Method and system for protecting temporary floating blocks of shared data objects from simultaneous manipulation by multiple users

摘要

The invention provides for protecting floating blocks of text or other portions of a shared data object in collaborative computer based system from simultaneous manipulation originating with two or more users. The collaborative computer based system includes a network connecting a plurality of terminals for communication. Each terminal includes an output display device and a user input device. A shared data object (116) is simultaneously accessible by a plurality of users of the system. Responsive to a user obtaining access to the shared data object, the user is assigned a cursor (130, 138, 140) available for display on the visual display devices of all current users. Responsive to movement by a user of his or her cursor, an attempt is made to establish a lock region (142, 134, 123) in the shared data object by determining position coordinates. If the position coordinates do not include any portion of any previously established lock region, a lock region associated with the user's cursor may be established. Movement of a cursor operates to release any prior lock region associated with the cursor if a new lock is established or if the cursor leaves the old lock. IMAGE