U.S. patent application number 15/362543 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for method and apparatus for implementing a business card application.
The applicant listed for this patent is Damon Kyle Wayans. Invention is credited to Damon Kyle Wayans.
Application Number | 20170078334 15/362543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49004487 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170078334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wayans; Damon Kyle |
March 16, 2017 |
Method and Apparatus for Implementing A Business Card
Application
Abstract
A system and method for delivering information is disclosed. The
system and method includes a first computing device that includes
information that is displayed on the screen of the first computing
device, the first computing device scanning for a connection point
and prompting for selection of a plurality of second devices to
receive the information, wherein once ones of the plurality of
second devices are selected, a user initiates the delivery of the
information from the first computing device to the selected ones of
the plurality of second devices by interacting with the first
computing device. A user initiates with a flick across the screen
of the first computing device. The information may be a business
card.
Inventors: |
Wayans; Damon Kyle; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wayans; Damon Kyle |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49004487 |
Appl. No.: |
15/362543 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13777647 |
Feb 26, 2013 |
9537901 |
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15362543 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 65/10 20130101;
H04L 67/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06; H04L 29/08 20060101 H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A system for delivering information, the system comprising: a
first computing device that includes information that is displayed
on the screen of the first computing device, the first computing
device scanning for a connection point and prompting for selection
of a plurality of second devices to receive the information,
wherein at least one of the plurality of second devices is
selected, a user initiates the delivery of the information from the
first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second devices by interacting with the first computing
device, wherein during delivery the information slides off of the
screen of the first computing device.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the user initiates with a flick
across the screen of the first computing device.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the delivery occurs directly from
the first computing device to the second computing device.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the delivery occurs via email.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the information is a business
card.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the business card includes at
least one of name, title, phone number, and email
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the user, prior to initiating
delivery of the information, adds a signature to the
information.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second
computing devices categorizes the business card information upon
delivery.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second
computing devices receives notification of received
information.
10. A method of delivering information from a first computing
device to at least one of a plurality of second computing devices,
the method comprising: creating information on the first computing
device and storing the created information in memory on the first
computing device; scanning, by a processor on the first computing
device, for at least one connection point for the first computing
device; using a communication interface and display to provide a
plurality of second devices and allowing a user to select at least
one of a plurality of second devices to receive the information
from the first computing device; selecting information to send from
the first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second computing devices; and delivering the
information upon initiation via the communication interface.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein creating the information
includes accessing the information.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the delivering of the
information is initiated by a user.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the initiation is by a flick
across the screen of the first computing device.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the delivering occurs directly
from the first computing device to at least one of the plurality of
second computing device.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein the delivering occurs via
email.
16. The method of claim 10 wherein the information is a business
card.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the business card includes at
least one of name, title, phone number, and email
18. The method of claim 10 further comprising adding a signature to
the information prior to initiating delivery of the
information.
19. The method of claim 10 further comprising notifying at least
one of the plurality of second computing devices to the received
information.
20. A computer-readable medium having processor-executable
instructions stored thereon which, when executed by at least one
processor, will cause the at least one processor to perform a
method of delivering information from a first computing device to
at least one of a plurality of second computing devices, the method
comprising: creating information on the first computing device and
storing the created information in memory on the first computing
device; scanning, by a processor on the first computing device, for
at least one connection point for the first computing device; using
a communication interface and display to provide a plurality of
second devices and allowing a user to select at least one of a
plurality of second devices to receive the information from the
first computing device; selecting information to send from the
first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second computing devices; and delivering the
information upon initiation via the communication interface.
21. A system for delivering information, the system comprising: a
first computing device that includes a virtual business card
displayed on the screen of the first computing device, the first
computing device scanning for a connection point and prompting for
selection of a plurality of second devices to receive the business
card, wherein at least one of the plurality of second devices is
selected, a user initiates the delivery of the information from the
first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second devices by flicking the business card from the
display of the first computing device, wherein during delivery the
information slides off of the screen of the first computing device,
to the selected second devices.
22. A method of delivering information from a first computing
device to at least one of a plurality of second computing devices,
the method comprising: creating information on the first computing
device and storing the created information in memory on the first
computing device; scanning, by a processor on the first computing
device, for at least one connection point for the first computing
device; using a communication interface and display to provide a
plurality of second devices and allowing a user to select at least
one of a plurality of second devices to receive the information
from the first computing device; selecting information to send from
the first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second computing devices; delivering, based on
initiation by a user, the information upon initiation via the
communication interface; adding a signature to the information
prior to initiating delivery of the information; and notifying at
least one of the plurality of second computing devices to the
received information.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 61/603,692 filed Feb. 27, 2012, which is
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, tablet computers, smartphones, and similar
devices have become very popular. These devices frequently include
touch screens, via which users can interact with virtual objects
using intuitive gestures.
[0003] People, and particularly business people, are constantly on
the move and their smartphones, tablet computers, and similar
devices provide their constant connection to their respective lives
and community. An advantageous device to device exchange of virtual
information that may be initiated using a swiping gesture is
described herein.
SUMMARY
[0004] A system and method for delivering information is disclosed.
The system includes a first computing device that includes
information that is displayed on the screen of the first computing
device, the first computing device scanning for a connection point
and prompting for selection of a plurality of second computing
devices to receive the information, wherein once ones of the
plurality of second devices are selected, a user initiates the
delivery of the information from the first computing device to the
selected ones of the plurality of second devices by interacting
with the first computing device. A user initiates the transfer of
information with a flick across the screen of the first computing
device. The information may be a business card.
[0005] The method of delivering information from a first computing
device to an at least one of a plurality of second computing
devices includes creating information on the first computing
device, scanning for a connection point, selecting at least one of
a plurality of second devices to receive the information from the
first computing device, selecting information to send from the
first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second computing devices, and delivering the
information. The method may include adding a signature to the
information prior to initiating delivery of the information and
notifying at least one of the plurality of second computing devices
to the received information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated
by consideration of the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to
like parts:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a system in which a first computing
device delivers a business card to a second computing device;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of the system of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a business card utilized within the
system;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates the method of providing a business card
on the first computing device to a second computing device;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for providing a photo on the
first computing device to a second computing device;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the general components of an
example computing device, such as the first or second computing
device, on which a disclosed application may be executed;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an example system architecture wherein
features described herein may be implemented;
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a screen depiction of the disclosed
application depicting the "share" screen;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen depiction of the disclosed
application showing share settings that may be configured;
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a screen depiction of a prompt to
login;
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen depicting a group creation
screen and assigning members to groups;
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a screen depiction of a group setting
for an exemplary salsa group;
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen depicting the addition of a
member to the exemplary salsa group; and
[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates a screen depiction of group settings of
an exemplary International conference Investor Day in Central and
Eastern Europe (IDCEE) group.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many
other elements found in mobile applications and other computer
games and programs. Those of ordinary skill in the art may
recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or
required in implementing the present invention. However, because
such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they
do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention,
a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The
disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and
modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled
in the art.
[0022] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
implementing a business card application. This application may be
virtual allowing users to exchange their virtual business cards
using their respective computing devices by initiating the exchange
using a swiping gesture. This exchange of information may occur
when the users are proximate or remote from one another. The
application may allow for distributing and storing of virtual
business cards. Receivers and senders may be linked by the
application, in an application to application fashion, to make a
direct exchange. A connection to the application is all that is
needed to organize and exchange cards. The application may provide
a "whoosh" or sliding sound when sending and/or receiving
cards.
[0023] The system includes a first computing device that includes
information that is displayed on the screen of the first computing
device, the first computing device scanning for a connection point
and prompting for selection of a plurality of second devices to
receive the information, wherein once ones of the plurality of
second devices are selected, a user initiates the delivery of the
information from the first computing device to the selected ones of
the plurality of second devices by interacting with the first
computing device. A user initiates the transfer of the information
with a flick across the screen of the first computing device. The
information is a business card.
[0024] The method of delivering information from a first computing
device to at least one of a plurality of second computing devices
includes creating information on the first computing device,
scanning for a connection point, selecting at least one of a
plurality of second devices to receive the information from the
first computing device, selecting information to send from the
first computing device to the selected at least one of the
plurality of second computing devices, and delivering the
information. The method may include adding a signature to the
information prior to initiating delivery of the information and
notifying at least one of the plurality of second computing devices
to the received information.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in which a first computing
device 110 delivers a virtual business card to a second computing
device 140. The virtual business card 115 is illustrated on first
computing device 110. Business card 115 contains information which
may be about the user or owner of first computing device 110.
System 100 allows the user of first computing device 110 to deliver
business card 115 to second computing device 140. Once business
card 115 is received by second computing device 140, business card
115 may take the form of business card 150. Upon receipt, business
card 150 may slide onto second computing device 140. This delivery
by sliding onto the device may be represented as the business card
150 slides across the screen of the second computing device 140. As
similar sliding may occur as the business card 115 departs from the
first computing device 110. That is, sending of information from
first computing device 110 may appear to slide off of the screen of
first computing device 110 and receiving of information at second
computing device 140 may provide the appearance that the
information is sliding onto the screen of the second computing
device 140.
[0026] First computing device 110 may be a tablet computer, a
television, a projecting display, a display coupled with the stock
computer, a display coupled to a laptop computer, or even a
portable computing device, such as the Smartphone, for example.
Second computing device 140 may be any one of the types of computer
devices identified for the first computing device. Generally first
and second computing devices 110, 140 may be, for example, a
portable computing device that may be hand-held, such as a smart
phone or iPhone, and MP3 player having an interactive display or an
iPod, or tablet computer or iPad.
[0027] In addition, first computing device 110 is depicted as a
single computing device with a single display. This is done for
ease of description and understanding of the present
application.
[0028] First computing device 110 may include a depiction of
business card 115. A user interface may be provided on the screen
which allows a user to interact with the present application. Such
interactions include the ability to sign 112 the business card 115,
edit 114 the business card 115, and/or post 160 business card 115.
Each of sign 112, edit 114, and post 116 may be displayed on first
computing device 110 as interactive buttons or widgets to provide a
user interface for the user to interact with the present
application and select one of sign 112, edit 114, and post 116.
[0029] In addition, second computing device 140 is depicted as a
single computing device with a single display. This again is done
for ease of description and understanding of the present invention.
It is expected that the present description may include multiple
second computing devices 140, such as for receiving a plurality of
business cards 150, including business cards from different users,
which users may or may not be in the same location, for
example.
[0030] For the ease of description, the remainder of the present
description will refer to a business card 115, 150, which includes
any type of information transferred from one device to another
including, but not limited to, the depicted business card. Other
types of information that may be transferred may include file types
such as Documents (i.e., iWork and Office), PDFs, Audio files,
Music, Video files, Movies, Images, Text Files, CSV Files, "Notes",
and Links added to core features and photos, data files,
applications, by way of non-limiting example only.
[0031] The delivering of a business card 115 from first device 110
to second device 140 as business card 150 may occur over a variety
of mediums using a multitude of different transmission paths 125.
Paths 125 may include wireless and wired connections, direct
connections via application to application, emailed transmissions,
SMS, MMS, and other data transfer protocols.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of system 100 featuring
additional features of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2,
system 100 may enable a user to interact with a first computing
device 110 in a multitude of different ways. Each of these ways of
interacting may be initiated by a user depressing a selection on
first computing device 110, or otherwise interacting with first
computing device 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, computing
device 110 may provide a series of buttons that enable progression
through a hierarchical menu. As shown in FIG. 2, these buttons may
include my card 115, folders 205, search 215, sent 220, post 230,
and scan 240. Selection of a given one of these actions navigates
the application to the respective sub-action level. Each of these
buttons may then launch a user window displayed on first computing
device 110.
[0033] Interaction with a button such as my card 115 may launch a
display on first computing device 110 depicting a user's business
card 115 as well as any additional features available for
interacting with the business card, including, but not limited to,
sign 112, edit 114, and post 160. For example, a user may designate
business card 115 for delivery. By activating the "My card" 115
menu, a user may be able to swipe a finger along the display of
first computing device 110 or otherwise activate delivery to
deliver business card 115 to second computing device 140. Before
sending business card 115, a user may add a personal message onto
the card such as by activating the sign 112, or edit 114 functions
of system 100.
[0034] Interaction with a button such as folders 205 may launch a
display on first computing device 110 depicting a folders system
for storing business cards and information. This display may
include the ability for a user to create a new 207 folder, a delete
209 folder, and/or rename 211 a folder. Users may maintain copies
of received business cards 150 in folders 205. For example, a user
may have a family folder, a technology folder, an investment
folder, and the like. A user may create 207 different folders to
store received business cards 150 on second computing device 140
with a user's space in the cloud on the application network. In
order to navigate through folders 205, a user may activate the
"folders" menu 205 of second computing device 140.
[0035] Initiating a button such as search 215 may launch a display
on first computing device 110 depicting a search screening. This
may include a user selectable region 217 that allows a user to
enter information on which to base a search. With respect to a
business card this may include a person's name, title, phone
number, company, e-mail address, website address, or other
information included in a business card. By activating "search"
215, system 100 may provide a business search engine allowing users
to search for services and business cards of a service. Users may
choose to publish pertinent information on the network and allow
for other users to locate and identify business cards 115 using the
"search" function 215.
[0036] Initiating a button such as sent 220 may launch a display on
first computing device 110 that enables a user to examine business
cards that have been sent in this application. This display may
include additional hierarchical buttons that allow a user to
examine sent items today 222, this week 224, and this month 226,
for example.
[0037] Within the send menu 220, system 100 may provide a
networking tool. That is, data may be provided regarding
circulation of business card 115, by initiating the "sent" menu
220. Upon distribution of business card 115, a user may know, for
example, when business card 115 was distributed to second computing
device 140 and the parties involved in the distribution, in
addition to numerous other statistics. Users may also setup mass
distribution, so that business card 115 may be distributed to
multiple second computing devices 140 substantially simultaneously.
In order to expand the community, users may distribute business
card 115 to second computing devices 140 using email distribution.
The email may include an image of business card 115, such as in JPG
form, for example, and may also include a link to the business card
application.
[0038] Selecting a button such as post 230 may launch a display on
first computing device 110 that enables a user to add contacts 232,
provide a new contact 234, and/or send information 236. The display
may provide add contacts 232, new contacts 234, and send
information 236 using additional hierarchical buttons selectable by
a user. By selecting the "post" button 230, a user may be able to
provide business card 115 and any associated information as
described to the network of host site, described below.
[0039] Selecting a button such as scan 240 may launch a display on
first computing device 110 that enables a user to scan a business
card or other information, such as by using a camera built-in to
first computing device 110. A display may be provided at a target
242 included for outlining the business card to be scanned. Once
the business card and first computing device 110 are aligned, such
that the image of the business card to be scanned is incorporated
correctly within target 242, a capture button 244 may be depressed
to initiate the scan of the business card.
[0040] By using scan button 240, a business card may also include
an authoring engine that allows users to build a business card on
first computing device 110 by entering information. Within the
business card 115 the user can attach information such as official
websites and other links, and business information. The "scan"
feature 240 of the business card application may be able to capture
relevant information from business cards, using Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) technology and/or other technology. The user can
also auto import the information.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a business card 115 and/or business card
150 utilized within the system 100. This business card may contain
a title 302, name 304, web information 306, email address 308 and
phone number 310. Additional information may also be included as
would be evident to those possessing an ordinary skill in the
pertinent arts. The web information 306 may include the ability to
guide the first computing device's 110 browser to a certain
website. That is, this information may be provided in hyperlink, or
the like. Further, the email address 308 may be included, such that
activating the email address 308 may use the first computing device
110 to send an email to that respective address. Similarly, the
phone number 310 may be provided so that activating the phone
number 310 causes the first computing device 110 to attempt to
connect to that phone number. Details for particular information
may be housed on the front or back of the card, both in a real
sense and in the virtual sense in the application. Obviously, a
toggle may be created to turn these features off/on as desired.
While the present description discusses activating a portion of the
business card 115 on first computing device 110, these activations
may similarly be achieved on second computing device 140 through
the interaction with business card 150.
[0042] The application may include an offering engine that allows a
user to build a business card 115 on the first computing device 110
using predefined templates. For example, there may be a plurality
of templates, such as 5 to 10 templates, to select from that vary
in specific fields and position of fields. These templates may
provide the ability to add information and attach a photo and/or
logo to the business card 115. With the business card 115, the user
can attach information such as name of the individual, telephone
number, email address, company name and information, and the like.
An official website address and other links may be loaded onto the
business card 115 from first computing device 110.
[0043] Users may export information from the business cards 115,
150 to applications that include contacts. Users may be able to
create and delete or share business cards 115, 150. System 100 may
include created business cards 115, received business cards 150 and
allow business cards 115, 150 to be grouped in the folders and
searched.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates the method 400 of providing a business
card on the first computing device to a second computing device
within system 100. Method 400 includes creating the business card
at step 410. The business card 115 may be created as discussed
herein above. As discussed above, business card 115 may be
categorized in folders. Method 400 includes adding the business
card to a library or hierarchical folder system at step 420.
[0045] At step 430, method 400 includes scanning networks and
devices to find a connection point for the first computing device.
At step 440, method 400 selects a device as the second computing
device which is to be sent a business card from the first computing
device. This selection may be based on the devices located in step
430. Second computing devices 140 that are not located may be
delivered the business card 115 via email. Method 400 includes
adding e-mail addresses of recipients that cannot be located to be
sent the business card 115 directly, and/or those where email
delivery may provide a benefit, at step 450.
[0046] At step 460, method 400 includes selecting business card(s)
and notes or signatures to include in the delivery. Users may
preview the selection prior to sending, and the receiving users may
be able to preview files and notes prior to saving the received
information to the second computing device.
[0047] Received information may be provided in an initial storage
location such as initially storing in a new "Files" tab, while
allowing the sending user via first computing device with the
option of connecting to Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud or other
storage accounts to upload/download files for sharing. The "files"
tab may provide an option of previewing files before including the
files for sending. Before distributing a business card 115, the
user can add a personal message on the business card 115 and users
that received business cards 150 may add notes. The message/notes
may not appear on the face of the card although the message/notes
may be stored as an attachment that may be viewed by interacting
with first or second computing device 110, 140. A link to
information may also be included with the delivery.
[0048] At step 470, method 400 includes sending the business card
and any associated attachment, link or file, as discussed. Method
400 may optionally include notifying recipients of an incoming
business card at step 480. This notification may allow a user of
second computing device 140 the option of accepting or denying the
incoming business card 150.
[0049] A similar method may be used for sharing a photo. Sharing a
photo may provide the option of including a hand-drawn signature.
FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for providing a photo on the first
computing device to a second computing device within system 100.
Method 500 includes initiating an application to transfer the photo
at step 510. Method 500 includes choosing to transfer the photo at
step 520.
[0050] At step 530, method 500 includes choosing devices to
transfer the photo to such as by over the network or by e-mail.
Method 500 may include a display, at step 535, showing all devices
that are discovered and that may be selected to receive the sent
photo. A user may select devices to send the photo to.
[0051] At step 540, method 500 includes selecting the photo to
transfer from a photo album or the camera, for example. Method 500
includes previewing the photo and optionally providing a signature
on the photo at step 550. Step 550 may branch to "no signature" at
step 552 or to "yes signature" at step 557. In the case where a
signature is being provided, a display at step 555 may be shown
allowing the user to sign the image before sending at step 560.
[0052] Method 500 culminates by sending the photo to the designated
devices at step 560. The sending may occur via WiFi network,
Bluetooth, NIC, or by email, for example, as discussed herein.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computing device 600 that may
be used to implement features described herein. This computing
device may be the first computing device 110 and/or the second
computing device 140. The computing device 600 includes a processor
602, a memory device 604, a communication interface 606, a data
storage device 608, a touchscreen display 610, and a motion
detector 612. These components may be connected via a system bus
614 in the computing device 600, and/or via other appropriate
interfaces within the computing device 600.
[0054] The memory device 604 may be or include a device such as a
Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), Static RAM (S-RAM), or other
RAM or a flash memory. As shown in FIG. 6, the application 616 may
be loaded into the memory device 604.
[0055] The data storage device 608 may be or include a hard disk, a
magneto-optical medium, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM, a
digital versatile disk (DVDs), or Blu-Ray disc (BD), or other type
of device for electronic data storage. The data storage device 608
may store instructions that define the application 616, and/or data
that is used by the application 616.
[0056] The communication interface 606 may be, for example, a
communications port, a wired transceiver, a wireless transceiver,
and/or a network card. The communication interface 606 may be
capable of communicating using technologies such as Ethernet, fiber
optics, microwave, xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN) technology, wireless cellular technology,
and/or any other appropriate technology.
[0057] The touchscreen display 610 may be based on one or more
technologies such as resistive touchscreen technology, surface
acoustic wave technology, surface capacitive technology, projected
capacitive technology, and/or any other appropriate touchscreen
technology.
[0058] The motion detector 612 may include one or more three-axes
acceleration motion detectors (e.g., accelerometers) operative to
detect linear acceleration in three directions (i.e., the X
(left/right) direction, the Y (up/down) direction, and the Z (out
of plane) direction). Alternatively, the motion detector 612 can
include one or more two-axis acceleration motion detectors 612
which can be operative to detect linear acceleration only along
each of the X or Y directions, or any other pair of directions.
Alternatively or additionally, the motion detector 612 may be or
include an electrostatic capacitance accelerometer that is based on
a technology such as silicon micro-machined MEMS (Micro Electro
Mechanical Systems) technology, a piezoelectric type accelerometer,
a piezoresistance type accelerometer, or any other suitable type of
accelerometer.
[0059] When the touchscreen 610 receives data that indicates user
input, the touchscreen 610 may provide the data to the application
616. Alternatively or additionally, when the motion detector 612
detects motion, the motion detector 612 may provide the
corresponding motion information to the application 616.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the application 616 is loaded into the
memory device 604. Although actions are described herein as being
performed by the application 616, this is done for ease of
description and it should be understood that these actions are
actually performed by the processor 602 (in conjunction with the
persistent storage device, network interface, memory, and/or
peripheral device interface) in the computing device 600, according
to instructions defined in the application 616. Alternatively or
additionally, the memory device 604 and/or the data storage device
608 in the computing device 600 may store instructions which, when
executed by the processor 602, cause the processor 602 to perform
any feature or any combination of features described above as
performed by the application 616. Alternatively or additionally,
the memory device 604 and/or the data storage device 608 in the
computing device 600 may store instructions which, when executed by
the processor 602, cause the processor 602 to perform (in
conjunction with the memory device, communication interface, data
storage device, touchscreen display, and/or motion detector) any
feature or any combination of features described above as performed
by the application 616.
[0061] The computing device 600 shown in FIG. 6 may be, for
example, an Apple iPad, or any other appropriate computing device.
The application 616 may run on an operating system such as iOS,
Android, Linux, Windows, and/or any other appropriate operating
system.
[0062] FIG. 7 shows an example architecture 700 wherein features
described herein may be implemented. The example architecture 700
includes a web site system 710, a first computing device 720, the
Internet 730, and the second computing device 740. The web site
system 710 of FIG. 7 includes hardware (such as one or more server
computers) and software for implementing an application as
described. The first computing device 720 described above may be
used to download and run a local application to interact with other
applications and/or software to allow the transfer of information.
Alternatively, an end user may use the first computing device 720
to display and interact with the web pages that make up the
interactive web site. The device 720 shown in FIG. 7 may be, for
example, a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet computer, a
smartphone, a PDA, and/or any other appropriate type of device.
[0063] The web site system 710 includes a web server module 712, a
web application module 714, a database 716, and an email system
718, which, in combination, store and process data for providing
the web site. The web application module 714 may provide the logic
behind the web site provided by the web site system 710, and/or
perform functionality related to the generation of the web pages
provided by the web site system 710. The web application 714 may
communicate with the web server module 712 for generating and
serving the web pages that make up the web site.
[0064] Email system 718 may provide an alternative delivery path
for the business cards and other information sent as described.
This email system may include any methodology of exchanging digital
messages from an author to one or more recipients and may exchange
information between sender and receiver(s) using Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol (SMTP), for example. This may include instant
messaging and store and forward models of email systems. Email
system 718 may include a server, such as a MAPI, IMAP, POP3, and/or
web-based email server, that operates as a connection between
sender and receiver(s). Email system 718 may connect to emails
systems 726, 746.
[0065] The first computing device 720 may include a web browser
module 722, which may receive, display, and interact with the web
pages provided by the web site system 710. The web browser module
722 in the first computing device 720 may be, for example, a web
browser program such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari,
and/or any other appropriate web browser program. To provide the
web site to the user of the first computing device 720, the web
browser module 722 in the first computing device 720 and the web
server module 712 may exchange HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
messages, per current approaches that would be familiar to a
skilled person.
[0066] The application module 724 may provide the logic behind the
second computing device and interaction provided by the web browser
module 722, and/or performs functionality related to the generation
of the web pages provided by the web browser module 722. The
application module 724 may communicate with the web browser module
722 for generating and serving the web pages that make up the web
site.
[0067] Email system 726 may provide an alternative delivery path
for the business cards and other information sent as described.
This email system may include any methodology of exchanging digital
messages from an author to one or more recipients. This may include
instant messaging and store and forward models of email systems.
Email system 726 may include a server that operates as a connection
between sender and receiver(s). Email system 726 may connect to
emails systems 718, 746.
[0068] The second computing device 740 may include a web browser
module 742, which may receive, display, and interact with the web
pages provided by the web site system 710. The web browser module
742 in the second computing device 740 may be, for example, a web
browser program such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari,
and/or any other appropriate web browser program. To provide the
web site to the user of the second computing device 740, the web
browser module 742 in the second computing device 740 and the web
server module 712 may exchange HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
messages, per current approaches that would be familiar to skilled
person.
[0069] The application module 744 may provide the logic behind the
second computing device and interaction provided by the web browser
module 742, and/or performs functionality related to the generation
of the web pages provided by the web browser module 742. The
application module 744 may communicate with the web browser module
742 for generating and serving the web pages that make up the web
site.
[0070] Email system 746 may provide an alternative delivery path
for the business cards and other information sent as described.
This email system may include any methodology of exchanging digital
messages from an author to one or more recipients. This may include
instant messaging and store and forward models of email systems.
Email system 746 may include a server that operates as a connection
between sender and receiver(s). Email system 746 may connect to
emails systems 718, 726.
[0071] As described hereinabove, details regarding the interactive
web site and the pages of the web site (as generated by the web
site system 710 and displayed/interacted with by the user of the
first computing device 720) are provided.
[0072] Registration to the site is required in order to interact
using the first computing device 720. Users can create an account
with the web site, and/or may log in via credentials associated
with other web sites. With each user account, the user has a
personal page. Via this page, users can establish "friends" links
to other users, transmit/receive messages, and publish their
bookmarks. Users can also publish in forums on the site, post
comments, and create bookmarks.
[0073] The web site may include any number of different web pages,
including but not limited to the following: a front (or "landing")
page; a search results page; an account landing page; and a
screening window page.
[0074] Via the account landing page, the user is able to perform
actions such as: set options for the user's account; update the
user's profile; customize the landing page and/or the account
landing page; post information; perform instant messaging/chat with
other users who are logged in; view information related to
bookmarks the user has added; view information regarding the user's
friends/connections; view information related to the user's
activities; and/or interact with others and/or software for
transferring information.
[0075] Advertising may be integrated into the site in any number of
different ways. As one example, each or any of the pages in the web
site may include banner advertisements. Alternatively, video
advertisements may be played, and/or be inserted periodically.
[0076] The components in the web site system 710 (web server module
712, web application module 714, email system 718) may be
implemented across one or more computing devices (such as, for
example, server computers), in any combination.
[0077] The database 716 in the web site system 710 may be or
include one or more relational databases, one or more hierarchical
databases, one or more object-oriented databases, one or more flat
files, one or more structured files, and/or one or more other files
for storing data in an organized/accessible fashion. The database
716 may be spread across any number of computer-readable storage
media. The database 716 may be managed by one or more database
management systems in the web site system 710, which may be based
on technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL,
Oracle Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), a NoSQL
database technology, and/or any other appropriate technologies
and/or combinations of appropriate technologies. The database 716
in the web site system 710 may store information related to the web
site provided by the web site system 710, including but not limited
to any or all information described herein as necessary to provide
the features offered by the web site.
[0078] The web server module 712 implements the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP). The web server module 712 may be, for example, an
Apache web server, Internet Information Services (IIS) web server,
nginx web server, and/or any other appropriate web server program.
The web server module 712 may communicate HyperText Markup Language
(HTML) pages, handle HTTP requests, handle Simple Object Access
Protocol (SOAP) requests (including SOAP requests over HTTP),
and/or perform other related functionality.
[0079] The web application module 714 may be implemented using
technologies such as PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Active
Server Pages (ASP), Java Server Pages (JSP), Zend, Python, Zope,
Ruby on Rails, Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax), and/or any
other appropriate technology for implementing server-side web
application functionality. In various implementations, the web
application module 714 may be executed in an application server
(not depicted in FIG. 7) in the web site system 710 that interfaces
with the web server module 712, and/or may be executed as one or
more modules within the web server module 712 or as extensions to
the web server module 712. The web pages generated by the web
application module 714 (in conjunction with the web server module
712) may be defined using technologies such as HTML (including
HTML5), eXtensible HyperText Markup Language (XHMTL), Cascading
Style Sheets, Javascript, and/or any other appropriate
technology.
[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the web site system 710 may
include one or more other modules (not depicted) for handling other
aspects of the web site provided by the web site system 710.
[0081] The web browser module 722 in the first computing device 720
and/or the web browser module 742 in the second computing device
740 may include and/or communicate with one or more sub-modules
that perform functionality such as rendering HTML, rendering raster
and/or vector graphics, executing JavaScript, decoding and
rendering video data, and/or other functionality. Alternatively or
additionally, the web browser module 722, 742 may implement Rich
Internet Application (RIA) and/or multimedia technologies such as
Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, and/or other technologies, for
displaying video. The web browser module 722, 742 may implement RIA
and/or multimedia technologies using one or web browser plug-in
modules (such as, for example, an Adobe Flash or Microsoft
Silverlight plugin), and/or using one or more sub-modules within
the web browser module 722, 742 itself. The web browser module 722,
742 may display data on one or more display devices (not depicted)
that are included in or connected to the first computing device 720
and/or second computing device 740, such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD) display or monitor. The first computing device 720
may receive input from the user of the first computing device 720
from input devices (not depicted) that are included in or connected
to the first computing device 720, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or
a touch screen, and provide data that indicates the input to the
web browser module 722. The second computing device 740 may receive
input from the user of the second computing device 740 from input
devices (not depicted) that are included in or connected to the
second computing device 720, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a
touch screen, and provide data that indicates the input to the web
browser module 742.
[0082] As depicted in FIG. 7, the first computing device 720 and
the second computing device 740 may be interconnected such as by
infrared signal, NIC, Bluetooth or other direct communication
methods.
[0083] Although the example architecture of FIG. 7 shows two
computing devices, this is done for convenience in description, and
it should be understood that the architecture of FIG. 7 in may
include, mutatis mutandis, any number of computing devices with the
same or similar characteristics as the described computing
devices.
[0084] Although the methods and features are described herein with
reference to the example architecture of FIG. 7, the methods and
features described herein may be performed, mutatis mutandis, using
any appropriate architecture and/or computing environment.
Alternatively or additionally, although examples are provided
herein in terms of web pages generated by the web site system 710,
it should be understood that the features described herein may also
be implemented using specific-purpose client/server applications.
For example, each or any of the features described herein with
respect to the web pages in the interactive web site may be
provided in one or more specific-purpose applications. For example,
the features described herein may be implemented in mobile
applications for Apple iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile platforms,
and/or in client application for Windows, Linux, or other
platforms, and/or any other appropriate computing platform.
[0085] For convenience in description, the modules (web server
module 712, web application module 714, web browser module 722 and
email system 718) shown in FIG. 7 are described herein as
performing various actions. However, it should be understood that
the actions described herein as performed by these modules are in
actuality performed by hardware/circuitry (i.e., processors,
network interfaces, memory devices, data storage devices, input
devices, and/or display devices) in the electronic devices where
the modules are stored/executed.
[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates a screen depiction 800 of the present
application showing a picture of the "share" screen. In this screen
800, a user may search for a particular individual by inputting a
name 810 or other information, may select all available devices 820
or ones of the available devices, may connect through WiFi to
particular devices and/or add e-mail addresses of contacts 830.
Additionally, groups 840 may be created. In FIG. 8, groups 840 are
depicted as management, International conference Investor Day in
Central and Eastern Europe (IDCEE), and salsa club. Each of these
groups 840 may contain individual contact information via WiFi, by
e-mail or other connection to allow to sending information to the
entities associated with the group as a whole.
[0087] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen depiction 900 of the present
application showing share settings that may be configured including
e-mail settings 910, account settings 920, and group settings
930.
[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a screen depiction 1000 of the account
settings of FIG. 9 wherein a user may be prompted the login with a
login 101 and password 1020 and register the respective device.
[0089] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen depiction 1100 of the group
settings of FIG. 9 wherein a user may create groups 1110 and assign
members to groups 1120. Groups may also be searched for specific
individuals. Also individuals may be created and configured in
multiple groups.
[0090] FIG. 12 illustrates a screen depiction 1200 of a group
setting any exemplary salsa group 1230. The salsa group 1230 may
include a number of members 1220 identified as person 1-7, each
having particular contact information. The group may have a setting
such as private or public 1210.
[0091] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen depiction 1300 of the addition
of a member to the exemplary salsa group by entering contact
information such as e-mail 1310 for the member. Once entered, an
invitation 1320 may be sent to the new member in this user may be
added to the group. The group may be updated seamlessly throughout
the contacts of all group members or updated solely on the
respective device of a user who as invited group member.
[0092] FIG. 14 illustrates a screen depiction 1400 of a group
setting of an exemplary IDCEE group 1410. The IDCEE group 1410 may
include a number of members 1420 identified as person 1-7, each
having particular contact information.
[0093] As used herein, the term "processor" broadly refers to and
is not limited to a single- or multi-core central processing unit
(CPU), a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in
association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, one
or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or
more Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuits, any other type
of integrated circuit (IC), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), and/or a
state machine.
[0094] As used to herein, the term "computer-readable medium"
broadly refers to and is not limited to a register, a cache memory,
a ROM, a semiconductor memory device (such as a D-RAM, S-RAM, or
other RAM), a magnetic medium such as a flash memory, a hard disk,
a magneto-optical medium, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM, a
DVDs, or BD, or other type of device for electronic data
storage.
[0095] Although features are described herein as being performed in
a tablet computing device, the features described herein may also
be implemented, mutatis mutandis, on a desktop computer, a laptop
computer, a netbook, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), or any other appropriate type of tablet computing device or
data processing device.
[0096] Although features and elements are described above in
particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone
or in any combination with or without the other features and
elements. For example, each feature or element as described above
may be used alone without the other features and elements or in
various combinations with or without other features and elements.
Sub-elements of the methods and features described above may be
performed in any arbitrary order (including concurrently), in any
combination or sub-combination.
[0097] Although the invention has been described and pictured in an
exemplary form with a certain degree of particularity, it is
understood that the present disclosure of the exemplary form has
been made by way of example, and that numerous changes in the
details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts
and steps may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention as set forth in the claims hereinafter.
* * * * *