Computerized asset management system

• US 6,502,096 B1
• Filed: 08/22/2000
• Issued: 12/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NCR Corporation (NCR Voyix Corporation)
• Original Assignee: NCR Corporation (NCR Voyix Corporation)
• Inventors: Siefert, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Choules, Jack M.
• Application Number:
  US09/643,604
• Time in Patent Office: 861 Days
• Field of Search: 705/26, 705/27, 707/10, 707/104.1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99939 Privileged access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

The invention concerns a system for managing resources, which can take the form of (a) computer-compatible information, such as data files and programs, and (b) non-computer-compatible information, such as data contained on microfiche, and (c) physical objects. The resources are located at geographically diverse sites.

The invention contains a descriptive profile for each resource, and allows any user to search all profiles, and to search the profiles according to “fields” (a database term), such as by location of the resources, or by category of the resources. The user can order delivery of a selected resource, and the system causes delivery of the resource to be executed, irrespective of the form (eg, physical object) of the resource.

The invention allows a provider of a new resource to limit access to the resource, by identifying users who are authorized to obtain access to the resource. Non-authorized users cannot obtain access to the profiles of these resources.

Claims

1. A method of retrieving a physical object, comprising the following steps:

(a) enabling access to a PROFILE describing the physical object;

(b) enabling the physical object to be listed in response to a request made by a user;

(c) enabling the user to select the listed physical object and view the PROFILE;

(d) enabling the user to place an order for delivery of the selected physical object;

(e) enabling notification of a custodian of the physical object when the order is placed; and

(f) enabling use of the notification to initiate automated record keeping for the transaction.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the notification includes information added to a data file and retrieved by the custodian into a system handling the custodian'"'"'s order entry system.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the notification includes an electronic mail message.

4. The method of claim 3 in which a computer program searches the message for ordering information and automatically loads found information into an order filling software system of the custodian.

5. The method of claim 3 in which the message automatically triggers initiation of an ordering process.

6. A method, comprising:

a) maintaining a plurality of servers at different locations;

b) in association with each server, maintaining a repository containing resources which include (i) downloadable data and (ii) physical objects which are not downloadable;

c) in each server, maintaining a collection of profiles, each of which describes a resource within the server'"'"'s repository;

d) receiving a request from a user to generate a list of resources;

e) generating a list in response to the request, and presenting the list to the user;

f) receiving a designation from the user of a resource on the list and, in response, displaying a profile for that resource to the user; and

g) receiving an order from the user for delivery of a resource on the list and, in response, notifying a custodian of the resource of the order.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the request of paragraph (d) comprises a designation of resources.

8. Method according to claim 6, wherein the request of paragraph (d) comprises a query containing key words and wherein the list of paragraph (e) is generated by performing a key-word search on profiles, to locate profiles containing said key words.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the profiles searched are contained in more than one server.