U.S. patent application number 13/748621 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-30 for methods, systems, and products for managing multiple data sources.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to James Carlton Bedingfield, SR..
Application Number | 20130138773 13/748621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47721232 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130138773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bedingfield, SR.; James
Carlton |
May 30, 2013 |
Methods, Systems, and Products for Managing Multiple Data
Sources
Abstract
Methods, systems, and products manage multiple data sources or
networks to a single device. A plurality of signals is received at
the device, which may include video signals, from multiple local
data sources. The device may further include an output module,
which may output the plurality of signals onto a single display
device.
Inventors: |
Bedingfield, SR.; James
Carlton; (Lilburn, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.; |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
47721232 |
Appl. No.: |
13/748621 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11611795 |
Dec 15, 2006 |
8384753 |
|
|
13748621 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/147 20130101;
H04L 67/02 20130101; H04L 67/24 20130101; H04L 65/4069 20130101;
G06F 3/14 20130101; H04L 67/22 20130101; G09G 2370/20 20130101;
H04L 67/36 20130101; H04L 65/605 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/217 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a processor; and memory for storing code
that when executed causes the processor to perform operations, the
operations comprising: receiving broadband signals from a broadband
connection to a first network; receiving virtual private network
signals over a separate connection to a second network; determining
a current location matches a telepresence location; activating a
telepresence module when the current location matches the
telepresence location; receiving telepresence signals over an
independent connection to a third network when the telepresence
module is activated; selecting a single display device of multiple
displays communicating with the processor; and outputting the
broadband signals, the virtual private network signals, and the
telepresence signals to a single connection to the single display
device.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise receiving a sensor measurement at the telepresence
module.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise generating a tiled presentation of the broadband signals,
the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence signals
on the single display device.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise proportionally displaying the broadband signals, the
virtual private network signals, and the telepresence signals on
the single display device.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise generating an aligned presentation of the broadband
signals, the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence
signals on the single display device.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise minimizing a presentation of one of the broadband signals,
the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence signals
output to the single display device.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations further
comprise expanding a presentation of one of the broadband signals,
the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence signals
output to the single display device.
8. A method, comprising: receiving, at a device, broadband signals
from a broadband connection to a first network; receiving, at the
device, virtual private network signals over a separate connection
to a second network; determining a current location of the device
matches a telepresence location; activating a telepresence module
stored in memory of the device when the current location matches
the telepresence location; receiving, at the device, telepresence
signals over an independent connection to a third network when the
telepresence module is activated; receiving a user input at the
device that selects a single display device of multiple display
devices connected to the device; and outputting the broadband
signals, the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence
signals to a single connection from the device to the single
display device.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving a
sensor measurement at the telepresence module.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising generating
a tiled presentation of the broadband signals, the virtual private
network signals, and the telepresence signals on the single display
device.
11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising
proportionally displaying the broadband signals, the virtual
private network signals, and the telepresence signals on the single
display device.
12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising generating
an aligned presentation of the broadband signals, the virtual
private network signals, and the telepresence signals on the single
display device.
13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising minimizing
a presentation of one of the broadband signals, the virtual private
network signals, and the telepresence signals output to the single
display device.
14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising expanding a
presentation of one of the broadband signals, the virtual private
network signals, and the telepresence signals output to the single
display device.
15. A computer readable memory storing instructions that when
executed cause a processor to perform operations, the operations
comprising: receiving, at a device, broadband signals from a
broadband connection to a first network; receiving, at the device,
virtual private network signals over a separate connection to a
second network; determining a current location of the device
matches a telepresence location; activating a telepresence module
stored in memory of the device when the current location matches
the telepresence location; receiving, at the device, telepresence
signals over an independent connection to a third network when the
telepresence module is activated; receiving a user input at the
device that selects a single display device of multiple display
devices connected to the device; and outputting the broadband
signals, the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence
signals to a single connection from the device to the single
display device.
16. The computer readable memory according to claim 15, wherein the
operations further comprise receiving a sensor measurement at the
telepresence module.
17. The computer readable memory according to claim 15, wherein the
operations further comprise generating a tiled presentation of the
broadband signals, the virtual private network signals, and the
telepresence signals on the single display device.
18. The computer readable memory according to claim 15, wherein the
operations further comprise proportionally displaying the broadband
signals, the virtual private network signals, and the telepresence
signals on the single display device.
19. The computer readable memory according to claim 15, wherein the
operations further comprise generating an aligned presentation of
the broadband signals, the virtual private network signals, and the
telepresence signals on the single display device.
20. The computer readable memory according to claim 15, wherein the
operations further comprise minimizing a presentation of one of the
broadband signals, the virtual private network signals, and the
telepresence signals output to the single display device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/611,795, filed Dec. 15, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
______, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Computer users perform a variety of tasks with the use of
computing devices and the like. For instance, users may at times
use a computer to perform work, surf the web, play games, or watch
movies or the like. Some employers may, however, limit their
employees' use of the employer's computers or networks. For
example, employers may block access to non-work related web sites.
This may cause some employee computer users to use multiple
computers for multiple different tasks. For instance, an employee
computer user may use a work computer or network to perform work,
while using a personal computer to navigate the web. Using multiple
computers, however, can prove to be confusing and spatially
inefficient.
[0003] These problems may be exacerbated for a teleworking computer
user. This is because a teleworking computer user may desire a
reliable link into an employer's network, in addition to the
ability to perform work-related and non-work related tasks on one
or more computers. Currently, the teleworker only has the solution
of keeping multiple computers and other desired electronics on her
desk in order to accomplish all of her tasks. Again, this solution
is less than ideal.
[0004] The description below addresses these and other shortcomings
in the present art.
SUMMARY
[0005] Devices for managing multiple data sources or networks are
described herein. One such device may include a data source input
module configured to input a plurality of signals, which may
include video signals, from multiple local data sources. The device
may further include an output module, which may receive the signals
from the data source input module and output the signals onto a
single display device.
[0006] Another device may include computer-readable media having
instructions for selecting, from multiple data source displays each
outputted from a respective local data source and each located on a
single display device, one of the multiple data source displays.
Further instructions may include accessing the selected local data
source to allow for use of the local data source, in response to
the selecting of the local data source.
[0007] A method described herein may include receiving data,
including video data, from multiple local data sources. These local
data sources may include some first local data sources that couple
to a first network and other second local data sources that couple
to a second network that is independent of the first network. This
method may also include outputting some or all of the video data
received from both the first and second local data sources onto a
single display device.
[0008] Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products
according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, and/or computer program products be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The teachings herein are described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in
different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an overall environment in which
a manager module may operate.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing further details of
another overall environment in which a manager module may operate,
relating to various types of input and output to and from the
manager module.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of illustrative components of a
manager module.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block representation of a display device upon
which a manager module may output a plurality of data source
displays.
[0014] FIG. 5 is another block representation of a display device
upon which a manager module may output a plurality of data source
displays.
[0015] FIG. 6 is another block representation of a display device
upon which a manager module may output a plurality of data source
displays as well as an independent network data source display.
[0016] FIG. 7 is another block representation of a display device
upon which a manager module may output a plurality of data source
displays as well as an independent network data source display.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a block representation of a display device upon
which a manager module may select and access one of a plurality of
data source(s) and/or independent network data source(s).
[0018] FIG. 9 is a block representation of a display device upon
which a manager module may output a plurality of data source
display windows from a plurality of data sources.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram that illustrates a process for
managing data received from multiple local data sources.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall environment 100 in which a
manager module 110 may operate. Data sources 102(1)-(N) may provide
input in the form of data signals or the like to a system 104 and,
hence, the manager module 110. System 104 may comprise a processor
106, upon which may run computer-readable medium 108 or the like.
Computer-readable medium may comprise, in whole or in part, manager
module 110. As illustrated, manager module 110 may be implemented
as one or more software modules that, when loaded onto a processor
and executed, cause the system to perform any of the functions
described herein. Alternatively, manager module 110 may itself
comprise hardware, such as a processor or the like. System 104
and/or manager module 110 may output these signals to one or more
input and/or output devices 112. Data sources 102(1)-(N) may
comprise a plurality of different devices. Illustrative but
non-limiting examples include personal computers such as towers and
laptops, server devices, personal digital assistants (PDA's),
mobile telephones, land-based telephone lines, external memory
devices, cameras, or any other suitable electronic device. In some
implementations, data sources 102(1)-(N) may comprise local
devices. For instance, if data sources 102(1)-(N) are "local data
sources", they may be located locally to a user operating each
respective device. These local data sources may receive data from
and send data both locally and remotely. Input/output devices 112
may also comprise a plurality of electronic devices or the like,
described in further detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0021] In some implementations, input/output devices 112 may be
located at a single user station 114. As such, manager module 110
may be configured to accept signal inputs from a plurality of data
sources 102(1)-(N) and output those signals to single user station
114. In other implementations, devices 112 may be located at a
multitude of locations, and may thus not comprise single user
station 114. In any instance, the resulting system may thus
comprise an environment capable of managing information to and from
a plurality of data sources. As described in greater detail with
reference to FIG. 2, the managed information may also comprise
information from multiple networks, some of which may be
independent from one another.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates another environment 200 in which manager
module 110 may operate. Environment 200 may comprise one or more
data sources 102(1)-(N), manager module 110, input/output devices
112, and an independent network data source 216. Although the
single independent network data source 216 is illustrated, it is to
be understood throughout that a plurality of independent network
data sources may exist. As illustrated, input/output devices 112
may again be located at single user station 114 in some
implementations, and at a multitude of locations in other
implementations. Data sources 102(1)-(N) may transmit data to and
receive data from a plurality of networks, or the data sources may
all transmit data to and receive data from the same network. In the
illustrated but non-limiting embodiment, data sources 102(1)-(N)
are shown to all transmit data to manager module 110 from a network
218. Network 218 may be a land-line telephone-based dial up
connection, a digital subscriber (DSL) line, a cable-based network,
a satellite network, or the like. As illustrated, network 218 may
connect to a router 220, which may then connect to one or more of
data sources 102(1)-(N).
[0023] Furthermore, data sources 102(1)-(N) may all be put to the
same use or such uses may vary. For instance, in some
implementations data source 102(1) may be used to carry broadband
entertainment signals, while data source 102(2) may be used to
connect a virtual private network (VPN) signal. The latter signal
may be used, for example, to connect to a work account that
requires relatively high security. Meanwhile, in some instances
data source 102(N) may be used for a connection to the internet.
The internet connection may be an open internet connection, as
compared to some instances of the VPN connection over data source
102(2). Because the VPN connection may be used, in some instances,
to connect to a work account or the like, the managing employer may
limit internet access over the network. The open internet
connection of data source 102(N) may remedy this limitation in some
implementations.
[0024] As discussed in reference to FIG. 1, non-limiting examples
of data sources 102(1)-(N) may include personal computers such as
towers and laptops, server devices, personal digital assistants
(PDA's), mobile telephones, land-based telephone lines, external
memory devices, cameras, or any other suitable electronic device.
For example, data source 102(1) may comprise a personal computer,
which may be used to carry broadband entertainment signals as
discussed above. Similarly, data source 102(2) may comprise a
computer as well, with its purpose being to provide a VPN
connection to a user's work account. Data source 102(N), meanwhile,
may also comprise a personal computer, such as a laptop computer,
with its purpose being to provide an open internet connection for
the user's navigating convenience. In some instances such as the
one described above, data sources 102(1)-(N) will each comprise a
separate housing, although it is possible that more than one data
source may occupy a single housing. Furthermore, while the above
example depicts all of data sources 102(1)-(N) as computers,
computers need not always be implemented.
[0025] An independent network data source 216 may also provide
input signals to manager module 110. Independent network data
source 216 may transmit and receive data via a network 222 that is
independent of network 218. If multiple independent network data
sources exist, then one or more such networks may exist. Due to the
independence of network 222 from network 218, independent network
222 and thus independent network data source 216 may be relatively
free from any problems or encumbrances that network 218 may
experience. For instance, if network 218 congests or crashes,
signals traveling via independent network 222 may be unaffected.
Thus, the content itself of independent network data source 216 may
be relatively more secure as compared to a data source that shares
a network with other data sources. Similar to network 218,
independent network 222 may comprise a land-line telephone-based
dial up connection, a digital subscriber (DSL) line, a cable-based
network, a satellite network, or the like.
[0026] Similar to data sources 102(1)-(N), independent network data
source 216 may comprise a plurality of different devices. Such
non-limiting examples may include personal computers such as towers
and laptops, server devices, personal digital assistants (PDA's),
mobile telephones, land-based telephone lines, external memory
devices, cameras, or any other electronic device. In some
implementations, however, independent network data source 216 may
comprise devices that define a telepresence module. Such a
telepresence module may operate to provide, to a local or remote
location, audio and/or video signals of a user when that user is
present at a certain location, such as user station 114. A
telepresence module may also operate to receive audio and/or video
signals from a remote or local location. When a user is present at
the desired location, such as the user station 114, the
telepresence module may automatically or manually activate.
[0027] Stated otherwise, this resulting telepresence module may
serve as a reliable telepresence link between two or more
locations. For instance, telepresence link could serve as a link
between user station 114 comprised of input/output devices 112 and
a user's place of work. This place of work may, in some instances,
be the user's office located at his or her employer's building.
This link may provide audio and/or video signals to the two or more
locations, such as user station 114 and the user's office at work.
As such, independent network 222 and independent network data
source 216 may provide a reliable telepresence signal without
concern for any congestion of failure that network 218 may
encounter.
[0028] Furthermore, independent network 222 and independent network
data source 216 may provide always-on point-to-point or
point-to-multipoint connectivity. Such a reliable and always-on
system may serve to avoid not only processor errors, discussed
above by way of congestion and/or failures, but may also serve to
avoid operational error by a user by simplifying the system. An
always-on system may also avoid the possibility of a data source
entering "sleep mode" at an undesirable time.
[0029] Environment 200 may also comprise a telephone line 224,
which may also provide input signals to manager module 110.
Telephone line 224 may be a traditional land-based telephone line,
or it may comprise packet (IP), mobile or satellite technology.
Signals from telephone line 224 may also output to some or all of
input/output devices 112.
[0030] Input/output devices 112 may comprise one or more displays
226, an audio system 228, cursor controllers 230, cameras 232,
microphones 234 and/or sensors 236. Input/output devices 112 may
serve to input or output signals to or from data sources 102(1)-(N)
or independent network data source 216. As illustrated,
input/output devices 112 may be configured to connect to manager
module 110. Furthermore, input/output devices 112 may be located in
a plurality of locations, or in some implementations may be located
at single user station 114. Some components may also serve more
than one purpose, or a single device could comprise all or nearly
all of input/output devices 112.
[0031] One or more displays 226 may receive and display video
signals from data sources 102(1)-(N) and/or independent network
data source 216. If displays 226 comprises a single display, then
the video signals and hence data source displays may be displayed
on the single display. This is discussed in detail below with
reference to FIGS. 4-9. It is specifically noted that the term
"single display device" does not require a single monitor but
rather a system that gives a user the sensation of a single
display. This may be accomplished by attaching multiple monitors or
the like and giving each a portion of a video signal. When
combined, the signals form a complete video display.
[0032] In some implementations, display 226 may comprise a
cylindrical or spherical monitor, which may span approximately
180.degree. around a user. Display 226 may comprise a liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen or the like, or may comprise a
projector screen. If display 226 comprises a projector screen, then
input/output devices 112 may further comprise a projector for
outputting video signals onto display 226. Alternatively, manager
module 110 could itself comprise a projector. If the projector
screen is cylindrical or spherical, the projector may be capable of
spreading the data source displays across the screen, again as
discussed in detail below.
[0033] As mentioned above, input/output devices 112 may also
comprise one or more audio systems 228. Audio system 228 may
comprise speakers or the like for outputting audio signals from
data sources 102(1)-(N) and/or independent network data source 216.
Audio system 228 may further comprise a multi-channel audio
reproduction system, which may comprise an automated mixer(s),
amp(s), headphones, or the like. An automated mixer may mix audio
signals from a plurality of data sources as well as incoming
telephone calls.
[0034] Input/output devices 112 may also comprise one or more
cursor controllers 230. Cursor controllers may include, without
limitation, a text input device such as a keyboard, a
point-and-select device such as a mouse, and/or a touch screen.
Input/output devices 112 may also include one or more cameras 232.
Cameras 232 may comprise, for example, one or more video cameras.
In some implementations, camera 232 may be configured for use with
a telepresence module discussed above. For example, a video camera
signal may capture the image of a user and provide the signal to
manager module 110. Manager module 110 may then transmit the signal
to one or more locations, one of which may be the user's work
office. The transmitted video signal may be streaming in some
instances, so that an image of a user is projected at all times at
one or more locations, such as the user's work office. This image
may, for example, be displayed on a display device at one or more
locations such as the user's work office. Thus, with the use of the
one or more cameras 232, the user may be able to work at a remote
user station, such as user station 114, while the user's coworkers
or superiors can view the user and his or her activities. Of
course, teleworking is merely one example of an activity for which
the one or cameras 232 may be put to use.
[0035] Input/output devices 112 may further comprise, in some
instances, one or more microphones 234 or other multi-channel audio
sensing equipment. Microphone 234 may be configured to provide
audio input signals to manager module 110. For example, microphone
234 may be configured for use with the telepresence module
discussed above. In this implementation, microphone 234 may be
configured to capture audio signals from a user and provide these
signals to manager module 110. Manager module 110 may then transmit
these signals to one or more locations, one of which may again be
the user's work office. The transmitted audio signal may be
streaming, so that the sounds of the user are audible at one or
more locations at all times. Also, microphone 234 may be
noise-gated and set with a threshold value. This may be of
particular importance in implementations with multiple microphones,
so as to only send user-inputted audio signals from a certain
microphone to manager module 110 when the user intends to do so.
Microphone 234 may also act in conjunction with manager module 110
to enable voice recognition. In some implementations, these
components may require that user's voice be recognized before
allowing user to use microphone 234 and hence manager module
110.
[0036] Furthermore, implementations with multiple microphones may
utilize stereophonic sound techniques. For instance, if a user
conducts multiple videoconference and/or teleconference meetings
simultaneously, the system may dedicate a microphone to each. As a
result, if a user turns and speaks into a left microphone, a
recipient represented on the data source display on the left may
receive the sound at greater volumes. At the same time, the
microphone on the right may receive less input and, hence, the
recipient depicted in the data source display on the right may
receive the sound at lesser volumes.
[0037] In the office example, microphone 234 could be coupled with
camera 232 so as to provide the image and sounds of the user at the
user's work office at all times. The user's work office may thus
not only have a display depicting the user's image, but may also
have one or more speakers to output the audio signals captured by
microphone 234 and transmitted by manager module 110. Furthermore,
in some instances the user's work office (or other exemplary
locations) may contain one or more cameras, such as a video camera,
and one or more microphones so that two-way audio and visual
communication may occur between the office and the remote user
station, such as user station 114.
[0038] In the teleworking example, this may provide adequate
availability of the user in the office, despite the fact that user
may be remotely situated. For example, a co-worker may be able to
walk over to the user's work office and see that the user is
working at a remote user station. The co-worker may confront a
monitor or the like displaying the user at a remote user station.
The co-worker may also be able to ask the user questions and like
with use of the office microphone(s), and the two may be able to
communicate as efficiently or nearly as efficiently as if the user
were physically present at the work office. Furthermore, while this
telepresence link may be secure, it may also be accessible by
others. A user's boss, for instance, may be able to bridge into the
telepresence signal rather than have to walk to the user's work
office to communicate to the user.
[0039] Output/input devices 112 may further comprise one or more
sensors 236. Sensor 236 may, in some instances, sense when a user
is present at a user station, such as user station 114. In some
implementations, sensor 236 may comprise a weight-based sensor that
may be configured to situate adjacent to or integral with a user's
chair. Thus, in some instances when a user sits down on his or her
chair, sensor 236 may detect that the user is present. Furthermore,
sensor 236 may be capable of differentiating between users. In the
weight-based sensor example, sensor 236 may be capable of
differentiating between a first user (User #1) and a second user
(User #2) based on each user's weight. It is noted, however, that
other sensors are envisioned. For example, camera 232 may serve to
sense when a user is present, as may microphone 234.
[0040] Furthermore, sensor 236 may collect various pieces of
information, which may use to determine the presence of a user.
Sensor 236 may also store and/or log this collected information.
For instance, sensor 236 may collect information such as the weight
or height of a user, as well as other user-specific data.
Furthermore, sensor 236 may gather the time of when certain data
was collected. In some implementations, sensor 236 may calculate
and save the amount of time that a user spent at the user station,
as well as the amount of time that the user was away. This
collected information may be provided only the user, or it could be
available by others, such as the user's boss in the teleworking
examples.
[0041] Along with sensor 236, input/output devices 112 may also
collect various pieces of information. For instance, camera 232 may
collect location information pertaining to a present user.
Similarly, microphone 234 may collect information regarding the
sounds emanating from the present user. Sensor 236, camera 232,
microphone 234, and other input/output devices 112 may not only
collect the actual content of the user's actions, but may also
collect the "recipe" of the content of the user's actions. These
devices may create a chronological list of events that comprise the
user's actions, which may be sent to remote locations for
synthesis. Using this events list or recipe, remote locations may
synthesize the user's actions. This may apply to audio, video,
smell or any other characteristic that may be present at user
station 114 or the like. While this synthesis may not be as real as
if the remote location merely receives and displays streaming
video, audio, or the like, the size of the file transporting this
information may be orders of magnitude smaller.
[0042] For instance, such a chronological events list created by
various pieces of information collected by input/output devices 112
may look like the following: [0043] At time 21:27:06 GMT, 28 Nov.
2006; weight sensor reading=151.5 pounds; audio amplitude=13.7
decibels; audio content="I'm working from home today" using Bob
Jones' voice font; playback rate=7 words per minute; video
content=Bob Jones in chair, display cartoon face item #47 for 50
milliseconds [0044] At time 21:27:08 GMT, 28 Nov. 2006; weight
sensor reading 000.3 pounds; audio amplitude=0.0 decibels; video
content=empty chair, display empty chair [0045] At time . . . .
[0046] As discussed above, this events list may be transmitted to
remote locations, which may then synthesize the content according
to the recipe. Using the above events list, for example, the remote
location may initially show a cartoon face or the like of a generic
man, or a more realistic picture of "Bob Jones". The remote
location system, such as a computer at the user's work, may also
project a voice, and possibly Bob's voice, that says "I'm working
from home today". The projected voice may be approximately equal to
the volume spoken by Bob, and may also be approximately equal to
the words' spoken cadence. Furthermore, at time=21:27:08 GMT, the
remote location may display an empty chair representing that Bob is
no longer present at user station 114. Such an events list may
serve to decrease file size being sent along the networks while
still maintaining a realistic experience at the remote
location.
[0047] Sensor 236 may also serve other purposes. In some
implementations, sensor 236 may adjust the sizes of data source
displays or data source display windows, discussed in detail below,
depending on a current angle of rotation of a user's chair. Sound
volumes emanating from different data source displays may also be
adjusted based on chair rotation, as may microphone volumes. For
instance, if a user's chair is currently rotated to the left,
insinuating that user's attention currently focuses on the data
source display to the left, the volume of that data source may be
increased, as may be the window size. It is also envisioned that
sensor 236 could make other similar adjustments in this manner.
[0048] Furthermore, in some implementations, sensor 236 may cause
one or more of data sources 102(1)-(N) and/or independent network
data source 216 to turn on or off, or perform one or more other
functions. In the implementation of the weight-based chair sensor,
sensor 236 may cause a telepresence module to turn on when a user
sits in his or her chair. This may thereby establish a reliable
telepresence link. Again, in some implementations this could
automatically turn on a telepresence link to a work office, which
may comprise turning on a display, camera, and/or microphone at the
work office. In this implementation, sensor 236 may also notify
others located at the work office (or other exemplary location)
when the user has stepped out of the remote user station, such as
user station 114. When the user gets up from his or her chair, for
instance, the work office display may present an away message
indicating that the user has recently left the user station, but
may soon return. Furthermore, sensor 236 may recognize users in
order to automatically provide user preferences tailored to the
detected user. These user preferences may comprise audio or video
preferences or the like, which may be comprised of the different
audio and video capabilities discussed below.
[0049] As noted above, telephone line 224 may input to manager
module 110. Thus, input/output devices 112 may comprise a
telephone. Also, some or all of input/output devices 112 described
above may serve telephone functionality over telephone line 216.
For instance, audio system 228 may output sound from telephone line
224, while microphone 234 may input audio signals into telephone
line 216. Furthermore, display 226 may exhibit a video signal
transmitted over telephone line 224, such as for a video
teleconferencing call. Camera 232 may accordingly also provide
video signals, such as of the image of the user, over telephone
line 224. Other components may be included to achieve full
telephone capabilities, such as a speakerphone, a headset, a
handset, or the like.
[0050] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of illustrative components of
manager module 110. Manager module 110 may comprise a data source
input module 338, an output module 340 and a user input module 342.
Data source input module 338 may be configured to receive a
plurality of signals from data sources 102(1)-(N). The plurality of
signals may comprise video and audio signals. In one
implementation, the plurality of signals may comprise a
telepresence signal as described above. Output module 340 may be
configured to receive the plurality of signals from data source
input module 338 and output the signals to input/output devices
112. In some instances, output module 340 may be configured to
output video signals to one or more displays 226. For instance,
output module 340 may output the video signals to a single display
226. Furthermore, output module 340 may be configured to output
audio signals to audio system 228. In one implementation, output
module 340 may be configured to output audio signals from data
sources 102(1)-(N) to a single speaker or set of speakers. In this
case, the system may further be capable of managing sound volumes
and other respective characteristics of audio signals coming from
discrete data sources 102(1)-(N).
[0051] As mentioned above, manager module 110 may include user
input module 342, which may be configured to receive user input
signals or other user instructions. In some instances, user input
module 342 may be configured to receive input from one or more of
the one or more cursor controllers 230, cameras 232, microphones
234, and/or sensors 236. Signals received from cursor controller
230 may, for example, be received for the purpose of accessing a
data source or modifying, activating or using a program or
application running on a data source. User input module 342 may
also be configured to receive signals from camera 232, which may
comprise images (e.g. video images) of a user located at user
station 114. Similarly, user input module 342 may receive
user-inputted audio signals from microphone 234. User input module
342 may further be configured to receive signals from sensor 236,
which may, in some instances, serve to indicate that a user is
present at user station 114. For instance, user input module 342
may receive a signal from sensor 236 indicating that a user is
sitting in the user station chair and/or facing a certain direction
as discussed above. All of the afore-mentioned signals may be
relayed from user input module 342, and hence manager module 110,
and to the respective data source 102(1)-(N) or independent network
data source 216 destination.
[0052] Turning next to FIG. 4, in some implementations manager
module 110 and its output module 340 may output video signals from
one or more data sources 102(1)-(N) to a single display. Video
signals from data sources 102(1)-(N) may define data source
displays 444(1)-(N). For instance data source display 444(1) may
represent video signals corresponding to data source 102(1), and so
on. As such, manager module 110 may be configured to output or
project a plurality of data source displays 444(1)-(N) to a single
display device 226. In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 4,
four data source displays are depicted.
[0053] FIG. 5 depicts a manner in which a plurality of data source
displays 444(1)-(N) may be arranged on the single display device
226. As illustrated, data source displays 444(1)-(N) may be aligned
adjacent to one another and may be displayed in equal proportions.
Manager module 110 may be further configured to output video
signals of independent network data source 216 onto the single
display device 226. Video signals of independent network data
source 216 may define an independent network data source display
646. The independent network data source display 646 may comprise
video images taken at another location by detection means such as
one or more cameras, as discussed above. Also as described above,
this location may be a work office or the like. As such, a user
observing display 226 may be able to see his or her work office
from a user station, such as user station 114, containing
input/output devices 112. In any event, manager module 110 may, in
some instances, output one or more data source displays 444(1)-(N)
as well as independent network data source display 646 on a single
display, such as the single display device 226. Furthermore, the
data source displays 444(1)-(N) and 646 may be arranged adjacent to
one another and in equal proportions, as depicted in FIG. 6.
[0054] Data source displays 444(1)-(N) and/or independent network
data source display 646, however, need not be arranged with such
uniformity. Reference is thus made to FIG. 7, which depicts an
alternative arrangement of the data source displays 444(1)-(N) and
646. In the illustrated and non-limiting example, a user may decide
to focus his or her attention mostly upon independent network data
source display 646 (or other data source displays 444(1)-(N)). As
such, the user may arrange the display 646 in the middle of display
226 and may also choose to enlarge the display 646. Conversely, the
user may decide that the current importance of data source display
444(1) is minimal, and may accordingly move the display 444(1) away
from the middle of a screen of display 226. In the 180.degree.
cylindrical display implementation discussed above, the user may
choose to slide the display 444(1) all the way adjacent to the
user's left ear, for instance. Note also that, as illustrated, the
user may lessen the size of data source display 444(1) as well.
Other data source displays 444(2)-(N) may likewise be arranged by
location and size. Furthermore, the user may also be able to modify
resolutions of the displays and manager module 110 may be capable
of providing such modification.
[0055] Returning to the example discussed above, data source 102(1)
may comprise a personal computer, which may be used to carry
broadband entertainment signals. Similarly, data source 102(2) may
comprise a computer as well, with its purpose being to provide a
VPN connection to a user's work account. Data source 102(N),
meanwhile, may also comprise a personal computer, such as a laptop
computer, with its purpose being to provide an open internet
connection for the user's navigating convenience. Furthermore,
independent network data source 216 may comprise a telepresence
signal so that a user may work at a remote user station, such as
user station 114, while broadcasting audio and/or video signals to
the user's work office, for instance.
[0056] Now merging this implementation with FIG. 7, it may be that
the user becomes more focused on work than the other tasks being
accomplished by data sources 102(1)-(N). Thus, as discussed
immediately above, the user may enlarge and center independent
network data source display 646. Meanwhile, the user may be
watching video from CNN.RTM. (CNN.RTM. is a registered trademark of
Cable News Network, LP) or the like and may choose to lessen this
data source display 444(1) and move it away from the center of
display 226. Similarly, the user may be accessing a spreadsheet
from a work database via the VPN from data source 102(2). At this
moment, however, the user may again decide to focus on independent
network data source display 646 and may thus decide to lessen data
source display 444(2) as well as move it away from the center of
display 226. In this example the user may also be surfing the
internet with the use of the open internet connection provided by
data source 102(N). Again, the user may choose to divert his or her
attention from this data source display 444(N) by lessening its
size and placing it in a less noticeable location. The user may
also decide to provide high resolution to independent network data
source display 646. Conversely, the user may choose to lessen a
resolution of data source display 444(1) or other data sources.
[0057] If manager module 110 is to have the capability to
dynamically, select, arrange, and modify data source displays
444(1)-(N) and/or independent network data source display 646, one
or more of data sources 102(1)-(N) or independent network data
source 216 may be chosen, selected, highlighted, or the like. In
some implementations, cursor controller 230 may help to provide
this capability. Reference is thus made to FIG. 8, which provides
an exemplary illustration of how this selection may be
accomplished.
[0058] FIG. 8 again depicts display 226, in this case a single
display, as well as data source displays 444(1)-(N) and independent
network data source display 646. FIG. 8 also depicts a
point-and-select cursor 848. Because each of the data sources
102(1)-(N) and 216 may comprise its own point-and-select cursor,
point-and-select cursor 848 may comprise a "meta-cursor" for each
data source cursor, in some implementations. In other words, each
of the data sources 102(1)-(N) and 216 may comprise its own cursor
operable by one or more cursor controllers. However, manager module
110 may provide point-and-select cursor 848, which may be
configured to navigate display 226. Furthermore, cursor controller
230, such as a mouse or keyboard, may command point-and-select
cursor 848. Thus, when cursor controller 230 navigates cursor 848
over a data source display, cursor 848 may then command the data
source's own cursor. In some implementations, cursor 848 may thus
define a "meta-cursor" for individual data source cursors.
[0059] Furthermore, point-and-select cursor 848 may serve to
navigate over the output of display 226 and select one or more of a
plurality of data source displays 444(1)-(N) and 646. A data
source, such as the data sources 102(1)-(N) and 216, may be
selected by clicking a portion of a cursor controller 230 or by
merely moving cursor 848 over a certain data source display
444(1)-(N) and 646. Once selected, the user may have access to that
data source (including its video and audio signals) and may also
now have the ability to modify and/or arrange the data source
display. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the user may select, for
example, data source display 444(2) from display 226. At this
point, the user may be able to place data source display 444(2) on
display 226 in a desired location. Other data source displays may
similarly be arranged and re-arranged. Furthermore, the user may
now have the ability to change the size and/or resolution of data
source display 444(2).
[0060] Continuing the example discussed immediately above, data
source display 444(2) may correspond to data source 102(2), which
may be performing work-related VPN operations. For example, the
user may have a work-related spreadsheet open on data source
102(2). Nevertheless, the user may choose to focus on the contents
of independent network data source 216 and may thus move data
source display 444(2), corresponding to the spreadsheet, away from
the center of display 226. Again, the user may also choose to
lessen the size and possibly the resolution of the display 444(2).
Other data source displays, such as the data source displays
444(1), 444(N), and 646 may likewise be selected, arranged,
re-arranged, and modified.
[0061] Furthermore, selecting data source 102(2) may also serve to
allow for use or modification of the data source. For example, if
the user in the current example selects data source display 444(2)
with point-and-select cursor 848, then the user may be able to
operate on the work-related spreadsheet. Similarly, selection of
another data source display, such as the data source display
444(1), 444(N), or 646, may allow for operation of the selected
data source.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 9, manager module 110 may also be
configured to allow for the selection, modification, arrangement,
and/or re-arrangement of data source display windows
950(1)(1)-(N)(N). These data source display windows
950(1)(1)-(N)(N) may correspond to programs or applications that
may be running in each respective data source 102(1)-(N) and on
each respective data source display 444(1)-(N). Thus, for example,
data source display window 950(1)(1) may correspond to a first
window open in data source display 444(1), which itself may
correspond to data source 102(1). Likewise, data source display
window 950(N)(N) may correspond to an N.sup.th window open on data
source display 444(N), which itself may correspond to data source
102(N).
[0063] Data source display windows 950(1)(1)-(N)(N) may be
modified, selected, arranged, and re-arranged in display 226 in
many of the ways discussed above in regards to data source displays
444(1)-(N). For instance, once a data source 102(1)-(N) is
selected, such as in the manner depicted in FIG. 7, data source
display windows located within the data source displays may be
used, modified, selected, arranged or re-arranged. Data source
display windows 950(1)(1)-(N)(N) may also be extracted from their
respective data source displays 444(1)-(N) and placed on display
226. In some implementations, the illustrated point-or-select
cursor 848 may accomplish such alterations of the data source
display windows 950(1)(1)-(N)(N), although other methods may also
be utilized. A keyboard, for example, may also be used. In any
instance, it is noted that multiple data source display windows
from a single data source display may be located and viewed on
display 226.
[0064] FIG. 9 depicts, for instance, data source display windows
950(1)(1), 950(1)(2), and 950(1)(N), all of which correspond to
data source display 444(1), which again corresponds to data source
102(1). If, as in the example used above, data source 102(1) were
used for streaming broadband entertainment, then three data source
display windows 950(1)(1), 950(1)(2), and 950(1)(N) may comprise
three different internet-broadcast television shows or the like.
Similarly, for a work-related data source, multiple work-related
data-source display windows may also be present on display 226.
Volume, size control, resolution control, as well as user
preferences of data source display windows 950(1)(1)-(N)(N) may be
managed by manager module 110 in many of the same ways as discussed
both above and below. It is specifically noted that while
independent network data source display 646 is illustrated as a
single display, the display 646 may possess N number of windows,
which may be arranged and modified in many or all of the same ways
as data source display windows 950(1)(1)-(N)(N).
[0065] Manager module 110, in conjunction with audio system 228,
may be further configured to manage audio signals from data sources
102(1)-(N) and/or independent network data source 216. Sound from
the multiple data sources may project in unison, singly, or in any
user-chosen combination. In some implementations, the sound
emanating from one data source will project from the direction of
the location of the corresponding data source display. Referring
back to FIG. 7, for example, sound from data source 102(1)--whose
display 444(1) is located on the left-hand portion of display
226--may project from the left-hand location of audio system 228.
As such, the sound may appear to be emanating from the location of
the corresponding display.
[0066] Alternatively, sound may appear to originate from the
direction that a user is looking. This may be accomplished by the
conjunction of manager module 110, audio system 228, as well as
camera 232, which may serve to notify manager module 110 of the
user's current head orientation. This implementation may also be
accomplished with the help of a user's chair. For instance, the
direction from which sound emanates may be related to the current
rotation of a user's chair.
[0067] Manager module 110 and audio system 228 may also manage
sound volumes in a multitude of ways. For instance, the volume of a
data source may be related--possibly directly related--to the size
of the corresponding data source display. Reference is again made
to FIG. 7, which depicts that data source display 444(N) is
noticeably smaller than independent network data source display
646. In this implementation, if data source display 444(N)
broadcasts a news station and independent network data source
display 646 comprises a telepresence signal, any sound from that
latter may dominate the former. Again, this may be because of the
relative sizes of each respective display. Of course, in some
implementations the size of these displays is user-modifiable, thus
making their volumes user-modifiable as well. In these
implementations, sounds from data sources may become louder when
point-and-select cursor 848 covers that data source's respective
display.
[0068] Furthermore, it is noted that manager module 110 may store
user preferences, as discussed above. Each user may have one or
more stored preference settings, which may comprise audio or video
preferences, or the like. Thus, if sensor 236, which may comprise a
weight-based chair sensor, recognizes User #1, then User #1's
preference settings may be activated. Depending on the time of day
or possibly User #1's selection, one of a plurality of different
preference settings may be selected. For instance, User #1 may have
a work preference setting and a recreational preference setting. In
the work preference setting, display 226 may enlarge a work-related
data source display and may lessen sizes and/or resolutions of
others. In a recreational preference setting, all data source
displays may be enlarged. If, for example, sensor detects User #1
during the daytime, then the work preference setting may be
enabled. Alternatively, User #1 may choose his or her own
preference setting, such as recreational. While these
implementations involve automatically setting preferences, it is to
be understood that preferences may also be manually configured.
[0069] Other preference settings may be default settings. For
instance, when a videoconference call is received, a data source
display window associated with the call may increase in size, while
others may decrease in size. When such a video call is received,
all other data source displays may also disappear, so as to limit
the calling party's visual access to the user's data. This may be
used, for example, if one or more of data source displays comprise
proprietary information. Furthermore, when a video or an audio
phone call is received, all other sound coming from other data
sources may be muted. It is to be understood that these specific
capabilities are but some non-limiting examples of possible
configurations.
[0070] Finally, FIG. 10 represents an exemplary process 1000 that
may be carried out with the tools described above. The process 1000
is illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph,
which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented
in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of
software, the blocks represent computer instructions that, when
executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations.
Operation 1002 represents receiving data including video data from
a plurality of local data sources, the plurality of local data
sources comprising one or more first local data sources coupled to
a first network and one or more second local data sources coupled
to a second network that is independent of the first network.
Operation 1004, meanwhile, represents outputting a portion of the
video data received from the one or more first local data sources
and a portion of the video data received from the one or more
second local data sources onto a single display device.
[0071] It is noted that the various modules shown herein may be
implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof.
Additionally, these modules are shown as separate items only for
convenience of reference and description, and these representations
do not limit possible implementations of the teachings herein.
Instead, various functions described with these modules could be
combined or separated as appropriate in a given implementation,
without departing from the scope and spirit of the description
herein.
CONCLUSION
[0072] Although techniques and devices for managing data from
multiple data sources have been described in language specific to
certain features and methods, it is to be understood that the
features defined in the appended claims are not necessarily limited
to the specific features and methods described. Rather, the
specific features and methods are disclosed as illustrative forms
of implementing the claimed subject matter.
* * * * *