CN1613047B - File system housing - Google Patents

Abstract

A file system shell is provided virtual folders which expose regular files and folders to users in different views based on their metadata instead of the actual physical underlying file system structure. Users are able to work with the virtual folders through direct manipulation. Filters are provided for narrowing down sets of items. Quick links generate useful views of the sets of items. Libraries consist of large groups of usable types of items that can be associated together, along with functions and tools related to the items. A virtual address bar comprises a plurality of segments, each segment corresponding to a filter for selecting content. A shell browser is provided with which users can readily identify an item based on the metadata associated with that item. An object previewer in a shell browser displays a plurality of items representing multiple item types.

Description

File system shell

Technical field

The present invention relates to file system, relate in particular to file system shell (shell).

Background technology

Present computer file system has many undesirable limitation.A limitation is the structure that the user can not control their demonstrations usually.In other words, when constituent act presss from both sides, the necessary choice structure of user, thus this structure is difficult to later on change.As a specific example, for " music " file, the user may select to organize music file with musician/collection of records form, wherein all collection of records files of every musician are assembled the file of this specific music man, and all songs on a certain collection of records all assemble the file of this collection of records.Musician/collection of records form is helpless to play a class music (as playing two first jazz's songs of two different musicians), or plays the selection to different musicians' disc.

Another problem is, the user may have and is difficult to the file organized in a large number.The certain user implements the placement to the file stricti jurise, thereby they have been set up strict level.When available documents increased, this file management became and becomes increasingly complex and difficulty, made search and retrieval also difficult.When other file that is used to from other places, during as shared file etc., problem is especially serious.

The user also must handle the file at diverse location, as on different equipment, and on other PC, or at line file.For example, user's (as long as can visit music program) on computers selects to listen to their music, or the online music of listening to from the website of energy, but has strict differentiation between these two sources.Music from diverse location is difficult to tissue, can not preserve with same pattern or at same place.As other example, the file that is stored in company's network may just be separated with the file of user on current machine originally.

The user also must not only remember to have stored any file data, will remember also where it is stored in.For example concerning music file, the user must preserve copy in each system, and attempts to follow the tracks of which music file and where be placed on.This makes file be difficult to the location, even also like this when they are local storage.

Sometimes also be difficult to seek and turn back to the file that the user has.The user may be difficult to remember them somewhere and how to store some file.Provide a group folders and even a category like file, the user is normal to find to be difficult to find out soon the file that they are seeking.Concerning the file that is stored in the position that is difficult to seek, locate then more complicated.In addition,, just be difficult to express analysis this document folder in case the user has abundant file in a file, especially more like this in the similar situation of content.

The user also is difficult to seek or return the file on the network sometimes.Share and file publishing usually is difficult to accomplish, and, make then difficulty usually even more of these files of user search that file becomes available from those.The user must remember or shine upon them usually and seek needed each website of file and name on network.

Name space may change, and it can cause the user obscures, and does not know which is " correct ".Especially true on network, on network, there is different name customs, restriction etc.For example, some operating system may require short name and not be with the space, so that make them as seen.

Program is also often preserved catalogue or other name space of file to them, and this makes the user be difficult to find the path of getting back to those files.Program often has default directory and the position that they deposit document.The user usually must search for their hard disk, and makes about file having conjecture where.

Relevant item also often is stored in place separately.The associated documents that the user has may be stored in the different piece of hard disk.Along with the development of the digital media service with plurality of kinds of contents type (as picture, music, video), this problem becomes more general.

Another problem of file system relates to address field.When roaming in the file system of user at computing machine, the traditional Graphic Interface Control that is called address field to the user illustrate they in the file system layer aggregated(particle) structure where.Traditional address field illustrates current location by the file system layer aggregated(particle) structure of file, sub-folder and file.The customer location that change shows in hurdle is traditionally finished one of in two ways usually.First kind is edit address in address field.The edit address allows the user to reorientate the position of any number in the file system layer aggregated(particle) structure in address field, but needs the user to have specialized information about the tissue of file system on this computing machine, promptly special file system location.Second method relates to uses outside navigational tool, and it is the scheduler hurdle when operation, to reflect new address or reposition.Though walked around edit address in address field, operating outside navigational tool still needs the user to have specialized information about file system organization, and travels through in hierarchical structure.But because the man-to-man relation between the ad-hoc location in address in address field and the file system hierarchy, traditional address field can not be in a plurality of file system location as file or driver locating file or data.

Prior art lacks the permission user and specifies the address field that shows the address that is stored in the file in a plurality of file system location.Prior art also lacks and allows the user address in the hurdle, modified address and needn't the edit address or need be about the special knowledge of the tissue of bottom document system easily.What also lack in the prior art is the address field that presents the other selection of file to the user, makes the user can select to roam into from a selection those selections of file.This address field also presents a traditional address field interface to the user alternatively, makes the user come with this address field mutual by former experience according to user's wish.

Another problem of file system is related to the identification to the project that stores on the computers.Because more individual utilizes computing machine in their routine work, and because the type of canned data changes between picture, music, document etc., the demand of therefore easily discerning the project in the computing environment that is stored in as personal computer (PC) is shockingly increasing.Document and medium are stored on computers in the level mode usually, and are organized with being stored in the information in the file or the file of medium.File system navigator makes the user can roam file system, and the location and open file and file.The Windows of Microsoft for example

Explorer ^TMBe the operating system utility routine, it makes user's energy browser document system.

Many users find, are difficult to correctly discern file according to current information available in traditional file system navigator.Certainly, the content of file can be by opening it with application program and verified, but the special poor efficiency of the method for this browser document.The ability of checking the metadata of relevant document in file system navigator can help the specific file of User Recognition greatly and needn't open it.For example at the Windows of Microsoft In the 9X operating system, the user can check object metadata by the attribute list of visiting a certain object.The mode that attribute list is selected with the similar index card of the tabulation of property pages is showed the attribute of an object or the tabulation of setting to the user, and the effect of every kind of attribute is the standard conversational control to custom parameter.Yet the use attribute watch project of locating is slow and trouble, and the certain user finds to be difficult to be positioned with the pass metadata in attribute list.Similarly, the little subsides of use information show that (infotip) location one project may be slow and trouble, and (hover) mouse because the user must be hovered above each file is so that view the limited metadata that shows in the little subsides of information are shown.

Traditional file system navigator does not allow the user to import or edit metadata about file and file, and allows user's input or editor can strengthen the ability of locating file after the user greatly about the metadata of file and file.So far, the ability of user's input and editing meta-data is limited to ad hoc sofeware program.For example, the media play procedure that is used for the electronic music file provides editor and music disc collection and the relevant metadata of musician to the user.The other example of this program comprises the application program that is used for the electronic pictures file.Though opposite with the universal document system browser of supporting multiple file type, the use of media play procedure and other these type of programs is confined to the particular file types supported by this program.

The Windows of Microsoft

XP operating system is included in the image browser that uses in " my picture " (My Pictures) file." my picture " file has special feature, and it makes the user regard picture as photo, and is not the icon of document.The picture browsing feature of " my picture " comprises the ability of checking that the sketch map size reaches bigger photo, laterally rotates photo and create slide demonstration.The user can also see the details of photo, as its size, the date and time of taking pictures and the camera name of taking pictures.Preview control area in " my picture " file comprise the amplification of the image that the user selects preview image, help user's iterate button (iterator button) that iterate is selected in a series of pictures and be used for clockwise or the control of rotating image counterclockwise.Though Windows The picture browsing feature has been by having alleviated to the demand of watching and operate the picture invokes application is developed this area among the XP, but the user still can not import the metadata relevant with picture with editor.

Thereby to need to improve user experience in shell or file system navigator, it makes the user easily locate project according to the metadata relevant with project.Also need a kind of system and method, it make the user can import with editor and shell browser in the relevant metadata of various types of projects, and do not need invokes application.Also need a kind of file system or shell browser, it makes the user can easily locate their file to the file content distinguishing feature that the user provides improvement.Also need a kind of graphic user interface that is used for the improvement of shell browser, its allows to select the previewer to a certain file type from a plurality of available previewer.Also have the needs to the shell browser of expansion, it makes the software developer provide extra information and function to the user on the basis of file type.Also need to provide the similar UI that crosses over different project sets to experience.

Summary of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of system and method that utilizes virtual folder.Virtual folder is according to the metadata of file and file (being also referred to as catalogue), rather than on dish actual physics bottom document structure, in different views, show regular file and file to the user.Therefore, this system can take to be stored in the attribute in the database, and it is expressed as the appearance part of similar file.Because the user has been familiar with using file work, by representing virtual folder in a similar manner, the user can adapt to new system apace.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide virtual folder according to the method for in computing machine, using with display and Storage Item destination memory.According to this method, select metadata attributes.This systematic search has the project of selected metadata attributes then, and the virtual folder display object is provided, the set that its expression has the project of this metadata attributes.

According to a further aspect in the invention, this system comprises the relational database of a folder processor and the information that is used to store relevant these projects, and folder processor obtains the inquiry from the user.Folder processor at first obtains the inquiry from the user, and relational database is delivered in inquiry.Relation data provides the result to return to folder processor, and according to the result from relational database, folder processor offers the user with this result as virtual folder.In one embodiment, the result who returns to folder processor comprises the row and column of database.The row and column of this database converts the enumerator structure to by folder processor, uses it to fill displaying contents with final virtual folder then.

According to a further aspect in the invention, the user can use virtual folder by direct control.In other words, being used to of providing the mechanism of operating virtual folder be similar to the current actual folder that is used for operation with traditional mechanism (as click and pull, duplicate, stickup etc.).

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of method that is used to realize the direct control of virtual folder at the computing machine that has display and be used for the Storage Item destination memory.According to said method, the group of project is expressed as virtual folder.Specified action is provided, and they can realize the direct control virtual folder, and wherein when specified action was finished, virtual folder resembled by the specified action guidance and operates.The example of specified action is to click and the towing virtual folder.In one embodiment, click and pull the function that action that first virtual file clips to second virtual folder realizes projects are copied to from first virtual folder second virtual folder.The project to one of a duplicating virtual folder relates to interpolation or change those selected metadata attributes relevant with project.

According to a further aspect in the invention, be provided for operating the filtrator of virtual folder.Filtrator is to be used for the instrument that the scope with a project team diminishes in essence.In one embodiment, filtrator dynamically produces according to the attribute according to project.For example, to a project team, filtrator mechanism can be examined these attributes, and if these projects have " author " usually as attribute, filtrator can provide a list of authors.By clicking on a certain author, the project that does not then have this author disappears then.This makes the user can reduce content.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide filtering item purpose method in the computer system that has display and be used for storing the storer of the project that has metadata attributes.Display object is provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects.The metadata attributes of the project that assessment is represented by display object.One filtrator item is provided on display, and it is corresponding to the metadata attributes of being shared by a plurality of projects, and the selection of its middle filtrator item makes the project of representing on display reduce to those projects of the metadata attributes of sharing appointment.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a plurality of projects are presented on the display, and dynamically produce the filtrator item according to the metadata attributes of project.When selecting the filtrator item, it will be presented on project on the display and reduce to and have corresponding to those of the metadata attributes of this filtrator item.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a plurality of projects are presented on the display, and a filter area is provided, and the user is the input filter item therein.When the filtrator item is when being imported by the user, the project that is presented on the display reduces to those that comprise this filtrator item.Along with user input filterd device item, when each new character added filtering item to, the other project was filtered.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a rollback button, it can be used for oppositely passing through filter process.For example, after user's input filter item, the user may wish to turn back to applying the filtrator item and was presented on project team on the display in the past.The rollback button makes the user can turn back to any in the filtrator navigation to wish a little.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide quick link.In one embodiment, fast link is the one group of pre-determined link left side of display screen (as be positioned at), can click their to produce useful view of project team.These quick links can be scheduled to or be set by the user by program.For example click " all authors " and can turn back to view by author's storehouse." all documents " can return the plan view of all documents of crossing over all storage areas.The user also can create themselves quick link.For example, the user may be filled into the document of revising in the January, 2003 until all, and subsequently it is preserved into quick link.

According to a further aspect in the invention, realize providing the method for quick link in the computer system that has display and be used for the Storage Item destination memory.According to said method, the user at first roams into the view of desirable project set.Quick link corresponding to desirable project set is stored and gives a name.On display, present this name of link fast, make that the user can turn back to the view of the set of desirable project by clicking this quick link.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the storehouse.The storehouse comprises the big group of can be inter-related available file type.For example, photo can be a storehouse, and music can be another storehouse, and document can be another storehouse.The storehouse provides instrument and the activity relevant with the particular type project of closing.For example, in photo library, exist and relevant instrument and the filtrator of operation photo, be used to create slide demonstration or image sharing.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the method for creating the storehouse in the computer system that has display and be used for the Storage Item destination memory.The method begins by creating a storehouse that comprises the project of the metadata attributes that has one or more regulations.Then, the project that has a metadata attributes of one or more regulations automatically is combined in this storehouse.The instrument of the project in this storehouse of operation also is provided.

According to a further aspect in the invention, can use the file or the project of wider scope.In other words, system can present to come the file/project since a plurality of physical locations (as different hard disk drives, different computing machines, different network sites etc.), makes that concerning the user, all these projects seem from same position.For example, can on individual monitor, show all their music files to a user, even and these files in fact be stored in different hard disk drives, different computing machine or different network sites, the user also can operate All Files from a view.

According to a further aspect in the invention, in having the computer system of display, use effective range (scope) in the method for display items display.This method relates to the effective range of the actual storage position of determining the project of therefrom taking out, and this effective range comprises current computer storer and at least one other physical location.In case receive an inquiry, respond this inquiry, take out project from the physical location of this effective range, determining, and subsequently from the project of this inquiry taking-up is presented on view on the display.In one embodiment, at least one other physical location can be position or the External memory equipment on another computing machine, the network.In one embodiment, the view on display can switch to actual Folders view, and it indicates the actual physical location of depositing of project.

According to a further aspect in the invention, in virtual folder, can represent non-docuterm.In other words, the file of storing in storer is located in actual storage.Virtual folder can be made and comprise the current project that does not appear in the actual storage.The example of non-docuterm is Email and contact.

According to a further aspect in the invention, realize presenting the method for the project of non-file in the computer system that has display and be used for stored items.This method comprises provides a database, and it allows by non-docuterm of query search and docuterm.Be received in case look into, the non-docuterm and the docuterm that mate this inquiry all are removed, and the project of mating this inquiry is presented on the display immediately.In one embodiment, provide a relational database, it comprises the selected information of relevant docuterm, and it can remain on the integral body of some non-docuterm.

According to a further aspect in the invention, be provided for selecting to be stored in the virtual address bar of the content on the computer file system.Virtual address bar comprises multistage.Every section corresponding to the filtrator that is used for being chosen in the content that computer file system stores.Generally speaking, every section corresponding filtrator is represented the virtual address that is used to select to be stored in the content on the computer file system in virtual address bar.

Each section is mutual section, and the interactive action that it can respond the user is revised the virtual address in the virtual address bar.One section that is chosen in the virtual address bar causes that selected section those sections afterwards are removed from virtual address field.In virtual address bar, select one section to cause that the optional reciprocity filtrator of row shows to the user in addition.The equity filtrator is to equaling the corresponding filtrator of the section of alternative else.Select a reciprocity filtrator to cause that the section of alternative substitutes its corresponding filtrator with the reciprocity filtrator of choosing.In addition, those filtrators after the filter segment of alternative are removed from virtual address bar.

Section can be added virtual address bar according to the action of external user to.Section is added to the end of the section in the virtual address bar.Be removed with any section of conflicting of adding.When existing section in the virtual address bar section to interpolation is mutually exclusive, then should have the section conflict mutually of section and interpolation now.When existing section in the virtual address bar Duan Yaogeng that ratio adds on effective range was wide or narrower, then this existing section was also conflicted mutually with the section of adding.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide shell browser, it comprises a form and an edit control.Form shows one group of project, also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed.Edit control can be revised at least partially in metadata values displayed in the form user.

According to a further aspect in the invention, a graphic user interface is comprised in the computer-readable media, and can carry out on computers.Graphic user interface is included in first screen area of one group of project of demonstration in the shell browser and second screen area of the metadata that demonstration is associated with one or more items displayed.Graphic user interface also is presented on the instrument that is used to revise shown metadata in the shell browser to the user.

According to another aspect of the invention, be provided for making the user can in shell browser, revise the computer implemented method of metadata.One of these class methods comprise a plurality of projects of demonstration, receive first input that at least one display items display is selected in expression from the user, show and the related metadata of selected project, and the edit control of the shown metadata of user's modification is provided.Other method comprises the metadata that demonstration one is welcome pane and welcome pane to be associated therewith, and the edit control of the shown metadata of user's modification is provided.

According to a further aspect in the invention, in shell browser, show the data structure that comprises the metadata that is associated with one or more projects.The data structure that is stored in one or more computer-readable medias comprises a field, it comprises the revisable metadata of the user who is associated with one or more items displayed, and the revisable metadata of user that is included in the data structure also shows in shell browser.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the shell browser that comprises the acquiescence previewer and the mechanism of extended capability is arranged.The previewer of acquiescence provides the function of standard level to a plurality of item typess.The standard level function that has the mechanism of extended capability that over ride is provided one or more item typess by the previewer of acquiescence.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the shell browser that comprises first previewer and second previewer.First previewer provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess, and second previewer provides functional level alternative or expansion to one or more item typess.Shell browser is configured to one or more item typess are disposed first previewer or second previewer alternatively.

According to a further aspect in the invention, the provide support graphic user interface that is used for shell browser of a plurality of item typess.This graphic user interface comprises and is used for showing first screen area of one group of project and being used for selecting to be used for from a plurality of available previewer the instrument of the previewer of shown project in shell browser.

According to a further aspect in the invention, be provided in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, selecting the computer implemented method of previewer.This method is included in the shell previewer that is used for a certain item types a plurality of previewer is provided, and this item types is selected a previewer.This method is associated selected previewer subsequently with this item types.

According to a further aspect in the invention, be provided in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, adopting the computer implemented method of third party's previewer.This method comprises provides the shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess, and provides the mechanism of extended capability, the previewer of the alternative of at least one that it can develop the third party to be used for a plurality of item typess.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a data structure, it comprises the information that indicates a plurality of previewer in shell browser.The data structure that is stored in one or more computer-readable medias comprises first field that comprises the information that indicates the acquiescence previewer of supporting a plurality of item typess.Second field comprises the information that indicates the alternative previewer that is used for first item types, and the information that the 3rd field comprises indicates, and when the project of first item types shows in shell browser, calls the previewer of acquiescence previewer or alternative.

According to a further aspect in the invention, dissimilar projects are combined into the storehouse, provide similar group of basic UI feature to it.In other words, to dissimilar storehouses,, provide similar group of basic UI feature as document library, photo library and music libraries.This organizes basic UI feature and can comprise as the metadata of filtering, create new classification, edit item, change the feature of PivotTables (pivot) etc.Similar group of the basic UI feature in storehouse made the user can use attribute and the characteristic processing that they have been familiar with and organize dissimilar projects.

Description of drawings

When in conjunction with the accompanying drawings with reference to below detailed description understand better when of the present invention, above-mentioned aspect of the present invention and many attached advantages will become and be more readily understood.In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that is suitable for realizing general-purpose computing system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram according to virtual folder system of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates the user file of inquiry to fetch selection and the process flow diagram of the routine of file are provided;

Fig. 4 illustrates the process flow diagram of constructing and show the routine of virtual folder according to inquiry of giving tacit consent to or user's inquiry on screen;

Fig. 5 is the tree derivation according to the folder structure of file arrangement concrete on the hard disk drive;

Fig. 6 is the tree derivation of virtual folder structure;

Fig. 7 is the tree derivation of the virtual folder structure of Fig. 6, and wherein client's storehouse is further filtered by contract and time;

Fig. 8 is the tree derivation of the virtual folder structure of Fig. 7, and wherein the contract of client's storehouse is further filtered by the time;

Fig. 9 is the tree derivation of the virtual folder structure of Fig. 6, and wherein the contract storehouse is further filtered by client and time, and the client is further filtered by the time;

Figure 10 is the diagram of screen display that the storehouse of document library is shown;

Figure 11 is the diagram that is illustrated in the screen display of the document in the storehouse of company ABC of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is the diagram of screen display, wherein the document of Figure 11 is selected stack function;

Figure 13 is the diagram of screen display, wherein the stack function of Figure 12 is selected " by author's storehouse " parameter;

Figure 14 is the diagram of screen display, and wherein the file of Figure 13 is by author's storehouse;

Figure 15 is the diagram of screen display, wherein selects stack function, and further selects " category storehouse " option, so that the file of storehouse Figure 14 again;

Figure 16 is the diagram of screen display, wherein the file category of Figure 14 storehouse again;

Figure 17 is the diagram of screen display, wherein selects the quick link of the actual folder be used to show;

Figure 18 is the diagram of screen display, actual folder shown in it, and they comprise the file of the virtual folder storehouse of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a process flow diagram, and the routine of user's energy direct control virtual folder is shown;

Figure 20 is the diagram of screen display, and wherein new " West Coast " (West Coast) storehouse is added on the storehouse of Figure 10;

Figure 21 is the diagram of screen display, wherein uses direct control file to be copied to " West Coast " storehouse of Figure 20 from " company ABC " storehouse;

Figure 22 is a process flow diagram, and the routine of the new filtering item purpose of dynamic generation system is shown;

Figure 23 is a process flow diagram, and the routine that is used for filtering item purpose system according to the selection of filtrator item is shown;

Figure 24 is the diagram of screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is filtered by item " AB ";

Figure 25 is the diagram of screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is filtered by item " ABC ";

Figure 26 is the diagram of screen display, wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is selected filtrator item " time 2002 ";

Figure 27 is the diagram of screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is filtered by " time 2002 ", and further selects filtering item " month ";

Figure 28 is the diagram of screen display, wherein presents a tabulation and is used to select month to filter;

Figure 29 is the diagram of screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is further filtered by " January ", and filtrator item " day " further is shown;

Figure 30 is a process flow diagram, and the routine of creating new quick link is shown;

Figure 31 is the diagram of screen display, is used for creating the quick link that is called " January work " according to the filtration of Figure 29;

Figure 32 is the diagram of screen display, wherein selects the quick link of " all authors ";

Figure 33 is the diagram of screen display, wherein presents all authors' of Figure 32 tabulation;

Figure 34 is the diagram of screen display, wherein selects " author 1 " from the tabulation of Figure 33, and shows all documents of author 1;

Figure 35 is a process flow diagram, and the routine of creating new storehouse is shown;

Figure 36 is the diagram of screen display, the set in various available storehouses shown in it;

Figure 37 is a process flow diagram, and the routine of the scope of determining virtual folder collection is shown.

Figure 38 is a block diagram, and each provenance of the scope that can form virtual folder collection is shown;

Figure 39 is a process flow diagram, illustrates non-docuterm is included in routine in the virtual folder collection;

Figure 40 is the diagram of screen display, and the various non-docuterm that is included in the virtual folder is shown;

Figure 41 is applicable to the synoptic diagram of realizing exemplary networked computer environment of the present invention;

Figure 42 is the synoptic diagram that the exemplary file reader is shown, and it has the existing in the prior art traditional address field that is associated with display file in the computer file system;

Figure 43 is the synoptic diagram that the exemplary file reader is shown, and is used for being presented at file in the computer file system according to the virtual address in the virtual address bar that constitutes according to the present invention;

Figure 44 A is the synoptic diagram of the exemplary file reader of Fig. 5, is illustrated in to select one section virtual address in the virtual address bar, so that roam in file system;

Figure 44 B is the synoptic diagram of the exemplary file reader of Figure 44 A, is illustrated in the result who selects one section virtual address in the virtual address bar;

Figure 45 A-45D is a synoptic diagram, is illustrated in the reciprocity filtrator that selection is associated with one section virtual address in the virtual address bar;

Figure 46 A-46D is a synoptic diagram, is illustrated in the virtual address bar additional filtering device is added in the virtual address;

Figure 47 A and 47B are synoptic diagram, are illustrated in the example virtual address field that shows a virtual address when virtual address exceeds the virtual address bar capacity of display;

Figure 48 A is a synoptic diagram, and the example virtual address field is shown, and it has the virtual address of band filtrator, virtual and position reality in the locating file system;

Figure 48 B is a synoptic diagram, and the example virtual address field of Figure 48 A that is configured to show traditional address field is shown;

Figure 49 is a process flow diagram, the alternative filtrator that is used in that virtual address bar is selected to substitute filtrator is shown selects routine;

Figure 50 is a process flow diagram, illustrates to be used for adding the exemplary interpolation filtrator routine of filtrator to virtual address in virtual address bar;

Figure 51 A is the block diagram that is used for the exemplary graphical user of shell browser, and according to embodiments of the invention, it has an edit control.

Figure 51 B is the block diagram that is used for the exemplary graphical user of shell browser, presses embodiments of the invention, and it has one or more edit controls;

Figure 52 is the sketch plan of welcoming pane in shell browser;

Figure 53 is the sketch plan of the pane selected in shell browser;

Figure 54 is the sketch plan of pane of the selection of Figure 53, presses embodiments of the invention, and it comprises context menu, makes the user can revise metadata in the shell browser;

Figure 55 is a process flow diagram, and a method is shown, and is used for making the user can revise the metadata of welcoming pane to show in the shell browser by embodiments of the invention;

Figure 56 is a process flow diagram, and a method is shown, and is used for the metadata that shows by the pane that embodiments of the invention can be revised the user to select in the shell browser;

Figure 57 is the block diagram of data structure, and it comprises the revisable metadata with the user who is associated with items displayed in shell browser;

Figure 58 is the synoptic diagram of prior art graphic user interface, is used for browsing the picture in the file that is stored in the shell browser environment, and shell browser is used to watch other non-graphic file and files;

Figure 59 is the block diagram that is used for the exemplary graphical user of shell browser;

Figure 60 is the sketch plan of welcoming pane in shell browser;

Figure 61 is the sketch plan of the pane selected in shell browser;

Figure 62 is the sketch plan of the pane selected in the shell browser of the control that has expansion by embodiments of the invention;

Figure 63 is the sketch plan that is similar to the pane of 61 selection, but comprises context menu by embodiments of the invention, makes the user can select a previewer in shell browser;

Figure 64 A is a process flow diagram, and a method is shown, and makes the user select a previewer in shell browser by embodiments of the invention;

Figure 64 B is a process flow diagram, and a method is shown, and makes system select a previewer in shell browser by embodiments of the invention;

Figure 65 is a process flow diagram, and a method is shown, and enables to use third party's previewer by embodiments of the invention in shell browser; And

Figure 66 is the block diagram of data structure, and it comprises the information that shows a plurality of previewer in the shell browser.

Embodiment

The present invention is directed to a kind of file system shell that comprises the feature of some hope.In essence, this shell is checked and the operation store ability of file and sundry item on computers for the user provides.Following description at first is provided at the summary of the feature shown in Fig. 1-66, and detailed discussion is provided then.

Generally speaking, Fig. 1-9 is usually at the total system that is used for virtual folder.Virtual folder provides a kind of method, allows traditional user interface to show regular file and file (be called catalogue) to the user according to the metadata (rather than the actual physics bottom document system architecture on dish) of file and file in different views.Figure 10-18 is usually at storehouse, they relate to virtual folder take any be stored in the database feature and with the ability of the appearance part of its expression imaging file.Usually at the direct control of virtual folder, it relates to the mechanism that is provided for operating virtual folder to Figure 19-21, and these mechanism are similar to the current mechanism that is used for the operation standard file (as duplicate, paste, click and towing etc.).Figure 22-29 is usually at filtrator, and they provide one group of instrument that the group of file/project is diminished.Figure 30-34 is usually at quick link, and they are one group of predetermined links, can be clicked so that the useful view of the group of the file/project of generation.Figure 35-36 is usually at the storehouse, and they relate to such notion, and the group of promptly useful file type can be interrelated, and instrument and the activity relevant with the particular type project can be provided.Figure 37-38 is usually at the scope relevant with following notion, this notion is to obtain file/project from a plurality of physical locations (as different hard disk drives, different computing machines, the computing machine the network site etc.), All Files/the project that makes presents to the user equally easily, just looks like that they provide from a position.Figure 39-40 is usually at non-docuterm, and they can be included in the database with file, and they can comprise the project as Email and contact and so on.Figure 41-50 is usually at virtual address bar, and it comprises a plurality of sections, and each section is corresponding to the filtrator that is used for chosen content.Figure 51-57 is usually at shell browser, and the user can easily discern this project with it with the metadata that basis is associated with a project.Figure 58-66 is usually at the function of expanding an object previewer in being configured to show the shell browser of a plurality of projects of represent multiple item types.Below description the going through of each aspect of these aspects of the present invention is provided.

As mentioned above, Fig. 1-9 is usually at the system that is used to realize virtual folder.Virtual folder adopts the current identical or similar user interface that is used for file system.Virtual folder is according to the metadata of regular file and file (being called catalogue), rather than according to actual physics bottom document system architecture on dish, shows this regular file and file on different views.The view of establishment and location independent, it makes the user can adopt control operation their file and the file similar to being used for managing file system now.Usually, this means the user can according in file itself the attribute tissue and rearrange their file, rather than will manage and organize as system and divide other part to do.Virtual folder can be represented from the file of different physical locations or project, as from a plurality of disk drives of same computing machine, from a plurality of computing machines, or, make a view of file or project can show file or the project that is seated different physical locations from different network sites.In one embodiment, different project or files need connect by IP network in being included in.

The virtual folder model also can be used for traditional non-document entity.An application of this situation is to have the user interface that a category is similar to file and file (being object and appearance part), so that show non-document entity traditionally.An example of this non-document entity is an Email, and another is the contact information from the contact data storehouse.In this way, virtual folder provides with location independent based on the view system of metadata, no matter it want data presented whether to come from file or non-document entity can both be worked.Usually, these aspects adopt the common user interface technology (drag and drop, double-click etc.) and the integrated file and the data of operating them of enriching of the various data types of balance to become more flexible by making the user.

Fig. 1 and subsequently discussion attempt to provide simple, the general description that can realize virtual folder of the present invention as described herein and otherwise suitable computing environment.Though not necessary, the present invention is described under the general environment of the computer executable instructions of being carried out by personal computer (as program module).Usually, program module comprises routine, program, feature, assembly, data structure etc., and they are finished particular task or realize specific abstract data type.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can implement with other computer system configurations, comprising: handheld device, multicomputer system, based on microprocessor or programmable consumer-elcetronics devices, network PC, small-size computer, mainframe computer etc.The present invention also can implement in distributed computing environment, and in distributed computing environment, task is by finishing by the teleprocessing equipment of communication network link.In distributed computing environment, program module can be arranged in the memory devices of Local or Remote.

With reference to figure 1, be used to realize that example system of the present invention comprises the universal computing device with traditional personal computer 20 forms, it comprises processing unit 21, system storage 22 and will comprise that the various system components of system storage 22 are connected to the system bus 23 of processing unit 21.System bus 23 can be some kinds bus-structured any, comprise any local bus of memory bus or memory controller, peripheral bus and the various bus architectures of use.System storage comprises ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 24 and random-access memory (ram) 25.The basic input/output (BIOS) 26 that comprises as help the basic routine of transmission information between each unit at personal computer 20 when starting is stored among the ROM24.Personal computer 20 also comprises the hard disk drive 27 that is used for reading writing harddisk 39, be used to read and write the disc driver of moveable magnetic disc 29 and be used to read and write CD drive 30 as the removable CD 31 of CD-ROM or other optical mediums.Hard disk drive 27, disc driver 28 and CD drive 30 are connected with system bus 23 by hard disk drive interface 32, disk drive interface 33 and CD drive interface 34 respectively.The driver computer-readable media relevant with them provides non-volatile memories to computer-readable instruction, data structure, program module and other data for personal computer 20.Though example context described herein adopts hard disk 39, removable dish 29 and removable CD 31, but those skilled in the art understand, can use also in the exemplary operations environment that can store can be by the other types computer-readable media of the data of computer access visit, as tape cassete, flash card, digital universal disc, Bei Nuli (Bernoulli) magnetic tape cassette, random-access memory (ram), ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) etc.

On hard disk 39, disk 29, CD 31, ROM24 or RAM25, some program modules be can store, operating system 35, one or more application program 36, other program modules 37 and routine data 38 comprised.The user can be input to personal computer 20 by ordering as the input equipment of keyboard 40 and pointing apparatus 42 with information.Other input equipment (not shown) can comprise microphone, operating rod, game paddle, satellite retroreflector, scanner etc.These and other input equipments usually can be connected to processing unit 21 by the serial port interface 46 that is connected to system bus 23, but also can connect by other interfaces as parallel port, game port or USB (universal serial bus) (USB).With the display of monitor 47 forms also by interface connecting system bus 23 as video card or adapter 48.One or more loudspeakers 57 also can be by the interface connecting system bus 23 as audio frequency adapter 56.Except display and loudspeaker, personal computer generally includes other the peripheral output device (not shown) as printer and so on.

Personal computer 20 can use as the logic connection of one or more personal computer of remote computer 49 and operate in network environment.Remote computer 49 can be personal computer, server, router, network PC, peer device or other common network node, and generally includes above-mentioned in conjunction with personal computer 20 described many or all unit.The logical connection of drawing among Fig. 1 comprises Local Area Network 51 and wide area network (WAN) 52.Such networked environment is common in office, enterprise-wide. computer networks, Intranet and the Internet.

When using in the lan network environment, personal computer 20 links LAN (Local Area Network) 51 by network interface or adapter 53.When the WAN network environment used, personal computer 20 generally included modulator-demodular unit 54 or is used for setting up other devices of communicating by letter on as the wide area network 52 of the Internet and so on.Built-in or external modulator-demodular unit 54 is by serial port interface 46 attachment system buses 23.In network environment, program module or its part of drawing in conjunction with personal computer 20 can be stored in the remote storage apparatus.Be appreciated that it is example that the network that illustrates connects, and can use other devices of setting up communication link between computing machine.

When realizing in the system of the type shown in Fig. 1, the present invention utilizes virtual folder, and it makes the user easily finish the basic task of relevant document operation and folder navigation (browsing), and the advanced storage that can embody new feature ability is provided.Virtual folder is according to the metadata of file and project, rather than on dish actual physics bottom document system architecture, show file and project with different views to the user.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram by virtual folder system 200 of the present invention.To describe in detail below, virtual folder make the user can change control check data mode " PivotTables " (pivot).For example, the user can regard their music as the flat table of all songs of available collection of records combination.In addition, user's energy switch view is so that only show school or musician or time etc.User's energy cutting view makes only sees the object that is suitable for task at hand.This just makes can better viewing experience, and this has cancelled by further the navigate needs of (downwards or return) of file.It is not other data types by file storage that same experience and ability are applied to modelling.For example can show contact to the user in the following manner, this mode is the abundant fabric that gives the interface ability that the user is familiar with and be used to operate them, rather than the address list on plane is provided.

As shown in Figure 2, virtual folder system 200 comprises folder processor 210, relational database 230, virtual folder descriptions database 232, other shell folders component 234, file handling procedure assembly 236 and shell browser and view component 240.Folder processor 210 comprises this machine processing code components 212, handling procedure maker (factory) assembly 214, property writer (writer) assembly 216, row set (rowset) analytic unit 218, inquires about and construct program (builder) assembly 220, enumerator (enumerator) assembly 222 and attribute maker (factory) assembly 224.

Relational database 230 stores the attribute of All Files in the system of pass.It also intactly stores as gets in touch with some project of (being non-docuterm) and so on.The metadata of the type of common its storage relevant document and the project that comprises thereof.Relational database 230 is constructed program 220 from inquiry and is received SQL query.Relational database 230 also sends SQL row set to row set analytic unit 218, and each project is classified delegation as, and row are item attributes.

Virtual folder descriptions database 232 comprises the virtual folder description.Virtual folder descriptions database 232 sends data to inquiry and constructs program assembly 220, and it is included in tabulation, initial filter and the demonstration of the type that shows in the file tabulation from (effective range) next result's physical location.

About other shell folders component 234, folder processor 210 will comprise that the project of many types of the All Files that is used for handling procedure or attribute authorizes existing shell folders.Other shell folders component 234 send to attribute maker 224 with attribute from the alternative document folder.Other shell folders also send handling procedure to handling program making device 214.

The project that 236 pairs of file handling procedure assemblies only are present in the similar contact in the database provides the code behavior.This allows non-docuterm to show to such an extent that be similar to file just.File handling procedure assembly 236 sends handling procedure to handling program making device 214.

Handle code components 212 for this locality, folder processor 210 is directly used some handling procedure according to the attribute of project.This machine is handled code components 212 and is sent handling procedure to handling program making device 214.Handle code components 212 and file handling procedure assembly 236 for this machine, as all name spaces, virtual folder to their project must provide one group of handling procedure (context menu, icon, sketch map, the little subsides of information show (infotip) ...).For the great majority of these (the little subsides of information are shown, data object, drag and drop handling procedure, background context menu ...), virtual folder provides public (this machine) handling procedure to all types that it keeps.Yet other handling procedures that the author who has type must provide (context menu of project itself, the property store that can write ...).The handling procedure of acquiescence also can be left in the basket.Virtual folder is reused this to file, and allows the same way of non-docuterm.

Handling procedure maker 214 is taked the ID tabulation and is produced the code behavior that context menu, icon etc. are provided.Usually, folder processor 210 can be used this machine handling procedure, external treatment program or entrust to other shell folders so that obtain handling procedure, and it is described such as above to handle code components 212, other shell folders component 234 and file handling procedure 236 about this machine.Handling procedure maker component 214 is delivered to handling procedure the shell browser in the view component 240 when the view component request.Handling procedure maker component 214 is delivered to property writer 216 with the attribute handling procedure.

Property writer 216 converts user's hope (as shearing, duplicate and pasting) to file or project property rights.Shell browser and view component 240 send data to property writer 216, comprise the direct control (shearing/copy/paste) or the editor of metadata.Usually, because virtual folder provides an institutional framework according to the attribute of a project, become editor on those attributes as the operation of moving or duplicating (drag and drop) and so on.For example, in the view of arranging by the author, document is moved to author 2 from author 1, this means to change the author.Property writer assembly 216 is realized this function.

Row set analyzer 218 takes out the database rows set, and with all items property store in shell ID list structure.Row set is got the definition of the fragment of virtual folder, and constructs the SQL string, and it is sent to database immediately.Row set analyzer assembly 218 sends the ID enumerator component 222 of tabulating.As mentioned above, row set analyzer assembly 218 also receives the data from relational database 230, comprises SQL row set, each project delegation, and row are item attributes.

Inquiry is constructed program assembly 220 and is constructed SQL query.The data that program assembly 220 receives from enumerator component 222 are constructed in inquiry, comprise the new filtrator that comes from navigating.Inquiry is constructed program assembly 220 and is also received data from virtual folder descriptions database 232, is included in the tabulation, initial filter of the type that shows in the file and from the physical location of its (effective range) display result.Inquiry is constructed program assembly 220 and is sent SQL query to relational database 230.

Usually, inquiry is constructed program assembly 220 and is comprised one group of row (in other words table).This is that the operation inquiry produces.Row set analytic unit 218 is got each row, and uses the row title to convert row to the ID tabulation.The ID tabulation is the shell mechanism that the crowd knows, it is used to locate the project in the name space.Do like this and make virtual folder seem any other name space to the remainder of shell.And these data of high-speed cache help to make the big database access visit of expense to keep minimum.

Enumerator component 222 responds operates the navigation of virtual folder.As mentioned above, enumerator component 222 receives the ID tabulation from row set analyzer assembly 218, and the new filtrator that sends the self-conductance boat is then constructed program assembly 220 to inquiring about.Enumerator 222 also sends data to shell browser and view component 240, is included in navigation back backspace to be inserted into the ID tabulation in the view.

Attribute maker component 224 is got ID tabulation and property identifier, and returns the value of those attributes.Attribute maker component 224 receives data from the handling procedure maker component 214 that comprises the attribute handling procedure.As mentioned above, the attribute maker component also receives data from other shell folders component 234, comprises the attribute that comes from the alternative document folder.Attribute maker component 224 also sends data to shell browser and view component 240, comprises the item attribute that view is asked.

The content of shell browser and view component 240 display file folder in form, and all of the file of process user and demonstration or project are mutual, as click, towing and roaming.Thereby shell browser and view component 240 receive user's action.Shell browser and view component 240 also obtain relevant need be from the data of the code behavior of file (is folder processor 210 in this situation).

As mentioned above, virtual folder according to the metadata of file and file rather than on dish actual physics bottom document system architecture, on different views, show regular file and file (being also referred to as catalogue) to the user.Therefore, system can obtain the attribute that is stored in the database and it is expressed as seeming the appearance part of file.Because the user has been familiar with using file work, by representing virtual folder in a similar manner, the user can adapt to new system quickly.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram that routine 300 is shown, and the user proposes inquiry by this routine, fetches the item of selection.At frame 302, folder processor obtains inquiry from the user.At frame 304, folder processor is sent to relational database with inquiry.At frame 306, the relational database return results is given folder processor.At frame 308, folder processor provides the result to the user with the form of virtual folder and project.

Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram that routine 320 is shown, and whereby according to the inquiry of acquiescence or from user's query construction virtual folder, and shows on screen.At frame 322, when opening virtual folder first, the user uses the inquiry of acquiescence.This default query obtains from working storage.For example, the default query to music libraries can illustrate all songs that made up by collection of records.At frame 324, folder processor is to this query construction query object, and subsequently relational database delivered in this inquiry.At frame 326, relational database produces Query Result and by the row and column of database the result is sent back to folder processor.

At frame 328, folder processor obtains these results, and converts its row and column from data to the enumerator structure, and it is used by Folders view, to fill virtual folder and the project that is produced in screen, is used for and user interactions.At decision block 330, the user judges whether to change view (by sending different inquiries or " PivotTables " (pivot)).For example, the user can send the PivotTables of " showing all musicians ".If the user does not want to change view, then routine turns back to frame 324, and there, folder processor is delivered to relational database with this new inquiry, and regains new result's row and column, and constructs new enumerator structure.Process such as above-mentioned continuation then when Folders view is removed and upgrade, uses enumerator to take out " musician " object to screen.

In an example, the collection of records object is provided, they represent the appearance part that the user can navigate therein and roam.For example double-click " Beetles " (" Beatles ") collection of records and will roam view, to see all songs of Beetles.The inquiry that folder processor is sent " all songs that show Beetles " to relational database, database is sent the number of lines and columns certificate of those songs back to.Folder processor is created the enumerator of all these songs, is fetched into screen then.

The user can also select the view of any point simultaneously at the browsing virtual file.In the above-mentioned example, after being confined to the song that only shows Beetles, the user can change view to only showing that song is as collection of records.The view of change project is called " piling up " (stacking) to the process of expression in addition.This is because project is to be illustrated in conceptive being arranged at " storehouse " according to this.In this situation,, song is rearranged in each storehouse each collection of records each.The user can roam into one of these storehouses then, only sees the song of coming from a certain collection of records.Moreover the user can be rescheduled in the storehouse according to the view of attribute (as grade (rating)) with remaining song.If select the grade attribute, then the song from Beetles's collection of records will be presented in the storehouse of one, two or three stellar magnitudes.

The result of each inquiry depends on which physical location is included in the effective range.For example, effective range can be done to such an extent that include only file in " my document " file of user.Alternatively, effective range can comprise on the computing machine All Files folder, or even the computing machine of many network connections on the All Files folder.The user can check and changes effective range by the effective range attribute list.In an example, the effective range attribute list can and select " attribute " to show by right click on virtual folder.The user can add new folder to effective range, or deletes previously added file.

Virtual folder will be Knowledge Worker (Knowledgeworker) for it provides user's group of particular utility.Virtual folder allows the Knowledge Worker watching switching easily between the document in modes such as file type, plan, Case No., authors.Because each Knowledge Worker tends to the diverse ways organizes documents, can use virtual folder to adapt to these different selections tendencies.

Fig. 5 is the tree derivation according to the folder structure of the arrangement of actual folder on hard disk drive.This actual folder arranges to realize that based on the traditional file folder it can be based on NTFS or other existing file system.This file is called actual folder, because their structure is based on the actual physics bottom document system architecture on the dish.As below will describing in detail, this is opposite with virtual folder, and the latter creates the view with location independent, allows the user to be similar to current mode operation file and the file that is used to operate actual folder.

As shown in Figure 5, file 400 is " my document " files.At ground floor, file 400 comprises file 410,420 and 430, corresponds respectively to client 1,2 and 3.At the second layer, each file 410,420 and 430 comprises a file 411,421 and 431 respectively, they each corresponding to contract to selected client.At the 3rd layer, each in the file 411,421,431 is include file folder 412,422 and 432 respectively, and each is corresponding to the time 2001.At the 3rd layer, file 411,421 and each include file folder 413,423 and 433 respectively also of 431, each is corresponding to the time 2002.

Be appreciated that for hope and roam the user of actual folder file structure as shown in Figure 5, have some obstacles.For example, if the user wishes all the contract work with this user's generation, this user at first needs to roam into the contract work of file 411 usefulness to client 1, must roam into file 421 subsequently again reaching the contract to the client, and must roam into the file 431 to client 3 contract once more.This arrangement makes the user be difficult to visit all contracts, and has hindered usually and checked and operate all contracts simultaneously.Similarly, if the user wishes to watch all contracts that produce in calendar year 2001, this user must roam and roam into file 412,422 and 432 respectively.As below will describing in detail, virtual folder of the present invention provides the file system structure through improving.

Fig. 6 is the tree derivation of virtual folder structure.As below will describing in detail, virtual folder has been created the view with location independent, allows the user to operate their file and file in mode easily.As shown in Figure 6, virtual folder is expressed as storehouse.Virtual folder 500 is " all items " files.At ground floor, virtual folder 500 comprises the virtual folder 510,520 and 530 that corresponds respectively to client, contract and time.As below will describing in detail, this structure allows the user by the parameter access file of wishing.

Fig. 7 is the tree derivation of the virtual folder structure of Fig. 6, and wherein at the second layer, virtual folder 510 also comprises virtual folder 511 and 512, and they correspond respectively to contract and time.In other words, client's storehouse of virtual folder 510 is further filtered by contract and time.To describe in detail below and judge the process that in each virtual folder, comprises which file and project.

Fig. 8 is the tree derivation of the virtual folder structure of Fig. 7, and wherein at the 3rd layer, virtual folder 511 comprises virtual folder 513, and it is corresponding to the time.In other words, the contract storehouse of virtual folder 511 further filters through the time.Though the virtual folder structure of virtual folder 510,511 and 513 is pressed client, contract, is reached the time structure, be appreciated that virtual folder allows other structural orders, this will be for a more detailed description with reference to figure 9.

Fig. 9 is the tree derivation of the virtual folder structure of Fig. 6, and wherein at the second layer, virtual folder 520 is further filtered into virtual folder 521 and 522, corresponds respectively to client and time.At the 3rd layer, virtual folder 521 further is filtered into virtual folder 523, and it is corresponding to the time.Contrast between the institutional framework of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 helps example that the dirigibility of virtual folder system is shown.In other words, in virtual folder system, the user can be according to the desirable parameter roaming virtual folder that navigates, and this is opposite with the relevant view with the position that depends on the illustrated such actual file structure of Fig. 5.

Figure 10 is the diagram of screen display 600 that the storehouse of document library is shown.See that as above storehouse can be used to represent the type of virtual folder.As below will describing in detail, screen display 600 comprises quick link unit 610-613, filter unit 620-626, active unit 630-63, information and control module 640-645 and virtual folder storehouse 651-655.

Fast link unit comprises that " all categories " links 610 fast, " all authors " link 611 fast, " January work " links 612 and be used to the option 613 that shows that other link fast fast.As below will describing in detail, link can be selected by the user fast, to finish the desirable navigation of virtual folder.Link can be provided by system fast, and some quick link can be created and be preserved by the user.

Filter unit comprise " by ... filter " (filter by) indicator 620, the input space 621, " by date " (by date) indicator 622, " time " selector switch 623, " selecting the author " selector switch 624, " selecting classification " selector switch 625 and " more filtrator " selector switch 626." by ... filter " indicator 620 indication users, available item below it filters virtual folder or project.The input space 621 provides the user can key in the zone of desirable new filtrator item." by date " indicator 622 indication users, by from 623 option dates of " time " selector switch, virtual folder or project can be filtered by the time of selecting.Selector switch 624 allows the user to filter by particular author " to select the author ".Selector switch 625 allows the user to filter by selected classification " to select classification "." more filtrator " selector switch 626 allows the user to eject extra filtrator on display.

Movable selector comprises " creating new classification " selector switch 630, " activity " selector switch 631 and 632 and " more multi-activity " selector switch 633.As below will describing in detail, the activity that presents can be to be used for general function of wishing, or more specifically at the activity useful to the type of virtual folders of current demonstration.For example, can be selected to create by the user will be by the new classification of new stack representation for the selector switch 630 of " creating new classification ".

As mentioned above such, movable selector 631 and 632 can be more specifically at the shown file or the type of project.For example, current demonstration is a document library, can be at the concrete activity of document cutting, as editor or establishment annex to this " activity " selector switch 631 and 632.If present storehouse is a photo library, " activity " selector switch 631 and 632 can be the concrete activity at photo, as forming album or sharing photo with other users.

Information and control module comprise information row 640 and 641, control row 642, backspace control 643, information row 644 and 645. Information row 640 and 641 provides the information about the current navigation of virtual folder or project.In the present example, information row 640 indicates, and current navigation is to document library.And information row 641 indicates more complete navigation, and showing document library is in storage area.Control row 642 provides some standard controls, and the backspace button allows the user by the navigation way rollback.Information row 644 provides the numerical information about the content of current navigation.In this example, information row 644 shows 41 projects, occupies the 100MB in the storehouse of document library.Information row 645 can be used for providing additional information, as the additional information about the file chosen.

The storehouse of document library comprises " company ABC " storehouse 651, " backup stack " 652, " commercial plan " storehouse 653, " XYZ company " storehouse 654 and " market report " storehouse 655.The numeral at each storehouse top indicates at each storehouse how many projects are arranged." company ABC " storehouse 651 for example, is shown comprises 8 projects.The sum of the project of storehouse adds up to the item number that information row 644 indicates, and is 41 in this example as mentioned above.One choice box SB is provided, and it can be made by the user and be used for selecting the project of wishing.Select " company ABC " storehouse 651 to produce the view of the project of this storehouse, this will describe with reference to Figure 11.

Figure 11 is a screen display, is illustrated in the project in " company ABC " storehouse 651 of Figure 10.It should be noted that information row 640 and 641 points out that now current navigation illustrates " company ABC " storehouse." company ABC " storehouse 651 is shown comprises 8 document 751-758, correspond respectively to document 1-8.Information row 644 indicates accordingly, and 8 projects are arranged, and they occupy the 20MB storer.The document of Figure 11 can further be arranged to the storehouse in company ABC's storehouse 651.In other words, in the virtual folder by 651 expressions of company ABC's storehouse, additional virtual folder can be organized into the maintenance document, and this will be described below with reference to figure 12-16.

Figure 12 is a screen display, wherein the document of Figure 11 is selected stack function.As shown in figure 12, the user can ejection function frame 760.Functional block 760 comprises " view " option 761, " with ... Icon Arrangement " option 762, " storehouse " option 763, " refreshing " option 764, " opening the include file folder " option 765, " shearings " option 766, " duplicating " option 767, " cancelling " option 768, " newly-built " option 769 and " attribute " option 770.Around " storehouse " option 763, show choice box SB.

Figure 13 is a screen display, wherein the stack function of Figure 12 is selected " by author's storehouse " parameter.As shown in Figure 13, shown frame 780, it represents various storehouse options.The storehouse option comprises " not storehouse " option 781, " category storehouse " option 782, " by author's storehouse " option 783 and " pressing user stack " option 784.Show choice box SB around " by author's storehouse " option 784.

Figure 14 is a screen display, and wherein the file of Figure 13 is by author's storehouse.As shown in figure 14, storehouse 791 and 792 corresponds respectively to author Bob and Li Sa.Shown in the number at the top of each storehouse, Bob's storehouse 791 comprises 2 items, and sharp Sa storehouse comprises 5 items.Project 758 (corresponding to document 8) does not have the author, thereby is not included in " author " storehouse.Storehouse 791 and 792 illustrates, and storehouse can be organized into multilayer, as in " company ABC " storehouse 651.Therefore, virtual folder can constitute with multilayer, and in " company ABC " storehouse 651, and the latter is in document library as " Li Sa " storehouse 792.

Figure 15 is a screen display, wherein further selects " category storehouse " option with the file of storehouse Figure 14 again.As shown in figure 15, are choice box SB around " category storehouse " option 782.Because some project by storehouse in storehouse 791 and 792, select " category storehouse " option 782 stack item again, will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 16.

Figure 16 is a screen display, wherein the file category of Figure 14 storehouse again.As shown in figure 16, storehouse 793 and 794 respectively corresponding " XYZ company " and " market report " classifications.Project 751 and 752 corresponding to document 1 and 2 is not assigned to any additional categories, thereby does not fall into any other classification storehouse.

Figure 17 is a screen display, wherein selects the quick link to actual folder.Link 616 fast around " All Files folder " and show choice box SB.Go through below with reference to Figure 18, " All Files folder " links 616 switchings that are provided to the view of actual folder fast.

Figure 18 is the screen display that actual folder is shown.The actual folder that illustrates comprises the file of the virtual folder storehouse of Figure 17.In other words, the project that is included among the storehouse 651-655 of Figure 17 is also contained in some physical folder of system." my document " file 851, " desktop " file 852 that is positioned at this computing machine that shown in Figure 18 is is positioned at this computing machine, be positioned at hard disk drive C: " Foo " file 853, be positioned at server " my file " file 854, be positioned at peripheral driver " peripheral driver " file 855, be positioned at " my document " file 856 of another computing machine and be positioned at " desktop " file 857 of another computing machine.

As shown in figure 18, the user can represent that the physical file that switches to Figure 18 represents from the virtual file of Figure 17.This make the user can according to the needs of current task virtual file represent and physical file the two selects one between representing.The diverse location of actual folder 851-857 also illustrates, and the scope of Virtual File System is broad relatively, will be described in detail below.

Figure 19 is the process flow diagram that routine 880 is shown, and the user can the direct control virtual folder with it.As described in detail below, provide the mechanism that is used for operating virtual folder be similar to the current mechanism that is used to operate the regular file folder (as click and pull, duplicate, stickup etc.).As shown in figure 19, at frame 882, the direct control to the virtual folder that is expressed as display object is carried out in definite action that system provides the user to carry out.At frame 884, the user carries out definite action.That as above mentions is such, and an example of this action is that the user clicks and pull a virtual folder so that duplicate its content to other virtual folder.At frame 886, as the action of being finished by the user is indicated, operate virtual folder and/or content.

Figure 20 is a screen display, and wherein new West Coast storehouse 656 is added to the storehouse of Figure 10.West Coast storehouse 656 is created " West Coast " new classification by the user and is produced.During initial creation, new West Coast storehouse 656 is empty, has only 0 project.In the embodiment of Figure 20,2 projects are added in the West Coast storehouse 656.The interpolation project is to select a certain project to a kind of method of storehouse, and revises or add the classification metadata that additional class is clipped to this project, for example adds classification " West Coast " to 2 projects, as doing among the embodiment of Figure 20.This process illustrates, and categorical data is the metadata attributes to a project, and it is the type of particular community.In other words, this generic attribute does not have any implicit meaning, and can specify arbitrary value by the user.For example, classification " attribute " can have any value, and " author " attribute should be a name.Describe in detail below with reference to Figure 21, project also can clicked and towing, so that copy to West Coast storehouse 656 (in this situation, the classification of project automatically is updated to and comprises " West Coast ") from other storehouses.In this respect, Figure 20 illustrates choice box SB around company ABC's storehouse 651, to prepare to duplicate its content.

Figure 21 is a screen display, wherein uses direct control that file is copied to West Coast storehouse 656 from company ABC's storehouse 651.In other words, as shown in figure 20, the user selects company ABC's storehouse 651, and subsequently as shown in figure 21, the user clicks and pull the storehouse that will be copied to West Coast storehouse 656.So the West Coast storehouse 656 that only has 2 projects in Figure 20 now demonstrates and has comprised 10 projects altogether, comprising other 8 projects from company ABC's storehouse 651.In the time will copying to West Coast storehouse 656 from the project of company ABC's storehouse 651, this describes and finishes by revising 8 project categories, makes to remove to comprise originally and also comprised " West Coast " classification " company ABC " classification.This shows executable one type direct control.

The other example of direct control is to click a project by right key and select deletion.In one embodiment, when the user selected delete function, whether this project was answered Delete All to the inquiry user, or just removes from current virtual folder.If this project just removes from current virtual folder classification storehouse as above-mentioned, this can realize by the classification that removes hope from the metadata to project.In other words, if a project that copies to West Coast storehouse 656 from company ABC's storehouse 651 will remove from West Coast storehouse 656 immediately, this can make it no longer to comprise that " West Coast " classification realizes by revising the categorical data to specific file.

Figure 22 illustrates the process flow diagram that system dynamics ground produces the routine 900 of new filtrator item.The filtrator item is used to operate virtual folder.The filtrator item mainly is used as one group of instrument, and the scope of one group of project is diminished.In one embodiment, filtrator comprises metadata categories and their value (being shown link or the drop-down menu that can click to subscriber's meter on user interface).The user is clicking on the filtrator item so that filter out the current results group of project on showing.

Figure 22 illustrates and how dynamically produces filtrator.As shown in figure 22, at frame 902, the close examination in the set of current demonstration project attribute (from metadata).At frame 904, dynamically produce the filtrator item of suggestion according to the public attribute of this project.At frame 906, the filtrator item of suggestion presents to the user, as may selecting of filtrator item.As the example of this process, system can examine the attribute of one group of project closely, and if these projects have " author " attribute usually, filtrator can provide list of authors to filter.By clicking particular author, the project that does not have this author removes from the group that shows then.The mechanism that this filter process provides the scope with the items displayed group to diminish to the user.

Figure 23 is a process flow diagram, and the routine 920 that is used for according to the selection filtering item purpose system of filtrator item is shown.At frame 922, the user imports new filtrator item or selects one of filtrator item that is provided by system.As mentioned above, the filtrator item can be produced by system dynamics, or they can be preestablished.At frame 924, whether the attribute of the item of shown set being assessed their selections mates this filtrator item.For example, be the item of " Bob " if the filtrator item is the author, then whether comprise that according to their author property " Bob " assesses these.At frame 926, the do not match project of filtrator item of the attribute of selection removes from shown set.

Figure 24 to 29 generally illustrates, and how filter process appears on the screen display.Discuss below with reference to Figure 24-29, in one embodiment, filter general by following process operation.After user's click filter value, the project outside the filtrator scope disappears on screen.Action is usually designed to those projects obviously to be removed and not to have new project and is added into.The user can select rollback button 643 to cancel filter operation.In one embodiment, create the navigation storehouse, it comprises the filtrator action of order.When selecting rollback button 643, cancel each filtrator action.When selecting the filtrator value, lastest imformation district 640 and 641 is to point out current filtrator value.In one embodiment, selecting the filter value rear line that the option of the new quick link of preservation to navigating when front filter is provided, this will be with reference to Figure 30 more detailed description.Along with selecting the filtrator value, the filtrator control is updated to be suitable for project remaining in view.

Figure 24 is a screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is filtered by item " AB ".As shown, in filter area 621, " AB " keyed in by the user.Information row 640 and 641 shows that shown project is those projects of being filtered by item " AB ".As shown, company ABC's storehouse 651 still comprises 8 projects, and backup stack now comprises 3 projects, and XYZ company's storehouse 654 also comprises 3 projects.Therefore information row 644 shows, has 14 projects altogether, total 35MB storer that occupies.

Figure 25 is a screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 10 is filtered by item " ABC ".For the filtering item " AB " of Figure 24, the user just makes total filtrator item " ABC " as long as key in additional letter " C ".As shown in figure 25, information row 640 and 641 shows that now items displayed is those projects that comprise " ABC ".Company ABC's storehouse 651 still illustrates and comprises 8 projects, and backup stack 652 only comprises 2 projects now.XYZ company's storehouse 654 has disappeared, because it does not have content match " ABC " filtrator.Information row 644 indicates now, 10 projects altogether in the storehouse of demonstration, and they occupy 25MB storer altogether.Figure 24 and 25 provides example, illustrate how the user imports new filtrator item, and how those filtrator items filters the project that illustrates on the display subsequently.

The user can utilize rollback button 643 rollbacks to pass through filter process.As above described with reference to Figure 10, rollback button 643 allows user's rollback through a guidance path.About the example of Figure 24 and 25, after item " ABC " filtered, the user can select rollback button 643, makes filter process return backward in Figure 25, and this will turn back to the state of Figure 24.In addition, in other embodiments, rollback button 643 can be removed whole filtrator item, thereby gets back to the state that filters before taking place.In this situation, by press rollback button 643 in Figure 25, the user gets back to the state of Figure 10.

At an embodiment, except the rollback button, provide other measure, allow user's rollback or modification filter navigation.This other measure comprises permission user directly visit and modification information row 641, and this has correspondingly changed the filtrator navigation.In other words, by direct visit and modification information row, the user can remove one or more filtrators of having used, or revises the value of any filtrator of having used.This feature is described in greater detail in the Application No. of submitting on April 17th, 2,003 10/420,040, and it is incorporated into this by reference and on the whole.

In conjunction with user such as Figure 24 with key in the filtrator item as shown in Figure 25, can use timer.Timer is used for monitoring pause when the user keys in.In the selected time interval, do not have and key in, just use filtrator.For example in the state of Figure 24, the user has keyed in filtrator item " AB ", does not have long time lag between " A " and " B ".After keying in " AB ", the user pauses, so produce the state shown in the Figure 24 that is applied to filtrator item " AB ".After a period of time, the user adds letter " C " finishing filtrator item " ABC ", and pauses once more subsequently, uses filtrator item " ABC " therebetween, as shown in figure 25.

In one embodiment, the user keys in the filtrator project in filter area 621, and selects subsequently after other filtrator or the navigation, and navigational state is updated, and becomes empty once more at the filtrator item of filter area 621.Can upgrade other filtrator controls according to the selection of some filtrator item in addition, below with reference to Figure 26 to 29 more detailed description.

Figure 26 is a screen display, wherein selects to provide the filtrator item system in " time 2002 ".As mentioned above, " by date " indicator 622 times, the time selects 623 to comprise the time 2000,2001 or 2002.Choice box SB is shown around the time 2002, shows that the user selects its filtrator item as hope.

Figure 27 is a screen display, has wherein used filtrator item " 2002 ".The further selection selector switch 623A that " selects month " also is shown.As shown in figure 27, after using filtrator item " 2002 ", the item number in storehouse has reduced.More particularly, company ABC's storehouse 651 comprises 6 projects now, and backup stack 652 comprises 8 projects now, and commercial plan storehouse 653 comprises 3 projects now, and XYZ company's storehouse 654 now comprises 5 projects.Information row 644 shows 22 projects altogether, occupies 50MB storer altogether.Information row 640 and 641 shows, the project that illustrates on the display is to be filtered those that device item " 2002 " filters.

Figure 28 is a screen display, wherein month provides tabulation for what select to filter.Frame 950 is provided, and it comprises the tabulation in month.Because the user selects " selecting month " selector switch 623A, on showing, provide frame 950.The choice box SB that illustrates is around the January.

Figure 29 is a screen display, and wherein the storehouse of Figure 28 is further filtered by " January ", and filtrator item " date " also is shown.As shown in figure 29, information row 640 and 641 now shows, shown project is those that have been filtered by item " January ".Backup stack 652 now illustrates and comprises 2 projects, and commercial plan storehouse 653 also illustrates and comprises two projects.Information row 644 shows, shows 4 projects altogether, occupies the storer of 10MB altogether." selecting the date " selector switch 623B is provided, and the user wishes that further filter result is to particular day.

As above described with reference to Figure 24 to 29, the filtrator item can be provided or be keyed in by the user by system.In case selected filtrator item, the filtrator item of the remainder that provides can be updated (as select the time " 2002 " in Figure 26 after, the option in time no longer occurs selecting in Figure 27, and the option of " selecting month " alternatively is provided).As mentioned above, the user can select rollback button 643, the rollback filter process.For example, select month " January " afterwards in Figure 29, the user can select rollback button 643 to return back at the filter process to time " 2002 " shown in Figure 27.The filtrator menu also can comprise " pressing ... storehouse " function, it with by top with reference to working that Figure 15 and 16 describes similarly by the function storehouse.For example " file type " filtrator can be selected " Excel ", " PowerPoint ", " Word " and " storehouse by type ".Select " pressing ... storehouse " function to change view, to show storehouse to various file types.

Usually, filtrator can be configured to be applied to the different attribute of file or project.In one embodiment, filtrator can be pressed dissimilar classification, as: character index; Discrete value; Date; Numerical range.The instance attribute that is used for character index comprises that filename, author, musician, good friend get in touch with name, the owner, document author, Document Title, document subject matter and description.The instance attribute that is used for discrete value comprises position, file type (apply names), school, track (track), 10 years (decade) (being used for music), grade (being used for music), bit rate, shielded, document classification, document number of pages, document note, camera model, size, ProductName, product version, image X, image Y and document creation time.The instance attribute that is used for the date comprises nearest visit, revises recently, is created in, takes in (being used for picture).The instance attribute that is used for numerical range can be a file size.

Be appreciated that above-mentionedly to allow the user to reduce the tabulation of project, to find interested specific project with reference to the described filtrator of Figure 24 to 29.As specific examples, press said process, the user current document tabulation can be narrowed down to only illustrate the Word of Microsoft file, by a certain individual works and editor's last week.This function allows the user to find a certain project in the tabulation that comprises numerous items, and helps the user to avoid each project in the artificial scan list.

Figure 30 is the process flow diagram that the routine 940 that is used to create new quick link is shown.As below will describing in detail, link is a pre-determined link fast, can be clicked the view of the project team of selecting with the establishment user by the user.In one embodiment, link can be counted as a class PivotTables (pivot) fast.Link provides the mechanism of retrieval virtual folder fast.Click quick link and the user can be taken to desirable file (in kind, click " collection " and (favorites) user can be taken to a certain website).Link can be predetermined by system fast, maybe can be set by the user.For example click " all authors " and can turn back to view by author's storehouse.Click " all documents " and return plan view all documents of memory block.The user also can create themselves quick link.

As shown in figure 30, at frame 942, the user makes one's options on the screen that shows, shows from present filtrator item or navigation to form new quick link.At frame 944, the user provides new name to new quick link.At frame 946, new quick link is saved, and provides new quick link name in the quick the link option that shows on display screen.

Figure 31 is a screen display, is used for creating the new quick link that is called " January work " according to the filtration of Figure 29.As mentioned above, the storehouse in Figure 29 filters through the January.In Figure 31, the user shows that new being linked as fast " January work " be preserved and named to the filtration of Figure 29 should as new link fast.Therefore, new January work links 612 fast shown in the quick the link option that shows.About forming new quick link, provide an option to the user usually, as " preserving this set " as link fast.

Figure 32 is a screen display, wherein selects " all authors " link fast.Shown in figure 32, around " all authors " option 611 choice box SB is shown.Can comprise " work has the author ", " nearest document ", " all documents that I have shared ", " all documents of my works ", " not being all documents of my works ", " desktop " and " all types " by other examples of the set of quick links and accesses.

Figure 33 is a screen display, wherein provides all authors' the tabulation of the project of Figure 32.As shown in figure 33, provide information row 950, it shows the row that project name, author, modification date, type, size and position are shown.Author 951 to 954 tabulation is shown, corresponds respectively to author 1 to 4.

Figure 34 is a screen display, has wherein selected from the tabulation of Figure 33 " author 1 ".Author 1 document comprises document 951A and 951B, corresponds respectively to document 1 and 2.Document 951A illustrates 1 works by the author, is modified in July 11 calendar year 2001, and be the Excel of Microsoft file, occupy the 282KB storer, and from position “ server 1 file 2 ".Document 951B illustrates 1 works by the author, is modified on Dec 22nd, 2002, and be the Word of Microsoft file, occupy the 206KB storer, and actual storage is in " my Wen Dang file 1 " position.The position of document 951A and 951B also illustrates, and virtual folder of the present invention can comprise the project from different physical locations, and this describes in detail below.

Figure 35 is a process flow diagram, and the routine 960 of creating new storehouse is shown.An example in storehouse is top document library with reference to Figure 10 description.Usually, the storehouse comprises the big group of the interrelated useful file type together of energy.For example, photo can be a storehouse, and music is another storehouse, and document is a storehouse.The storehouse can provide instrument and the activity relevant with a certain item types.For example, in photo library, can have and relevant instrument and the filtrator of operation photo, as creating slide demonstration or image sharing.As shown in figure 35, at frame 962, create new storehouse, it comprises the project that has selected feature.At frame 964, selected project is incorporated in the storehouse.At frame 966, provide with the selected feature of project or other and wish instrument and/or the activity that function is relevant.

Figure 36 is a screen display, the set in available storehouse shown in it.As shown in figure 36, the storehouse comprises document library 971, photo and video library 972, music libraries 973, message library 974, contact storehouse 975, TV and movie library 976 and all items storehouse 977.All items storehouse 977 is shown comprises 275 projects, it is the sum from the project in every other storehouse.Information row 644 shows 275 projects altogether, and they occupy the 700MB storer.It should be noted that document library 971 is top storehouses of describing about Figure 10.

Figure 37 is the process flow diagram that the routine 990 of the effective range of determining virtual folder collection is shown.As below will describing in detail, virtual folder system can be represented the project (as different hard disk drives, different computing machines, different network sites etc.) from a plurality of physical locations, makes the user can easily visit all items.For example can be on individual monitor provide music file from a plurality of physical locations and these files of immediate operation to the user.

As shown in figure 37, at frame 992, the physical location of therefrom taking out project is determined effective range.At frame 994, response one inquiry is taken out project from the physical location of determining effective range.At frame 996, in individual monitor, present the with good grounds described inquiry project of taking out.

Figure 38 is a block scheme, and each provenance from the effective range of virtual folder collection is shown.As shown in figure 38, system 1000 can comprise this computing machine 1010, another computing machine 1020, outside and position 1040 on storer 1030 and the network movably.Whole effective range 1001 is depicted as and comprises that the project of therefrom taking out the user is to create all physical locations of set.Effective range can be set by the user and revise.As mentioned above, other figure illustrate, and project may be from diverse location, illustrate from my different document of document files folder on server and this computing machine as Figure 34, and Figure 18 illustrate the actual folder of actual storage in a plurality of positions.

Figure 39 illustrates the process flow diagram that non-docuterm is included in the routine 1080 in the virtual folder collection.Non-docuterm is different with docuterm, and they are usually located in the actual file storer.The example of non-docuterm is as Email or contact etc. and so on.As shown in figure 39, at frame 1082, utilizing database to make it to comprise can be by the non-docuterm and the docuterm of query search.At frame 1084, response one inquiry is taken out non-docuterm and docuterm to mate this inquiry.At frame 1086, the non-docuterm and the docuterm that mate described inquiry all are presented on the display.

Figure 40 is the screen display figure that various non-docuterms are shown.As shown in figure 40, project has been filled into those that comprise " John ".The project that illustrates comprises contact items 1101, electronic mail items 1102 and document items 1103 and 1104.Contact items 1101 and electronic mail items 1102 are non-docuterms.Native system allows this type of non-docuterm to be included in the regular file project, makes them to be organized as desired and operated by the user.As above described such with reference to figure 2, whole being included in the relational database 230 of this type of non-docuterm energy, the latter also comprises the information of relevant file attribute in addition.

Figure 41 to 50 is figure of the virtual address bar of relevant information row 641 corresponding to Figure 10 formed according to the present invention.As below will describing in detail, virtual address bar comprises a plurality of sections, and every section corresponding to a filtrator that is used for chosen content.Generally speaking, the filtrator of every section correspondence is represented the virtual address of chosen content.

Figure 41 is the block diagram that is applicable to the exemplary networked computing environment 1200 of operation virtual address bar or any other aspect of the present invention described herein.Exemplary networked computing environment 1200 comprises as describe the computing equipment 1202 of personal computer about Fig. 1, be used for and user interactions, and the user can see the file of the computing equipment that is stored in Local or Remote on it.Though following discussion is described the present invention with respect to personal computer, but be appreciated that, computing equipment 1202 comprises the physical equipment of many types, comprise small-sized and mainframe computer, PDA, flat computer (tablet computer) and can be stored in other equipment of computing equipment or other local files and content, but be not limited to these with user interactions and demonstration.

Exemplary networked computer environment 1200 can also comprise the one or more remote servers as server 1204 and so on, its storage computation equipment 1202 addressable files, and connect computing equipment by communication network as shown in figure 41 as the Internet 1206 and so on.In addition, computing equipment 1202 can also be connected to storage other information sources as the file or the other guide of remote data base 1208.Skilled in the art will recognize that, be stored in remote server 1204 and remote data base 1208, and file and information on the local memory device as hard disk drive (Fig. 1), can also show thereon by computing equipment 1202 visits as the part of the integrating file systems on computing equipment.In addition, though provide a customized configuration of remote server 1204 and remote data base 1208 in Figure 41, those skilled in the art learns that easily this customized configuration is to be illustrative purposes, should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Figure 42 illustrates the exemplary file reader 1300 with traditional address field 1302 that is associated with display file in computer system of the prior art.Be the purpose of discussing, the file reader is view or the form on the display device as display device (Fig. 1), is used for to user's display file or other guide.The file reader can be corresponding to the form that is specifically designed to the executable program of user's display file.Alternatively, the file reader can be the view in the dialog box that opens or closes on executable program, and this executable program must connect the memory device preservation or the retrieve data of computer system from Local or Remote.The example that it should be noted that above-mentioned file reader is exemplary, should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Address in traditional address field 1302 corresponding to file system in concrete position.As previously mentioned, in order to edit the address that is presented in traditional address field 1302, the user must revise this address according to the concrete knowledge to this document system.Alternatively, the user can be chosen in clauses and subclauses in the tree-like view 1304, so that navigate to the position of an alternative.One skilled in the art will appreciate that other the outside controls to address field 1302 also can use, they are not shown in exemplary file reader 1300.Though the address that shows in traditional address field 1302, is distributed in the associated documents of a plurality of files in the file system corresponding to the particular location in the file system and can not obtains showing in conjunction with traditional address field 1302.

Figure 43 illustrates the exemplary file reader 1400 of the virtual address bar 1402 that has and be associated in computer file system display file.Virtual address bar 1402 is corresponding to the information row 641 of Figure 10.Virtual address bar 1402 with virtual address 1404 is configured to show information like the info class that shows with traditional address 1304 by the prior art file reader 1300 of Figure 42.Virtual address is also referred to as virtual route, locatees the file that is stored in the computer file system by selection criterion.

Be similar to the traditional address as the address 1304 of Figure 42, the selection criterion of virtual address can be located the file that is stored in ad-hoc location in the file system layer aggregated(particle) structure.Yet, being different from traditional address, the selection criterion of virtual address can also be located and the irrelevant file of their specific file system location.Therefore, virtual address can be located the file that is stored in a plurality of positions in the computer file system.As shown in figure 43, according to the virtual address in the virtual address bar 1,402 1404, file reader 1400 can be presented at the other file that can not find in the file reader 1300 of Figure 42, as file 1406 and 1408.In addition, virtual address bar 1402 can also be used to show the file content in addition of computer file system.For example, virtual address bar 1402 can be used to locate the content that comprises system equipment, system service or the Internet locations.

Figure 44 A is illustrated in the section of operation virtual address 1404 in the virtual address bar 1402 so that navigate in computer file system.Comprise one or more mutual section as each virtual address bar of virtual address bar 1402 as section 1502,1504,1506 and 1508.In virtual address bar each is section corresponding to predetermined filter or selection criterion about addressable all the available interior perhaps files of computer file system.Generally speaking, the filtrator of all sections is represented the virtual address of virtual address bar in virtual address bar 1402.

As section 1502, first section is called root segment in the virtual address bar, or the root filtrator.Root segment representative can be used for the content type of the widest scope selected by virtual address bar 1402.For example, quote can be by the filtrator of the All Files of computer file system visit in section 1502 " files " representative.Alternatively, root segment can be represented the filtrator of quoting all system services that the user to computer system can use, or the filtrator of all hardware equipment that is installed on the computer system is quoted in representative.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can utilize many other other root filtrators.Therefore, above-mentioned example is for illustrative purposes, should not be construed as limiting the invention.In addition, to the mark of every section demonstration, be schematically as " file " on the root segment 1502, should not be construed as limiting the invention.By an embodiment, the mark on the section of being presented at is that the user is configurable.

As section 1504,1506 and 1508, other filtrator of application is intended in the representative of other section of each in the virtual address bar when selection and display file or content in file reader 1400.For example, root segment 1502 " file " is quoted the All Files that computer system can be used.Section 1504 " document library " generate file as document by selecting to generate application programs by the user by word processing program, spreadsheet or some other document, filter the file of being selected by root segment 1502.Section 1506 " Word documents " filter the file of being selected by section 1504 according to those documents that use word processing program (as the Word application software of Microsoft) to generate.At last, whether section 1508 " author A " filter the word that is selected by section 1506 by " author A " works according to document and handle document.Thereby the content of selecting according to the virtual address of expression in the virtual address bar 1402 must satisfy the filtrator corresponding to all sections in the virtual address bar.

Section in virtual address bar 1402 sorts to those minimum filtrators of content from those maximum filtrators of content usually.For example, as previously discussed like that, section 1502 " files " be the widest scope and content maximum.Section 1506 " Word documents " and section " author A " are that content is less.Virtual address bar 1402 illustrates the ordering of section from left to right, is the purpose of discussing, and section 1504,1506 and 1508 is after root segment 1502.Yet it will be appreciated that other directions are possible, as arrangement from top to bottom, this does not depart from scope of the present invention.Therefore, direction from left to right regards exemplary as, should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Such as previously mentioned, the section in virtual address bar 1402 such as section 1502,1504,1506 and 1508 need be corresponding to the particular location in the computer file system, as file, driver and catalogue.Therefore section 1504 " document library " can be quoted file or the content that distributes on a plurality of servers, driver or folders/directories.Yet, the particular location of some section energy position computer file system layer aggregated(particle) structure in the virtual address bar 1402.Provide the further discussion of the virtual address section of the concrete file system location in location below with reference to Figure 48 A and 48B.

Be different from traditional address field, in the virtual address bar 1402 each section representative exercisable, user interface elements that can be mutual.For example, the section in the virtual address bar 1402 is selected in response to the user, monitors whether cursor stops official hour at interval on this section, and can remove from virtual address bar by the action of towing user interactions.Therefore shown in Figure 44 A, the user can be placed on cursor 1510 on the section in the virtual address bar 1402, as section 1504 " document library ", selects or click this section, so that roam into that one deck, promptly blocks virtual address as being described in this section with reference to figure 44B.

Figure 44 B is illustrated in the result who selects section 1504 in the virtual address bar 1402.By click section 1504 on virtual address bar 1402, the user shows that hope roams into that one deck in the virtual address.In fact, the user has cut out those filtrators in institute selections back.For example, by clicking section 1504 " document library " (Figure 44 A), final virtual address 1404 no longer comprises 1506 " Word documents " and 1508 " author A " (Figure 44 A).In addition, because the user has roamed into the filter set of less restriction, virtual address 1404 final in the virtual address bar 1402 is more abundant in content.By the file (comprising document 1512, document 1514 and document 1516) that can not find at the file reader of Figure 44 A before in the file reader 1400 of Figure 44 B, having increased, and, this point has been described by scroll button 1518 (this shows can see other file that can not show at file reader 1400 (Figure 44 B) owing to space constraint) having occurred.

Except selecting section with the section that roams into less restriction in virtual address bar, the user also may wish to roam or be chosen in the reciprocity filtrator of present segment in the virtual address.The equity filtrator is the filtrator of alternative, and its can be selected and be applied to section given in the virtual address bar.For example with reference to figure 44A, can comprise filtrator as " Excel document ", " periodical " etc. to the reciprocity filtrator of section 1506 " Word document ".The other types filtrator that comprises concrete file system location, hardware device or Computer Service also can be applied to section given in the virtual address bar.Can or can be not on the equity filter logic with given section when front filter relevant.Each section can have reciprocity filtrator in virtual address bar.Be chosen in that the reciprocity filtrator of a section is sometimes referred to as horizontal roaming in the virtual address bar.The reciprocity filtrator that is chosen in the section in the virtual address bar is described below with reference to Figure 45 A to 45D and Figure 49.

Figure 45 A to 45D be illustrate select with virtual address bar 1600 in the synoptic diagram of section reciprocity filtrator that is associated of virtual address.Shown in Figure 45 A, virtual address bar 1600 has and comprises a plurality of sections: section 1602-1608, virtual address.In order to be chosen in the virtual address bar 1600 mutual section given reciprocity filtrator, the user must make other selection of this mutual section or operation in addition.A kind of method of making other selection is the right given section of clicking.Right clicking operation is well known in the art, and is meant second button that uses mouse or other input equipments, and wherein this second button is usually at the right-hand side of mouse.Alternatively, mutual section can monitor that cursor puts thereon, goes up and rest on the there predetermined time interval by cursor being placed on mutual section, just can make other selection, and this is called hover (hovering) sometimes.Yet though the alternative methods that shows reciprocity filtrator has been described in this discussion, they only are illustrative, should not be construed as limiting the invention.One skilled in the art will appreciate that has many alternative arrangement to producing other selection.

For one section of other selection is described, with reference to figure 45A, the user at first with cursor 1610 sections of being placed on 1604 " document library " one period schedule time of top, promptly hovers on this section, to select this section.Figure 45 B has represented to select in addition the result of section 1604 " document library " in virtual address bar 1600.Shown in Figure 45 B,, demonstrate the reciprocity filtrator view 1612 that comprises corresponding to the reciprocity filtrator of institute's selections selecting section 1604 " document library " in addition afterwards.Should be appreciated that the reciprocity filtrator that provides should not be construed as limiting the present invention only in order to illustrate in reciprocity filtrator view 1612.

Shown in Figure 45 C, in order to select other reciprocity filtrator, the user with cursor 1610 be placed in reciprocity filtrator view 1612, provide one of them above the filtrator, as reciprocity filtrator 1614, and select this equity filtrator.Shown in Figure 45 D, after selecting this other reciprocity filtrator 1614, the new section 1616 that section 1604 (Figure 45 A) that selected in the past are expressed the described other reciprocity filtrator of choosing 1614 replaces.In addition, virtual address bar 1600 removes the section after the section of selecting in addition in the virtual address bar 1600 of Figure 45 A 1604 (section 1606 " periodicals " and 1608 " all documents in 2002 " specifically) from Figure 45 D.Though it is not shown, any file or the content of selecting by section 1604 " document library ", 1606 " periodicals " and 1608 " all documents in 2002 " will no longer show in the corresponding file reader in the past, only showed those files or the content selected by section 1602 " files " and 1616 " picture libraries ".

By various user interactions, section can be added to the end of existing section in the virtual address of virtual address bar.For filtrator being added in the virtual address of virtual address bar, the user can operate and the exercisable control that is associated at a certain filtrator that has on the form of virtual address bar or find on the file reader.For example, with reference to the file reader 1400 of Figure 43, the user can go up at exercisable control 1412 " 2003 " and click, so that corresponding filtrator is added to virtual address 1404 in the virtual address bar 1402.(not shown) alternatively, the user can manually import known filtrator by keying in the filtrator name at the virtual address end.Exist and add the many additive methods of filtrator to virtual address, all these should be seen as and drop in the scope of the present invention, therefore, should be appreciated that above-mentioned example is for illustration purpose, should not be construed as limiting the invention.

When a filtrator adds virtual address in the virtual address bar to, take a process with guarantee the new filtrator that adds with current as virtual address a part and any filtrator of existing does not conflict mutually.If the new filtrator that adds conflicts mutually with existing filtrator, existing filtrator is removed.If the width of the existing filtrator in the new filtrator that adds and the virtual address is different, promptly wideer or narrower than existing filtrator, then newly the filtrator of interpolation conflicts with existing filtrator.In addition, if the new filtrator that adds repels mutually with existing filtrator, the then new filtrator that adds conflicts with existing filtrator.Yet do not add the filtrator with the new interpolation of existing filtrator equivalence, because this not effect.Should be understood that the foregoing description of only giving entry/exit conflicts, but should not be construed as limiting the invention for illustrative purposes.One skilled in the art will appreciate that other conflicts that may exist between the filtrator, that is also thought and drops in the scope of the present invention.

Figure 46 A to 46D illustrates to add the virtual address 1702 of filtrator to virtual address bar 1700, and removes the synoptic diagram of the existing filtrator of conflict.Figure 46 A is illustrated in the example virtual address 1702 that shows in the virtual address bar 1700.Shown in Figure 46 B, the new filtrator of representing with section 1706 " 2002 " is added to virtual address 1702.As previously mentioned, new filtrator is added to the end of virtual address, shown in the section 1706 " 2002 " of placing in the end in virtual address bar 1700 stage casings of Figure 46 B.Subsequently, the process of the section of interpolation 1706 " 2002 " judges that the filtrator that adds does not conflict with any front filter of working as in virtual address 1702.So, do not remove existing filtrator from virtual address 1702.

Shown in Figure 46 C, another filtrator of being represented by section 1708 " author A " is added to virtual address 1702.Judge that for adding process that this new filtrator carries out this new filtrator " author A " conflicts with filtrator by section 1704 " author A-F " expression, because new filtrator " author A " is narrower than existing filtrator.Thereby section 1704 " author A-F " remove from virtual address bar 1700, and section 1708 " author A " are added to the end in virtual address bar stage casing.

Figure 46 D illustrates the result of the virtual address bar 1700 of adding section 1710 " 2003 " to Figure 46 C.Filtrator in virtual address 1702 is restricted, and does not accumulate.Each filtrator has also limited selected content.Therefore mutually exclusive filtrator hinders virtual address 1702 and selects any file or content, thereby produces conflict.Shown in Figure 46 D, section 1706 " 2002 " (Figure 46 C) remove from virtual address bar 1700, because it and new add sections 1710 " 2003 " mutually exclusive and cause and conflict.

When because the size of virtual address bar limits, when the virtual address bar as virtual address bar 1800 (Figure 47 A) can not show virtual address fully, press a size display part virtual address of virtual address bar.Yet the virtual address component of Xian Shiing still can be by user capture.Say that more specifically virtual address bar shows exercisable visual detector, so that in virtual address bar, roll virtual route.Figure 47 A and 47B are illustrated in the example virtual address bar 1800 that shows virtual address when virtual address surpasses the capacity of display of virtual address bar.Shown in Figure 47 A and 47B, rolling icon 1802 and 1804 shows the direction that virtual address bar 1800 can be rolled, so that show the previous virtual address component that does not show.Yet though the chart of example is understood the use of rolling icon, it only is for illustrative purposes, should not constitute restriction of the present invention.One skilled in the art will appreciate that roll virtual address in the virtual address bar of many additive methods, all these will think the scope of the present invention that falls into.

Figure 48 A illustrates the block diagram with virtual address bar 1900 of the section of virtual and physical location in the locating file system.As previously discussed like that the virtual address in the virtual address bar 1900 can comprise the section of particular location in the position computer file system layer aggregated(particle) structure, also comprises the section that is positioned at the position of virtual or logic in the computer file system.File or content by the virtual segment location may be distributed in many positions.Virtual address bar 1900 can comprise the section of location physical location and the section of location virtual location.For example, virtual address bar 1900 comprise navigate to be included in computer file system specifically the zone, as " local disk (C :) ", in file or content.In addition, section 1904 " case files " itself relate to file or the content relevant with case file in a plurality of files that are stored in the computer file system hierarchical structure.Yet those case files that find are only quoted in the combination of section 1902 " local disk (C :) " and section 1904 " case files " on local drive " C ".In addition, section is also filtered at local disk C according to whether comprising speech " fax " for 1906 " comprising fax ": on the file relevant with case file.

Shown in Figure 48 B, virtual address bar 1900 can dispose the function that becomes to resemble the hurdle, location traditionally.For example, with reference to figure 48A, by also clicking on the white space that cursor 1908 is placed on virtual address bar 1900, virtual address bar 1900 switches to the traditional address field that resembles the traditional address 1910 of demonstration from the section that shows the expression virtual address, shown in Figure 48 B.Traditional address 1910 in the virtual address bar 1900 of Figure 48 B is similar to the virtual address that shows in the virtual address bar 1900 of Figure 48 A.Yet those filtrators that do not correspond to the physical location in the computer file system in the virtual address bar 1900 of Figure 48 A can not be shown, and remove from traditional address 1910.Particularly, section 1904 " case files " and section 1906 " comprise ' fax " ' not the part (Figure 48 B) of traditional address 1910.

In order to reconfigure virtual address bar 1900, it is worked the virtual address bar from resembling to work traditional address field to become to resemble, the user must be shown to be different from such mode of clicking at the white space on this hurdle.Become to resemble when working traditional address field when disposing, virtual address bar must permit a user to address editor's purpose and click at white space.Be editor's purpose, click in the clear area of traditional address shelves and will edit the end that cursor is placed on address/path.Therefore, in order once more virtual address to be reconfigured as aforesaid normal mode work, the user must press predetermined key or the key sequence as Esc or tab key, perhaps by other zones of clicking form or view focus is placed on other zones of form or view.One skilled in the art will appreciate that and also can utilize other user action to reconfigure virtual address bar 1900, so that again by its above-mentioned normal mode work, all these thinks to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 49 is a process flow diagram, and the reciprocity filtrator selection routine 2000 that is used for being used in the virtual address bar selection the reciprocity filtrator of a section of discerning is shown.In frame 2002 beginnings, routine 2000 detects reciprocity filtrator and selects to activate.With reference to top Figure 45 A to 45D the reciprocity filtrator selection course of activation is described.At frame 2004, identification is to its section of asking reciprocity filtrator to be selected.At frame 2006, determine reciprocity filtrator to the section of identification from predetermined reciprocity filter list.At frame 2008, show reciprocity filtrator to the user.At frame 2010, the reciprocity filtrator that obtains the user from the reciprocity filtrator that shows is selected.At frame 2012, by remove from virtual address bar identification the section and this identification the section back any other the section, blocked virtual address.At frame 2014, after the section of the reciprocity filtrator that representative is chosen is added to section remaining in the virtual address bar.Routine 2000 finishes subsequently.

Figure 50 illustrates the process flow diagram of exemplary interpolation filtrator routine 2100 that is used for filtrator is added to the virtual address of virtual address bar.In frame 2102 beginnings, exemplary routine 2100 obtains to intend adding to the filtrator of virtual address.For example, as preceding discussion about Figure 43, filtrator can add virtual address to by the action of user outside virtual address bar, or alternatively can directly add virtual address bar to by the name of keying in predetermined filter.

At frame 2104, make new filtrator whether with existing filtrator conflicts in virtual address judgement.As preceding discussion about Figure 46 A to 46D, new filtrator may be owing to narrow down in fact or the scope of the existing filtrator that broadened and conflicting mutually with existing filtrator.In addition, because new filtrator may conflict with existing filtrator mutually with the mutually exclusive and feasible new filtrator of existing filtrator.At decision block 2104, if new filtrator conflicts with an existing filtrator, then at frame 2106, existing filtrator removes from virtual address.Alternative, at frame 2104,, or in frame 2106, removed after the existing collision filtering device if new filtrator does not conflict with existing filtrator, at frame 2108, new filtrator is added to the end of virtual address.Subsequently, the routine 2100 of example finishes.

Figure 51 to 57 is that it is provided at the user experience of improving in the shell browser about the synoptic diagram by the system and method for another aspect of the present invention.More particularly, provide a kind of system and method, the user can more easily discern this project according to the metadata that is associated with a project whereby.

Turn to Figure 51 A, form 2200 is represented the viewing area of the screen size of the graphic user interface that is used for shell browser.Form 2200 comprises preview pane district 2202 and view area 2204.Preview pane 2202 can comprise preview control 2206, user interface (UI) or edit control 2208 and task controls 2210.Usually, preview control 2206 provides by image or other visual displays of the project of preview (as the file of selecting) for the user.Preview control 2206 also can provide control as the iterate button to the user, and it allows the user to forward focus to next project from a project by clicking the mouse button.Can be presented on all places in the form 2200 corresponding to the metadata of one or more projects and/or corresponding to the metadata of the appearance part of this project.For example, edit control and metadata can be arranged in editor control area 2208 together, make the editor control area not only comprise the demonstration of preview item purpose determinant attribute, also present the option of metadata being made editor to the user.Task controls 2210 comprises the task of relevant name space and/or selection.

Be purpose of the present invention, term " metadata " and " the revisable metadata of user " do not comprise the shell entry name.Term " shell entry name " refers to the purpose attribute that is used in shell browser classification and display items display.As mentioned above such, a unique aspect of the present invention is the ability of user in shell browser inediting metadata.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention considers the appearance of option feature in form 2200.For example, preview control 2206 and task controls 2210 are not essential feature for the purposes of this invention.In addition, be not shown in other inessential features among Figure 51 A also in scope of the present invention, other inessential features are as comprising iterate button or demonstration/the hide toolbar of button, and they make the user can the opening/closing preview pane.Yet these and other optional features can help the user easily to be positioned at a certain project in the shell browser.

View area 2204 provides the List View (listview) as one or more projects 2212 of file system files or file.Term " List View " refers to enumerating or tabulating of in holding part project.Term " project " and " shell project " can alternately be exchanged use here, refer to file, file or other this type of hold part and other the non-file objects that can in List View, represent.The example of non-file object can comprise contact, collection and email message, but is not limited to these.Term " shell browser " and " file system navigator " can alternately exchange use here, refer to the browser that allows the user to navigate and roam by the various name spaces that comprise file and other non-docuterms.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention considers form 2200 many possible designs and layouts.For example, preview pane 2202 shows on the view area 2204 of Figure 51 A.Yet other layouts are placed side by side as preview pane 2202 and view area 2204, obviously in scope of the present invention.The position of edit control 2208 also with the location independent of the metadata that shows, and with the location independent of other controls.To the project of in List View 2204, describing, many possible view types are arranged, as detailed content, the demonstration of phantom sheet, cinefilm, sketch map, pinup picture, icon etc.

Figure 51 category-B is similar to Figure 51 A, and difference is that view area 2204 substitutes in order to the view area 2214 of detailed content mode display items display 2212.Because the shell project that shows in the detailed content mode is common, project 2212 is pressed column alignment at the left-hand side of view area 2214, and one or more column headings 2216 form the top line of one group of row, and it comprises relevant to the metadata that is positioned at the project of delegation.Importantly, the present invention considers that the user passes through the enforcement of one or more edit controls 2208 of any position in form 2200, directly metadata values is changed to the ability of other value.For example, in preview pane 2202 and/or view area 2214, can provide edit control.For example, begin in view area 2214, to provide to the sightless edit control of user.For example, when the user hovers on the metadata 2218 and click subsequently it when entering edit pattern, can implement such control.

Then, be provided at the sketch plan 2300 of welcoming pane in the shell browser with reference to Figure 52.Welcome pane to be sometimes referred to as " the empty selection " (null select) pane, because opposite with a selection, it is represented name space or holds part.If the user does not make one's options metadata 2304 and mission critical that preview pane 2302 demonstrations are relevant with file or shell storehouse as yet.If wish, task can be divided into top priority 2306 and other inter-related tasks 2308.Welcome pane 2300 also to comprise view area 2310, wherein can see a plurality of files or sundry item 2312.Welcome pane metadata 2304 can comprise that in this case, the demonstration of metadata is static as the information of the attribute that holds part (as " my picture ").Alternative, welcome pane metadata 2304 can comprise the information as the sampling of the metadata of each project in the calm part, in the case, metadata shows and can change continually.For example, metadata shows and can be limited to the attribute to a project in a period of time, is recycled to next project from a project in per 30 seconds.

Figure 53 is the sketch plan of the pane 2400 selected in shell browser.Pane is opposite with welcoming, the selection of the pane representative of consumer of selection.If the user selects one to hold part or file, the pane of this appearances part or file selection is not needed to be equal to the welcome pane.In Figure 53, the pane 2400 of selection comprises preview pane 2402, and it comprises preview control 2404, metadata demonstration 2406 and task and shows 2408.Similar welcome pane 2300 (among Figure 52), the pane 2400 of selection also comprises view area 2410, wherein can see a plurality of files or sundry item 2412.Yet in Figure 53, the user has selected a file.Thereby preview control 2404 shows the preview image of selected file, and metadata shows that 2406 illustrate the attribute of selected file, and task shows the menu of 2408 inter-related tasks that are provided for operating on selected file.

Figure 54 is that the summary of pane of the selection of Figure 53 is represented, but also comprises context menu 2500, makes the user revise metadata in shell browser by embodiments of the invention.Context menu 2500 among Figure 54 is provided for changing some options of selected metadata to the user.In the plain text shown in the menu 2500 only is an example of the type of option certainly, and these options can offer the metadata that the user edits demonstration.In comprising any form of welcoming pane, can provide context menu, to improve user's experience.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can support any number and various context menu.Be purpose of the present invention, a measure of the metadata that the user can be modified in show in the shell browser provides the context menu as editable metadata context menu 2500 and so on.For example, the user can access text menu by clicking on corresponding text in preview pane or the object.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention also considers the measure except context menu, make the user can be modified in the metadata that shows in the shell browser.Other measure to this is to use the family to click metadata to enter edit mode.Compare mutually, the user can enter edit mode by hovering on relevant text in the preview pane or the object.The measure of available multiple alternative, and they are all in scope of the present invention.

Figure 55 illustrates to be used for making the user can be modified in the process flow diagram of the method 2600 of the metadata that shows in the welcome pane of shell browser by embodiments of the invention.This method 2600 is included in 2602 and shows the metadata of welcoming pane and being associated with this welcome pane.Then 2604, this method provides and allows the control of the metadata that user's modification shows.When operating this control 2606 users and revise the metadata of demonstration, subsequently 2608, this method is associated modified data with welcoming pane, makes to show in next time and to show modified metadata when welcoming pane.

Figure 56 illustrates to be used for making the user can be modified in the process flow diagram of the method 2700 of the metadata that shows in the pane of selection of shell browser by embodiments of the invention.2702, method 2700 at first shows some projects, as project in welcoming pane or the project in the appearance part of selecting.When 2704, when the user selected one or more project, 2706, this method showed the metadata that is associated with the project of selection.2708, this method provides and allows the control of the metadata that user's modification shows.When 2710, when the user operated this control and revises the metadata that shows, subsequently 2712, this method was associated modified metadata with the project of selection, makes to show modified metadata when show the project of selection next time.

Under the situation of a plurality of projects of 2704 user options, the metadata of demonstration can comprise selected all projects crossing attribute, attribute associating or perhaps be the new attribute of relevant selected all projects.In addition, the metadata of demonstration can comprise sampling in turn from the metadata of each selected all project (metadata as the project selected from the metadata of the project of a selection to the next one was taken turns commentaries on classics in per 30 seconds).The demonstration of the metadata that might draw from the selection of all items is equal to the demonstration of selecting the metadata draw from sky.

Figure 57 is the block diagram that comprises the data structure 2800 of the revisable metadata of user that is associated with items displayed in the shell browser.Data structure 2800 comprises the header field 2802 of expression project name.Under the situation of non-docuterm, header field 2802 can comprise name, and its attribute is used for arranging this project at List View by letter.But data structure 2800 comprises user's edit properties field 2804, and it comprises the one or more attributes that are associated with items displayed, but wherein user's edit properties is presented in the shell browser that has this items displayed.Data structure 2800 comprises read-only community string 2806 alternatively, and it comprises any read only attribute that is associated and is worth showing with items displayed in shell browser.The given dimension constraint that metadata shows in shell browser, the attribute number in field 2804 and 2806 is restricted.Therefore, data structure 2800 can comprise an all properties field 2808 alternatively, and it comprises a link or points to the pointer of a position (as property pages), and this position comprises all properties or the metadata that is associated with items displayed.Certainly, comprise in field 2804 and 2806 under the situation of all and items displayed associated attributes, do not need this all properties field 2808.Data structure 2800 is stored in one or more computer-readable medias as file system or shell, so that abundant storage view is provided in shell browser, thereby and has improved user's experience.

The present invention realized with traditional shell browser many situations that can not realize.As first example, the student can use preview pane to manage her plan.When she obtained the new document of a part of the plan be engaged in as her, she can select those documents and use edit control that the name and the plan name of document author are input in the key field in her document library.Now new document will show in the view with her preference: " document according to keyword makes up and lists by the author ".Second example of the new situation that is realized by the present invention relates to the employee of the material of seeking upcoming activity.When he used shell browser to browse by his employee's photo storage set, he selected a pair of picture from preview pane, and adds new keywords " activity in 2003 summers ".Upgraded after the metadata to multiple choices, this employee makes data perspectives with keyword immediately, and the combination of files that can see all " activity in 2003 summers " together.It is apparent to one skilled in the art to have benefited from other many situations of the present invention.

Figure 58 to 66 relates to expand the figure of the system and method for the function of object previewer in being configured to show the shell browser of a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess.As below will describing in detail, a shell browser is provided, it comprises the previewer of acquiescence and the mechanism of extended capability is arranged.The previewer of acquiescence provides the standard level function to multiple item types.The mechanism that extended capability arranged provides the function of the level that is above standard for one or more item typess.

Figure 58 is the sketch that is used for browsing at the shell browser environment of watching other non-image files and file the prior art graphic user interface of the picture that is stored in the file.As mentioned above, easily discerning the demand that is stored in as the project in the computing environment of PC is increasing sharp.With regard to digital picture, the user must call the third party software program traditionally so that watch specific file on PC.Figure 58 illustrates the prior art solution that cinefilm is watched, and it makes the user can watch with more holding and discern the image that is associated with given file in the graphic operation environment.The purpose that cinefilm is watched is when the file of the browsing pictures by the quick iterate process that the scalable image that allows user's preview one or more picture files in file is provided, to alleviate the demand to other software programs.

Figure 58 relates to and is used for browsing the system that is stored in the file picture, and wherein the environment that is used for watching other non-graphic files and file (being shell browser), a series of file pictures are rendered as the sketch map of single file.It also allow the user selectively moving cursor when the sketch map, the amplification preview image of the sketch map of can explicit user choosing.Figure 58 is the synoptic diagram of the representational view on user's screen.As shown in the figure, form 3200 is divided into some districts, comprises header area, assignment options district 3206, preview controls region 3202, captions or comment field and cinefilm district 3204.Assignment options district 3206 is included as to finish with the management and the other system of file and file selects relevant various operations, by the task list of user's selection.Some of these operations is at the picture in cinefilm district 3204 and the preview controls region 3202.Preview controls region 3202 is spaces of preview image of the amplification of the picture selected of explicit user.This space can also comprise the navigation icon that helps the user to pass through iterate preview a series of pictures.Being right after below the preview controls region is captions or comment field, and it can be used to show various Word messages.Cinefilm district 3204 provides the space that shows the single file sketch map image P1 be included in the picture file in the given file, P2, P3, P4.In addition, cinefilm district 3204 also comprises cursor, makes the user can be at a file rolling picture file.It should be noted that cinefilm district 3204 can comprise and show the sketch map image with the direction of mixing.For example shown in Figure 58, P1, P2 and P4 are the scenery pictures, and P3 is a bust.

The user can select any one sketch map image, and the bigger preview image of the sketch map image that the user selects is presented in the preview controls region.In addition, the user of sketch map image any one task of selecting also to make the user select and to carry out and in task options region 3206, listing about selected image.First control knob makes the user can be with a direction iterate ground, the enlarged image of preview each sketch map image in given file fast and sequentially.In other words, for the preview picture, the user is unnecessary ad hoc to be clicked on the sketch map image of each order.On the contrary, the user only needs to repeat to click on first control knob, so that move in file.Second control knob is carried out similar iterate function, but is to carry out in the opposite direction.

Turn to Figure 59, form 3300 expression is used for the viewing area of screen size of the graphic user interface of general shell browser.Form 3300 comprises preview pane district 3302 and view area 3304.Preview pane 3302 can comprise preview control 3306, editor or metadata control 3308 and task controls 3310.Usually, preview control 3306 provides image or other visual displays of the project (as the file of selecting) of preview to the user.Preview control 3306 can also provide control as the iterate button to the user, allow the user by the button of clicking the mouse with focus from an item advance to next project.Edit control 3308 not only comprises the demonstration of preview item purpose determinant attribute, and it also is provided for control that metadata is edited to the user.Task controls 3310 comprises the task of relevant name space and/or selection.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention considers to have optional feature at view 3300.For example, for the purposes of this invention, metadata control 3208 and task controls 3210 dispensable features.In addition, unshowned inessential feature as comprises the iterate button or makes the demonstration of user's opening/closing preview pane/the hide toolbar of button also within the scope of the invention in Figure 59.Yet these and other optional features can help the user easily to locate a certain project in shell browser.

View area 3304 provides the tabulation diagrammatic sketch 3312 as one or more projects of file system files or file and so on.Term " tabulation diagrammatic sketch " refers to enumerating or tabulating of in holding part project.Term " project " and " shell project " can alternately be exchanged use here, refer to file, file and other this type of hold part, and other the non-file objects that can in List View, represent.Similarly, " shell project " refers to the project in the shell storehouse.The example of non-file object comprises contact, collection and email message, but is not limited to these.Term " shell browser " and " file system navigator " can alternately exchange use here, refer to a browser, and it allows the user comprising the various name space navigation roamings of file and other non-docuterms.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can consider many possible designs and layout to form 3300.For example, preview pane 3302 in Figure 59, can be presented at view area 3304 above.Yet other layouts are as preview pane 3302 and view area 3304 is placed side by side, obviously in scope of the present invention.The project of describing also had many possible views, as detailed content, slide demonstration, cinefilm, sketch map, pinup picture, icon etc. in view area 3304.

Then, be provided at the sketch of welcoming pane 3400 in the shell browser with reference to Figure 60.Welcome pane to be sometimes referred to as " the empty selection " pane, because opposite with selection, its is represented name space or holds part.If the user does not make one's options metadata 3404 and mission critical that preview pane 3402 demonstrations are relevant with file or shell storehouse as yet.If wish, task can be divided into main task 3406 and other inter-related tasks 3408.Welcome pane 3400 also to comprise view area 3410, wherein can see a plurality of files or sundry item 3412.The information that welcome pane metadata 3404 can comprise as the attribute that holds part (as " my picture "), in this case, it can be static that metadata shows.Alternatively, welcome pane metadata 3404 can comprise as the information from sampling of holding the metadata of each project in the part and so on, in this situation, metadata shows and can change continually.For example, metadata shows the attribute can be limited to next project, is recycled to the next one from a project in per 30 seconds.

Figure 61 is the sketch of the pane 3500 selected in shell browser.Pane is different with welcoming, the selection of the pane representative of consumer of selection.If the user selects one to hold part or file, the pane of selection does not need to be equal to the welcome pane to this appearance part or file.In Figure 61, the pane 3500 of selection comprises that one comprises the preview pane 3502 of preview control 3504, metadata demonstration 3506 and task demonstration 3508.Similar welcome pane 3400 (among Figure 60), the pane 3500 of selection also comprises view area 3510, wherein can watch a plurality of files or sundry item 3512.Yet the user has selected a file in Figure 61.As a result, preview control 3504 shows the preview image of the file of this selection, and metadata shows that 3506 illustrate the attribute of the file of this selection, and task shows that 3508 provide the menu about the task of being used for operating on the file of selecting.

Figure 62 is the sketch of pane of selection of pane 3500 that is similar to the selection of Figure 61, but has the control of expansion by embodiments of the invention.The pane of selecting 3600 comprises preview pane 3602, and preview control 3604, metadata demonstration 3606 and task that it comprises the control 3614 with expansion show 3608.The pane of selecting 3600 also comprises view area 3610, wherein can watch a plurality of files or sundry item 3612.The user has selected a file 3612, so preview control 3604 shows the preview image of the file of selecting, metadata shows that 3606 illustrate the attribute of the file of selection, and task shows that 3608 provide the menu about the task of being used for operating on the file of selecting.

Control 3614 expressions of expansion surmount common Performance Level from the available function of shell browser.For example, acquiescence preview pane as shown in Figure 58 and 61 or preview control can show the preview image of the project of selection simply.If this project is word handles document or slide demonstration, then Mo Ren preview image can be document or lantern slide first page.Yet the function by the expansion preview image makes it more can be mutual, and the control 3614 that the user can the expansion of operation very easily comes document or slide demonstration are carried out page turning.The Performance Level of this enhancing has improved user's experience, because it allows the user to browse the project of preview more easily and needn't open it, this is useful especially with regard to the file that can discern according to first page for only being not easy.

The control 3614 of expansion can be used for the user as the part of alternative previewer in shell browser.Term " previewer " can refer to the preview control or comprise the preview pane of preview control.The present invention considers a shell browser, and it provides to the user has the acquiescence previewer of standard level function and one or more the specific project type is had the not previewer of the alternative of function at the same level a plurality of item typess, to improve user's experience.The exploitation of alternative previewer is opened to independent software vendors (ISV) and other third party developers, increased value the experience of browsing file by the parties concerned with the mode display file of easy understanding.The present invention considers to be used for the customization previewer of many file types and non-docuterm type, comprise image file, video file, contact, recreation, scanner, video camera, document files, electronic form file, slide presentation files, plotting file and tablet ink file, but be not limited to these.

The present invention can realize that some is described with the impossible a series of situations that realize of traditional shell browser in the above.The third party is allowed to by the file type that provides the code that can see file type inside to describe and illustrate them, and the user is provided accessible significant image.For example, Apple (Apple) can realize Quick Time ^TMThe preview control is selected Quick Time the user in shell browser ^TMShown during file.This preview control can provide the functional level of the expansion of the acquiescence previewer that surmounts in the shell of operating system, comprise as demonstrate preceding 5 second Quick Time ^TMFilm and/or provide and allow the user start Quick Time ^TMThe button of player and the function of control.Alternative previewer to music file can provide similar expanded function.The possibility that it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the function of the expansion in the previewer of alternative is unlimited.

Figure 63 is the diagram of pane of the selection of similar Figure 61, but it also comprises context menu 3714, makes the user be modified in metadata in the shell browser by embodiments of the invention.The pane of selecting 3700 comprises the preview pane 3702 that contains preview control 3704, metadata demonstration 3706 and task controls 3708.The pane of selecting 3700 also comprises view area 3710, wherein can watch a plurality of files or sundry item 3712.Those skilled in the art recognize that for purposes of the present invention, metadata control 3706 and task controls 3708 are not essential feature.The present invention considers to exist these and/or other optional feature, can help the user easily to be positioned at a certain project in the shell browser or improves user's experience.

Context menu 3714 among Figure 63 provides the user some options, comprises the option between the previewer of selecting acquiescence or the alternative previewer of the project that is used to select.In the normal words shown in the menu 3714 only is to present to the example of type that the user is used to select the option of previewer certainly.Can provide context menu in any form, these forms comprise the welcome pane, to improve user's experience.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can support any number and various context menu.Be purpose of the present invention, make the user can in shell browser, select a measure of previewer to provide context menu such as context menu 3714.For example, the user can access this context menu by corresponding text or the object of clicking in the preview pane.

Those skilled in the art recognize that the present invention also can consider to be different from other measures of context menu, be used for an items displayed being selected previewer from a plurality of available previewer of shell browser.Another kind of such measures is to allow be used on the preview control click, to enter selection mode.Similarly, can point out the user by in preview pane, selecting a previewer by clicking.In addition, enter selection mode on related text that the user can be by hovering over preview pane or the related object.The measure of available many alternatives, and all in scope of the present invention.

Figure 64 A is a process flow diagram, and the method 3800 that makes the user can select previewer by embodiments of the invention in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess is shown.Method 3800 provides a plurality of previewer 3802 in shell browser.A plurality of previewer can comprise acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess and the previewer that is used for one or more alternatives of specific project type.The previewer of these alternatives comprises the mounted application program by third party's exploitation.3804, method 3800 gives the user to selecting between two or more previewer of specific project type.Select the prompting of previewer can be by shell browser (when showing new item types) and/or by user's (as by clicking object) starting to show context menu.3806, when the user received the input show a previewer of specific project type selecting, method 3800 then was associated the previewer of selecting 3808 with this specific project type.Before the user selected other previewer, this selecteed previewer kept available.Yet,, unload this application program and will stop use selected previewer if the previewer of selecting is mounted application program.

Figure 64 B is a process flow diagram, and the method 3810 of selecting previewer by embodiments of the invention in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess automatically is shown.3812, method 3810 provides a plurality of previewer in shell browser.A plurality of previewer can comprise that the previewer of these alternatives can comprise the mounted application program by third party's exploitation to the acquiescence previewer of a plurality of item typess with to the previewer of one or more alternatives of specific project type.

3814, system (rather than user) is automatically and pellucidly from selecting the previewer of acquiescence to the two or more available previewer of specific project type.System can respond as the demonstration of new projects' type or the incident the previewer that occurs selecting else is selected a previewer.System configuration becomes according to logic rules to select an acquiescence previewer.Under exception, 3816, system can determine discarded rule and be chosen in can selecteed previewer under the applicable rule.For example, if rule is to select new available previewer, mounted application program can have authority that the previewer of acquiescence is changed to the previewer that can use from mounted application program now usually on current acquiescence previewer.Yet for example shell browser can keep authority to abandon the change that is proposed by the application program of new installation.For example when new application program of installing can not be authenticated to be the suitable owner of item types, it was suitable abandoning.

In any situation, method 3810 is associated the previewer of selecting 3818 subsequently with the specific project type.Before other previewer was selected, it is available that selected previewer keeps.Yet,, unload the use that this application program also will stop the previewer of selection if the previewer of selecting is mounted application program.

Then with reference to Figure 65, process flow diagram illustrates the method 3900 that can use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess by embodiments of the invention that makes.3902, method 3900 comprises provides the shell browser that has the acquiescence previewer of a plurality of item typess.3904, method 3900 also comprises the mechanism that provides extended capability, is used for third party exploitation at least one the alternative previewer to a plurality of item typess.3906, the previewer of alternative can be registered in the shell browser.Under the situation of mounted application program, registration mainly occurs in the time of installation.For example, if application program is installed by OEM, the previewer of alternative can be registered before the user obtains computing machine.In addition, the user can install this application program by Local or Remote.

There have many possible methods to be used for to be top in 3904 mechanism of quoting that extended capability is arranged.One of this kind method comprises shows one group of application programming interface (API), and feasible independently software developer (ISV) and other third party developers can develop the previewer of alternative.Use the API method, have a kind of login mechanism, make ISV can with they the preview control be associated by the item types that ISV had.When the project of in shell browser, selecting the sort of type or file, by the preview control of this login mechanism with the API enforcement ISV that extended capability is arranged.API provides data to the preview control: the data of the data represented project of selecting in view and representative father of project in view hold the data of part.The preview control is operated this data, and provides user interface by the API that provides in shell browser.The user can provide input by keyboard and mouse event, and these keyboards and mouse event are delivered to the preview control by shell browser, and the latter is according to these user's input operations.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that of the present invention have have many methods aspect the extended capability mechanism.Except that the API method, the pointer that can dispose, point to HTML or master control one flash by the user reaches similar function.In addition, there is the model of extended capability can require to have only an application program that has the selected item type that the previewer of having only an alternative can be provided.In other words, some available previewer can be limited to the previewer of an acquiescence and the previewer of an alternative, cause very bad user experience to avoid previewer a plurality of registrations, expansion to strive unexpectedly mutually.Yet other model allows the Any Application of the item types of processing selecting that an additional previewer is provided.The model of an alternative allows the program code of any operation to provide an additional previewer to any item types.Also wish to allow to substitute or remove the previewer of acquiescence in some situation.Many other models are possible, and are considered by the present invention.

Figure 66 is the block scheme of data structure 4000, and it is stored in one or more computer-readable medias, and comprises the information that shows a plurality of previewer in shell browser.Data structure 4000 comprises the acquiescence previewer field 4002 that contains the information that indicates the acquiescence previewer of supporting a plurality of item typess.The previewer field 4004 of alternative comprises the information that shows the alternative previewer of first item types.Another alternative previewer field 4006 can comprise the information that shows the second alternative previewer of first item types, or it can comprise the information that shows the alternative previewer of second item types.One skilled in the art will appreciate that in some situation and have only an alternative previewer field, two or more alternative previewer fields can be arranged in other situation.The previewer field of selecting 4008 comprises information and shows, calls acquiescence previewer or alternative previewer when the project of specific project type shows in shell browser.When field 4006 comprises the information that shows the alternative previewer of second item types, the previewer field of selecting 4010 can comprise when showing the project that shows one or more second item typess in shell browser, calls previewer acquiescence or alternative.The information that is included in field 4002,4004 and/or 4006 can comprise the previewer program code, and it is configured to move when the user selects the type object.

Though illustrated and described embodiments of the invention, be appreciated that and make various variations and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.The position that for example is appreciated that the various UI features that illustrate here be example and can change, the difference of various UI features is placed and is still fallen into the spirit and scope of the present invention.In addition, different aspect of the present invention described herein can form in various combinations, also without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (93)

1. method that presents project set in the computer system that has display and storer comprises:

Establishment comprises the storehouse of the project of the metadata attributes that has one or more regulations;

Automatic Combined has the project of metadata attributes of described one or more regulations in the storehouse;

Provide one or more instruments to be used for operating the project in storehouse; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

2. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, and this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

3. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, a shell browser also is provided, and this shell browser comprises:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

4. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, and this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

5. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprising provides the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess, and this shell browser comprises:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

6. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

7. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises a filtering item purpose method, and described filtering item purpose method comprises:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item; With

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on.

8. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that is used for display items display, and the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

9. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that presents project to the user, and the described method that presents project to the user comprises:

One database is provided, and it allows by non-docuterm of query search and docuterm;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out the non-docuterm and the docuterm of this inquiry of coupling; With

On display, present the non-docuterm and the docuterm that mate described inquiry.

10. method of in computer system, showing project to the user with display and storer, described project has relevant metadata attributes, and described method comprises:

Select first metadata attributes;

Search has the project of selected first metadata attributes;

Provide the first virtual folder display object, the set that its expression has the project of first metadata attributes; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

11. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

12. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, a shell browser also is provided, this shell browser comprises:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

13. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

14. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprising provides the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess, and this shell browser comprises:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

15. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

16. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises a filtering item purpose method, described filtering item purpose method comprises:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item; With

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on.

17. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises the method for the set that is used to present project, the described method that presents the set of project comprises:

Establishment comprises the storehouse of the project of the metadata attributes that has one or more regulations;

Automatic Combined has the project of metadata attributes of described one or more regulations in the storehouse; With

Provide one or more instruments to be used for operating the project in storehouse.

18. method as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that is used for display items display, the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

19. a method that is used for operation item in the computer system with display and storer comprises:

Project team is expressed as virtual folder;

The first definite action that can finish the direct control virtual folder is provided at least, and wherein when carrying out first definite action, this virtual folder is according to such operation of being instructed by the action of execution; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

20. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, and this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

21. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, a shell browser also is provided, this shell browser comprises:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

22. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

23. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprising provides the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess, and this shell browser comprises:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

24. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

25. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprises a filtering item purpose method, described filtering item purpose method comprises:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item; With

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on.

26. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprises the method for the set that is used to present project, the described method that presents the set of project comprises:

Establishment comprises the storehouse of the project of the metadata attributes that has one or more regulations;

Automatic Combined has the project of metadata attributes of described one or more regulations in the storehouse; With

Provide one or more instruments to be used for operating the project in storehouse.

27. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that is used for display items display, the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

28. a filtering item purpose method in the computer system that has display and storer, described project has metadata attributes, and this method comprises:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item;

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

29. method as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, also comprises a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

30. method as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, a shell browser also is provided, this shell browser comprises:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

31. method as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

32. method as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, also comprising provides the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess, and this shell browser comprises:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

33. method as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

34. method as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that is used for display items display, the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

35. a method of watching selected project in the computer system that has display and storer, described method comprises:

Store the link of the set of the desirable project that a directed towards user roamed;

On display, present this link, make that the user can turn back to the view of the set of desirable project by chaining click at this; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

36. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprises a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

37. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, a shell browser also is provided, this shell browser comprises:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

38. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

39. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprising provides the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess, and this shell browser comprises:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

40. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

41. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprises a filtering item purpose method, described filtering item purpose method comprises:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item; With

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on.

42. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprises the method for the set that is used to present project, the described method that presents the set of project comprises:

Establishment comprises the storehouse of the project of the metadata attributes that has one or more regulations;

Automatic Combined has the project of metadata attributes of described one or more regulations in the storehouse; With

Provide one or more instruments to be used for operating the project in storehouse.

43. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that is used for display items display, the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

44. a method that presents project in the computer system that has display and storer to usefulness, this method comprises:

One database is provided, and it allows by non-docuterm of query search and docuterm;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out the non-docuterm and the docuterm of this inquiry of coupling;

On display, present the non-docuterm and the docuterm that mate described inquiry; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

45. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, and this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

46. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, a shell browser also is provided, this shell browser comprises:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

47. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

48. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, also comprising provides the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess, and this shell browser comprises:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

49. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

50. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, also comprises a filtering item purpose method, described filtering item purpose method comprises:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item; With

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on.

51. method as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, also comprises the method that is used for display items display, the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

52. the method for the virtual route of a project of using virtual address bar to be provided to store in the computer file system is characterized in that this method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section on a display, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

53. method as claimed in claim 52 is characterized in that, a filtrator is provided on display, the user selects this filtrator to come the filtration project according to the metadata attributes of being stipulated by this filtrator.

54. method as claimed in claim 52 is characterized in that, quick link is provided on display, link can be selected to watch the project set of appointment by the user fast.

55. method as claimed in claim 52 is characterized in that, a storehouse is provided, it comprises the set of project and operates one group of instrument of the project in this storehouse.

56. method as claimed in claim 52 is characterized in that, the project in the computer file system of being stored in can actual storage in the storer of different physical locations.

57. method as claimed in claim 56 is characterized in that, different physical locations comprises this computing machine computing machine different with at least one, the position on network and External memory equipment.

58. method as claimed in claim 52 is characterized in that, described project comprises docuterm and non-docuterm.

59. method as claimed in claim 58 is characterized in that, described non-docuterm comprises at least one in contact person and the Email.

60. the method as claim 52 is characterized in that, also comprises a shell browser method, is used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, this shell browser method comprises:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

61. the method as claim 52 is characterized in that, also comprises a previewer method, makes the user use third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

62. a computer implemented method that makes the user revise metadata in can the shell browser on display is characterized in that this method comprises:

On display, show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

On display, show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection;

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided;

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section on display, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

63. method as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, a filtrator is provided on display, the user selects this filtrator to come the filtration project according to the metadata attributes of being stipulated by this filtrator.

64. method as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, quick link is provided on display, link can be selected to watch the project set of appointment by the user fast.

65. method as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, a storehouse is provided, it comprises the set of project and operates one group of instrument of the project in this storehouse.

66. method as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, the project in the computer file system of being stored in can actual storage in the storer of different physical locations.

67., it is characterized in that different physical locations comprises this computing machine computing machine different with at least one, the position on network and External memory equipment as the described method of claim 66.

68. method as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, described project comprises docuterm and non-docuterm.

69., it is characterized in that described non-docuterm comprises at least one in contact person and the Email as the described method of claim 68.

70. method as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, also comprising provides a virtual address bar user interface controls, is used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

71. an energy uses the computer implemented method of third party's previewer in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, it is characterized in that described method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided on display;

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess;

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section on display, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

72., it is characterized in that as the described method of claim 71, a filtrator is provided on display, the user selects this filtrator to come the filtration project according to the metadata attributes of being stipulated by this filtrator.

73., it is characterized in that as the described method of claim 71, quick link is provided on display, link can be selected to watch the project set of appointment by the user fast.

74., it is characterized in that as the described method of claim 71, a storehouse is provided, it comprises the set of project and operates one group of instrument of the project in this storehouse.

75. as the described method of claim 71, it is characterized in that, the project in the computer file system of being stored in can actual storage in the storer of different physical locations.

76., it is characterized in that different physical locations comprises this computing machine computing machine different with at least one, the position on network and External memory equipment as the described method of claim 75.

77., it is characterized in that described project comprises docuterm and non-docuterm as the described method of claim 71.

78., it is characterized in that described non-docuterm comprises at least one in contact person and the Email as the described method of claim 77.

79., it is characterized in that, comprise also a virtual address bar user interface controls is provided that be used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises as the described method of claim 71:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

80. a method that is used to present project library in the computer system that has display and storer, described project has a plurality of dissimilar, and described method comprises:

Be provided for comprising the storehouse of dissimilar projects;

Provide similar UI feature group to each storehouse; And

The virtual address bar method uses virtual address bar that the virtual route that points to the project in the computer file system that is stored in is provided, and described virtual address bar method comprises:

Show the virtual address bar comprise the first mutual section, the wherein said first mutual section is positioned at project on the computer file system according to the corresponding filtrator that is used for option; With

Add one or more additional mutual section to described virtual address bar, wherein each additional mutual section further restriction by the project of mutual section location of all fronts;

The wherein said first mutual section and described one or more mutual section additional formation one virtual route.

81., it is characterized in that, comprise also a shell browser method is provided that be used for making the user can be modified in the metadata of shell browser, this shell browser method comprises as the described method of claim 80:

Show a plurality of projects;

Receive first input of expression from the user to the selection of at least one items displayed;

Show the metadata that is associated with the project of described at least one selection; With

The control of the metadata of user's modification demonstration is provided.

82., it is characterized in that described dissimilar at least two of comprising in document, image and the music as the described method of claim 80.

83., it is characterized in that similarly UI feature group comprises the feature that is used to edit as the described method of claim 80.

84., it is characterized in that similarly UI feature group comprises the feature that is used to create new classification as the described method of claim 80.

85., it is characterized in that similarly UI feature group comprises the feature of the metadata that is used for edit item as the described method of claim 80.

86., it is characterized in that similarly UI feature group comprises the feature that changes PivotTables as the described method of claim 80.

87., it is characterized in that a shell browser also is provided, and this shell browser comprises as the described method of claim 80:

The form of a display items display group, wherein this form also shows the metadata values that is associated with one or more items displayed; With

An edit control that allows user's modification at least a portion of metadata values displayed in form.

88., it is characterized in that as the described method of claim 80, also comprise a previewer method, make the user in the shell browser of supporting a plurality of item typess, use third party's previewer, this previewer method comprises:

Shell browser with the acquiescence previewer that is used for a plurality of item typess is provided; With

Provide the mechanism of extended capability, it makes the third party can develop the previewer of the alternative of at least one item types that is used for a plurality of item typess.

89., it is characterized in that also comprise the shell browser that is configured to show a plurality of projects of representing a plurality of item typess is provided, this shell browser comprises as the described method of claim 80:

One acquiescence previewer, it provides the standard level function to a plurality of item typess; With

The mechanism that extended capability is arranged, it provides the function of the function expansion that the standard class that is provided by the acquiescence previewer is provided to one or more item typess of a plurality of item typess.

90., it is characterized in that, comprise also a virtual address bar user interface controls is provided that be used to select the addressable project of computer system to show, described virtual address bar comprises as the described method of claim 80:

A plurality of mutual section, wherein the corresponding filtrator of each mutual section is used for option and shows.

91., it is characterized in that also comprise a filtering item purpose method, described filtering item purpose method comprises as the described method of claim 80:

A plurality of display object are provided on display, and each display object is represented one or more projects;

Filter the project of representing by display object according to the filtrator item; With

Be modified in the display object that provides on the display, the feasible project that stays after the filtration project that is presented on.

92., it is characterized in that as the described method of claim 80, also comprise the method that is used for display items display, the described method that is used for display items display comprises:

Definite plan is therefrom taken out the scope of the actual storage position of project, and described scope comprises this computer memory and at least one other physical location;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out project from the physical location of described scope, determining; With

In the view of display, present the project of taking out according to described inquiry.

93., it is characterized in that as the described method of claim 80, also comprise the method that presents project to the user, the described method that presents project to the user comprises:

One database is provided, and it allows by non-docuterm of query search and docuterm;

Receive an inquiry, respond described inquiry, take out the non-docuterm and the docuterm of this inquiry of coupling; With

On display, present the non-docuterm and the docuterm that mate described inquiry.

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