Techniques for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document

Abstract

Computer-implemented method comprising: Establishing (208) a short-range wireless communication link between a computing device (104) and a mobile computing device (108); Identifying a context of an electronic document; in response to establishing the short-range wireless communication link, providing (212), by the computing device, a selectable option for a user (120) to attach a media item to the electronic document accessed by the computing device; in response to a user selection of the selectable option, transmitting, from the computing device to the mobile computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, a command, the command configured to cause the mobile computing device to initiate a media capture mode during which the mobile computing device transmits a media feed of a current view from the perspective of a camera of the mobile computing device to the computing device over the short-range wireless communication link; Displaying, by the computing device, a preview window containing the media feed; detecting, by the computing device, an object corresponding to the identified context of the electronic document in the media feed of the preview window, wherein the media item is automatically captured by the camera of the mobile computing device in response to detecting the object; Receiving, at the computing device from the mobile computing device via the short-range wireless communication link, the captured media item; and in response to receiving the captured media item, attaching, by the computing device, the captured media item to the electronic document.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 885,513, filed October 16, 2015. The disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates generally to mobile computing devices and, more particularly, to techniques for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document.

[0003] US 2014 / 0049659 A1 describes embodiments of devices, packages, computer-implemented methods, systems, apparatus, and computer-readable media (transitory and non-transitory) that enable a first mobile device to control a second mobile device to consume media content captured from the perspective of the second mobile device using the first mobile device or to capture media content from the second mobile device under the control of the first mobile device. In various embodiments, controlling may include providing one or more commands to the second mobile device using at least one persistent communication connection between the first and second mobile devices. In various embodiments, controlling may further include receiving at least one view of media content currently captured by the second mobile device using a stateless communication protocol.In various embodiments, the first mobile device may control more than one remote mobile device.

[0004] US 2014 / 0108559 A1 describes embodiments of systems and methods for linking a computing device to a session executing on another computing device. A content generation session may be performed by a user on a particular computing device. As part of the content generation session, the user may request to add additional content, which may be located on another computing device, to the content created during the content generation session. Information may be generated that allows the other computing device to connect to the content generation session. Using this information, a link may be automatically established between the other computing device and the content generation session, such that the other content on the other computing device may be linked to the content generation session.

[0005] WO 2015 / 130270 A1 (or US 2016 / 0253298 A1) generally describes technologies for integrating images and documents. In some examples, a user device may receive a request to insert a future image into a document, determine an area within the document where the future image should be inserted, and display a camera viewfinder in the specified area.

[0006] US 2013 / 0033522 A1 describes embodiments related to methods and apparatus for completing documents based on the identification of objects in an augmented reality environment. The method includes capturing a video stream with a mobile computing device, determining the object with a computer processor, identifying a document associated with the object, completing at least a portion of the document, and submitting the document. The method may also include displaying indicators associated with the user, the identified document, or a financial transaction associated with the document. The method may also include providing recommendations or suggestions to the user regarding alternative offers associated with the document.In addition, systems and computer program products are provided for filling out forms using video analysis of identified objects.

[0007] US 2007 / 0254640 A1 describes a system, method, and device for remotely controlling the camera functions of a mobile phone with a camera. The mobile phone with a camera and another device can communicate with each other using the Bluetooth(TM) protocol. Each has a Bluetooth module that establishes a wireless connection between them so that data and instructions can be exchanged. The other device receives and displays data representing the viewfinder of the mobile phone with a camera. A camera application is paired with the Bluetooth module to establish a master / slave relationship with a corresponding camera application in the mobile camera phone. The other device sends camera control commands to the mobile phone with the camera. The camera control commands can be used to change camera settings, capture an image, and discard the resulting image.The other device also includes a user interface coupled to the display, which provides a way to enter data to operate the camera application.

[0008] CN 102830977 A describes a method, a client, and a system for adding data to a recording process during instant messaging. The method comprises the following steps: retrieving a trigger message of a recording process during an instant messaging interaction and entering a recording state to record audio and / or video data; loading data after triggering an insert control in a recording process; adding all or part of the data or adding markers to output the data after triggering the markers in a streaming media interaction frame created during the recording process of audio and / or video data; and transmitting and outputting the streaming media interaction frame containing the data between an initiator and a receiver.

[0009] US 2007 / 0046983 A1 describes a Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and related techniques. The MMR system provides mechanisms for creating a mixed-media document containing media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as the first medium and digital content and / or web links as the second medium). In one embodiment, an MMR document is retrieved based on the detection of a paper document. In response to the comparison of the paper document and the virtual multimedia document, an action is performed. For example, the media of the matching MMR document may be displayed or an action associated with the matching MMR document may be performed. BACKGROUND

[0010] The technical problem of the disclosure presented herein is solved by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims describe some of the possible exemplary embodiments.

[0011] The background description provided herein is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this Background section, as well as aspects of the description that might not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure.

[0012] Users can attach media elements (e.g., photos or videos) to multiple electronic documents, such as emails and slide presentations. Users typically create and edit these electronic documents on a desktop or laptop computing device because these types of devices have physical keyboards and other input devices (e.g., mice or trackballs / trackpads) that make it easier for the user to enter input quickly and efficiently. However, these types of devices are typically difficult to use to capture the media element because they are bulky and their components are usually wired. Thus, users typically use their mobile computing devices, such as mobile phones or tablet computers, to capture the media element. However, transferring the captured media element to the other computing device that accesses the electronic document is time-consuming. SUMMARY

[0013] A computer-implemented technique may include establishing a short-range wireless communication link between a computing device and a mobile computing device; providing, by the computing device, in response to establishing the short-range wireless communication link, a user-selectable option to attach a media item to an electronic document accessed by the computing device; transmitting, in response to user selection of the selectable option, a command from the computing device to the mobile computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, the command configured to cause the mobile computing device to initiate a media capture mode during which the media item is captured by a camera of the mobile computing device;receiving, at the computing device from the mobile computing device via the short-range wireless communication link, the captured media item; and attaching, in response to receiving the captured media item, by the computing device, the captured media item to the electronic document.

[0014] In some embodiments, the technique may further comprise, during the media capture mode: receiving, at the computing device from the mobile computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, a media feed of a current view of the mobile computing device's camera; and displaying, by the computing device, a preview window including the media feed. In some embodiments, the media item is captured during the media capture mode in response to input from a user. In other embodiments, the media item is automatically captured based on what is detected in the preview window.

[0015] In some embodiments, the technique may further comprise determining, by the computing device, whether the computing device and the mobile computing device are associated with the same user account. In some embodiments, the technique may further comprise providing the selectable option in response to determining that both the computing device and the mobile computing device are logged into the same user account.

[0016] In some embodiments, the media capture mode is terminated in response to a selection by the user on the mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the technique may further include providing the selectable option in a menu in response to a click by a user of a mouse or trackball / trackpad of the computing device. In some embodiments, the electronic document is a web-based electronic document hosted by a remote server. In some embodiments, the short-range wireless communication link is via Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. In some embodiments, the captured media item is a photo or a video.

[0017] Another computer-implemented technique is also presented. The technique may include establishing, between a mobile computing device and a computing device, a short-range wireless communication link; receiving, at the mobile computing device and from the computing device via the short-range wireless communication link, a command to initiate a media capture mode for capturing a media item; initiating, in response to receiving the command, by the mobile computing device, the media capture mode and capturing, by a camera of the mobile computing device, the media item;and transmitting, in response to ending the media capture mode, from the mobile computing device to the computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, the captured media item, wherein receiving the captured media item causes the computing device to attach the captured media item to an electronic document that was accessed by the computing device when the command was transmitted;

[0018] In some embodiments, the technique may include transmitting, during the media capture mode, from the mobile computing device to the computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, a media feed of a current view of the mobile computing device's camera, wherein receiving the media feed causes the computing device to display a preview window including the media feed. In some embodiments, the media item is captured during the media capture mode in response to input from a user. In other embodiments, the media item is automatically captured based on what is detected in the preview window.

[0019] In some embodiments, the technique may further comprise determining, by the mobile computing device, whether the mobile computing device and the computing device are associated with a same user account. In some embodiments, the technique may further comprise communicating with the computing device in response to determining that both the mobile computing device and the mobile computing device are logged into the same user account, wherein the communicating causes the computing device to display a selectable option to a user and, upon the user selecting the selectable option, transmit the command to the mobile computing device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the technique may further comprise receiving a termination input from a user of the mobile input device during the media capture mode; and terminating, by the mobile computing device, the media capture mode in response to receiving the termination input. In some embodiments, the termination input is a touch input provided via a touchscreen of the mobile computing device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electronic document is a web-based electronic document hosted by a remote server. In some embodiments, the short-range wireless communication connection is via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. In some embodiments, the captured media item is a photo, an audio file, a video file, or an audio / video file.

[0022] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0023] It is understood that aspects and embodiments may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, aspects and embodiments may be implemented by suitable computer programs carried by suitable carrier media, which may be physical carrier media (e.g., hard disks) or non-physical carrier media (e.g., communication signals). Aspects may also be implemented using suitable devices, which may take the form of programmable computers executing computer programs arranged to implement the invention. Aspects may be combined such that features described in the context of one aspect may be implemented in another aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will be better understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary computer system according to some implementations of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of a first exemplary technique for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document on another computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure; and Fig. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a second exemplary technique for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] After a user captures media (a "media item") on their mobile computing device, the user typically finds a way to transfer the captured media item to another computing device that accesses an electronic document to which they want to attach the captured media item. For example, the user may email the captured media item to themselves and then retrieve it through an email application on the other computing device. This process is very cumbersome for the user. Other techniques involve the other computing device accessing the mobile computing device, such as a removable drive, but these techniques require additional steps from the user (e.g., accessing the removable drive, locating the captured media item, and dragging and dropping it into the electronic document). Furthermore, these techniques do not allow the user to quickly capture the media item in real time.Accordingly, techniques for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document are presented.

[0026] These techniques can provide for quick and seamless attachment of captured media elements to the electronic document. The term "attach," as used herein, can refer to any suitable method for associating the captured media element with the electronic document, such as attaching the captured media element as an external or separate file (e.g., an email attachment), inserting / embedding the captured media element into the electronic document (e.g., a photo / video inserted into a slide presentation), storing the captured media element in association with the electronic document, and the like. While these are generally described with respect to another computing device (e.g., a laptop computer or a desktop computer), it should be understood that these techniques can also be implemented entirely on the mobile computing device.For example, during access to an electronic document by the mobile computing device, a selectable option may cause the mobile computing device to initiate media capture mode (e.g., a separate application) to capture the media element, which may then be automatically attached to the electronic document. The techniques thus address issues associated with transferring media elements and provide an improved interface that enables enhanced human interaction with one or more devices to perform a technical task.

[0027] In situations where the systems or agents discussed herein may collect or use personal information about users, users may be given the opportunity (e.g., through authorization or consent) to control whether programs or features collect user information (e.g., information about a user's social network, social actions or activities, occupation, a user's preferences, or a user's current location), or to control whether and / or how to receive content from a server or other device that may be more relevant to the user. In addition, certain data may be treated in one or more ways before it is stored or used so that information is removed.For example, a user's identity can be treated in such a way that no personal information can be determined for the user, or a user's geographic location can be generalized, where location information (such as city, ZIP code, or state) is retrieved so that a specific user location cannot be determined. This allows the user to control how information about the user is collected and used, for example, by the server or other device.

[0028] As mentioned with reference to Fig. 1, a diagram of an exemplary computing system 100 is illustrated. The computing system 100 may include an exemplary computing device 104 and an exemplary mobile computing device 108, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The computing device 104 may have more powerful / accessible input devices (e.g., a physical keyboard and mouse or a trackball / trackpad) compared to the mobile computing device 108 (e.g., a touchscreen). The mobile computing device 108 may also include a camera configured to capture a media item (e.g., a photo or video). Non-limiting examples of the computing device 104 include a desktop computer and a laptop computer, and examples of the mobile computing device 108 include a mobile phone and a tablet computer. It should be understood that the computing device 104 may also include a mobile phone or a tablet computer (e.g.,an older device or a device without a camera). A user 120 may operate the computing device 104 and the mobile computing device 108 (e.g., by providing input to capture the media item).

[0029] Computing device 104 and mobile computing device 108 may each include a communication device (e.g., a transceiver) that enables them to communicate over a network 112. Network 112 may be a short-range wireless communication network. Examples of the short-range wireless communication medium include Bluetooth and WiFi Direct, although other suitable wireless communication media could also be used (WLAN, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.). When mobile computing device 108 is proximate computing device 104, a short-range wireless communication link may be established between devices 104, 108. Devices 104, 108 may also each include one or more processors and memory (flash, hard drive, etc.).The term “processor” as used herein may refer to a single processor or to a plurality of processors operating in a parallel or distributed architecture.

[0030] One or both of the devices 104, 108 may also communicate with a remote server 116 via the network 112. In these implementations, each network 112 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the short-range wireless communication connection may be established when the devices 104, 108 are in proximity to each other and are both connected (e.g., logged in) to a common account, such as an email account. This connection may be determined or verified using the server 116. As explained above, the electronic document may be a web-based document, allowing the server 116 to host (i.e., provide and store / manage) the electronic document.In some implementations, the server 116 may transmit information to the computing device 104 that causes the computing device 104 to provide a selectable option for the techniques of the present disclosure, which are explained in more detail below.

[0031] As mentioned with reference to Fig. 2, a flow diagram of a first exemplary technique 200 for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document on another computing device is illustrated. At 204, the computing device 104 may determine whether a connection condition exists to establish a short-range wireless communication link with the mobile computing device 108. The connection condition may include the mobile computing device 108 being in proximity to the computing device 104. In some implementations, the connection condition may further include the devices 104, 108 being associated with (e.g., logged into) a same user account. If the connection condition is true, the technique 200 may proceed to 208. Otherwise, the technique 200 may end or return to 204. At 208, the devices 104, 108 may establish the short-range wireless communication link with each other.At 212, the computing device 104 may provide the user 120 with a selectable option to attach a media item to an electronic document that is being accessed (e.g., created or edited) by the computing device 104.

[0032] In one implementation, the electronic document is a web-based electronic document displayed in a web browser on the computing device 104. Examples of the web-based electronic document include a web-based email and a web-based text or slide presentation document. For example, the web-based electronic document may be stored / maintained on the server 116. In some implementations, the selectable option may be included in a displayed menu, such as after a right-click of a mouse. By way of example only, the selectable option could be labeled "Insert Photo / Video from Mobile Device" and could be located under the Insert menu. In certain cases, the selectable option may require the user 120 to specify what type of media item (e.g., photo, audio, video, audio / video) is being displayed and may then configure the command to the mobile computing device 108 accordingly.At 216, computing device 104 may determine whether the selectable option has been selected by user 120. For example, user 120 may click a mouse or trackball / trackpad of computing device 104 to select the selectable option. If the selectable option has been selected, technique 200 may proceed to 220. Otherwise, technique 200 may end or return to 216. The command may vary depending on the selectable option (e.g., photo vs. video), such that the command instructs mobile computing device 108 how to respond (e.g., initiate a different application or mode).

[0033] At 220, computing device 104 may transmit a command to mobile computing device 108. Receiving the command may cause mobile computing device 108 to initiate an image capture mode for capturing a media item. The image capture mode could be a native photo-video capture mode of mobile device 108 or a separate media capture application launched by mobile computing device 108 in response to receiving the command. During the media capture mode, user 120 may manipulate mobile computing device 108 to capture a photo or a video. This may include providing an initial input (e.g., a capture or record button). Although photo and video media items are specifically discussed herein, it should be understood that audio-only recording could be performed.After exiting the media capture mode, the captured media item may be transmitted from the mobile computing device 108 back to the computing device 104 via the short-range wireless communication link.

[0034] In some implementations, during media capture mode, mobile computing device 108 may transmit a media feed of a current view from its camera to computing device 104 over the short-range wireless communication link. This "live" or "real-time" media feed may cause computing device 104 to open a preview window and display the media feed therein. User 120 may then see how the image(s) captured by mobile computing device 108 would appear in the context of the electronic document on computing device 104. In some implementations, the preview window may be a pop-up window overlaid on at least a portion of the electronic document. Other configurations could also be used, such as inserting the media feed appropriate to the electronic device where user 120 originally clicked to insert the captured media item.In some implementations, the media item can be automatically included based on what is detected, e.g., in the media feed / preview window. Just as an example, if a house is detected in the media feed / preview window, the media item could be included based on an identified context of the document (conversation about a house).

[0035] At 224, the computing device 104 may determine whether the captured media item has been received. If the captured media item has been received, the technique 200 may proceed to 228. Otherwise, the technique 200 may end or return to 220. At 228, the computing device 104 may attach the captured media item to the electronic document. For example, if the electronic document is an email, the captured media item could be attached to the email. For example, if the electronic document is a slide presentation, the captured media could be inserted into a current slide. The location for inserting the captured media item within the electronic document may correspond to a location where the original selection of the selectable command was performed (e.g., through an initial right-click). The technique 200 may then end or return to 204 for one or more additional cycles.

[0036] As mentioned with reference to Fig. 3, a flow diagram of a second exemplary technique 300 for attaching media captured by a mobile computing device to an electronic document on another computing device is illustrated. This technique 300 may be similar to the technique 200 of Fig.2, but from the perspective of the mobile computing device 108. At 304, the mobile computing device 108 may determine whether the connection condition for establishing a short-range wireless communication link with the computing device 104 is true. If the connection condition is true, the technique 300 may proceed to 308. Otherwise, the technique 300 may end or return to 304. At 308, the devices 108, 104 may establish the short-range wireless communication link with each other. At 312, the mobile computing device 108 may determine whether the command has been received. As explained above, the command may be transmitted by the computing device 104 in response to a selection of the selectable option by the user 120. If the command has been received, the technique 300 may proceed to 316. Otherwise, the technique 300 may end or return to 312.

[0037] At 316, the mobile computing device 108 may initiate media capture mode. As discussed above, during media capture mode, the mobile computing device 108 may transmit the media feed to the computing device 104 for display. At 320, the mobile computing device 108 may determine whether a completion input has been received. The completion input may be, for example, one or more clicks via a touchscreen of the mobile computing device 108. If the completion input has been received, the mobile computing device 108 may capture the media item, and the technique 300 may proceed to 324. Otherwise, the technique 300 may return to 320. At 324, the mobile computing device 108 may transmit the captured media item to the computing device 104. Receiving the captured media item at the computing device 104 may cause the computing device 104 to attach the captured media item to the electronic document.Technique 300 may then end or return to 304 for one or more additional cycles.

[0038] In another implementation, selecting the selectable command may cause computing device 104 to send an electronic message, such as an email or text message, to mobile computing device 108. The purpose of this electronic message is to provide user 120 with an easy way to transmit the captured media item to computing device 104, i.e., by replying to the electronic message. For example, computing device 104 could transmit an electronic message to mobile computing device 108 indicating, "Please reply with your media item." In some implementations, the command could still be transmitted to mobile computing device 108, which would cause mobile computing device 108 to perform the media capture process, as discussed above, via media capture mode.After exiting the media capture mode, the user 120 could respond to the electronic message with the captured media item, rather than automatically transmitting the captured media item back to the computing device 104. This alternative feature could also eliminate the need for a short-range wireless communication connection. That is, any network (WLAN, cellular, etc.) could be used.

[0039] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that specific details may not be required, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that no embodiment should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. As used herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" also describe the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring their performance in the specifically explained or illustrated order unless such order of performance is specifically stated. It is also understood that additional or alternative steps may be implemented.

[0041] Although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these terms are not intended to limit any of these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, level, or section from another region, level, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used in this document do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, level, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, level, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0042] As used herein, the term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor or a distributed network of processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory in network clusters or data centers that execute code or a process; other suitable components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above-mentioned components, such as a system-on-chip. The term "module" may also include memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by one or more processors.

[0043] The term "code," as used above, can include software, firmware, bytecode, and / or microcode and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared," as used above, means that some or all of the code can be executed by multiple modules using a single (shared) processor. Furthermore, the code from multiple modules can be stored, in whole or in part, in a single (shared) memory. The term "group," as used above, means that some or all of the code can be executed by a single module using a group of processors. Furthermore, some or all of the code from a single module can be stored using a group of memories.

[0044] The techniques described herein may be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory, physical, and computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, physical, and computer-readable medium include non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0045] Some parts of the above description present the techniques described herein in the form of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations performed on information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are means used by data processing experts to convey the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. It should be understood that, despite their functional and logical description, these operations are implemented by computer programs. Furthermore, it has also been found appropriate at times to refer to these arrangements of operations as modules or by functional names without loss of generality.

[0046] Unless expressly stated otherwise as described above, it is acknowledged that the terms used in the Explanatory Notes, such as "process" or "calculate" or "calculate" or "determine" or "display" or similar, refer throughout the description to the activity and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the memories or registers or in similar information storage, transmission or display devices of the computer system.

[0047] Certain aspects of the techniques described herein include process steps and instructions described herein in the form of an algorithm. It should be noted that the process steps and instructions described could be embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and if embodied in software, could be downloaded to reside on and be executed by various platforms used by real-time network operating systems.

[0048] The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing the acts described herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes or may comprise a general-purpose computer that is selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on a computer-readable and computer-accessible medium. This computer program may be stored on a physical computer-readable storage medium, such as any type of storage medium, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, ASICs, or other types of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, each connected to the computer's system bus.In addition, the computers referred to in the specification may include a single processor or may have multi-processor designs for greater computing power.

[0049] The algorithms and processes presented herein are not inherently associated with any particular computer or other device. Furthermore, various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings presented herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized devices to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems, along with equivalent variations, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not described with reference to any particular programming language.It is understood that a variety of programming languages ​​may be used to implement the teachings of the present disclosure as described herein, and any references to specific languages ​​are provided for the purpose of disclosing the implementation and best mode of the present invention.

[0050] The present disclosure is applicable to a wide variety of computer network systems in numerous structures. Within this scope, the configuration and management of large networks include storage devices and computers communicatively connected to disparate computer and storage devices over a network, such as the Internet.

[0051] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure in any way. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are (where applicable) interchangeable and may be used in a chosen embodiment, even if not expressly shown or described. Furthermore, the same may be varied in many ways. These variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method comprising: Establishing (208) a short-range wireless communication link between a computing device (104) and a mobile computing device (108); Identifying a context of an electronic document; in response to establishing the short-range wireless communication link, providing (212), by the computing device, a selectable option for a user (120) to attach a media item to the electronic document accessed by the computing device; in response to a user selection of the selectable option, transmitting, from the computing device to the mobile computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, a command, the command configured to cause the mobile computing device to initiate a media capture mode during which the mobile computing device transmits a media feed of a current view from the perspective of a camera of the mobile computing device to the computing device over the short-range wireless communication link; Displaying, by the computing device, a preview window containing the media feed; detecting, by the computing device, an object corresponding to the identified context of the electronic document in the media feed of the preview window, wherein the media item is automatically captured by the camera of the mobile computing device in response to detecting the object; Receiving, at the computing device from the mobile computing device via the short-range wireless communication link, the captured media item; and in response to receiving the captured media item, attaching, by the computing device, the captured media item to the electronic document. [2] The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: Determining, by the computing device, whether the computing device and the mobile computing device are associated with a same user account; and Providing the selectable option in response to determining that the computing device and the mobile computing device are both logged into the same account. [3] The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the media recording mode is terminated in response to a user selection on the mobile computing device. [4] A computer-implemented method according to any preceding claim, further comprising providing the selectable option in a menu in response to a click by a user of a mouse or trackball / trackpad of the computing device. [5] A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic document is a web-based electronic document hosted by a remote server. [6] A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the short-range wireless communication link is via Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. [7] A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the captured media element is a photo, an audio file, a video file, or an audio / video file. [8] Computer-implemented method comprising: Establishing (208) between a mobile computing device (108) and a computing device (104) a short-range wireless communication link; Receiving, at the mobile computing device and from the computing device via the short-range wireless communication link, a command to initiate a media capture mode for capturing a media item to be associated with an electronic document currently being accessed by the computing device; in response to receiving the command, initiating, by the mobile computing device, the media capture mode, which includes transmitting, from the mobile computing device to the computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, a media feed of a current view from the perspective of a camera of the mobile computing device, wherein receiving the media feed causes the computing device to display a preview window including the media feed, and the computing device detects an object corresponding to a context of the electronic document in the media feed of the preview window; in response to detecting the object, automatically capturing, by the camera of the mobile computing device, the media item; and in response to terminating the media capture mode, transmitting, from the mobile computing device to the computing device over the short-range wireless communication link, the captured media item, wherein receiving the captured media item causes the computing device to attach the captured media item to the electronic document. [9] A computer-implemented method according to claim 8, further comprising: Determining, by the mobile computing device, whether the mobile computing device and the computing device are associated with a same user account; and Communicating with the computing device in response to determining that the mobile computing device and the mobile computing device are both logged into the same user account, wherein the communicating causes the computing device to display a selectable option to a user and, upon selection of the selectable option by the user, to transmit the command to the mobile computing device. [10] A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, further comprising: Receiving a termination input from a user of the mobile computing device during the media recording mode; and in response to receiving the termination input, by the mobile computing device, exiting the media recording mode. [11] The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the termination input is a touch input provided via a touchscreen of the mobile computing device. [12] A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the electronic document is a web-based electronic document hosted by a remote server. [13] A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the short-range wireless communication link is via Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. [14] The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the captured media element is a photo, an audio file, a video file, or an audio / video file. [15] A computer-readable medium carrying a computer program carrying computer-readable instructions arranged to cause a computer to perform a method according to any preceding claim. [16] A computer device comprising: a memory in which processor-readable instructions are stored; and a processor arranged to read and execute instructions stored in memory; wherein the processor-readable instructions comprise instructions arranged to control the computing device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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