prompt the user to press a corresponding button and thereby actively confirm that memory expansion is desired. In this way, it is also prevented that automatic programs could drive abuse with the memory extension to automatically get higher and higher storage quotas. The notification to the user can be made by the user being presented with a button on his user interface, which he can press as a token of his acceptance, just as it is possible that he will receive an e-mail, which he must send back. Furthermore, it is possible that he will open a dialog window in which he must also press a button to obtain the memory extension. To further ensure the prevention of abuse, it is possible for the user to graphically display a string that he must type in a field provided to confirm that he wishes the memory extension. In this way, the possibility of abuse is further reduced.

Further advantages arise when the new threshold and / or the new time interval at each step of the Memory extension is changed. The change in the threshold and / or the new time interval may be made dependent on the time since the last memory extension.

In further embodiments of the invention, e.g. also storing the time of the memory extension, thereby ensuring that the system has the value at which the last memory extension took place. Particularly preferably, all date and / or time stamps of the elevations are stored. A memory extension can then also be made dependent on the past history of memory extensions. For example, a memory extension could be offered unscheduled if no memory extensions have been used for a long time.

Similarly, it is possible to lower memory space if the space allocated is used only very insufficient and this was done over a corresponding period of time. By setting a new threshold, both a new absolute amount and a new relative amount can be selected. After increasing, for example, 5000 MB by 100 MB to 5100 MB after a time interval of at least four weeks, the new threshold is set to (absolutely) 5500 MB; H. the additional quota will be (relatively) increased by 300 MB to 400 MB - the time interval will be set to six weeks, ie. H. extended: The next time the user is offered an increase to 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 storage management system's memory space provides for this at the time of expiration of a particular storage 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 at 12/24 reach of the total quota of 7500 MB in the following steps by each 100 MB increase should be possible.

Second, the increase may occur due to changes in the person of the user, i. H. For example, because the user has become a member of a club for which he pays monthly contributions. As a member of the club, he can now receive an increase in the storage quota or e-mail attachments "unscheduledly." It is also possible that the threshold value increases, ie that he can increase the memory in steps of 200 MB or the time interval is shortened so that it can claim a new increase after only three weeks, so it is possible to make the setting of the threshold and the new time interval dependent on different events.

Preferably, the steps of storing the time of memory expansion, setting a new threshold, or a new time interval after memory expansion are performed. This sets the clock to "reset" and restarts for the following memory expansion capability: By setting a new threshold or a new time interval after the last memory increment, a change in the new threshold can also be immediately detected by the user. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided wherein the new threshold and / or the new time interval is changed (increased / decreased) at each step of memory expansion.

Preferably, the threshold value or the time interval is thus automatically adjusted again after a memory extension has taken place. For example, it is possible to make the gradation of the memory areas in different sized contingents, in particular not linear but degressive gradations. For example, it is possible to allow memory upgrades in 100 MB increments in the lower range and only 50 MB if they exceed a certain threshold. The time specification is then preferably dependent on the size of the respective current memory area, so a first increase can be done within a short time, while later increases can be made dependent on longer past time intervals. Preferably, it is also possible to "virtual

For example, after one quarter of the specified time interval has elapsed, the user may be told to get a virtual memory extension of, for example, 50 MB - the system will automatically increase the memory by 50 MB without it already being provisioned Weeks the user then gets the offer to activate the four times 50 MB at once.

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

Fig. 1 showing the structure of a system according to the invention for shows an e-mail service;

Fig. 2, which shows a first flowchart for illustrating the method according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a second flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4, which shows a first storage division (degressive allocation); and

Fig. 5, which shows a second memory division

(Product Allocation) and the downgrading of a storage space allocation.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an e-mail system FM connected to the Internet WWW, which has a service server SRV, which can be an SMTP server, and which has a memory connected to it, which for the users U1, U2 etc. of the e-mail service provides storage space Ml, M2 and so on. The system FM also includes a non-illustrated controller that performs memory management and allocation in accordance with the methods described herein (see Figures 2 and 3). The users Ul, 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.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Reference is also made to FIG. 4, which shows a memory distribution into different sized contingents. An initial memory SO of 400 MB is the user first assigned (S = O, k = 0). As soon as a threshold value DO is achieved 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, for example, three weeks has elapsed, an additional contingent SL is offered to the user 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 in the SO storage space (400MB).

Preferably, the time interval T1 is reset in this case, so that the time starts to run again. The time interval can also be chosen shorter in the rejection, so that the user already after a week, for example, has the opportunity to accept an offer to increase storage yet.

If the offer of the additional memory location Sl is accepted, the output memory SO is increased by the additional contingent (here by 400 MB) (S = S + Sk; k = 1). In addition, the new additional quota S2 is redefined (k = l, 2,3 ...). The same value (k = 1, Sl = 400MB) can be provided again or a modified one (k = 2, S2 = 300MB), i. H. a reduced value can be provided. Also, an increased value can be provided. Also, the new time interval T is set, which may be the same as before (T = Tl = 3 weeks) or increased (T2 = 4 weeks, T3 = 5 weeks) or decreased (T2 '= 2 weeks, T3.' = Week).

The user has now been assigned the new storage quota (800 MB) and the process steps start to run again: As soon as the (new) time interval Tl has expired, the user is offered the (new) additional storage contingent SI, which he then accepts or rejects again can. FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is as well as in Figure 2, the possibility of increasing the memory after timing to special quotas provided. In addition, however, a user-dependent parameter is provided, namely the club membership of the user. If the user is now or is already a member of the club (club?), The initial storage capacity will be increased from 400 MB to 1 GB. 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.

However, it is also particularly preferred that the newly acquired club membership leads to the user still being given the option of subsequently activating this upon refusal of offered memory expansion. In this case, its memory initially remains at the original value, e.g. on SO. In the case of exercising the option, subsequent acceptance of the offers (and rejections) made so far takes place and the user immediately receives a multiple contingent of e.g. 3x200MB = 600MB for memory expansion. The values for Tk and / or Sk are then preferably redefined. There is a saving of a defined number (N = 3) offers for additional quotas, so to speak.

In this way, a method and apparatus have been provided that enable an automated memory management system for unlimited memory expansion by users, preferably a freemail system.

FIG. 5 shows a variant in which The memory allocation is not uniformly provided, but non-linear, in the lower memory area (0- 300 MB) and in the upper memory area (from 2100 MB) each smaller quotas (100 MB or 200 MB) are provided as in the "middle Range of 300-2100 MB, where the contingents are 300 or even 500 MB, which further optimizes the allocation of storage space in terms of the total system volume and actual utilization, if the system, especially the controller, determines that a user On average, a storage volume only uses within a predefined range (eg 1400-1900 MB), then the system can demote the user by adding the allocated storage volume S = 2700 MB, preferably successively to a lower volume S '(2400 MB), then on S '' (2100 MB), at least until the user increases the actual average demand within a period of time (eg 2 months).

The invention is applicable to all online services and systems in which users are allocated storage space.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

FM FreeMail system

SRV Email Server (SMTP Server)

Ul, U2 users

Ml, M2 Allocated storage volume

WWW WorldWideWeb (Internet)

CLB Club Membership

SO initial storage quota

Sl, S2, S3 memory expansion contingents

T1, T2, T3 time interval

DO, Dl thresholds

k number variable

Claims

claims

A method for automatically controlled memory management and memory expansion, a storage volume allocated to a user within an online service, comprising the steps of:

- allocating and providing a first storage quota;

- specify a memory expansion quota;

- offering the user a memory extension for the memory expansion contingent upon reaching a predetermined threshold for the use of the first memory quota by the user on the condition that a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension;

- Providing the storage expansion contingent upon acceptance of the offer by the user.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing any or all of the following steps:

- storing the time of memory expansion;

- setting a new threshold;

- Setting a new time interval.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein one or more of the steps is executed each after a memory extension.

Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which one or more of the steps are carried out in dependence on parameters assigned to the user, with at least one of the following parameters:

- a user status,

- a membership in a club, a current and / or average storage volume that the user actually uses,

- Absolute value of elapsed time before the last memory extension was accepted by the user.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

Send a notification to the user that the predetermined threshold has been reached.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the new threshold value and / or the new time interval is changed at each step of the memory extension.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the change of the threshold value and / or the new time interval is made dependent on the time since the last memory extension time.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory expansion contingents are determined differently depending on the last achieved storage quota.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the size of the memory expansion contingents is changed in non-linear dependence with the amount of storage volume reached.

The method of claim 9, wherein the size of the memory expansion contingent decreases in a decreasing manner is changed with the height of the reached storage volume.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the online service associated with the user is an e-mail service.

12. A system for automatically controlled memory management and memory expansion, a storage volume allocated to a user within an online service with:

- at least one memory and an associated control device that manages the memory and provides the user with a first storage quota and determines a storage expansion contingent;

by a notification device that offers the user a memory extension around the memory expansion contingent when the control device detects the reaching of a predetermined threshold for the use of the memory expansion contingent by the user under the condition that a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the last memory extension ;

- wherein the controller and the notification device provide the storage expansion contingent upon acceptance of the offer by the user.