JP2014531650A - Group opt-in link - Google Patents

Abstract

Techniques for sharing items from online storage (eg, cloud storage) are described herein. In some embodiments, the shared link can be configured as a group opt-in link designed to provide the recipient with the option to join an authorized group for the corresponding shared item. A shared link to the item is generated and provided to the user and can be delivered to the recipient in various ways. When selected by the recipient, the share link causes the option to be displayed to the recipient to opt in to the authorized group for the corresponding item. Group membership is determined by the recipient performing the option, and the opt-in recipient is authorized to the item established for the group. Later, the owner of the item / group can view a list of recipients who have opted in as members and can manage the corresponding rights individually.

Description

  One embodiment relates to sharing items from online storage.

  The availability and popularity of web-based content and services is increasing. For example, users are increasingly using online storage services that provide storage “in the cloud” for content items (eg, documents, application files, photos, mobile uploads, audio / video files, etc.) . Storage in the cloud has made it easier for users to access those files on the network from anywhere using a variety of different types of devices (eg, computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc.). Helping with this convenience, users may also seek a way to share content items from their online storage with others.

  Traditionally, however, online storage services have limited tools provided for sharing items, particularly when sharing items with multiple sites, groups, and / or individuals. For example, the user may have to form an email or message individually for each intended recipient of the shared item and / or manually provide the shared item as an attachment There was sex. In some cases, the user could even have to download the stored item locally before making the item sharable via email or other messaging system. Thus, the prior art for sharing items from online storage can be very inconvenient.

  Techniques for sharing items from online storage (eg, cloud storage) are described herein. Shared links to items held in online storage available from service providers can be generated and distributed in various ways. The shared link can provide the recipient with access to the shared item online from the storage associated with the sender. The sender can manage the authority associated with different shared links that are sent to different recipients individually.

  In one or more implementations, the shared link can be configured as a group opt-in link designed to provide the recipient with the option to join an authorized group for the corresponding shared item. . In response to a request to obtain a link, a shared link for the item can be generated and provided to the user and delivered to the recipient in various ways. The shared link is configured to display an option to join the authorized group for the corresponding item upon selection of the link by the recipient. Group membership is determined by the recipient executing the group opt-in option, and the opt-in recipient is authorized for the items established for the group. Later, the owner of the item / group can view a list of recipients who have opted in as members and can manage the corresponding rights individually.

  This Summary is a simplified introduction of some concepts, further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or important characteristics of the claimed subject matter, but as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to be used.

  The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing, the leftmost digit of the reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. In the description and drawings, the use of the same reference numbers in different illustrations may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an environment in which a shared link for online storage can be used in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an example shared link, according to one or more embodiments.

2 is an exemplary user interface for intercommunication with online storage, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary procedure for generating different shared links for different issue targets.

2 is an exemplary user interface for publishing a shared link, according to one or more embodiments.

6 is an exemplary user interface for managing different shared links according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary procedure for displaying options for joining a group for a shared item using a group opt-in link.

7 is an exemplary user interface for obtaining a shared link for implementing a group opt-in option according to one or more embodiments.

6 is an exemplary user interface for managing recipients to opt in to a group, according to one or more embodiments.

6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary procedure for displaying an option for selecting an account for a shared item using a one-time shared link.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary procedure for an authentication sequence that can be initiated by selection of a one-time shared link.

7 is an exemplary user interface for sending a shared link to implement an option for selecting an account to use to access a shared item, according to one or more embodiments.

7 is an exemplary user interface for prompting a user to select an account to use to access a shared item, according to one or more embodiments.

2 is an exemplary multiple device environment for online resources, according to one or more embodiments.

1 is an exemplary computing system, according to one or more embodiments.

Summary Traditionally, online storage services have limited tools provided for sharing items, particularly when items are shared among multiple sites, groups, and / or individuals. For example, a user may have to manually attach an item to a message and / or publish the item to multiple different services / sites where the user wants to receive the item. Thus, the prior art for sharing items from online storage can be inconvenient.

  Techniques for sharing items from online storage (eg, cloud storage) are described herein. In one approach, different shared links to items can be generated for multiple different publishing targets through a single publishing user interface displayed to the user. Through the publishing user interface, the user can send requests including selections of different social networks and / or other sites / targets and receive shared links to items. In response to the request, different shared links are generated for each selected recipient and the generated shared links are issued to the appropriate target. Thus, a user can easily send a link for a shared item to multiple targets through a single request, and can separately manage the authority associated with each different shared link.

  In other approaches, the shared link can be configured as a group opt-in link designed to provide the recipient with the option to join an authorized group for the corresponding shared item. Item owners can publicly distribute group opt-in links and do not need to pre-determine group size or individual members. The recipient of the link can choose whether to join the group. A group opt-in link can provide limited access to join a group, and members who join the group can then obtain extended rights to the shared item. The owner of the item can see the individual who opted in and can manage the corresponding rights individually.

  In another approach, the shared link is configured as a one-time shared link that provides the recipient with limited one-time access to the shared item for selecting or registering an account to use for later access to the item. be able to. The item owner / sharer can send a one-time share link using any available contact information. The recipient can then use the link to select the account that the recipient wants to use to access the shared item. The owner / sharer does not need to send a link to the selected account and does not even need to have contact information for the account. Once the one-time shared link is released to select an account, the link can be disabled for later acquisition of extended rights to the item.

  In the following description, an exemplary operating environment in which the techniques described herein can be used is described first. The description of the exemplary operating environment includes a description of an exemplary user interface that facilitates intercommunication with online storage. Next, exemplary details and techniques that can be implemented in exemplary environments and other environments are described. Accordingly, the performance of the present technology is not limited to the exemplary environment, and the exemplary environment is not limited to the performance of the exemplary technology. Finally, exemplary systems and devices that can be used to implement one or more embodiments are described.

Exemplary Operating Environment FIG. 1 is a diagram of an environment 100 in an exemplary implementation that is operable to use the techniques described herein. The illustrated environment 100 includes a client device 102, other client devices 104, a service provider 106, and a social network service 108 that are communicatively coupled via a network 110. Client device 102, other client devices 104, service provider 106, and social network service 108 can be implemented by one or more computing devices and further represent one or more components. Can do. The social network service 108 represents various external web services / sites (eg, partner sites) that can operate with the service provider 106 to provide additional / extended experiences and services to users. In at least some embodiments, this is done through linking or otherwise associating a user account of service provider 106 with a corresponding account of an external web service / site.

  The computing device can be configured in various ways. For example, the computing device can communicate over the network 110, such as a desktop computer, mobile station, entertainment device, a set top box communicatively coupled to a display device, a wireless phone, and a gaming console. You may comprise as a computer. Accordingly, computing devices can vary from full resource devices (eg, personal computers, game consoles) having substantial memory and processor resources to low resource devices (eg, conventional) having limited memory and / or processing resources. Set-top boxes, portable game consoles). Further, although a single computing device is shown in some examples, the computing device may be a plurality of servers used in business to perform operations such as by service provider 106 and / or social network service 108. May be represented by multiple different devices.

  Although the network 110 is illustrated as the Internet, the network can assume a wide variety of configurations. For example, the network 110 may include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless network, a public telephone network, an intranet, and the like. Further, although a single network 110 is shown, the network 110 may be configured to include multiple networks.

  Client device 102 is further illustrated as including an operating system 112. The operating system 112 is configured to extract the underlying functionality of the underlying device into an application 114 that is executable on the client device 102. For example, the operating system 112 can extract processing, memory, network, and / or display functions, and the application 114 can be written without knowing the “how” to perform this underlying function. Application 114 can, for example, provide data represented and displayed by the display device to operating system 112 as shown without understanding how to perform this representation.

  Client device 102 is also illustrated as including a communication module 116. The communication module 116 represents functions for enabling various communications on the network 110. For example, the communication module 116 can be implemented as a browser or other suitable application for obtaining and outputting web pages and / or other user interfaces from the service provider 106 over the network 110. The communication module 116 may also represent other application components that are used to obtain one or more resources from the service provider 102.

  Service provider 106 is shown as storing a resource manager 118 that represents functions operable by service provider 106 to manage various resources 120 that may be available on network 108. For example, the various resources 120 are provided over a web page or other user interface 122 that is communicated over a network and output by one or more clients via a communication module 116 or other client application. be able to. The resource manager 118 can manage access to the resource 120, the performance of the resource, the configuration of the user interface 122 for providing the resource 120, and the like. Service provider 106 may represent one or more server devices used to provide various resources 120.

  In general, the resources 120 that are made accessible by the service provider 106 may include any suitable combination of services and / or content that are typically available on the network by one or more providers. Examples of services include, but are not limited to, search services, email services, instant messaging services, online productivity suites, and authentication services that control client access to resources 120. Content varies from text, multimedia streams, documents, application files, photos, audio / video file animations, images, web pages, web applications, device applications, and content for display by browsers or other client applications Combinations can be included.

  One particular example of a resource 120 that can be provided by the service provider 106 is a collaboration service 124 as shown in FIG. Collaboration service 124 represents functionality operable to provide and manage online storage 126 that can be assigned to user accounts associated with service provider 106. Online storage 126 provides the user with “in the cloud” storage for content items such as documents, application files, photos, mobile uploads, and audio / video files so that the user is on network 110. From anywhere you can access those content items and share content to collaborate with others. The collaboration service 124 allows users to share files with other individuals and / or groups through a shared link 128 that can be created and distributed to specific content items in a variety of ways. The shared link 128 provides an authority that can be set to control who can view, edit, or interact with the corresponding content item, described in more detail with reference to FIG. Configured to do.

  The client can access the collaboration service 124 and other resources 120 provided by the service provider 106 through a user account represented by the client account data 130 of FIG. Client account data 130 may include account identifiers, credentials, access rights, profile data, and other data normally associated with user accounts. Resource manager 118 may implement or otherwise utilize an authentication service that is operable to authenticate clients to access various resources 120, including collaboration service 124. The authentication service may be provided as a standalone service, as a component of the service provider 106, such as by a third party provider. To access the resource 120, the client device 104 authenticated by the authentication service can provide a username and password. If the authentication is successful (eg, the client is “as the person is known”), the authentication service can pass the token to allow access to the corresponding resource. Single authentication can address one or more resources, and authentication to a single account with “single sign-on” can be an individual resource, resources from multiple service providers 106, and / or service providers Access to the total suite of resources available from 106 may be provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of shared link 128, according to one or more embodiments, indicated at 200. In this example, shared link 128 is constructed to include navigation path 202 associated with shared key 204. The navigation path 202 provides a path that can be used to navigate to the corresponding content item. For example, the navigation path 202 can be configured as a uniform resource identifier (URI) that, when selected, navigates an application, such as a browser, to a location where resources are available. Shared key 204 is configured as a key, token, or other shared secret that can be used to link various different shared links 128 to the same resource. Thus, the shared key 204 can be used to uniquely identify a particular corresponding shared link 128 and distinguish between shared links.

  In addition, the shared link 128 can encode data that defines or references authority for the corresponding item. The authority specifies the access level for the content item and the corresponding action. For example, who can establish different access levels and perform operations such as read-only, print, publish, view, edit, one-time access, move, and / or copy as listed in some examples You can control what you can do. In one approach, the service provider 106 maintains a table or other database that can be used to match the shared key 204 with the corresponding authority for the content item. Such authority data can be held as part of the file structure for the online storage 126 along with individual files. This can include maintaining an access control list (ACL) that can be referenced or mapped by the shared key 204. Additionally or alternatively, the authority can be encoded directly within the shared link using access parameters or other suitable fields indicated by the corresponding authority level. Collaboration service 124 can be configured to reference and interpret access parameters in shared link 128 to enforce the corresponding authority when using shared link 128 to gain access to items. .

  FIG. 3 shows a diagram 300 illustrating an example user interface 122 that includes one or more portions for enabling intercommunication with online storage, according to one or more embodiments. The user interface 122 in this example is illustrated as being incorporated within a user interface 302 that can be provided by the communication module 116. For example, the communication module 116 can be configured as a browser operable to display a user interface 302 for enabling intercommunication with one or more service providers 106 and corresponding resources 120. The user interface 122 can be configured and provided by the collaboration service 124, for example, as described above.

  To provide intercommunication with online storage, the user interface 122 displays a file management portion 304 that allows navigation, browsing, and management of content items stored “in the cloud” associated with the user / account. Can be. File management portion 304 can be in any suitable way to allow intercommunication with online storage, such as displaying content items in a list, displaying various icons or tiles for stored items, and using a preview window. Can be configured. In the example shown, the file management portion 304 is shown as a “My Files” list when logging in as a user “Robyn”. The list of content items shows the files available to Robin from their online storage 126 through the collaboration service 124, including documents, folders, photos, and other types of content described above. The list of content items shows names for individual files and folders, and basic information associated with each item such as the exemplary data and shared columns shown in FIG.

  Item detail portion 306 is also shown in this example as being able to be configured to provide more detailed information about the selected item that presents details for the “Reunion” folder selected from the list of content items. In addition, the user interface 122 includes a sharing portion 308 that indicates functionality for reviewing and managing sharing options for content items. In this example, shared portion 308 is incorporated as part of item detail portion 306. Alternatively, the shared portion 308 may be provided as a separate portion or separate page accessible via a link, menu item, or other navigation means displayed on the user interface 122. Sharing portion 308 is configured to provide various options for sharing the selected item. This includes creating shared links 128, viewing and setting permissions on items, publishing links to social network services 108 or other external web services / sites, and distributing links using various messaging systems Etc. can be included.

  Accordingly, a user interface 122, such as the described example, can be used to facilitate various intercommunications for accessing online storage 126 and / or sharing items. According to the shared link technique described herein, different links to content items can be generated for different publication targets. Further, a link can be shared with any group through a corresponding shared link 128. In this case, the sharing link 128 is configured to display an option for the recipient to opt-in to the authorized group for the item. Thus, the recipient specifically opts into the group before gaining full authority to the item. In another example, the link recipient may be able to select a particular account to use to access the shared item. This can be done through a one-time link that can be released once and associated with the selected account to access the item and later access the shared item. Further details regarding each of these examples are described below in the respective sections “Different Links to Publishing Targets”, “Group Opt-in Links”, and “Shared Item Account Selection”.

  Accordingly, in view of the above description of an exemplary operating environment and exemplary user interface for intercommunication with online storage, details regarding techniques for using shared links according to one or more embodiments will now be discussed. To do.

Different Links to Publication Targets This section describes techniques for publishing shared links 128 to different selected publication targets. In the following description, reference is made to the exemplary environment 100 of FIG. 1 and the exemplary user interface of FIG. In general, a user can access the associated online storage 126 through the collaboration service 124. The user can select an item to share and a target recipient that receives a link to the item. A user action to share the item causes the collaboration service 124 to generate one or more shared links 128 to the item. In one approach, the collaboration service 124 can generate different links to the same item for a plurality of different publication targets selected by the user. Accordingly, different authorities can be associated with different links, and different links can be presented and managed separately. In the following, an exemplary procedure will be described according to several exemplary user interfaces showing further details regarding different links.

  FIG. 4 shows a procedure 400 in an exemplary implementation for generating different links for different publication targets. The aspects of each procedure described in this specification can be realized by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The procedure is shown as a set of blocks that demonstrate operations performed by one or more devices, and is not necessarily limited to the order shown for performing the operations by each block.

  A different link to the selected publishing target is created to obtain a request to share the item from online storage associated with the user account (block 402). The request can be formed, for example, via the user interface 122 output at the client device 102 to interact with the online storage 126 associated with the user. Through the user interface 122, items to be shared and various targets can be selected. This can be done through issue control or page links provided as part of the user interface 122. At least some targets may be social network services or other partner sites where the user wishes to issue a link to the selected item.

  The request can be formatted in any suitable way to encode information describing the selected item and target. For example, the request can be configured as a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request that uses Javascript®, XML, HTML, and / or other scripting languages. The request can include variables, parameters, and / or items handled by the service provider 106 and other suitable identifiers used to send the target. Thus, the request can be formatted to encode the user selection in several ways and then transmitted, causing the client device 102 to communicate the request to the service provider 106. In one example, collaboration service 124 implemented by service provider 106 is configured to obtain a request and process the request to generate a corresponding shared link 128. In at least some embodiments, the collaboration service 124 is an application programming interface (which can be called on request via a script within a web page or other user interface 122 to initiate creation of the shared link 128 ( API) can be displayed. Additionally or alternatively, the shared links described herein using any suitable client server architecture and / or communication protocol to pass requests / responses between the client device 102 and the service provider 106 Technology related to can be realized.

  In particular, the request is parsed to identify the selected issue target (block 404). For example, the collaboration service 124 can interpret the request, extract the information stored therein, and identify the selected publishing target. Collaboration service 124 also obtains from the request the identifier of a particular item that is shared with the publishing target. With this information, the collaboration service 124 can construct the shared link 128 as described above.

  For example, different shared links are generated for each identified publishing target (block 406), and the generated shared links are added to the authority for the item (block 408). Here, the collaboration service 124 builds a different link for each identified target. Each link may include a navigation path 202 to the item and a shared key 204 as described above. The navigation path 202 to the item can be the same for each link. Shared key 204, however, can be generated as a unique identifier that is different for each link and corresponding target. In one example, shared key 204 is configured as a different token for each link.

  Authority for shared items can also be encoded within the generated shared link. As described, a token or other shared key 204 can be mapped to an authority on the item using an ACL that defines the authority. Thus, to encode the authority, the collaboration service 124 can update the ACL to reflect the respective authority specified for each of the generated shared links. Using this technique, the system can store a mapping of authority to a shared link whether or not apparent to the recipient of the shared link. In another approach, the shared key 204 itself can be used to represent the authority that the corresponding link grants to the link recipient / user. In this case, collaboration service 124 may be configured to interpret shared key 204 when the link is used to determine and enforce the corresponding authority.

  A shared link is issued to the issue target (block 410). For example, the collaboration service 124 can be configured to issue links to various partner sites in addition to creating links. Such partner sites can display a network accessible application programming interface (API) that can be invoked to publish information to a user account. For example, a posting link or posting picture API can be provided for posting content to the social network service 108. Collaboration service 124 may be configured to form a call in an appropriate format specified by various supported partner sites, such as via an API. This allows the user of the collaboration service 124 to select an item and publishing target, send a single request, and hand over processing to the collaboration service 124 to create an appropriate link and post the link to the corresponding publishing target. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with each other once. In response, the user can avoid individual creation and can manually post links to different targets.

  A display of different shared links is presented for items in the user interface for browsing and managing online storage (block 412), allowing individual management of the different shared links associated with each publishing target (block). 414). Since different shared links are created for different targets, the links can be used and managed separately from each other. Thus, the collaboration service 124 can separately indicate different shared links for items in a user interface presented for reviewing and managing stored items. For example, various shared links can be listed through the shared portion 308 of the user interface 122 as described in connection with FIG. In this way, the user can review each of the links generated for a particular item and see the associated authority. Further, the collaboration service 124 is configured to provide various options for separately managing different links to items. This includes, but is not limited to, associating and changing permissions individually for different links, removing one or more links (eg, unissued links), and / or for items This includes actions such as disabling links without affecting other links. Further details regarding the creation, use, and management of different links are provided with respect to the exemplary user interface of FIGS.

  FIG. 5 shows a diagram 500 illustrating an example user interface 122 that can be used to publish links to selected targets, as described. The user interface 122 in this example is illustrated as being incorporated within a user interface 502 that can be provided by the communication module 116. For example, the communication module 116 can be configured as a browser operable to display a user interface 502 for enabling intercommunication with one or more service providers 106 and corresponding resources 120. The interface 502 may alternatively be provided using another tab, pop-up dialog box, or an expandable portion of the page.

  In at least some embodiments, the interface 502 can be made accessible by selection of links, menu items, or other navigation controls provided in the example user interface of FIG. For example, the exemplary interface shown in FIG. 5 may be presented in response to the selection of a “Publish a Link” object displayed within the shared portion 308 in FIG. Thus, the various interfaces in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 5 can represent various pages available through the collaboration service 124.

  Here, the exemplary user interface 122 is operable to create different shared links 128 for the “Reunion” folder of FIG. Target selection portion 504 can be provided to allow input by the user to select a publishing target in any suitable manner. In the example shown, a list of available targets is presented with check boxes for selecting / deselecting different targets. The list can show targets that are pre-associated with the user's account. Other selection controls, such as drop down boxes, search tools, list boxes, and / or other selection tools can also be implemented to allow selection input. Further, additional controls 506 can provide that the user can explicitly search for publishing targets and / or add other networks / sites as publishing targets. Note that publication targets provided with different links can also include individual people or contacts. Once added, the site / network / individual can be automatically displayed as a pre-associated option in subsequent publishing operations.

  The example user interface 122 of FIG. 5 further includes a message input portion 508, an authority portion 510, and an issue control 512. Message input portion 508 allows an optional description or message input to be attached to the issued link. The authority portion 510 allows the selection of authority to be associated with the created link. For example, the authority portion 510 allows the user to select whether the created link can be used to view, edit, move, and / or grant administrator authority for the corresponding item. be able to. In the illustrated example, the authority portion 510 is configured to apply collectively to each of the selected issue targets. In other approaches, individual authority portions 510 may be associated with each target and allow different authorities to be selected for different links. In this case, various selection controls can be used to implement the authority portion 510, including, for example, check boxes, list boxes, drop down boxes, search tools, and other normal selection tools. When selected by publishing control 512, a request having a selection made via the exemplary interface is sent for processing by service provider 106 and / or collaboration service, as described above.

  FIG. 6 shows a diagram 600 illustrating a shared portion for review and management of different links. In particular, the item detail portion 306 of FIG. 3 is displayed when different links are created for “Reunion Folder” and the page is refreshed. Here, the shared portion 308 has been reconfigured to include a list 602 of different links created by the procedure 400 of FIG. An indication of each different link issued for a particular item is provided with a corresponding authority control 604. Authority control 604 allows the user to individually view and manage authorities associated with different links. For example, authority control 604 is illustrated as a list box operable to select an access level (eg, view, edit, move, copy, print, manage, etc.) for an individual link. In addition, the authority control 604 can enable invalidation / removal of links individually. In addition to or instead of providing authority control 604, editing authority control 606 may be provided. Edit authority control 606 may be selectable to navigate to an authority page that displays various tools and options for reviewing and managing authority for a particular item.

Group Opt-in Link This section describes techniques for a shared link 128 that is configured to provide an option to opt-in to an authorized group for an item. In the description section that follows, reference is again made to the exemplary environment 100 of FIG. 1 and the exemplary user interface of FIG. In general, a user can access the associated online storage 126 through the collaboration service 124. The user would be able to select the Get a Link option that causes the collaboration service 124 to provide a link to share the item. The user can then perform actions to copy and / or distribute in various ways. In one approach, the collaboration service 124 configures the link to display options for joining the group that has authority for the corresponding item upon selection of the link. Groups are not necessarily predetermined, and link recipients can limit or deny access to items until the recipient specifically opts in to the corresponding group. Group membership is determined by the recipient performing the group opt-in option. The opt-in recipient is granted the authority for the item established for the group. Later, the item owner can view the list of recipients who have opted in as members of the group, modify the group permissions, and / or individually modify the permissions for the group members. In the following, an exemplary procedure will be described according to some exemplary user interfaces showing technical details for group opt-in links.

  FIG. 7 shows a procedure 700 in an exemplary implementation for generating a link configured to specifically opt in to a group for a shared item. A sharing link for sharing items from online storage is generated on demand (block 702). As described above, a request to obtain a link can be made via the user interface 122 output at the client device 102 to interact with the online storage 126 associated with the user. The “get link” request can also be formatted using various scripting languages, protocols, and / or communication techniques as described above.

  In one approach, collaboration service 124 creates a link in response to a request that includes navigation path 202 and shared key 204 as described above. Once the link is generated, the collaboration service 124 returns the link to the client device 102 for presentation to the user. For example, the collaboration service 124 can configure a web page or other suitable user interface 122 that includes a link and return a web page for output at the client in response to the request.

  Collaboration service 124 may also configure the link to display a group opt-in option when the link is selected (eg, clicked or navigated) by the recipient. This can be done in various ways. For example, the shared key 204 can be used as an identifier that prompts the collaboration service 124 to present an appropriate option to join the group once the link is used to gain access to the item. The ACL maintained by the collaboration service 124 can be used to indicate that a particular shared key is configured to trigger a group opt-in option. Collaboration service 124 can use shared key 204 (or an identifier stored therein) to retrieve the authority and characteristics of the corresponding link in the ACL. Based on this matching of shared key 204 and ACL, collaboration service 124 can determine whether a link is configured for the group opt-in option.

  Additionally or alternatively, the collaboration service 124 can examine the shared key 204, or other area contained within the link, and determine directly from the investigation that the link is configured for the group opt-in option. For example, a particular string or value associated with shared key 204 can be used as a toggle to selectively indicate whether the group opt-in option is activated. Thus, the collaboration service 124 can set a toggle to activate the group opt-in option when generating a shared link, in which case the collaboration service 124 when the link is used by the recipient. And present appropriate options.

  The shared link is distributed to one or more recipients (block 704). The shared link can be communicated to the user and / or delivered to the recipient in various ways. For example, the shared link 128 generated at block 702 can be presented to the user interface 122 that allows the user to view and / or copy the link. The user can then deliver the link to the selected recipient in any suitable manner. For example, the user can copy the link into a message and send the link to selected recipients, such as email, instant message, and text message. In addition, the user can operate to post the link to the web service / site, such as adding a link to the user profile page at the social network service 108. Links can also be delivered using other technologies such as word-of-mouth, advertising, and written (electronic and / or physical). In addition to providing copyable links, the user interface 122 also uses one or more techniques to facilitate distribution of the links, as further described below in connection with FIG. Can be configured.

  Note that different links as described above can also be created to activate the group opt-in option. Depending on the user's choice, the shared link 128 generated at block 702 can be delivered to multiple publication targets using the techniques described in connection with FIGS. For example, the user can select a publishing option that displays an interface for selecting a publishing target selection equivalent to the example of FIG. In this case, different links created when the user issues a link can also be configured to activate the group opt-in option. This occurs by modifying or using the shared link 128 generated at block 702, and multiple different links can be generated for the selected target. Each different link is configured to include a shared key or other suitable identifier to indicate that the group opt-in option is activated.

  In response to the selection of the shared link by the recipient, an option is displayed to the recipient to opt in to the authorized group for the item (block 706). As described above, the collaboration service 124 can verify the selected link to detect a shared key 204 or other identifier that indicates a group opt-in option. If it is determined that the group opt-in option is activated, it prompts the service and presents the appropriate option if the link is used by the recipient. In some cases, a comparison is made to the encoding ACL whether the group opt-in option is working or not working for the corresponding link. The collaboration service 124 can also identify that the group opt-in option is activated based on a particular value, string, or toggle region included in the shared link 128 when the link is created. .

  If the group opt-in option is appropriate, the collaboration service 124 operates to present the option to the recipient. This can be done in various ways. For example, an opt-in interface or dialog can be output and displayed on the client device 102. The opt-in interface or dialog presents the recipient with the option to join the group and allows the recipient to specifically opt in to the group that has authority over the item. Further, the recipient may be required to select an account to associate with the item / group, using the techniques described below in connection with FIGS.

  More generally, it should be noted that the various techniques related to shared links described in the various sections of this specification can be combined in various ways. Thus, the techniques described for different links, group opt-in links, and one-time shared links can be implemented separately and / or create shared links that are configured for multiple purposes. Can be combined in several scenarios.

  The recipient performing the option is added to the authorized group for the item (block 708). In particular, ACL-defined or item permissions are updated to reflect the addition of recipients that opt-in as members. This may involve associating account identifiers and / or credentials for the opt-in recipient with the group, authority, and / or corresponding item, and making the recipient a member of the group.

  As noted, group membership is determined by the recipient performing the group opt-in option, and thus the group is not necessarily predetermined by membership or size. Item / group owners do not need to manually select each member to create a group and do not need to have contact information for individual people. Rather, the owner can simply obtain a link at block 702 and post or distribute the link to a public site. In this case, the link is effectively published and the person with the link can use the link to obtain at least access to the group opt-in option for the item.

  The group opt-in option can implement a hierarchical access level approach that changes the authority for an item from a first level access before opt-in to a second level access after opt-in. First, the link can be associated with the initial basic authority for the item. The initial authority can be set to a default and / or specified by the user. Typically, the initial authority available through the shared link grants limited access to the item or does not grant access. For example, the initial authority can be set to limit access to viewing items or viewing only item previews. Alternatively, access may be limited to obtaining and operating on group opt-in options for the item. Opt-in changes the authority from the initial basic authority to an extended authority for items established for the group. For example, the extended authority that can be used through the group can be set to be editable in addition to viewing the item. Thus, a variety of different access levels can be associated with an item before opting in through a shared link and after opting in through a group.

  An indication of the opt-in recipient is presented in association with an item in the user interface for online storage browsing and management (block 710), allowing recipient management individually and separately from shared link management. (Block 712).

  Similar to the different shared links for different targets described above, the links configured for group opt-ins and members in the group can be managed separately from each other. Thus, the collaboration service 124 can separately show group links and group members for items in a user interface presented for reviewing and managing stored items. For example, the display of different group members and / or group opt-in links can be listed via the shared portion 308 of the user interface 122 as described in connection with FIG. In this way, the user can review each of the links and members for a particular item, view the associated permissions, and / or manage the permissions for the group and / or individual members of the group separately. . This includes but is not limited to actions such as changing permissions individually, excluding one or more members, and / or disabling links so as not to affect the access rights of already opted-in members. Including. Further details regarding group links and member management are provided in connection with the exemplary user interface of FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows a diagram 800 illustrating an example user interface 122 that can be used to obtain a link for distribution to any group. The user interface 122 in this example is illustrated as being incorporated within a user interface 802 that can be provided by the communication module 116, similar to the exemplary user interface described above. In at least some embodiments, the exemplary interface shown in FIG. 8 may be presented in response to the selection of a “Get a Link” object displayed in the shared portion 308 in FIG.

  Here, the exemplary user interface 122 is again operable to provide a shared link 128 to the “Reunion” folder of FIG. In this case, the interface provides the actual link (as opposed to issuing different links in the section) that the user can copy and distribute in various ways. In particular, the link portion 804 is shown to be able to return a link generated by the collaboration service 124 as already described. As stated, the link can be configured to present a group opt-in option when the link is selected by the recipient. In one approach, the shared key 204 associated with the link is set to display an option when the collaboration service 124 interprets the link.

  The example user interface 122 of FIG. 8 further includes an authority portion 806, a delivery portion 808, and a completion control 810. Similar to the above example, the authority portion 806 allows association with the created link by selecting an authority. For example, the authority portion 510 allows the user to select whether to use the returned link to allow viewing, editing, moving, and / or granting administrator authority for the corresponding item. can do. The user may be able to set both the initial authority before opt-in and the extended authority after opt-in using the hierarchical access level technique described with respect to FIG.

  The distribution portion 808 can be provided to provide various options for sharing the link. For example, the example delivery portion 808 provides options to deliver via email or instant messaging. Selection of these options can be used to automatically create an appropriate message including the link, such as through the service provider 106, a default messaging program, and a third party messaging service. In addition, a posting option is provided that allows for the issuance of links to different sites. In at least some cases, the post option can link to an interface similar to the example of FIG. 5 that can allow for selection of different publishing targets and / or creation of different links to different publishing targets. . In this case, different links are generated and can correspond to a specific link returned to the link portion 804, and an opt-in option can be displayed when selected. As described above, different shared keys 204 can be associated with various different links.

  The completion control 810, when selected, can close the interface and return to the home page or start page for the collaboration service 124 to return to the exemplary interface shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows a diagram 900 illustrating a shared portion for review and management of recipients that perform an option to join a group. In particular, the item detail portion 306 of FIG. 3 is shown after the link has been delivered to the “Reunion” folder and one or more recipients have opted in to the corresponding group. This example is similar to the example of FIG. 6 except that shared portion 308 is configured to include a list 902 of opt-in individuals. Each individual display is provided with a corresponding authority control 904. Authority control 904 allows the user to individually view and manage authorities associated with different individual links. For example, authority control 904 is illustrated as a list box operable to select an access level (eg, view, edit, move, copy, print, manage, etc.) for an individual link.

  In addition, an inactivity control 906 is provided operative to deactivate the delivered link. Once deactivated, the link can no longer opt in to the group. In at least some embodiments, deactivating a link or changing the authority associated with a link does not affect users already added to the group. Thus, individual users can be managed separately from the shared link itself. Another approach is to set the change for any member of the group by disabling the link or changing the permissions.

Shared Item Account Selection This section describes techniques for the shared link 128 that are configured to allow the recipient to select a specific account that the recipient wants to use to access the corresponding shared item. Will be explained. In the description section that follows, reference is again made to the exemplary environment 100 of FIG. 1 and the exemplary user interface of FIG. In general, a user can access the associated online storage 126 through the collaboration service 124. The user will be able to select the Send a Link option that causes the collaboration service 124 to provide a link to share the item. The user can then operate to send the link to the selected individual. Users may have limited contact information for some individuals and therefore cannot send links to addresses or accounts that some recipients want to use to access shared items . As described below, the collaboration service 124 can configure a shared link 128 that is generated in response to a transmission operation as a one-time shared link. Typically, a one-time shared link allows a recipient to obtain limited one-time access to a shared item to select or register an account to use for later access to the item. Once the one-time shared link is released, the one-time shared link can be disabled for later access to obtain extended rights to the item. One-time shared links may or may not remain enabled for limited access, such as read-only access. In this way, the owner / sharer of the item does not necessarily have contact information for those accounts or the recipient is most convenient for accessing the shared item without sending a link to the account. You can choose the right account. In the following, an exemplary procedure is described according to some exemplary user interfaces showing technical details for one-time shared links.

  FIG. 10 shows a procedure 1000 in an exemplary implementation for selecting an account to access a shared item using a one-time shared link.

  A selected recipient is determined for a shared link to an item held in online storage (block 1002). One method that allows this to be done is provided to allow sending a link to one or more recipients through a user interface. For example, the collaboration service 124 can output a user interface 122 accessible by the client device 102 over the network 110. The user interface 122 can output in response to selection of Send a Link control for sharing a specific content item. User interface 122 allows a user to select one or more recipients, enter known contact information, and / or send a request to send a link to one or more recipients. Enable. Collaboration service 124 can receive and process the request to identify the intended recipient. This may include analyzing the request to extract contact information for one or more recipients.

  A different one-time shared link is generated for each selected recipient (block 1004). Here, the collaboration service 124 can create different one-time links for each individual recipient. This can be done in substantially the same way as creating different links for different publication targets, as described in connection with FIGS. For example, a link can be formatted to have a navigation path 202 and a shared key 204, similar to other links described herein. A one-time shared link with stored information is sufficient to designate the link as a one-time shared link and / or allows collaboration service 124 to identify and treat the link as a one-time shared link. In one approach, the shared key 204 can be mapped to an ACL that designates the link as a one-time shared link. Additionally, the link can be flagged as a one-time shared link using the shared key 204, or other suitable identifier stored within the link. In all cases, collaboration service 124 can review the link, determine in some manner whether the link is a one-time shared link, and handle the link accordingly.

  Once the appropriate one-time shared link is generated, the collaboration service 124 can then send a notification with the unique one-time shared link to each designated recipient. Collaboration service 124 may send notifications through various messaging services, including, for example, email, instant messaging, and the like. In some cases, collaboration service 124 may send a notification through an associated partner site, such as a social network, in which case the recipient is notified through a messaging function provided by the partner site.

  As noted, in some ways, a link designated as a one-time shared link is limited to a shared item for the recipient to select or register an account to use to access the item later. It is possible to get a one-time access. In this way, the owner / sharer of the item does not necessarily have contact information for those accounts or the recipient is most convenient for accessing the shared item without sending a link to the account. You can choose the right account.

  As such, an option for the recipient to select an account to use to access the item is displayed in response to the recipient selecting a shared link (block 1006). Options for selecting accounts can be provided at different times in various ways. For example, an account selection user interface or dialog can be presented to allow selection of a particular account at an appropriate time during the authentication sequence. Through the dialog, the user may be prompted to select a current account, select a different account, and / or create a new account to use to access shared items. An exemplary dialog is described below in connection with FIG.

  The timing for presenting account selection options can depend on the access rights associated with the one-time sharing link. For example, the link can be configured to require sign-in before any access to the item is provided. In this case, the authentication sequence including the option to select an account can be started as soon as the link is used. On the other hand, if some access level is granted by the link, such as view-only access, the selection of the link does not immediately start the authentication sequence. Instead, appropriate access to the item is granted and the recipient of the link can view the item. If the recipient attempts to sign in and / or request different access rights, an authentication sequence that includes an option to select an account can begin at this point. One exemplary authentication sequence that can be used to control access to item and account selections is described below in connection with FIG.

  The authority for the item is associated with the selected account (block 1008) and the link is disabled for later use to obtain authority for the object (block 1010). Thus, when the option for selecting an account is performed using a one-time shared link, the selected account is authorized for the item. This can be done by associating an account with an item, such as through ACL.

  Similar to the hierarchical access level approach described above for group opt-in options, different access levels can be used with one-time shared links. Here, the first access level can be associated with the one-time shared link before the link is released. For example, an unreleased link may be associated with an initial basic authority for an unauthenticated user that simply allows the user to view the item. Again, the initial authority can be set to default and / or specified by the user. Usually, the initial authority grants limited access to the item or does not grant access. By releasing the link by selecting an account, the authority is changed from the initial basic authority to the extended authority established for the authenticated user when the link is created. For example, the extended authority can be set so that it can be edited in addition to viewing the item. Accordingly, a variety of different access levels can be associated with an item using a one-time shared link and granted to the user of the link once the link is released.

  When the one-time shared link is released, collaboration service 124 invalidates the link for later access to the item. For example, the ACL can be updated to reflect that the one-time shared link has been released. This can be done by revoking the shared key 204 associated with the link or in any other suitable way of revoking authority for the one-time shared link. A one-time shared link is no longer valid for accessing an item or obtaining authority to an item. Instead, the authority is now associated with the selected account and can be used to later access the item.

  Consider now FIG. 11 which shows a procedure 1100 for an authentication sequence for selecting an account using a one-time shared link in accordance with one or more embodiments. A selection of a one-time shared link for the shared item is detected (block 1102). A determination is made as to whether the link includes sign-in to obtain access to the shared item (block 1104). The determination may be based on the hierarchical access level assigned to the link, as described above in this document. For example, if a one-time shared link for a shared item is created, sign-in may optionally be requested by the user. In effect, a one-time shared link then provides limited access to select an account to use to access the corresponding shared item.

  If the link does not include sign-in, access to the item is possible with unauthenticated authority (block 1106). Unauthenticated authority indicates the initial basic authority set by default or by user selection when a one-time shared link is created. The system can then monitor to detect an action that does not include sign-in (block 1108). Note that unauthenticated access can be disabled by releasing the link. In this case, the owner may instruct to release the shared link at the time of link creation before the authority is granted. In effect, the link is configured without unauthenticated authority and the recipient may not even be able to view the item before the associated link is released.

  If the link requests sign-in at block 1104, and if an action requesting sign-in is detected at block 1108, it is determined whether the user has already signed in (block 1110). If the user has not signed in yet, the user is redirected to log in (block 1112) and the user is authenticated to the selected account (block 1114). This can be done through the collaboration service 124 and / or an authentication service accessible via the service provider 102 using any suitable authentication technology. Typically, the user provides credentials (e.g., username and password) and account for access that is verified to ensure that the user is authentic. In at least some embodiments, the user may be prompted to log in to the account that the user wants to use to access the item at this point. Additionally or alternatively, the account selection prompt can be made later in the authentication sequence, as described above.

  After authenticating the user at block 1114, and if the user has already signed in at block 1110, a determination is made as to whether the user has already been authenticated for access to the shared item (block 1116). If so, the one-time shared link is released (block 1118) and access to the shared item is provided along with the authentication authority (block 1120). In this case, it can be assumed that the user wishes to use a current account that already has authority over the shared item. Thus, access is granted without prompting to select a different account. In an alternative approach, a switch account option may be provided to allow the user to switch accounts even if the user is authenticated for access at block 1116. However, in the example described, access is granted through a current account that already has access, otherwise the link is released and revoked for later use.

  Otherwise, if the user is not authenticated for access at block 1116, a determination is made regarding the validity of the one-time shared link (block 1122). Here, a check is made to ensure that the link was not previously released. If the one-time shared link is not valid, access is denied (block 1124) and an error message can be presented indicating that the one-time shared link is not valid for obtaining access to the shared item.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the one-time shared link is valid, a confirmation is made as to whether to set an optional automatic release option (block 1126). The auto-release option can be selectively set as a design parameter to control whether the one-time shared link is released automatically or through an account selection dialog. Additionally or alternatively, configurable parameters for the autorelease option can be associated with the item and / or user account. In this example, the configurable parameters may be set individually by the item owner and / or for the link recipient account. If the automatic release option is set, flow returns to blocks 1118 and 1120, where the one-time shared link is automatically released and access to the shared item is provided with the authorization authority. This can be done without outputting a prompt to the user.

  If the automatic release option has not been set, an account selection dialog (eg, a release dialog) prompting the user to select an account is output (block 1128). Based on the input obtained via the account selection dialog, a determination is made as to whether to use the current account or select another account (block 1130). If the current account is selected, the flow returns again to blocks 1118 and 1120, where the one-time shared link is released and access to the shared item is provided with authentication authority. Otherwise, the flow returns to block 1112 and the user can be redirected to log in and authenticate for a different account. Blocks 1112 through 1130 may therefore be repeated for different accounts until the current account is selected at block 1130.

  FIG. 12 shows a diagram 1200 illustrating an example user interface 122 that can be used to send a link to selected content. Again, the user interface 122 is illustrated as being incorporated within a user interface 1202 that can be provided by the communication module 116, similar to the example described above. In at least some embodiments, the exemplary interface shown in FIG. 12 may be presented in response to the selection of a “Send a Link” object displayed within the shared portion 308 in FIG.

  Here, the exemplary user interface 122 is again operable to provide a shared link 128 to the “Reunion” folder of FIG. In this case, the interface may be used to send a request to cause collaboration service 124 to create and distribute a one-time shared link for selected recipients that can be formatted, distributed, and used as described above. it can. In particular, an address portion 1204 is shown that can be used to enter an email address or other contact information for a selected recipient. As noted above, the sender does not necessarily have to send the link to the account that the recipient ultimately chose to access the shared item. Message portion 1206 allows the sender to optionally include a personal message in addition to the shared link. Further, the sign-in request control 1208 is operable to selectively set whether sign-in is included in access to the item by the recipient. Once the sign-in request is set, the one-time shared link is configured to provide limited access to the shared item to select an account. Otherwise, the default or selected access level established for unauthenticated users can be associated with the one-time shared link created through the dialog. Although not shown in this particular example, the sender can also access authority controls or menus and use the techniques described with respect to FIGS. 10-11 for initial authority before sign-in (eg, unauthenticated authority) and sign-in. An access level for a later extended authority (eg, authentication authority) can be specified.

  The example user interface 122 of FIG. 12 further includes a transmission control 1210. Transmission control 1210 can be selected to send a request to cause collaboration service 124 to create and distribute an appropriate one-time shared link based on the recipient selected through user interface 122.

  FIG. 13 shows a drawing 1300 illustrating an example account selection dialog 1302, according to one or more embodiments. The account selection dialog 1302 is displayed at various points in the authentication sequence, as described above, and allows the user to select a specific account to use to access the shared item when appropriate. can do. For example, the account selection dialog 1302 may be displayed at block 1128 in the exemplary authentication sequence described with respect to FIG.

  Here, the account selection dialog 1302 includes a current account instruction 1304 indicating the account with which the user is currently authenticated. The user can select the continue control 1306 provided by the dialog to use the current account for access to the corresponding shared item. Depending on the user's selection, the user can select a switch account control 1308 further provided by a dialog for selecting a different account. Depending on the selection of the switch account control 1308, redirection to the login process provides the account with corresponding credentials to select and / or authenticate a different account.

  Although some exemplary details have been discussed regarding various techniques for creating and using shared links, they can now be used to implement various techniques in one or more embodiments. Consider a description of exemplary systems and devices.

Exemplary Systems and Devices FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary multiple device environment 1400 that includes a computing device 102 as described with reference to FIG. The example multiple device environment 1400 enables a ubiquitous environment for a seamless user experience when running applications on personal computers (PCs), television devices, and / or mobile devices. Services and applications are divided into three in order to share the user experience when switching from one device to the next while using the application, playing a video game, watching a video, etc. It works in substantially the same way in all environments.

  In the exemplary multiple device environment 1400, multiple devices are interconnected through a central computing device. The central computing device can be local to multiple devices or can be remotely located from multiple devices. In one embodiment, the central computing device may be a cloud of one or more server computers connected to multiple devices through a network, the Internet, or other data communication link. In one embodiment, this interconnect architecture allows functionality distributed between multiple devices to provide a common and seamless experience for users of multiple devices. Each of the multiple devices can have different physical requirements and capabilities, and the central computing device uses the platform to adapt to the device and also deliver an experience common to all devices to the device Make it possible. In one embodiment, a class of target devices is created and the experience is adapted to the generic class of devices. The class of device may be defined by physical characteristics, type of use, or other common characteristics of the device.

  In various implementations, the computing device 102 may be assumed to use a variety of different configurations, such as a computer 1402, a mobile 1404, and a television 1406. Each of these configurations generally comprises devices that may have different configurations and capabilities, and thus the computing device 102 can be configured according to one or more of different device classes. For example, computing device 102 may be implemented as a computer 1402 class of devices including personal computers, desktop computers, multi-screen computers, laptop computers, netbooks, and the like.

  The computing device 102 can also be implemented as a mobile 1404 class of devices including mobile devices such as mobile phones, portable music players, portable gaming devices, tablet computers, and multi-screen computers. The computing device 102 can also be implemented as a television 1406 class of devices that typically have a larger screen in a casual viewing environment or that include connected devices. These devices include televisions, set top boxes, game consoles and the like. The techniques described herein may be supported by these various configurations of computing device 102 and are not limited to the specific examples of techniques described herein. This is indicated by including the communication module 116 of the client device 102. For example, various communication modules that are accessible to various resources 120 of the platform 1410, including various devices that are adapted for a particular device and that include the collaboration service 124 and online storage 126 described herein. 116 (eg, a browser).

  Cloud 1408 includes and / or represents platform 1410 for resource 120. Platform 1410 extracts the underlying functions of the hardware (eg, server) and software resources of cloud 1408. Resources 120 can include applications and / or data that can be used while computer processing is performed on a server remote from computing device 102. The resource 120 may be provided as a service on the Internet and / or through a subscriber network such as a cellular or Wi-Fi network.

  The platform 1410 can extract resources and functionality for connecting the computing device 102 with other computing devices. Platform 1410 may also operate to extract resource scaling and provide a level of scale that corresponds to the demands that arise on resource 120 implemented via platform 1410. Accordingly, in an embodiment of interconnected devices, functionality implementations related to the functionality described herein may be distributed across multiple device environments 1400. For example, this functionality can be implemented in part on the computing device 102 and via the platform 1410 that extracts the functionality of the cloud 1408.

  FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary system at 1500 that includes an exemplary computing device 1502 that represents one or more such computing systems and / or devices capable of implementing the various embodiments described above. Illustrated in FIG. The computing device 1502 may be, for example, a service provider 106 server, client device 102, system on chip, and / or any other suitable computing device or computing system.

  The exemplary computing device 1502 includes one or more computer-readable media 1506 that can include one or more processors 1504 or processing units, one or more memory and / or storage components 1508, input / output. One or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 1510 for (I / O) devices, and a bus 1512 that allows various components and devices to communicate with each other. Computer readable medium 1506 and / or one or more I / O devices may be included as part of computing device 1502 or may be coupled to computing device 1502. Bus 1512 includes one or more different types of buses, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Represents the structure. Bus 1512 may include a wired and / or wireless bus.

  The one or more processors 1504 are not limited by the material being formed or the processing mechanism used therein. For example, the processor may be comprised of semiconductors and / or transistors (eg, electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such a situation, the processor executable instructions may be electronically executable instructions. Memory / storage component 1508 represents the memory / storage capacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. Memory / storage component 1508 includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile media (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, and magnetic disks). be able to. The memory / storage component 1508 can include fixed media (eg, RAM, ROM, fixed hard drive, etc.) and removable media (eg, flash memory drive, removable hard drive, optical disk, etc.).

  Input / output interface 1510 allows a user to enter commands and information into computing device 1502 and further uses various input / output devices to provide information to the user and / or other components and devices. Makes it possible to present. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a touch screen display, a cursor control device (eg, a mouse), a microphone, and a scanner. Examples of output devices include display devices (eg, monitors or projectors), speakers, printers, and network cards.

  Various techniques can be described herein in the general context of software, hardware (fixed logic circuits), or program modules. In general, such modules include routines, programs, objects, elements, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular extracted data types. Implementations of these modules and techniques may be stored on or transmitted between several forms of computer readable media. Computer readable media can include a variety of available media that can be accessed by a computing device. For example, without limitation, computer readable media may include “computer readable storage media” and “communication media”.

  “Computer-readable storage medium” can mean a medium and / or device that allows for permanent and / or non-transitory storage of information, as opposed to just signal transmission, carrier waves, or the signal itself. . Thus, computer readable storage media refers to non-signaling media. The computer-readable storage medium also includes hardware having instructions, modules, and / or fixed device logic implemented in a hardware form that can be used in some embodiments to implement aspects of the described technology. Contains elements.

  Computer-readable storage media can be volatile and non-volatile, implemented in any suitable manner or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, logical elements / circuits, or other data. Includes removable and non-removable media and / or storage devices. Examples of computer readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, hard disk, magnetic Suitable for storing cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, integrated circuit or chip hardware elements (eg, fixed logic), or other storage devices, tangible media, or desired information Yes, it can include industrial products accessible by computer.

  “Communication medium” can refer to a signaling medium configured to transmit instructions to the hardware of the computing device, such as over a network. Communication media typically may implement computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, data signal, or other transport mechanism. Communication media also includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. For example, without limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

  Any combination of the above is also included within the scope of computer-readable media. Accordingly, software, hardware, or program modules including resources 120, collaboration services 124, applications 114, communication modules 116, and other program modules are implemented in some form of computer readable media. Or it can be implemented as multiple instructions and / or logic.

  Accordingly, the specific modules, functions, components, and techniques described herein can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, and / or combinations thereof. The computing device 1502 may be configured to perform certain instructions and / or functions corresponding to software and / or hardware modules implemented on computer readable media. The instructions and / or functions are performed by one or more industrial products (eg, one or more computing devices 1502 and / or processor 1504) to implement technologies related to shared links and other technologies. Can be enabled / operable. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, the exemplary procedures described herein. Accordingly, a computer-readable medium is configured to store or otherwise provide instructions that cause various techniques associated with a shared link when executed by one or more devices described herein. can do.

CONCLUSION Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological operations, the invention as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or operations described. Should be understood. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed invention.

Claims (10)

A method implemented by a computing device, the method comprising:
Generating a share link for distribution to one or more recipients, upon request, sharing an item from online storage associated with the user account with one or more recipients;
In response to selection of the shared link by the one or more recipients, displaying to the one or more recipients an option to opt-in to an authorized group for the item;
Adding the one or more recipients that perform the option to the group that has authority over the item.   The method of claim 1, further comprising delivering the shared link to the one or more recipients.   The method of claim 1, further comprising: outputting a user interface having the shared link to a client to allow copying and distribution of the shared link.   The method of claim 1, wherein generating the shared link comprises encoding an authority for the item in the shared link.   The method of claim 1, further comprising mapping the generated shared link to the authority for the item defined by an access control list.   The method of claim 1, wherein membership in the group is determined by the recipient performing the option to opt-in to the group.   The method of claim 1, further comprising granting limited access to the item to recipients of the shared link until the recipient performs the option to opt-in to the group.   The step of adding a recipient performing the option to the group comprises associating an account identifier of the recipient to be opt-in with the group in order to make the recipient to be a member of the group. The method described in 1.   The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting an indication of an opt-in recipient associated with the item in a user interface for browsing and managing the online store.   The method of claim 9, further comprising enabling management of the recipients to opt-in individually and separately from management of the shared link through the user interface.

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