Sharing content with user and receiving device

Abstract

Methods and systems for establishing a content sharing session between computing devices are disclosed. Before establishing the content sharing session: receiving a user selection input selecting display content; in response to the user selection input, displaying a content sharing window including content, an interaction type selector, and a contact selector; receiving a user contact input selecting at least one contact selector corresponding to the selected recipient; and receiving a user interaction input selecting the interaction type selector. At least in response to receiving the user input, a content sharing session is established in which the selected content is provided to the recipient computing device for display. Recipient input is received from a recipient computing device during a sharing session.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application "Sharing content with users and receiving devices" filed on May 16, 2017, with application number 201780030797.1. Background Technology

[0002] Digital content can be exchanged between devices by sending a static representation of content, such as an image file or a URL, from one device to another. The recipient can then launch an application to open or access the received content. Another method utilizes screen-sharing applications, where two or more devices run the application to display a screen capture from one of the devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses systems and methods for establishing content-sharing sessions. In one example, a system includes a user computing device comprising a processor and a display configured to display content. A content-sharing procedure, executable by the processor, is configured to, prior to establishing a content-sharing session,: receive user selection input selecting at least a portion of content displayed on the display; in response to the user selection input, generate a content-sharing window including a portion of the content, a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors; receive user contact input selecting at least one of the user-selectable contact selectors corresponding to the selected recipient; and receive user interaction input selecting one of the user-selectable interaction type selectors.

[0004] At least in response to receiving user contact input and user interaction input, the content sharing program establishes a content sharing session, in which a portion of the content is provided to at least one recipient computing device associated with the selected recipient for display. During the content sharing session, recipient input is received from at least one recipient computing device.

[0005] This synopsis is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This synopsis is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address any or all the shortcomings mentioned in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a system for establishing a content-sharing session, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 It shows in Figure 1Example content displayed on the monitor of a user's computing device.

[0008] Figure 3 An example content sharing window is shown before a content sharing session is established, according to an example of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 This illustrates a content-sharing session during an example according to this disclosure. Figure 3 Content sharing window.

[0010] Figure 5 This illustrates another content-sharing session according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 3 Content sharing window.

[0011] Figure 6 It shows in Figure 1 Example content displayed on the monitor of a user's computing device.

[0012] Figure 7 A content sharing window is shown during a content sharing session according to an example of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 8 A content sharing window is shown during a content sharing session according to an example of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 9 A content sharing window is shown during a content sharing session according to an example of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 10A and 10B A method for establishing a content-sharing session is shown according to an example of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 11 A computing system according to an example of this disclosure is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 A system 10 for establishing a content-sharing session according to an example of this disclosure is shown. System 10 includes a user computing device 14. In various examples, the user computing device 14 may take various forms, such as a tablet computer, a laptop or notebook computer, a desktop computer, a smartphone or other portable communication device, a wearable computer such as a head-mounted display device, etc.

[0018] like Figure 1As schematically shown, computing device 14 may include a display 18. In various examples, display 18 may use any suitable display technology. Display 18 may be a touchscreen display configured to receive and detect touch input from a user, and may be resistive, capacitive, or optical. In some examples, display 18 may be integrated with other components of computing device 14 in a common housing. In other examples, the display may be a standalone or separate display communicatively coupled to other components of computing device 14.

[0019] In some examples, computing device 14 may include one or more sensor systems that can generate signals and other data in response to the detection of various inputs. Examples of sensor systems may include, for example, a touch-sensitive display system, a microphone, a depth camera input system, a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), etc. As described in more detail below, user computing device 14 may receive various user inputs 22 from user 26.

[0020] User computing device 14 can be communicatively coupled to one or more other computing devices via a wired or wireless connection to network 30. In some examples, network 30 may take the form of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network, a wireless network, a personal area network, or a combination thereof, and may include the Internet.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In one example, user computing device 14 is communicatively coupled to a first receiver computing device 34, a second receiver computing device 38, and another receiver computing device (not shown) via network 30. In other examples, user computing device 14 may be communicatively coupled to one, two, or any suitable number of receiver computing devices.

[0022] As described in more detail below, one or more receiver computing devices may provide receiver input 42 to user computing device 14 via network 30. In some examples, receiver input 42 may include audio data, video data, text data, and / or annotation data. In some examples, the receiver computing device may include a computing device that operates or supports a social networking service. In some examples, user computing device 14 may communicate with one or more receiver computing devices via network 30 and social networking services.

[0023] User computing device 14 may include a content-sharing program 46 stored in mass storage device 50. Content-sharing program 46 may be loaded into memory 54, and its instructions may be executed by processor 56 to perform one or more methods and procedures for establishing a content-sharing session as described herein. In some examples, content-sharing program 46 may execute at the operating system level and may be part of operating system 58. In some examples, content-sharing program 46 may include an application running via operating system 58.

[0024] As described in more detail below, content sharing program 46 can be executed by processor 56 to generate content sharing window 60 and display content sharing window 60 on display 18. Content sharing window 60 may include content 64, which users can share with one or more other people via their receiving computing devices. In some examples and as described in more detail below, content sharing window 60 may include multiple user-selectable contact selectors 68, multiple user-selectable interaction type selectors 70, interaction area 74, description area 78, and / or links to content 82.

[0025] Still referencing Figure 2-9 A description of example use cases for establishing content-sharing sessions in System 10 will now be provided. Figure 2-9 An example is shown of establishing a content sharing session and sharing content between a user computing device, such as user computing device 14, and one or more recipient computing devices according to this disclosure. In one example and with reference to… Figure 2 The user may be using a photo viewing application to view photos in a viewing window 202 displayed on the monitor 18 of the user's computing device 14. The user may want to share specific photos (content) with certain friends and have real-time conversations about the photos.

[0026] In this example, a user can share content in the form of a photo 206 showing the user cycling in France with one or more friends. As mentioned above, the user may initially be viewing photo 206 through a photo viewing application. Before establishing a content sharing session that communicatively couples the user's computing device with one or more receiver computing devices corresponding to one or more friends (receivers), the user can provide user selection input to the computing device 14 that selects photo 206.

[0027] In one example, user selection input may include a voice command received by the microphone of computing device 14 and recognized by a speech recognition program. For example, a user might say "Share this photo." In another example, user selection input may include a user-selectable share selector, such as a user-selectable share button 212, which results in the selection of photo 206. In different examples, the share button 212 may be displayed in the photo viewing application window 216 or elsewhere on the monitor 18. In yet another example, user selection input may include the user manipulating cursor 220 via an input device such as a mouse to capture photo 206 in selection box 224. In other examples, any other input device and / or method may be used to provide user selection input in any other suitable manner. For example, gesture recognition, eye gaze tracking, or any other suitable input method may be used.

[0028] Responding to user input selection, and now referencing Figure 3 Content sharing program 46 can generate a content sharing window 60 on display 18, which includes a photograph 206 displayed in a content display area 300. In this example, the content display area 300 is defined as a rectangular area in which the photograph 206 is attached. In other examples, the content display area 300 may have other shapes and / or sizes. Additionally, in this example, in... Figure 2 A portion of the content displayed in the viewing window 202 (photo 206) can be selected and displayed in the content display area 300. In other examples, all content displayed on the monitor 18 (such as the entire desktop) or other portions of the displayed content (such as...) Figure 2 The entire viewing window 202 can be selected and displayed in the content display area 300.

[0029] As explained in more detail below, the content sharing window 60 enables users to quickly establish content sharing sessions, where photo 206 is shared with one or more recipients, and facilitates real-time conversations between the user and one or more recipients. To facilitate the easy and rapid creation of such instant and real-time conversations, the content sharing window 60 may include multiple user-selectable interaction type selectors and multiple user-selectable contact selectors.

[0030] exist Figure 3In one example, the content-sharing window 60 includes a contacts area 304, which displays a user-selectable contact selector 308. In various examples, each user-selectable contact selector 308 may correspond to a person, a group of people, or a social network. In some examples, contact information for each such person (such as phone number, email address, home / work address, photo, etc.) may be stored in a mass storage device 50 of the user's computing device 14 and / or in another database accessible to the user's computing device.

[0031] exist Figure 3 In one example, each user-selectable contact selector 308 includes a photo of the person represented by such a contact selector within a circle, along with the initials of that person's name. In other examples, any suitable visual representation (icon, name, etc.) identifying a person associated with specific contact information can be used. Where the user-selectable contact selector 308 corresponds to a social network, any suitable visual representation identifying the social network can be used.

[0032] exist Figure 3 In this example, the contact area 304 may include a quick contacts sub-area 312 and a contact list sub-area 316. After generating the content sharing window 60, the content sharing program 46 may programmatically populate the quick contacts sub-area 312 with one or more user-selectable contact selectors 308. In this example, five user-selectable contact selectors 308 corresponding to friends Betty, Andy, Tyler, Julia, and Eddie are populated in the quick contacts sub-area 312. In this way, users can quickly find, select one or more of these friends, and share content with one or more of these friends. In other examples, any suitable number of user-selectable contact selectors 308 may be populated in the quick contacts sub-area 312.

[0033] In some examples, a user can pre-select one or more contacts from a contact list or database to automatically populate the Quick Contacts sub-area 312 each time the Content Sharing window 60 is generated. In other examples, the Content Sharing program 46 can programmatically select one or more of the user's contacts for the Quick Contacts sub-area 312 based on predetermined criteria, such as frequency of previous selections by the user, presence on the user's social graph, and / or other criteria.

[0034] The contact list sub-area 316 can include a complete or partial list of contacts from the contact database. Figure 3For example, for each entry in the contact list sub-area 316, in addition to the photo and the first letter of the person's name, additional information associated with the contact can be displayed adjacent to the circular user-selectable contact selector 308. In other examples, such additional information may not be displayed.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In this example, the content sharing window 60 includes a communication selection area 326, which displays a user-selectable interaction type selector. In this example, the content sharing window 60 includes four user-selectable interaction type selectors: a call interaction type selector 330, a video interaction type selector 334, a chat interaction type selector 338, and a drawing interaction type selector 342. In other examples, any appropriate number and type of user-selectable interaction type selectors can be displayed in the communication selection area 326.

[0036] In some examples, and as described in more detail below, when the call interaction type selector 330 is selected, the content sharing program 46 can establish a content sharing session, wherein an audio communication channel is opened between the user computing device 14 and one or more recipient computing devices corresponding to the selected contact selector 308, and the photo 206 is shared with the recipient computing device. This audio communication channel can utilize Voice over IP (VoIP) or other Internet telephony protocols, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), cellular networks, or any other suitable audio communication protocol. In this way, the user of the user computing device 14 and the person associated with the recipient computing device can enjoy an audio conversation while viewing the user-shared photo 206.

[0037] In some examples, such a content-sharing session can be established when the contact selector 308 is selected after the call interaction type selector 330 has already been selected.

[0038] In some examples, and as described in more detail below, when the video interaction type selector 334 is selected, the content sharing program 46 can establish a content sharing session, wherein a video telephony (video and audio) communication channel is opened between the user computing device 14 and one or more recipient computing devices corresponding to the selected contact selector 308, and the photo 206 is shared with the recipient computing device. This video telephony communication channel can use VoIP or other Internet video telephony protocols, PSTN, cellular networks, or any other suitable video communication protocol. In this way, the user of the user computing device 14 and the person associated with the recipient computing device can enjoy a video conference while viewing the user-shared photo 206.

[0039] In some examples, such a video communication channel can be opened when the contact selector 308 is selected after the video interaction type selector 334 has already been selected.

[0040] In some examples, and as described in more detail below, when the chat interaction type selector 338 is selected, the content sharing program 46 can establish a content sharing session, wherein an online chat channel providing instant messaging and / or multicast transmission is opened between the user computing device 14 and one or more recipient computing devices corresponding to the selected contact selector 308. This online chat channel can use VoIP or other Internet protocols, PSTN, cellular networks, or any other suitable messaging protocol. In this way, the user of the user computing device 14 and the person associated with the recipient computing device can exchange text data in the form of text messages while viewing the user-shared photos 206.

[0041] In some examples, such an online chat channel can be opened when the contact selector 308 is selected after the chat interaction type selector 338 has already been selected.

[0042] In some examples, and as described in more detail below, when the drawing interaction type selector 342 is selected, the content sharing program 46 can establish a content sharing session, in which an online annotation channel is opened between the user computing device 14 and one or more recipient computing devices corresponding to the selected contact selector 308. Selecting the drawing interaction type selector 342 allows the recipient to add annotations such as drawings and text within the content display area 300. Such an online annotation channel can use VoIP or other Internet protocols, PSTN, cellular networks, or any other suitable data transmission protocol. In this way, the user of the user computing device 14 and the person associated with the recipient computing device can write, draw, doodle, etc., on and around the user-shared photo 206.

[0043] In some examples, such an online annotation channel can be opened when the contact selector 308 is selected after the drawing interaction type selector 342 has already been selected.

[0044] In one example, user 26 might want to share photos 206 with friends Andy and Julia and exchange real-time text messages with them while Andy and Julia also view the photos. The user can provide two contact selectors 308 (Andy and Julia) for user contact input, and a chat interaction type selector 338 for user interaction input. Now refer to... Figure 4After receiving user contact input and user interaction input, the interaction area 350 can be displayed in the content sharing window 60. Recipient input, such as text messages received from Andy and Julia, and text messages from the user to Andy and Julia, can be displayed in the interaction area 350.

[0045] The receiver computing devices of Andy and Julia can similarly display the photos 206 and text messages received from the other two participants. For example, each receiver can use the receiver computing device to view a similar content-sharing window 60 that includes the shared photos 206 and displays the exchanged text messages.

[0046] In some examples, the content sharing window 60 may include a description area 356, which displays a topic associated with the content sharing session. In this example, the topic is a title describing photo 206. Such a topic may be generated from user input, retrieved from metadata associated with the content being shared, or otherwise generated programmatically by the content sharing program 46.

[0047] In some examples and again refer to Figure 3 Content sharing program 46 can be configured to display different contact selectors 308 based on which interaction type selector is selected. For example, user 26 can regularly share content and exchange text messages with his two close friends, Andy and Julia. Therefore, when the user selects chat interaction type selector 338 in communication selection area 326, content sharing program 46 can programmatically populate the quick contacts sub-area with only Andy's and Julia's contact selectors 308, while the remaining contacts are displayed in contact list sub-area 316. In this way, user 26 can quickly select the two contact selectors 308 for Andy and Julia to initiate a content sharing session that includes text messaging with Andy and Julia.

[0048] In some examples, user 26 can input user preferences into user computing device 14, causing two contact selectors 308 for Andy and Julia to be displayed when the user selects chat interaction type selector 338 (or another interaction type selector). In some examples, content sharing program 46 can use machine learning techniques or other suitable methods to determine that user 26 regularly shares content and exchanges text messages with Andy and Julia. In response to such determination, when the user selects chat interaction type selector 338, content sharing program 46 can programmatically populate the quick contacts sub-area with only Andy's contact selector 308 and Julia's contact selector 308.

[0049] In another example, user 26 can regularly share content with his brother Eddie and communicate via video calls with him. Therefore, when the user selects the video interaction type selector 334 in the content sharing window 60, the content sharing program 46 can programmatically populate only the quick contacts sub-area with Eddie's contact selector 308, while the remaining contacts are displayed in the contact list sub-area 316.

[0050] In some examples, content sharing program 46 can be configured to enable different interaction type selectors based on the different contact selectors 308 selected. For example, if user 26 regularly shares content and exchanges text messages with his sister Beatrice, content sharing program 46 can programmatically enable chat interaction type selector 338 when the user selects the contact selector 308 corresponding to Beatrice.

[0051] In some examples, enabling the chat interaction type selector 338 may include visually highlighting the selector so that the user 26 can easily and quickly select it. In some examples, enabling the chat interaction type selector 338 may include displaying only the selector and not other interaction type selectors in the selection area 326. In this way, the user 26 can quickly locate and select the chat interaction type selector 338 to initiate a content-sharing session that includes text messaging with Beatrice.

[0052] In some examples, user 26 can input user preferences that enable chat interaction type selector 338 when the user selects the contact selector 308 corresponding to Beatrice. In some examples, content sharing program 46 can use machine learning techniques or other suitable methods to determine whether user 26 regularly shares content and exchanges text messages with Beatrice in a content sharing session. In response to such determination, content sharing program 46 can programmatically enable chat interaction type selector 338 when the user selects Beatrice's contact selector 308.

[0053] In some examples, the content sharing program 46 may use machine learning techniques or other suitable methods to analyze previous content sharing sessions in which the user computing device 14 receives user contact input for selecting the Beattrice's contact selector 308 and exchanges text messages. Using this information and subsequently when the user selects the contact selector 308 corresponding to the Beattrice, the content sharing program 46 may programmatically establish a content sharing session with the Beattrice, in which selected content can be shared and text messages can be exchanged.

[0054] In some examples, the selected recipient can be a social network. (See now for reference.) Figure 5 User 26 can select a chat interaction type selector 338 and a contact selector 308 corresponding to the user's social network. In this example, members of the user's social graph (e.g., SN-C and SN-V) in the social network can receive shared content (photo 206) and can exchange text messages with the user in the interaction area 350 during the content sharing session. In other examples, other members of social networks not on the user's social graph can receive shared content and can exchange text messages with the user.

[0055] In some examples, when selecting the contact selector 308 corresponding to a social network, the content sharing program 46 can programmatically disable one or more of the interaction type selectors. For example, if the number of members in a user's social graph exceeds a predetermined threshold, the call interaction type selector 330, the video interaction type selector 334, and / or the drawing interaction type selector 342 can be disabled.

[0056] In some examples, when a content-sharing session involving one or more members of a social network is terminated, the content-sharing program may allow a post to be published on the user's account on the social network. This post may include part or all of the shared content, as well as user and recipient input exchanged during the content-sharing session.

[0057] Now for reference Figure 6 and 7 In some examples, user 26 can view webpage 600 displayed on monitor 18 via a browser. Webpage 600 may include a section 604 containing news articles that user 26 wants to share and discuss with his sisters Beatrice and Harriet. User 26 can select the news article section 604 of webpage 600. Then, as... Figure 7 As shown, user 26 can select the contact selector 308 and call interaction type selector 330 corresponding to Beatrice and Harriet in the content sharing window.

[0058] Therefore, a content-sharing session is established between the user, Beatrice, and Harriet, where the news article section 604 is shared with Beatrice and Harriet, and audio data is shared among three computing devices associated with the three participants. For example, users Beatrice and Harriet could have a real-time conversation while each views the news article section 604. In this example, the content-sharing window 60 does not include a description area.

[0059] Now for reference Figure 8In some examples, user 26 might want to share content in a content-sharing session, where participants can provide annotation data for the content. Figure 8 In the example, user 26 selects an interesting photo 800 to share. Then, the user selects a contact selector 308 corresponding to four friends and selects a drawing interaction type selector 342 in the content sharing window.

[0060] Therefore, a content-sharing session is established between the user and four friends, where annotation data is shared across five computing devices associated with the five participants. In this example, the user provides the topic "Title Contest!" in description area 356. The four friends can provide annotation data to the user's computing device 14 via their receiver computing devices, such as writing "Meow" on photo 800, drawing question marks and arrows on the photo, and adding the text "Firehouse Kitty" to content display area 300. User 26 can also annotate photo 800. Annotation data provided by the user and each receiver is displayed on each receiver's computing device.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 9 In some examples, user 26 can share content in a content-sharing session that includes live video feeds from the recipient. Figure 9 In the example, user 26 selects a baseball game video 900 to share. The video may be contained in a file located on user computing device 14 or another computing device. The user then selects a contact selector corresponding to two friends and a video interaction type selector 334 in the content sharing window 60.

[0062] Therefore, a content-sharing session is established between the user and his two friends. In this content-sharing session, the interactive area 350 includes a first inserted video window 904 displaying a first live video stream 908 of the first selected friend, and a second inserted video window 912 displaying a second live video stream 916 of the second selected friend. The receiving computing device of each of the two friends can display the shared video 900 and the two inserted video windows displaying the live video streams of the user and the other participant.

[0063] In this example, content sharing program 46 is configured to provide a link to video 900 to each of the two receiver computing devices. Figure 9 As shown, in one example, a link in the form of a URL corresponding to the source of the baseball video 900 can be displayed in the content source area 930 of the content sharing window 60. This URL can similarly be displayed along with the video 900 on the recipient's computing device. In other examples, such a link may include file locations, such as database locations, or any other suitable locator.

[0064] Figure 10A and 10B A flowchart illustrating a method 1000 for establishing a content sharing session between a user computing device and at least one recipient computing device, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown. (Refer to the description above.) Figure 1-9 The software and hardware components shown provide for the following description of method 1000. It should be appreciated that method 1000 can also be executed in other contexts using other suitable hardware and software components.

[0065] refer to Figure 10A Method 1000 may include, prior to establishing a content sharing session: at 1004, receiving user selection input that selects at least a portion of content to be displayed via a display of a user's computing device; at 1008, in response to the user selection input, displaying a content sharing window via the display that includes a portion of the content, a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors; at 1012 receiving user contact input that selects at least one of the user-selectable contact selectors corresponding to a selected recipient; and at 1016 receiving user interaction input that selects one of the user-selectable interaction type selectors. At 1020, method 1000 may include, at least in response to receiving the user contact input and the user interaction input, establishing a content sharing session, wherein a portion of the content is provided to at least one recipient computing device associated with the selected recipient for display.

[0066] At 1024, method 1000 may include receiving receiver input from at least one receiver computing device during a content sharing session. At 1028, the receiver input may include one or more of audio data, video data, text data, and annotation data received from the receiver computing device during the content sharing session. At 1032, method 1000 may include displaying an interaction area in a content sharing window after receiving user contact input and user interaction input, and displaying the receiver input in the interaction area. At 1036, method 1000 may include displaying different contact selectors based on different selected interaction type selectors. At 1040, method 1000 may include enabling different interaction type selectors based on different selected contact selectors.

[0067] Now for reference Figure 10BAt 1044, method 1000 may include: sharing different types of data between a user computing device and at least one recipient computing device in a content sharing session when each interaction type selector is selected. At 1048, method 1000 may include displaying a description area in a content sharing window, in which the topic of the content sharing session is displayed. At 1052, method 1000 may include providing the topic to at least one recipient computing device for display by at least one recipient computing device. At 1056, the selected recipient may be a social network. At 1060, method 1000 may include providing a link to said portion of said content to said at least one recipient computing device for display by said at least one recipient computing device.

[0068] It should be recognized that method 1000 is provided as an example and is not intended to be limiting. Therefore, it should be understood that method 1000 can include, relative to, [other methods]. Figure 10A and Figure 10B Additional and / or alternative steps as shown. Furthermore, it should be understood that method 1000 can be performed in any suitable order. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method 1000 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the methods and processes described herein can be attached to a computing system of one or more computing devices. In particular, these methods and processes can be implemented as computer applications or services, application programming interfaces (APIs), libraries, and / or other computer program products.

[0070] Figure 11 A non-limiting embodiment of computing system 1100 is illustrated schematically, which can implement one or more of the methods and processes described above. Computing system 1100 is shown in a simplified form. The aforementioned user computing device and receiver computing device can take the form of computing system 1100.

[0071] The computing system 1100 includes a logic processor 1104, volatile memory 1108, and non-volatile storage device 1112. The computing system 1100 may optionally include a display subsystem 1116, an input subsystem 1120, a communication subsystem 1124, and / or... Figure 11 Other components are not shown.

[0072] The logic processor 1104 includes one or more physical devices configured to execute instructions. For example, the logic processor may be configured to execute instructions that are part of one or more application programs, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs. Such instructions can be implemented to perform tasks, implement data types, transition the state of one or more components, achieve technical effects, or otherwise achieve desired results.

[0073] The logic processor 1104 may include one or more physical processors (hardware) configured to execute software instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the logic processor may include one or more hardware logic circuits or firmware devices configured to execute hardware-implemented logic or firmware instructions. The processor of the logic processor 1104 may be single-core or multi-core, and the instructions executed thereon may be configured for sequential, parallel, and / or distributed processing. The various components of the logic processor may optionally be distributed across two or more separate devices that can be remotely located and / or configured for collaborative processing. Aspects of the logic processor 1104 may be virtualized and executed by remotely accessible networked computing devices configured in a cloud computing configuration. In this case, these virtualized aspects may run on different physical logic processors on various different machines.

[0074] Volatile memory 1108 may include a physical device including random access memory. Logic processor 1104 typically utilizes volatile memory 1108 to temporarily store information during the processing of software instructions. It should be understood that when power to the volatile memory is cut off, volatile memory 1108 typically does not continue storing instructions.

[0075] The non-volatile storage device 1112 includes one or more physical devices configured to store instructions executable by a logic processor to implement the methods and processes described herein. When implementing such methods and processes, the state of the non-volatile storage device 1112 can be changed, for example, to maintain different data.

[0076] The non-volatile storage device 1112 may include removable and / or built-in physical devices. The non-volatile storage device 1112 may include optical memory (CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), semiconductor memory (ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, etc.) and / or magnetic memory (hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, MRAM, etc.) or other high-capacity storage technologies. The non-volatile storage device 1112 may include non-volatile, dynamic, static, read / write, read-only, sequential access, location-addressable, file-addressable, and / or content-addressable devices. It should be understood that the non-volatile storage device 1112 is configured to retain instructions even when the power supply to the non-volatile storage device is cut off.

[0077] The logic processor 1104, volatile memory 1108, and non-volatile storage device 1112 can be integrated together into one or more hardware logic components. Such hardware logic components may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (PASICs / ASICs), application-specific standard products (PSSPs / ASSPs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0078] The term "program" can be used to describe an aspect of a computing system 1100 implemented to perform a specific function. In some cases, a program can be instantiated by executing instructions held in a non-volatile storage device 1112 via a portion of volatile memory 1108 using a logic processor 1104. It is understood that different programs can be instantiated from the same application, service, code block, object, library, routine, API, function, etc. Similarly, the same program can be instantiated by different applications, services, code blocks, objects, routines, APIs, functions, etc. The term "program" includes individual or grouped executable files, data files, libraries, drivers, scripts, database records, etc.

[0079] When included, display subsystem 1116 can be used to present a visual representation of data held by non-volatile storage device 1112 and / or received from another computing device or other source. Since the methods and processes described herein alter the data held by the non-volatile storage device and thus transform the state of the non-volatile storage device, the state of display subsystem 1116 can also be transformed to visually represent changes in the underlying data. Display subsystem 1116 may include one or more display devices utilizing virtually any type of technology. Such display devices may be combined with logic processor 1104, volatile memory 1108, and / or non-volatile storage device 1112 in a shared package, or such display devices may be peripheral display devices.

[0080] When included, the input subsystem 1120 may include or interface with one or more user input devices. In some embodiments, the input subsystem may include or interface with selected Natural User Input (NUI) components. Such components may be integrated or peripheral, and the translation and / or processing of input actions may be handled on-board or off-board. Example NUI components may include microphones for speech and / or voice recognition; infrared, color, stereo, and / or depth cameras for machine vision and / or gesture recognition; head trackers, eye trackers, accelerometers, and / or gyroscopes for motion detection, gaze detection, and / or intent recognition; electric field sensing components for assessing brain activity; and / or any other suitable sensors.

[0081] When included, the communication subsystem 1124 can be configured to communicatively couple the computing system 1100 to one or more other computing devices. The communication subsystem 1124 may include wired and / or wireless communication devices compatible with one or more different communication protocols. As a non-limiting example, the communication subsystem can be configured to communicate via a wireless telephone network or a wired or wireless local area network or wide area network. In some embodiments, the communication subsystem may allow the computing system 1100 to send messages to and / or receive messages from other devices via a network such as the Internet.

[0082] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of this application. One aspect provides a system for establishing a content-sharing session, the system comprising: a user computing device including a processor and a display configured to display content; and a processor-executable content-sharing program configured to: prior to establishing the content-sharing session: receive user selection input selecting at least a portion of content to be displayed on the display; in response to the user selection input, generate a content-sharing window including a portion of the content, a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors; receive user contact input selecting at least one of the user-selectable contact selectors corresponding to a selected recipient; and receive user interaction input selecting one of the user-selectable interaction type selectors; establish a content-sharing session, at least in response to receiving the user contact input and the user interaction input, wherein a portion of the content is provided to at least one recipient computing device associated with the selected recipient for display; and receive recipient input from the at least one recipient computing device during the content-sharing session. The system may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the content-sharing program is further configured to, after receiving the user contact input and the user interaction input, display an interaction area in the content-sharing window, and display the recipient input in the interaction area. The system may additionally or alternatively include a content sharing program further configured to display different contact selectors based on different selected interaction type selectors. The system may additionally or alternatively include a content sharing program further configured to enable different interaction type selectors based on different selected contact selectors. The system may additionally or alternatively include a system where each interaction type selector is configured to enable the sharing of different types of data between a user computing device and at least one recipient computing device during a content sharing session. The system may additionally or alternatively include a system where recipient input includes one or more of audio data, video data, text data, and annotation data received from the recipient computing device during the content sharing session. The system may additionally or alternatively include a system where the content sharing program is further configured to display a description area in a content sharing window, in which the topic of the content sharing session is displayed. The system may additionally or alternatively include a system where the selected recipient is a social network. The system may additionally or alternatively include a system where the content sharing program is further configured to provide a link to a portion of the content for display on at least one recipient computing device.

[0083] On the other hand, a method is provided for establishing a content-sharing session between a user computing device and at least one recipient computing device. The method includes: before establishing the content-sharing session: receiving user selection input that selects at least a portion of content to be displayed via a display of the user computing device; in response to the user selection input, displaying a content-sharing window via the display including a portion of the content, a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors; receiving user contact input that selects at least one of the user-selectable contact selectors corresponding to a selected recipient; and receiving user interaction input that selects one of the user-selectable interaction type selectors; establishing the content-sharing session at least in response to receiving the user contact input and the user interaction input, wherein a portion of the content is provided to at least one recipient computing device associated with the selected recipient for display; and receiving recipient input from the at least one recipient computing device during the content-sharing session. The method may additionally or optionally include: after receiving the user contact input and the user interaction input, displaying an interaction area in the content-sharing window, and displaying the recipient input in the interaction area. The method may additionally or optionally include: displaying different contact selectors based on different selected interaction type selectors. The method may additionally or optionally include enabling different interaction type selectors based on the selected different contact selectors. The method may additionally or optionally include sharing different types of data between a user computing device and at least one recipient computing device during a content-sharing session when each of the interaction type selectors is selected. The method may additionally or optionally include wherein recipient input includes one or more of audio data, video data, text data, and annotation data received from the recipient computing device during the content-sharing session. The method may additionally or optionally include displaying a description area in a content-sharing window, displaying the topic of the content-sharing session in the description area; and providing the topic to the at least one recipient computing device for display by the at least one recipient computing device. The method may additionally or optionally include wherein the selected recipient is a social network. The method may additionally or optionally include providing a link to the portion of the content to the at least one recipient computing device for display by the at least one recipient computing device.

[0084] On the other hand, a system for establishing a content-sharing session is provided, the system comprising: a user computing device including a processor and a display configured to display content; and a processor-executable content-sharing program configured to: prior to establishing the content-sharing session: receive user selection input selecting at least a portion of content to be displayed on the display; in response to the user selection input, generate a content-sharing window including a portion of the content, a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors; receive user contact input selecting at least one of the user-selectable contact selectors corresponding to a selected recipient; and receive user interaction input selecting one of the user-selectable interaction type selectors; establish a content-sharing session at least in response to receiving the user contact input and the user interaction input, wherein a portion of the content is provided to at least one recipient computing device associated with the selected recipient for display; receive recipient input from at least one recipient computing device during the content-sharing session; and display the recipient input in an interaction area of ​​the content-sharing window. The system may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the content-sharing program is further configured to display different contact selectors based on the different selected interaction type selectors.

[0085] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The particular routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Thus, the various actions shown and / or described may be performed in the order shown and / or described, in another order, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the above processes may be changed.

[0086] The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes, systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A system for establishing a content-sharing session, the system comprising: User computing device, which includes a processor and a display configured to display content; as well as A content-sharing program, which can be executed by the processor and configured to: Before establishing the content sharing session that communicatively couples the user computing device with at least one receiver computing device: Receive user selection input that selects at least a portion of the content to be displayed on the display; In response to the user selection input that selects at least a portion of the content displayed on the display, a content sharing window is displayed, the content sharing window including the portion of the content and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors, each user-selectable contact selector corresponding to a different recipient; as well as Receive user contact input from at least one user-selectable contact selector corresponding to the selected recipient in the user-selectable contact selector; At least in response to receiving the user's contact input, the content sharing session is established, wherein the portion of the content is provided to the at least one recipient computing device, wherein the at least one recipient computing device is associated with a selected recipient; The interactive area is displayed in the content sharing window; and The interactive area displays receiver input received from the at least one receiver computing device during the content sharing session, wherein the receiver input includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, text data, and annotation data received from the receiver computing device during the content sharing session.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The content sharing program is also configured to display a description area in the content sharing window, and the topic of the content sharing session is displayed in the description area.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The selected recipient is a social network.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The content sharing program is also configured to provide a link to the portion of the content to the at least one recipient computing device for display by the at least one recipient computing device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The content sharing program is also configured to display a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, wherein each of the user-selectable interaction type selectors is configured to share different types of data between the user computing device and the at least one receiver computing device during the content sharing session.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The content sharing program is also configured to display different user-selectable contact selectors based on the selection of different user-selectable interaction type selectors.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The content sharing program is also configured to enable different user-selectable interaction type selectors based on the selection of different user-selectable contact selectors.

8. A method for establishing a content sharing session between a user computing device and at least one recipient computing device, the method comprising: Before establishing the content sharing session: Receive user selection input that selects at least a portion of the content to be displayed via the display of the user computing device; In response to the user selection input that selects at least a portion of the content to be displayed on the display, a content sharing window is displayed via the display, the content sharing window including the portion of the content and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors, each user-selectable contact selector corresponding to a different recipient; as well as Receive user contact input from at least one user-selectable contact selector corresponding to the selected recipient in the user-selectable contact selector; At least in response to receiving the user contact input, the content sharing session is established, wherein the portion of the content is provided to the at least one receiver computing device associated with the selected receiver; The interactive area is displayed in the content sharing window; and The interactive area displays receiver input received from the at least one receiver computing device during the content sharing session, wherein the receiver input includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, text data, and annotation data received from the receiver computing device during the content sharing session.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: A description area is displayed in the content sharing window, and the topic of the content sharing session is displayed in the description area. as well as The topic is provided to the at least one receiving computing device for display by the at least one receiving computing device.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The selected recipient is a social network.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Provide a link to the portion of the content to the at least one receiving computing device for display by the at least one receiving computing device.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Displays multiple user-selectable interaction type selectors, each of which is configured to share different types of data between the user computing device and the at least one receiver computing device during the content sharing session.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Different user-selectable contact selectors are displayed based on the selection of different user-selectable interaction types.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Different user-selectable interaction type selectors are enabled based on the selection of different user-selectable contact selectors.

15. A computing device, comprising: monitor; processor; as well as A memory storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to: Before establishing a content-sharing session that communicatively couples the computing device to at least one recipient computing device: Receive user selection input that selects at least a portion of the content to be displayed on the display; In response to the user selection input that selects at least a portion of the content to be displayed on the display, a content sharing window is generated, the content sharing window including the portion of the content and a plurality of user-selectable contact selectors, each user-selectable contact selector corresponding to a different recipient; as well as Receive user contact input from at least one user-selectable contact selector corresponding to the selected recipient in the user-selectable contact selector; At least in response to receiving the user's contact input, the content sharing session is established, wherein the portion of the content is provided to the at least one recipient computing device, wherein the at least one recipient computing device is associated with a selected recipient; The interactive area is displayed in the content sharing window; and The interactive area displays receiver input received from the at least one receiver computing device during the content sharing session, wherein the receiver input includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, text data, and annotation data received from the receiver computing device during the content sharing session.

16. The computing device according to claim 15, wherein, The instructions are executable to display a plurality of user-selectable interaction type selectors, each of which is configured to share different types of data between the user computing device and the at least one receiver computing device in the content sharing session.

17. The computing device according to claim 16, wherein, The instruction can be executed to display different user-selectable contact selectors based on the selection of different user-selectable interaction type selectors.

18. The computing device according to claim 16, wherein, The instructions can be executed to enable different user-selectable interaction type selectors based on the selection of different user-selectable contact selectors.

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