U.S. patent application number 13/377427 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for content broadcast method and device adopting same.
Invention is credited to Sang-woong Hwang, Jin-young Jeon, Ji-Young Kwahk, Giang-yoon Kwon, Jee-sun Yoon.
Application Number | 20120088447 13/377427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43508101 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120088447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kwahk; Ji-Young ; et
al. |
April 12, 2012 |
CONTENT BROADCAST METHOD AND DEVICE ADOPTING SAME
Abstract
A method for broadcasting contents and a device using the same
are provided. The method for broadcasting contents includes
displaying contents on a content window; broadcasting, if a
broadcast start command is input, contents displayed on the content
window; and displaying at least one icon for receiving input of a
command corresponding to manipulation of contents on the content
window.
Inventors: |
Kwahk; Ji-Young; (
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Kwon; Giang-yoon; (Seoul, KR)
; Jeon; Jin-young; (Seoul, KR) ; Hwang;
Sang-woong; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Yoon; Jee-sun;
(Seoul, KR) |
Family ID: |
43508101 |
Appl. No.: |
13/377427 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
June 4, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2010/003602 |
371 Date: |
December 9, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/3.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/44591 20130101;
H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 21/4788 20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101;
H04N 21/4316 20130101; G09G 5/00 20130101; H04N 21/41407 20130101;
G06F 3/04842 20130101; G06F 2203/04803 20130101; H04N 21/478
20130101; G06F 3/04817 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101; H04N
21/43637 20130101; H04N 21/436 20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101;
H04N 21/47 20130101; G06F 3/1454 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/3.01 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/06 20090101
H04W004/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2009 |
KR |
1020090051054 |
Oct 30, 2009 |
KR |
1020090104341 |
Claims
1-28. (canceled)
29. A method for broadcasting contents in a host device connected
to a guest device, the method comprising: displaying contents on a
content window; broadcasting, if a broadcast start command is
input, contents displayed on the content window; and displaying at
least one icon for receiving input of a command corresponding to
manipulation of contents on the content window.
30. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: if the
at least one icon is manipulated, broadcasting, to the guest
device, contents that are changed in accordance with the
manipulation.
31. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: if a
user's notes are input through a touch screen, broadcasting, to the
guest device, information corresponding to the user's notes.
32. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising:
receiving and extracting broadcast note information from the guest
device; and displaying a user's notes input to the guest device on
the content window according to the received notes information.
33. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein displaying the
user's notes comprises displaying the user's notes input to the
guest device and notes input to the host device in different colors
from each other.
34. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the at least one
icon includes at least one of a front page icon to change from
displaying contents of a current page to contents of a next page
and a back page icon to change from displaying the contents of the
current page to contents of a previous page.
35. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising:
displaying an application displayed in an area separated from an
area where the content window is displayed.
36. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising:
displaying a broadcast indicator that indicates whether contents
are being broadcast on the content window while the contents are
being broadcast.
37. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: if at
least one icon is manipulated, broadcasting, to the guest device,
contents that are activated by the manipulation.
38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein manipulation of the
at least one icon is input through a pointing device of the host
device.
39. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the pointing device
includes at least one of a laser generating unit, an infrared
generating unit, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor.
40. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: if audio
contents are input to the host device, broadcasting the input audio
contents to the guest device.
41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the audio contents
include at least one of a user's voice, a background sound, an
audio content transmitted from an external source, and an audio
content stored in an external storage medium.
42. A host device comprising: a communication unit for connecting
to at least one external device in order to communicate with the at
least one external device; a display unit for displaying contents
on a content window; a manipulation unit for receiving input
through a user's manipulation; and a control unit for, if a
broadcast start command is input through the manipulation unit,
controlling the communication unit to broadcast contents displayed
on the content window and to display at least one icon to input a
command regarding manipulation of contents on the content
window.
43. The host device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the control
unit, if at least one icon is manipulated, controls the
communication unit to broadcast, to the at least one external
device, contents that are changed in accordance with the
manipulation.
44. The host device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the
manipulation unit includes a touch screen, and wherein the control
unit controls, if a user's notes are input through the touch
screen, controls the communication unit to broadcast, to the at
least one external device, information regarding the user's
notes.
45. The host device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the
communication unit receives broadcast note information from the at
least one external device, and wherein the control unit controls
the display unit to display a user's notes input from the at least
one external device on the content window.
46. The device as claimed in claim 45, wherein the control unit
controls the display unit to display the user's notes input from
the at least one external device and notes input from the host
device in different colors from each other.
47. The device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the at least one
icon includes at least one of a front page icon to input a command
to change from displaying contents of a current page to contents of
a next page and a back page icon to input a command to change from
displaying contents of the current page to contents of a previous
page.
48. The device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the control unit
controls an application displayed in an area separated from an area
where the content window is displayed.
49. The host device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the control
unit controls the display to display a broadcast indicator that
indicates that contents are being broadcast on the content window
while the contents are being broadcast.
50. The host device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the user's
notes input from the at least one external device are input in at
least three colors.
51. The host device as claimed in claim 50, wherein the control
unit, if the user's notes from the at least one external device are
input in at least three colors, controls storage or deletion of the
user's notes according to each color of the user's notes.
52. The host device as claimed in claim 50, wherein the control
unit, if the user's notes from the at least one external device are
input in at least three colors, controls selective storage or
deletion of the user's notes input in the at least colors.
53. The host device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the device and
the external device are at least one of a desktop, an electronic
black board, a mobile phone, and an electronic book.
54. A device, comprising: a communication unit for connecting to at
least one external device in order to communicate with the at least
one external device; a display for displaying contents on a content
window; a manipulation unit for receiving input through a user's
manipulation; and a control unit for setting, if a broadcast start
command is input through the manipulation unit, a communication
mode to a host mode to broadcast contents that are being displayed
on the content window to the at least one external device, and if
contents broadcast from the at least one external device are
received through the communication unit, setting the communication
mode to a guest mode so as to display the received contents on the
content window.
55. The device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the control unit, if
the device is set to the host mode, controls the display unit to
display at least one icon for inputting a command regarding
manipulation of contents on the content window, and if the device
is set to the guest mode, controls the display unit not to display
the at least one icon on the content window.
56. A device, comprising: a communication unit for connecting to at
least one external device in order to communicate with the at least
one external device; a display unit that displays contents on a
content window; a manipulation unit that receives input through a
user's manipulation; and a control unit for, if a broadcast start
command is input, controlling the communication unit to broadcast
contents that are being displayed on the content window to the at
least one external device, and for, if contents broadcast from the
at least one external device are received through the communication
unit, controlling the display unit to display the received contents
on the content window.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a National Phase entry from
PCT/KR2010/003602, which was filed on Jun. 4, 2010, and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) to Korean Patent Application
Serial No. 10-2009-0051054, which was filed in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office on Jun. 9, 2009, and to Korean Patent
Application Serial No. 10-2009-0104341, which was filed in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office on Oct. 30, 2009 the entire
content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a method and
device for broadcasting contents, and more particularly, to a
method and device for broadcasting contents in order to allow a
plurality of devices to share contents.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, there has been a need to share a function
corresponding to a single user with other users through a plurality
of devices. More specifically, users may desire to share their own
content and games with other users.
[0006] In addition, as the amount and speed of data being
transmitted increases in communication interfaces, it has become
easier to share contents or data in real time. In the past,
transmitting a single file from one device to another took a
considerable amount of time, and if the file was large, a user had
to wait for a prolonged period of time. However, as the amount and
speed of data transmission improves, the time for transmission of
data has been reduced dramatically, and data having a small volume
can be transmitted in near-real time.
[0007] In order to communicate with other devices, a user
previously had to set a communication interface for each device.
However, it has become possible for each device to search for an
optimum communication interface and change corresponding settings
automatically, making it easier for devices to communicate with
other devices to share contents. For example, if a device having
wireless Local Area Networking (LAN) enters an area where wireless
Internet is available, the settings of the device are changed
automatically so that wireless Internet can be used.
[0008] However, there is still a need for a method that allows a
user to share contents, data, or a function with other users more
conveniently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve at
least the above-described problems occurring in the prior art, and
to provide at least the following advantages.
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method
for broadcasting contents in a host device connected to a guest
device is provided. The method includes displaying contents on a
content window; broadcasting, if a broadcast start command is
input, contents displayed on the content window; and displaying at
least one icon for receiving input of a command corresponding to
manipulation of contents on the content window.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention host
device is provided. The host device includes a communication unit
for connecting to at least one external device in order to
communicate with the at least one external device; a display unit
for displaying contents on a content window; a manipulation unit
for receiving input through a user's manipulation; and a control
unit for, if a broadcast start command is input through the
manipulation unit, controlling the communication unit to broadcast
contents displayed on the content window and to display at least
one icon to input a command regarding manipulation of contents on
the content window.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
device is provided. The device includes a communication unit for
connecting to at least one external device in order to communicate
with the at least one external device; a display for displaying
contents on a content window; a manipulation unit for receiving
input through a user's manipulation; and a control unit for
setting, if a broadcast start command is input through the
manipulation unit, a communication mode to a host mode to broadcast
contents that are being displayed on the content window to the at
least one external device, and if contents broadcast from the at
least one external device are received through the communication
unit, setting the communication mode to a guest mode so as to
display the received contents on the content window.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
device is provided. The device includes a communication unit for
connecting to at least one external device in order to communicate
with the at least one external device; a display unit that displays
contents on a content window; a manipulation unit that receives
input through a user's manipulation; and a control unit for, if a
broadcast start command is input, controlling the communication
unit to broadcast contents that are being displayed on the content
window to the at least one external device, and for, if contents
broadcast from the at least one external device are received
through the communication unit, controlling the display unit to
display the received contents on the content window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of
certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a broadcast system in which a host device
broadcasts contents to a first guest device and a second guest
device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a host content window before contents are
broadcast according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a host content window for broadcasting
contents according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a guest content window according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a user touching an icon for
starting a broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a screen where a menu for selecting a
broadcast type is displayed according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a full-screen-type broadcast according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a window-type broadcast according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a user touching a pen icon
of a host device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a user is drawing a circle
on a host content window according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a circle on a host device is also
displayed on a first guest device and a second guest device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a user touching a pen icon
of a host device once according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen where a pen icon of a host
device has been returned to its original state according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a user touching a pen icon
of a first guest device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a user is drawing a
triangle on a first guest content window according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates a triangle on a first guest device is
also displayed on a host device and a second guest device according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates broadcasting contents while
multi-tasking with another application according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate examples of broadcasting contents
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a user touching an icon
for ending broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates a screen where a message to end
broadcasting is displayed according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of broadcasting ended
according to an icon for ending broadcasting according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a user touching an icon
for closing a host content window according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of broadcasting ended
according to an icon for closing a host content window according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 25 illustrates a screen where a message to confirm
storage of notes are displayed according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
broadcasting contents of a host device and a guest device according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a flowchart to explain a method for setting a
device to be in a host mode or in a guest mode according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0042] Various embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the following description, specific details such as
detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist
in the overall understanding of the embodiments of the present
invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that various changes and modifications of the
embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of
well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and
conciseness.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a broadcast system in which a host device
broadcasts contents to a first guest device and a second guest
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, in the broadcast system according to an
embodiment of the present invention, a host device 100 broadcast
contents to a first guest device 130 and a second guest device 160.
The host device 100, the first guest device 130, and the second
guest device 160 have touch screens that are connected with each
other for communication.
[0045] A user's input may be received, not only through a touch
screen, but also though a pointing device (not shown). The pointing
device includes an infrared light emitting unit, an infrared
sensing unit, a laser generating unit, accelerator sensor, gyro
sensor, and etc. and may calculate a user's input into a
coordinates corresponding to a pointing location.
[0046] If an infrared light emitting unit is mounted on a pointing
device, an infrared sensing unit may be mounted on the host device
100 or the guest devices 130 and 160. Alternatively, if an infrared
sensing unit is mounted on a pointing device, an infrared light
emitting unit may be mounted on the host device 100 or the guest
devices 130 and 160.
[0047] The laser-sensing unit may be embodied as a camera or any
device that can recognize laser generated by the laser generating
unit. For example, a pointing device having a laser generating unit
may be a laser pointer.
[0048] The host device 100 manages broadcasting contents.
Accordingly, the host device 100 is determined by a function that
is currently provided by the host device 100, and the host device
100 may perform a function of a client later.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the host device 100 broadcasts
contents displayed on a host content window 105. Subsequently, the
first guest device 130 displays contents broadcast from the host
device 100 on a first guest content window 135. The second guest
device 160 also displays contents broadcast from the host device on
a second guest content window 165. Herein, the contents may include
a still image, a moving image, audio and all contents that can be
used in the host device 100. In addition, the contents may be
transmitted from a device other than the host device 100, or
contents generated by the host device 100 according to a user's
input. Such a device other then the host device 100 may be an
external device connected via cable or wirelessly.
[0050] The contents may only be manipulated on the host content
window 105 of the host device 100, while the first guest device 130
and the second guest device 160 receive and display contents
manipulated by the host device 100.
[0051] The same contents may be viewed through devices of a
plurality of users using a broadcast system. Accordingly, a
plurality of users may have a meeting or perform a cooperative work
together using such a broadcast system.
[0052] Hereinafter, the operations of the host device 100, the
first guest device 130, and the second guest device 160 are
explained in detail.
[0053] The type of window for displaying contents are described
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a host content window for broadcasting
contents according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] The host content window 210 includes a title area 212, a
content display area 214, and a command icon display area 216.
[0056] The title area 212 displays a title of the host content
window 210. The content display area 214 displays current contents.
The command icon display area displays icons for inputting various
commands.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a full screen icon 220, a front
page icon 222, a back page icon 224, and a broadcast start icon 226
are displayed before contents are broadcast.
[0058] The full screen icon 220 is used for inputting a command to
display the host content window 210 in full screen.
[0059] The front page icon 222 is used for inputting a command to
turn the page of contents forward, and the back page icon 224 is
used for inputting a command to turn the page of contents backward.
The front page icon 222 and the back page icon 224 are used for
inputting commands with regard to manipulation of contents
displayed on the host content window 210 because if the front page
icon 222 is touched, the current page of contents are turned to the
previous page and thus, the current contents are changed.
[0060] An icon for inputting commands with regard to manipulation
of contents is displayed only on the host device 100 since the host
device 100 takes the lead in manipulating contents and the guest
devices 130 and 160 only display what is received from the host
device 100.
[0061] The broadcast start icon 226 is used for inputting a command
to start broadcasting contents currently displayed. If a user
touches the broadcast start icon 226 to start broadcasting, a host
content window 230 in FIG. 3 is displayed.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates the host content window for broadcasting
contents according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a broadcast end icon 231, a full
screen icon 232, a front page icon 233, a back page icon 234, a pen
icon 235, and a pallet icon 236 are displayed on the host content
window 230 for broadcasting contents. A further description
regarding components that are already described with reference to
FIG. 2 will not be provided for clarity and conciseness.
[0064] In contrast to FIG. 2, the host content window 230 for
broadcasting contents in FIG. 3 further displays the broadcast end
icon 231, the pen icon 235, and the pallet icon 236, and a
broadcasting indicator 240 is displayed on an upper portion of the
host content window 230.
[0065] The broadcast end icon 231 is used for inputting a command
to end broadcasting. More specifically, if a user touches the
broadcast end icon 231, the host device ends broadcasting.
[0066] The pen icon 235 is used for inputting a command to perform
a function of taking notes. Herein, the function of taking notes
refers to a function that allows a user to directly input a certain
line on a touch screen. The pen icon 235 may be realized in the
form of toggling. Therefore, if a user touches the pen icon 235
once, the pen icon 235 may perform a note-taking function, and if
the user touches the pen icon 235 once again, the pen icon 235 may
release the note-taking function.
[0067] The pallet icon 236 is used to input a command for selecting
colors used in the note-taking function. If a user touches the
pallet icon 236, a big color selection board is displayed.
Accordingly, the user may select colors to be used for the
note-taking function by touching colors in the color selection
board.
[0068] The broadcasting indicator 240 indicates that the host
device 100 is currently broadcasting contents. If the broadcast
indicator 240 is displayed on the host content window 230, a user
may recognize that contents are being broadcast.
[0069] As such, the host content window 210 before broadcasting is
different from the host content window 230 during broadcasting in
its configuration.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a guest content window according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4, only a full screen icon 252, a pen
icon 254, and a pallet icon 256 are displayed on the guest content
window 250. Icons for manipulating contents such as a front page
icon and a back page icon are not displayed on the guest content
window 250 of FIG. 4.
[0072] A broadcast indicator 260 for indicating that broadcast is
being received is also displayed on the upper portion of the guest
content window 250.
[0073] As described above, the host content window 210, 230 and the
guest content window 250 are windows that display contents, and the
host content window 210, 230 before broadcasting are different from
the host content window 210, 230 after broadcasting.
[0074] Hereinafter, the process where the host device 100 starts
broadcasting is described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.
[0075] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a user touching an icon for
starting a broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a screen where a menu for selecting a
broadcast type is displayed according to an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a full-screen-type broadcast
according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8
illustrates a window-type broadcast according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the host device 100 displays a
host content window 300 before broadcasting in FIG. 2. As the host
device 100 does not start broadcasting yet, nothing is displayed on
the screens of the first guest device 130 and the second guest
device 160.
[0077] Referring back to FIG. 5, if a user touches the broadcast
start icon 226, the broadcast type selection menu 310 is displayed
as illustrated in FIG. 6. There are a full screen type and a window
type.
[0078] If a user selects a full screen type as a broadcast type,
broadcasting is provided on a full screen as illustrated in FIG. 7.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the host device 100 displays the host
content window 321 on a full screen.
[0079] In addition, the first guest device 130 displays a first
guest content window 323 on a full screen, and the second guest
device 160 displays a second guest content window 324 on a full
screen.
[0080] The contents displayed on the host content window 321 are
also displayed on the first guest content window 323 and the second
guest content window 325. In other words, the host device 100
broadcast contents, and the first guest device 130 and the second
guest device 160 receives and displays the contents being broadcast
by the host device 100.
[0081] Meanwhile, if a user selects a window type as a broadcast
type in FIG. 6, contents are broadcast on a full screen as
illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the host device
100 displays the host content window 321 in the form of a window on
one portion of the screen. In addition, the first guest device 130
displays the first guest content window 323 in the form of a
window, and the second guest device 160 displays the second guest
content window 325 in the form of a window.
[0082] In this case, the contents displayed on the host content
window 321 are also displayed on the first guest content window 323
and the second guest content window 325. Meanwhile, if a use
selects cancellation in FIG. 6, the host device 100 returns to the
state illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0083] Through the above process, the host device 100 may broadcast
contents to the first guest device 130 and the second guest device
160.
[0084] Hereinafter, the process of using a note-taking function
during broadcasting will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 to
16.
[0085] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a user touching a pen icon
of a host device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a host content window displays the
pen icon 235 to activate a note-taking function. Herein, the
note-taking function refers to a function where a text or a drawing
written on a screen via a user's touch is recognized and received
by the host device 100. Alternatively, if a user inputs a text or a
drawing using a pointing device, the host device 100 may receive
the text or the drawing by recognizing the location pointed by the
user. In this case, if a user points to the pen icon 235 using a
pointing device and presses a separate selection button, the
note-taking function is activated. The note-taking function may
also be realized on the guest devices 130 and 160.
[0087] If a user touches the pen icon 235, the pen icon 235 is
highlighted to indicate that the note-taking function is activated
as illustrated in FIG. 10. Herein, the pen icon 235 can be
highlighted using a thicker color or using a different color. In
this state, if the user moves his or her hand or pen while touching
the screen with the hand or pen, a line is drawn on the screen
accordingly. Therefore, the user may use the note-taking function
to write a desired text or drawing. In this case, the note-taking
function may be realized using a pointing device. A cursor may be
displayed at a location where a pointing device points to. The
shape of the cursor may be changed by a user.
[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a user is drawing a circle
on a host content window according to an embodiment of the present
invention
[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 10, if a user draws a circle on the
host device 100, the host device 100 broadcasts the note-taking
information input by the user. Accordingly, the first guest device
130 and the second guest device 160 may receive the note-taking
information and displays the note-taking information on the
screen.
[0090] In this case, a screen including the circle may be generated
as a single image file and then transmitted, or only the circle may
be generated as a single image file and information regarding the
location of the circle may be generated separately and then
transmitted together.
[0091] FIG. 11 illustrates a circle on a host device is also
displayed on a first guest device and a second guest device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the circle displayed on the host
content window 200 is also displayed on a first guest content
window 430 and a second guest content window 460. The first guest
device 130 and the second guest device 160 may receive and display
a full screen with a circle as a single image file or may display
an image file with a circle by referring to information regarding a
location of the circle.
[0093] As such, the contents on the host device 100 are also
displayed on the first guest device 130 and the second guest device
160 and thus, a plurality of users may work cooperatively using the
host device 100, the first guest device 130 and the second guest
device 160. In this case, the guest devices 130 and 160 may be host
devices if necessary. The device where a user's note-taking
information is input becomes a host device.
[0094] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a user touching a pen icon
of a host device once according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a screen where a pen icon of a host
device has been returned to its original state according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 12, if a user touches the highlighted
pen icon 235, the highlight of the pen icon 235 is released and the
note-taking function is inactivated as illustrated in FIG. 13. As
such, the pen icon 235 operates using a toggling method. As
described above, a user may use the note-taking function using the
pen icon 235, and the text or drawing input from the host device
100 may be broadcast to the guest devices 130 and 160.
[0096] In addition, the text or drawing input from the guest
devices 130 and 160 may be broadcast to the host device 100 and
other guest devices. This broadcast is explained I more detail
herein with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.
[0097] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a user touching a pen icon
of a first guest device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 14, if a user touches the pen icon
254 of the first guest device 130, the first guest device activates
the note-taking function. A pointing device may be used to input a
user's command with regard to the first guest device 130 as in the
host device 100.
[0099] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a user is drawing a
triangle on a first guest content window according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the pen icon 254 is activated as
the note-taking function is activated in the first guest device
130. In this state, a user may perform note-taking on the screen of
the first guest device 130.
[0101] In FIG. 15, a user is drawing a triangle on the first guest
content window 430. As such, if a user draws a triangle on the
first guest content window 430, the first guest device 130
transmits the note-taking information to the host device 100 and
the second guest device 160.
[0102] FIG. 16 illustrates a triangle on a first guest device is
also displayed on a host device and a second guest device according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the note-taking information
regarding the triangle drawn on the first guest device 130 is
transmitted to the host device 100 and the second guest device 160.
Accordingly, the triangle drawn on the first guest device 130 is
also displayed on the host device 100 and the second guest device
140. As such, the guest device 130 may not change the contents that
are currently being displayed but may perform the note-taking
function and transmit the note-taking information to another
device. In addition, the host device 100 and the guest devices 130
and 160 may store note-taking information. The host device 100 and
the guest devices 130 and 160 may also be configured to delete the
note-taking information after a predetermined period of time
elapses.
[0104] Further, different colors used for note-taking may be set
for each device. For example, the note-taking by the host device
100 may be displayed in red, the note-taking by the first guest
device 130 may be displayed in green, and the note-taking by the
second guest device 160 may be displayed in blue. As such, colors
are used differently for each device and thus, a user may recognize
who is doing which note-taking easily.
[0105] In this case of different note-taking colors for each
device, a separate icon for selecting colors on the content windows
400, 430, 460 may be displayed, and a plurality of colors may be
selected for each device. For example, three colors may be
allocated to each device and one out of the three colors may be
selected. In addition, a different color may be allocated to each
device. For example, if red, orange, and yellow are allocated to
the host device 100, green, blue, and purple may be allocated to
the first guest device 130. This color-selection scheme is useful
when a single device is used by a plurality of users while a user
of one of the devices wishes to change colors.
[0106] In addition, each color used by a user may be stored in a
separate file and thus, note-taking information of each user may be
identified later. Further, it is also possible to delete
note-taking by each color. The note-taking information input by a
specific user from among a plurality of users may be obtained, and
a GUI for selecting a user or a color may be provided.
[0107] Hereinafter, the operation of broadcasting contents while
performing multi-tasking with another job is described with
reference to FIG. 17.
[0108] FIG. 17 illustrates broadcasting contents while
multi-tasking with another application according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the host device 100 may recognize
that a host content window 510 is displayed along with a first
application window 515. More specifically, the host device 100 may
broadcast contents of the host content window 510 while executing
the first application 515.
[0110] The first guest device 130 may also display broadcast
contents on a first guest content window 520 while displaying a
second application window 525 on the screen. More specifically, the
first guest device 130 may also display the first guest content
window 520 displaying broadcast contents while executing the second
application 525 at the same time.
[0111] The second guest device 160 may also display broadcast
contents on a second guest content window 530 while displaying a
third application window 535 on the screen. More specifically, the
second guest device 160 may also display the second guest content
window 530 displaying broadcast contents while executing the third
application 535 at the same time.
[0112] As such, the host device 100 and guest devices 130 and 160
may display broadcast contents while performing multi-tasking with
another job.
[0113] The host device 100, the first guest device 130, and the
second guest device 160 may each have a microphone and a speaker.
In this case, the host device 100 may broadcast audio contents to
the guest devices 130 and 160. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate examples
of broadcasting audio contents according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0114] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a user inputting audio
contents to the host device 100 according to an exemplary
embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 18, a microphone icon 620 for
activating an audio content input function is displayed on a host
content window 610. Herein, the audio content input function refers
to a function where if a user inputs voice using a microphone, the
host device 100 stores the input voice. The microphone used for
inputting voice may be provided integrally with the host device 100
or may be connected to the host device 100 via cable or wirelessly.
Sound input via the microphone is not limited to a user's voice,
and surrounding sound may also be input via the microphone.
[0115] The host device 100 may receive voice using a microphone and
also receive audio contents from an external source (not shown) and
external storage medium (not shown). The external source includes a
server outside of the host device 100 and the external storage
medium refers to a storage medium that can be coupled to the host
device 100. Examples of such a storage medium includes a memory
card, a memory stick, a flash memory, a hard disk, and an optic
disk, etc., and each of the storage media may be provided in
various forms.
[0116] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of audio content input to the
host device and transmitted and output to guest devices.
[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 19, if a user inputs voice to the
host device 100, the input voice is stored in the host device 100
and output to the guest devices 130 and 160. The guest devices 130
and 160 may output audio contents only when there is an input from
a user via the guest devices 130 and 160 or the guest devices 130
and 160 may output audio contents automatically when the audio
contents are transmitted from the host device. When audio contents
are output using the guest devices 130 and 160, the guest devices
130 and 160 may be internal devices having a speaker or devices
where a speaker is connected via cable or wirelessly.
[0118] In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 18 and
19, a user may input audio contents and listen to output audio
contents using a headset where a speaker and a microphone are
integrally formed. The headset is connected to the host device 100
or the guest devices 130 and 160 via cable or wirelessly.
[0119] Hereinafter, a process of ending broadcasting is described
with reference to FIGS. 20 to 24.
[0120] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a user touching an icon
for ending broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present
invention; FIG. 21 illustrates a screen where a message to end
broadcasting is displayed according to an embodiment of the present
invention; FIG. 22 illustrates an example of broadcasting ended
according to an icon for ending broadcasting according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 20, a user may use the broadcast end
icon 231 in order to end broadcasting of contents. If a user
touches the broadcast end icon 231, a message 750 for confirming
termination of broadcasting is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 21.
In this case, the broadcast end confirmation message 750 may be
displayed if the end icon 231 is pointed using a pointing device or
a separate selection button is pointed and then pressed. However,
the display the broadcast end confirmation message 750 in FIG. 21
is only provided as an example and broadcast may be ended without
displaying the broadcast end confirmation message 750 in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention.
[0122] If a user selects `Yes` in response to the broadcast end
confirmation message 750 in FIG. 21, the broadcasting of the host
device 100 is ended as illustrated in FIG. 22. Accordingly, as
illustrated in FIG. 22, a host content window 705 of the host
device 100 is changed to be in a state where contents are not
broadcast (see the example described with reference to FIG. 2), and
the first guest device 130 and the second guest device 160 do not
display a guest content window any more.
[0123] Meanwhile, a user may end broadcasting using a close-window
icon 710 of a host content window 700, which is explained in
further detail with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0124] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a user touching an icon
for closing a host content window according to an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 24 illustrates an example of broadcasting
ended according to an icon for closing a host content window
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 23, if a user touches the
close-window icon 710 of the host content window 700, the host
content window 700 displayed on the host device 100 disappears, as
shown in FIG. 24. In addition, the first guest device 130 and the
second guest device 160 no longer display a guest content window,
as shown in FIG. 24.
[0126] FIG. 25 illustrates a screen where a message to confirm
storage of notes are displayed according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 25, if a user inputs a command to end
broadcasting in the host device 100, the host device 100 may store
notes that have been taken to the present moment.
[0128] Accordingly, if a user ends broadcasting as illustrated in
FIG. 21 or FIG. 23, the host device 100 may display the note-taking
storage confirmation message 790 as illustrated in FIG. 25. In
addition, if a user selects `Yes`, the host device 100 stores all
of the notes that have been taken to the present and ends
broadcasting as illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0129] Hereinabove, examples of screen displays according to
processes for broadcasting contents by the host device 100 to the
guest devices 130 are 160 are described with reference to FIGS. 1
to 25. Hereinafter, a method of broadcasting contents by the host
device 100 to the guest devices 130 and 160 is described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.
[0130] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
broadcasting contents of a host device and a guest device according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 26, the host device 100 displays
contents on a host content window, in step S810. If a command to
start broadcasting is input by a user, in step S820-Y, the host
device 100 broadcasts the contents being displayed, in step S830.
Subsequently, the contents are transmitted to the guest device 130
and 160, in step S833, and the guest device 130 and 160 display the
received contents on a guest content window, in step S835.
[0132] The host device 100 displays a content manipulation icon on
a host content window, in step S840. In other words, the host
device 100 changes the form of a host content window from the form
of FIG. 2 to the form of FIG. 3. Herein, the content manipulation
icon refers to an icon for inputting commands for manipulation
contents on a content window. Specifically, the content
manipulation icon includes at least one of an icon for turning
content pages forward and an icon for turning content pages
backward.
[0133] The operation of starting broadcasting by the host device
100 and the guest devices 130 and 160 in steps S810 to S840 is also
explained in detail hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.
[0134] Subsequently, if a user's manipulation of contents is input,
in step S850-Y, the host device 100 broadcasts the contents
manipulated by the user, in step S860.
[0135] Herein, the manipulation of contents means changing contents
on the screen. For example, the manipulation of contents may
represent changing a content file which is currently being
displayed or changing a content page. In addition, the manipulation
of contents may be performed by manipulating a content manipulation
icon.
[0136] Subsequently, the changed contents are transmitted to a
guest device, in step S863, and the guest devices 130 and 160
display the changed contents on a guest content window, in step
S865. Through the above process, the host device 100 and the guest
devices 130 and 160 may share the same contents.
[0137] If a user's note-taking is input via a touch screen of the
host device 100, in step S870-Y, the host device 100 displays the
input note-taking on the screen and broadcast the note-taking
information, in step S873. Subsequently, the note-taking
information is transmitted to the guest devices 130 and 160, in
step S875 and the guest devices 130 and 160 display the received
note-taking of the user on a guest content window, in step
S878.
[0138] If a user's note-taking is input via a touch screen of the
guest devices 130 and/or 160, in step S880-Y, the guest devices 130
and 160 display the input note-taking on a screen and broadcast the
note-taking information, in step S883. The guest devices 130 and
160 also store presently taken notes, in step S884).
[0139] After storing the notes, the note-taking information is
transmitted to the host device 100, in step S885, and the host
device 100 displays the received note-taking on a host content
window, in step S888. The host device 100 stores the received
presently taken notes, in step S889.
[0140] In this case of storing notes by the host device 100, the
user's notes input to the guest devices 130 and 160 and the user's
notes input to the host device 100 may be displayed in different
colors from each other. As such, if different colors are used for
each device, each user may easily distinguish who has taken
particular notes.
[0141] In addition, as described above with regard to FIG. 17, a
separate application may be displayed on an area outside of a
display area of a content window on the host device 100 and the
guest devices 130 and 160. In other words, the host device 100 and
the guest device 130 and 160 may perform multi-tasking through such
a display arrangement.
[0142] While the host device 100 and the guest devices 130 and 160
broadcast contents, a broadcast indicator indicating that contents
are being broadcast is displayed on a content window.
[0143] Through the above-described process, the host device 100 and
the guest devices 130 and 160 may share the same contents.
[0144] Meanwhile, a single device may alternately perform the
function of a host that broadcasts contents and may perform the
function of a guest that receives and displays contents. As such,
the process of devices being allocated as hosts and guests is
described hereinafter.
[0145] FIG. 27 is a flowchart to explain a method for setting a
device to be in a host mode or in a guest mode according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0146] Herein, the host mode is a mode where the device is set to
function as the host device 100 and the guest mode is a mode where
the device is set to function as a guest device 130 or 160.
[0147] Initially, a device determines whether a broadcast command
is input, in step S910. If the broadcast command is input, in step
S910-Y, the device sets a mode to a host mode, in step S920, i.e.,
the device performs the function of the host device 100 that
broadcasts contents.
[0148] Accordingly, the device broadcasts contents that are
currently displayed on a host content window and the device
displays a content manipulation icon on a host content window, in
step S940. More specifically, the device changes a host content
window from the form illustrated in FIG. 2 to the form illustrated
in FIG. 3.
[0149] Meanwhile, the device determines whether contents broadcast
from another device are received while a broadcast command is not
input, in steps S910-N and S950. If contents broadcast from another
device are received, in step S950-Y, the device sets a mode to a
guest mode, in step S960 and the device displays the received
contents on a guest content window, in step S970.
[0150] Meanwhile, if a user's notes are input via a touch screen,
in step S980-Y, the device displays the input notes on a screen and
broadcasts information regarding the input notes, in step S990.
More specifically, the device broadcasts a user's notes whenever
the notes are input regardless of a current mode of the device
(i.e., regardless of whether the device is in a host mode or a
guest mode). The device also stores presently-taken notes, in step
S995. Through the above-described process, the device may function
as a host or a guest when sharing contents.
[0151] FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 28, a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes a function block 1010,
a communication unit 1020, a manipulation unit 1030, a display unit
1040, and a control unit 1050.
[0153] The function block performs original functions of a device.
For example, if a device is a desktop, the function block 1010
performs desktop functions, and if a device is a smart board, the
function block 1010 performs the function of the smart board
necessary for a digital conference. If a device is another type of
electronic device (such as a mobile phone, electronic book, etc.),
the function block 1010 performs the corresponding original
functions of the electronic device.
[0154] The communication unit 1020 is connected to an external
device via cable or wireless so as to communicate with the external
device. For example, the communication unit 1020 may communicate
with an external device wirelessly via wireless LAN,
Bluetooth.RTM.; or Zigbee.RTM.. Alternatively, the communication
unit 1020 may communicate with an external device via cable such as
RS-232, Universal Serial Bus (USB), wireless LAN, and
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).
[0155] The manipulation unit 1030 receives input for a specific
command through a user's manipulation. For example, the
manipulation unit 130 may include button, wheel, a touch screen,
etc. The manipulation unit 1030 may also include a pointing device
(not shown). In certain cases, such as when the manipulation unit
1030 includes a pointing device, part of the manipulation unit 1030
may not be integrally formed with the device.
[0156] The pointing device may mounted with an infrared light
emitting unit, an infrared light sensing unit, an acceleration
sensor, and a gyro sensor and may calculate a user's input into a
coordinates regarding a location pointed by the user. If an
infrared light emitting unit is mounted on a pointing device, an
infrared light sensing unit will be mounted on the device, and if
an infrared light sensing unit is mounted on the pointing device,
an infrared light emitting unit will be mounted on the device. In
addition, if a laser generating unit is mounted on a pointing
device, a laser sensing unit will be mounted on the host device 100
or the guest devices 130 and 160. The laser sensing unit may be
configured as a camera or other devices that can recognize lasers
generated from a laser generating unit. In this case, a pointing
device including a laser generating unit may be a laser
pointer.
[0157] The display unit 1040 displays an input image. Specifically,
the display unit 1040 displays contents on a content window. Three
examples of contents windows are described herein with reference to
FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0158] Referring back to FIG. 28, the control unit 1050 performs
operations described with reference to FIG. 27 so as to control the
device to function as a host device or a guest device. More
specifically, if a broadcast start command is input through a
manipulation unit, the control unit 1050 sets the mode of the
device to a host mode so as to broadcast contents that are being
displayed on a content window. However, if contents broadcast from
an external device are received from the communication unit 1020,
the control unit 1050 sets the mode of the device to a guest mode
so as to display the received contents on a content window.
[0159] In addition, if the mode of a device is set to a host mode,
the control unit 1050 controls to display an icon for inputting a
command regarding manipulation of contents on a content window. In
this case, the control unit 1050 controls to display a host content
window described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0160] However, if a device is set to a guest mode, the control
unit 1050 controls the device not to display an icon for inputting
a command regarding manipulation of contents on a content window.
In this case, the control unit 1050 controls to display a guest
content window illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0161] Alternatively, if a device is set to a host mode, the
control unit 1050 controls the communication unit 1020 to broadcast
contents which are being displayed on a content window and to
display at least one icon for inputting a command regarding
manipulation of contents on a content window. If at least one icon
is manipulated, the control unit 1050 controls the communication
unit 1020 to broadcast contents that are changed in accordance with
the manipulation.
[0162] In addition, the control unit 1050 controls other functions
that are described herein-above with reference to FIGS. 1 to
24.
[0163] Meanwhile, a device according to an embodiment of the
present invention may be any device that has a display. For
example, the device may be a desktop, a smart board, a TeleVision
(TV), a notebook computer, etc. In addition, the device may be a
mobile device such as a mobile phone, an electronic book, a Motion
Picture Experts' Group Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player, an electronic
notepad, an electronic album, etc.
[0164] While the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *