Method and system for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device

Abstract

The present invention presents various methods for selectively displaying audiovisual content on a shared display from a computing device. The computing device has a primary display, and the computing device is further capable of controlling a real or virtual secondary display. The methods include, at the computing device, transmitting a first image signal representing a first screen image to the primary display, obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared, and generating a second image signal representing a second screen image for display on the secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements. The present invention also relates to computers, peripherals, and systems for applying such methods.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of screen sharing, a practice commonly found in real or virtual meetings when participants wish to share content originating from their computer with other participants via a shared display or projection system. The present invention relates to methods, systems and devices for use in this field. [Background technology]

[0002] Selective sharing of content to a shared display typically requires the user to run proprietary software on the user device before the content can be shared, and if that software is not running, the content will not be shared.

[0003] A known way to avoid the need for proprietary software is to expose the shared display as an external screen to user devices. For example, by using USB-C Alternate Mode, a USB-C dongle can be created that simulates an external display. User devices can then send content over this channel without the need to run proprietary software, as external displays are natively supported in most common operating systems.

[0004] The drawback of this current technology is that it requires user intervention to share certain content, which creates the risk of sharing more content than intended. When a (virtual) external display is added to a user's device, everything the user places on that external display is shared. That is, sharing an individual application requires the user to place this application in full-screen mode on the respective display, but this carries the risk that other windows and / or notifications may still be shared without the user's consent.

[0005] Additionally, known methods and systems only allow for the shared content to be displayed "as is" and do not allow for the content to be modified to be presented in a dynamic manner to other participants.

[0006] In view of the above, there remains a need for better methods and systems for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for selectively displaying audiovisual content from computing devices on a shared display as defined by independent claims 1, 7 and 12.

[0008] These different aspects of the invention, while sharing certain common features, solve problems related to content sharing in alternative ways, as will be explained in more detail below. The invention also relates to a computer program product as defined by claim 17, a computer as defined by claim 18, a peripheral device as defined by claim 19, and a system as defined by claim 20.

[0009] Common to various aspects of the present invention is a method for selectively displaying audiovisual content on a shared display from a computing device, the computing device having a primary display, the computing device further capable of controlling a real or virtual secondary display, the method comprising: The method includes, in a computing device, transmitting a first image signal representing a first screen image to a primary display; Obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared; generating a second image signal representing a second screen image for display on a secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements; Includes:

[0010] An advantage of different aspects of the present invention is that it relies on the inherent ability of most operating systems to control secondary displays.

[0011] The user may select which content to share. To this end, the computing device may display a selection interface. Additionally or alternatively, the selection may be provided, suggested, or made by software running on the computing device.

[0012] The content to be shared is included in the signal prepared for the secondary display. Additional processing may be performed on the selected content to comply with user privacy requirements and optimize viewing. Such processing may occur prior to generation of the signal or when a device functionally interposed between the computing device and the actual shared display (which device may be physically integrated with the shared display) mimics the display. Note that unless a selection has been made or all previously selected elements have been deselected, the signal prepared for the secondary display may simply represent a blank screen (e.g., a screen filled with black or a selected background color, a company logo, an inspirational quote, the time, etc.).

[0013] The elements selected for sharing may be application windows (e.g., a single window, multiple windows belonging to the same application, or windows belonging to different applications), or other application content (which may include audio content), graphically renderable files, streams, and / or geometrically defined areas of images displayed on the primary display. The geometrically defined area is preferably a polygon, more preferably a rectangle, and most preferably a rectangle whose sides are aligned with the major axes of the pixel grid of the primary display.

[0014] The shared display may be any external display that meets the needs of the environment in which it is used. In particular, it may be an LCD display, an LED display, a plasma display, a projector, or a display operating according to any other principle. The shared display does not necessarily have to be a 2D display, but may also be an (autostereoscopic) stereo display, a volumetric display, etc. In certain applications, the shared display may be embodied as a headset, a room audio system, a haptic actuator, etc.

[0015] In a first aspect of the present invention, a shared display is operably connected to a computing device, the computing device is configured to control the shared display as a secondary display, the computing device is configured to independently generate a first screen image and a second screen image, and the generation of the second image signal includes placing a representation of one or more elements in an image space covered by the secondary display.

[0016] An advantage of this aspect is that the computing devices can be directly connected to the shared display in a conventional manner, thereby allowing any suitable type of video connector to be used.

[0017] This aspect is based on the inventor's insight that software can be provided to interact with the operating system such that when this display mode is used, the operating system retains control of the secondary display, thereby placing any desired content on the secondary display independent of what is displayed on the primary display (even in "full screen mode" where the taskbar, notification area, etc. are no longer visible). The second image signal can therefore be generated to include a clean image showing only the elements selected for sharing. Because multiple applications whose graphical output is shared are running on the computing device itself, windows and other content associated with these applications can be included in the second image signal even if they are not visible or not fully visible on the primary display.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the computing device is configured to generate a first screen image and a second screen image to represent respective portions of the virtual area.

[0019] In this embodiment, the computing device is configured to generate a first screen image and a second screen image to represent respective portions of the virtual area. This method of controlling a secondary display is commonly available in existing operating systems and can be used to create the illusion of a single, continuous desktop area spanning the two displays. This allows objects to typically be dragged from one display to the other as if they were moving within a single, continuous space.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises, in the computing device, prior to generating the second image signal, configuring one or more elements: · changing the relative or absolute position of one or more of said elements; and scaling the one or more elements; and Modifying the title bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; and Modifying the menu bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with the main application window contained in the one or more elements; and Modifying parts of one or more elements to adapt them to the current context; Modify any part of one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; The processing includes processing by performing one or more of the following:

[0021] An advantage of this embodiment is that the rendering of the shared elements can be optimized for privacy and viewing.

[0022] In certain embodiments, generating the second image signal includes combining the one or more elements with content received from a different source.

[0023] An advantage of this embodiment is that sophisticated layouts can be generated using content from the computing device and from other sources (e.g., other users, servers, broadcasts, the Internet, etc.). The resulting layouts may include overlays, mosaics, picture-in-picture displays, etc. At this stage, optionally, the shared elements processed as described above may be further scaled, translated, rotated, etc. to allow for combination with other content.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the shared display is connected to the computing device by one of an analog video connector, a DVI connector, an HDMI® connector, and a USB-C connector, preferably operating according to an alternate mode.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the computing device is equipped with a wireless dongle, the shared display includes or is connected to a wireless receiver, and the operable connection between the computing device and the shared display includes a wireless link between the wireless dongle and the wireless receiver.

[0026] The wireless dongle may be connected to the computing device by a USB-C connection. The wireless receiver may also be a dongle-type device connected to the shared display (e.g., by another USB-C connection) or may be a receiver integrated into the shared display itself or another device performing other functions.

[0027] In a second aspect of the present invention, the shared display is operably connected to an intermediate device, the intermediate device is operably connected to a computing device, the computing device is configured to control the intermediate device as a secondary display, and the computing device is configured to use a copy of the first screen image as the second screen image. The method further includes, at the computing device, transmitting information indicative of a selection to the intermediate device. The method further includes, at the intermediate device, extracting one or more elements from the second screen image according to the information indicative of the selection, generating a third image signal representing a third screen image, the third screen image including a representation of the one or more elements, and transmitting the third image signal to the shared display connected to the intermediate device.

[0028] The advantage of this aspect is that the computing devices are connected to the shared display through an intermediate device, which provides all the logic necessary to ensure a smooth and secure shared experience, eliminating the need for additional software on the user's own computing device other than to receive the user's selections and pass them as metadata to the intermediate device.

[0029] In this aspect, the computing device is configured to send to the secondary display (in this case the intermediate device) substantially the same image that is displayed on the primary display, i.e., the image on the primary display is cloned onto the secondary display.

[0030] This aspect is based on the inventors' insight that when this display mode is used, the intermediate device has at its disposal the complete content of the primary display contained in the second display signal. Using that information and knowledge of the user's selections, a third image signal can be generated containing a clean image showing only the elements selected for sharing. This third signal can then be transmitted to the actual shared display.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises, at the intermediate device, prior to generating the third image signal, configuring one or more elements: · changing the relative or absolute position of one or more of said elements; and scaling the one or more elements; and Modifying the title bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; and Modifying the menu bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with the main application window contained in the one or more elements; and Modifying portions of one or more of these elements to adapt them to the current context; and Modify any part of one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; The processing includes processing by performing one or more of the following:

[0032] An advantage of this embodiment is that the rendering of the shared elements can be optimized for privacy and viewing.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the method further includes, at the computing device, transmitting processing instructions to the intermediate device, and at the intermediate device, processing the one or more elements in accordance with the processing instructions prior to generating the third image signal.

[0034] An advantage of this embodiment is that it gives the user a lot of control over how the shared image is displayed: the user can interact with the computing device, which relays processing instructions to the intermediate device.

[0035] In certain embodiments, generating the third image signal includes combining one or more elements with content received from different sources.

[0036] An advantage of this embodiment is that sophisticated layouts can be generated using content from the computing device and from other sources (e.g., other users, servers, broadcasts, the Internet, etc.). The resulting layouts may include overlays, mosaics, picture-in-picture displays, etc. At this stage, optionally, the shared elements processed as described above may be further scaled, translated, rotated, etc. to allow for combination with other content.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the intermediate device is connected to the computing device by a USB-C connector that operates according to the Alternate Mode.

[0038] Although selection information and other metadata can generally be transmitted from the computing device to the intermediate device over a channel that is completely independent from the channel used to transmit the image signal, this embodiment takes advantage of the fact that USB-C can be used to transport both the video signal and the metadata necessary for the intermediate device to perform its function.

[0039] In a third aspect of the present invention, the shared display is operably connected to an intermediate device, the intermediate device is operably connected to a computing device, the computing device is configured to control the intermediate device as a secondary display, the computing device is configured to independently generate a first screen image and a second screen image, and generating the second image signal includes arranging representations of one or more elements in an image space covered by the secondary display. The method further includes, at the computing device, transmitting information indicating an arrangement of the representations of the one or more elements to the intermediate device. The method further includes, at the intermediate device, extracting one or more elements from the second screen image according to the information indicating the arrangement, generating a third image signal representing a third screen image, the third screen image including the representations of the one or more elements, and transmitting the third image signal to the shared display connected to the intermediate device.

[0040] An advantage of this aspect is that the computing device is connected to the shared display via an intermediate device, as described above in the context of the second aspect of the invention. However, the computing device is configured to independently generate the first and second screen images, as described above in the context of the first aspect of the invention. As with the first aspect of the invention, windows involved in the selected application may be included in the second image signal even if they are not visible or not fully visible on the primary display. This allows the intermediate device to generate a third image signal that includes a clean image that fully shows the elements selected for sharing.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the computing device is configured to generate a first screen image and a second screen image (122) to represent respective portions of the virtual area.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises, at the intermediate device, prior to generating the third image signal, configuring one or more elements: · changing the relative or absolute position of one or more of said elements; and scaling the one or more elements; and Modifying the title bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; and Modifying the menu bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with the main application window contained in the one or more elements; and Modifying portions of one or more of these elements to adapt them to the current context; and Modify any part of one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; The processing includes processing by performing one or more of the following:

[0043] An advantage of this embodiment is that the rendering of the shared elements can be optimized for privacy and viewing.

[0044] In certain embodiments, generating the third image signal includes combining one or more elements with content received from different sources.

[0045] An advantage of this embodiment is that sophisticated layouts can be generated using content from the computing device and from other sources (e.g., other users, servers, broadcasts, the Internet, etc.). The resulting layouts may include overlays, mosaics, picture-in-picture displays, etc. At this stage, optionally, the shared elements processed as described above may be further scaled, translated, rotated, etc. to allow for combination with other content.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the intermediate device is connected to the computing device by a USB-C connector that operates according to the Alternate Mode.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program product comprising code means adapted to cause a computer to perform the steps to be performed by a computing device in an embodiment of the method according to the present invention as described above.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer configured to perform the steps to be performed by a computing device in the embodiments of the method according to the invention described above.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device configured to perform the steps to be performed by the intermediate device in the above-described embodiments of the method according to the present invention.

[0050] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for selectively displaying audiovisual content, the system comprising a computer configured to perform the steps to be performed by a computing device in the above-described embodiment of the method according to the present invention, a peripheral device operatively connected to the computer and configured to perform the steps to be performed by an intermediate device in the above-described embodiment of the method according to the present invention, and a display operatively connected to the peripheral device.

[0051] The technical effects and advantages of the embodiments of the computer program product, computer, peripherals and system according to the invention apply mutatis mutandis to those of the corresponding embodiments of the method according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 and 2 show diagrammatically a system in which certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 2] 1 and 2 show diagrammatically a system in which certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4a-4b] 4a and 4b show examples of a first screen image and a second screen image in an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show schematically systems to which embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 6] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show schematically systems to which embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 7] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show schematically systems to which embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 8] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show schematically systems to which embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 9] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show schematically systems to which embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 10] Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show schematically systems to which embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be applied. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 12a-12b] 12a and 12b show examples of a first screen image and a third screen image in an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 shows examples of a first screen image, a second screen image, and a third screen image in an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of methods according to the present invention are presented as flow charts. The order of steps shown in the flow charts is exemplary and does not limit the invention, unless the specification or the nature of the steps indicates that one step necessarily follows another.

[0055] For clarity and brevity, certain optional steps of embodiments of methods according to aspects of the present invention that occur on computing device 110 are described below as being performed by “shared software.” Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these steps may generally be performed by software running on computing device 110, by operation of an operating system of computing device 110, by a user interacting with computing device 110, or by a combination thereof.

[0056] With reference to the accompanying drawings, various aspects of the present invention have in common the ability to selectively display audiovisual content from a computing device 110 on a shared display 140. The computing device 110 has a primary display 120 and is further capable of controlling a secondary display. A method includes, at the computing device 110, transmitting (1010) a first image signal representing a first screen image 121 to the primary display 120, obtaining (1020) a selection of one or more elements to be shared, and generating (1040) a second image signal representing a second screen image 122 for display on the secondary display, the second screen image 122 including a representation of the one or more elements.

[0057] Computing device 110 may be any type of digital device, such as, but not limited to, a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, or a personal digital assistant) or a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet). Computing device 110 may have a user interface that allows it to receive input from a user.

[0058] Obtaining 1020 a selection of elements to share may include manipulating a selection interface. The selection interface may be a feature of the sharing software that allows the user to select an application window already displayed on the primary display, select a file (e.g., a text file, a graphics file, a video file, etc.) that the sharing software renders specifically for sharing, or select an area of ​​the first screen image for sharing (e.g., by dragging a mouse to draw the shape of the area to share, a feature commonly known as a “select” or “lasso” tool in graphical software). The selection interface may include well-known GUI elements, such as menus, check boxes, wizards, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the selection may be prepared, suggested, or performed by software running on the computing device based on a pre-programmed configuration, based on saved user settings, or even via applying artificial intelligence agents that use rules and / or machine learning to detect patterns in the user's sharing selections.

[0059] Once particular content is selected for sharing, the sharing software may cause the rendering of the content to be modified at the application level before subjecting the content to subsequent steps in the sharing process. For example, the sharing software may use the operating system's window manager to resize the application window selected for sharing to obtain a properly formatted version of the window at the desired size without image distortion that would occur if the original application window were graphically resized. The sharing software may also cause the application window to be tiled and rearranged on the desktop to remove overlaps that would obscure portions of the selected window.

[0060] The image signals referred to in this specification may represent not only traditional two-dimensional video, but also mono / stereo / n-channel audio, 2D+Z video, volumetric video, segmented video, haptic signals, and combinations thereof, depending on the capabilities of the shared display.

[0061] It should be understood that the shared display 140 may be embodied by a combination of different functional components (e.g., the display itself and additional conferencing equipment with wireless connectivity capabilities (e.g., in the form of an all-in-one conferencing bar)). The shared display 140 may also be a so-called all-in-one display with built-in conferencing and wireless connectivity capabilities.

[0062] It should be noted that a secondary display may be exposed on a computing device through virtual means: for example, an operating system may allow software to send image content to a virtual display via a protocol such as Google® Chromecast® without exposing the virtual display to the end user in the same way as the primary display.

[0063] A first aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to the systems shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the flowchart of Figure 3, and the exemplary screen layouts of Figures 4a-4b. In these setups, a shared display 140 is operatively connected to a computing device 110, which treats the shared display 140 as its secondary display.

[0064] The operative connection between the computing device 110 and the shared display 140 may be achieved by a wired point-to-point connection (e.g., by an analog video connector, a DVI connector, an HDMI connector, a USB-C connector, etc.) as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the operative connection between the computing device 110 and the shared display 140 may be achieved by a wireless connection as shown in Figure 2, where the computing device 110 includes a dongle 115 (preferably connected to the computing device 110 by a USB-C connection), which transmits the second image signal to a wireless receiver 145 connected to or integrated with the shared display 140. The wireless connection between dongle 115 and receiver 145 may use a proprietary protocol, a video transfer protocol, or a wireless video casting protocol such as Miracast®, Apple® AirPlay®, Google Chromecast, etc., that operates over a wireless local area network protocol such as IEEE Std 802.11 ("Wi-Fi"), or a wireless personal area network protocol such as IEEE Std 802.15 ("Bluetooth®").

[0065] If USB-C is used, the second video signal may be transmitted via USB Alternate Mode (e.g., using DisplayPort or Thunderbolt), while the metadata (selection data and optionally processing instructions) may be transmitted via a side channel such as USB. The metadata may also be transmitted via an auxiliary channel of DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, or a separate channel such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, or the metadata may be encoded into the second video signal as a (hidden) signal that can be decoded later.

[0066] 3, video sharing occurs as follows: Computing device 110 is configured to independently generate a first screen image and a second screen image. In the illustrated case, the screen images are generated to represent respective portions of a virtual area (i.e., the image space covered by primary display 120 and the image space covered by the secondary display are virtually continuous), and generating a second image signal (1040) includes placing representations of one or more elements in the portion of the virtual area displayed by the secondary display.

[0067] Although this aspect of the invention is not limited to this, the illustrated embodiment uses a "desktop extension" mode to drive the secondary display of computing device 110. The sharing software then preferably covers the entire screen area of ​​the secondary display with appropriately positioned renderings of the elements to be shared. However, for purposes of this embodiment, the user of computing device 110 is preferably unaware of the existence of the secondary display. While the secondary display exists and is controlled at the operating system level and made available for sharing purposes, the sharing software preferably prevents the end user from experiencing this virtual secondary display as an extension of the desktop. This may be achieved by monitoring user-initiated mouse cursor movements and forcing the mouse cursor to remain in the primary display area or return if it reaches an area of ​​the secondary display. Alternatively, the rendering of shared elements may be suspended when the user moves the mouse cursor into an area of ​​the secondary display, allowing the secondary display (whose signal is displayed on shared display 140) to resume its role as a desktop extension under the user's control. Additionally, the user may be prevented from actively placing content on the secondary display, or content placed there by the user may be automatically relocated to the primary display. If the operating system allows this, the presence of the secondary display may be completely invisible to the user.

[0068] Preferably, the one or more elements are processed (1030) in the computing device 110 prior to generating (1040) the second image signal by performing one or more of the following: Changing the relative or absolute position of one or more of said elements, which may include centering elements, moving elements relative to each other for better alignment, placing elements on a grid, etc. Scaling one or more elements. This may include enlarging elements to try to maximize the amount of available screen area, or compressing elements to fit more on the screen. The scaling factor may be different for different elements. The scaling factor is not necessarily the same for the x and y directions. Modify the title bars of application windows contained in one or more of the elements. Because application title bars may contain sensitive information such as filenames or user names, it may be prudent to remove such title bars before rendering. When multiple shared application windows are tiled, removing the title bars allows for denser placement. Sharing software may provide alternative labels to identify elements whose original title bars have been removed. Modify the menu bar of the application window contained in one or more of the elements. Because the content rendered on the shared display 140 is display-only, the menu bar contained in the shared application window is non-functional. When multiple shared application windows are tiled, removing the menu bar allows for a denser arrangement. Modify any portion of one of said one or more elements that is not associated with the main application window contained in said one or more elements. Modifying a portion of one or more of the elements to adapt to the current context, which may include, but is not limited to, operational context (e.g., adapting frame rate / resolution to facilitate network conditions, computing constraints, or physical constraints), viewing context (e.g., adapting elements to aid in good viewing), social context (e.g., translating content for a shared screen audience), etc. Modify any portion of one or more of the elements determined to contain confidential information.

[0069] FIG. 4a illustrates an example of content (i.e., first screen image 121) on primary display 120 of computing device 110. Here, one particular application window (labeled “Shared window A”) has been selected for sharing. Computing device 110 operates the secondary screen in “extended desktop” mode, thus creating second screen image 122 that is displayed on shared display 140. Initially, second screen image 122 is simply part of the extended desktop (left of white arrow). Preferably, the sharing software controls the mouse cursor to prevent the user from actually using the secondary display portion (displayed on shared display 140) as part of the desktop, as detailed above. The sharing software receives the user's selection of content to share (1020) and renders (1040) that content onto second screen image 122 for display on shared display 140 (right of white arrow). Prior to this rendering (1040), the shared content may be processed (1030). In the illustrated example, the applied processing (1030) includes removing the title bar from the application window, scaling the shared window to occupy the maximum amount of the second screen image 122, and placing the scaled shared window on a neutral background to fill the entire screen of the shared display 140.

[0070] FIG. 4b shows another example of the content of the primary display 120 of the computing device 110 (i.e., first screen image 121). Here, two specific application windows (labeled “Shared window A” and “Shared window B”) have been selected for sharing. The computing device 110 operates the secondary screen in “extended desktop” mode, thus creating a second screen image 122 that is displayed on the shared display 140. Initially, without sharing according to the present invention, the second screen image 122 is simply part of the extended desktop (left of the white arrow). Preferably, the sharing software controls the mouse cursor to prevent the user from actually using the secondary display portion (displayed on the shared display 140) as part of the desktop, as detailed above. The sharing software obtains the selection of content to share (1020), for example, by obtaining the user's selection through a selection interface, and renders (1040) that content on the second screen image 122 for display on the shared display 140 (right of the white arrow). Prior to such rendering (1040), the shared content may be processed 1030. In the illustrated example, the applied processing (1030) includes removing title bars from the shared application windows, scaling the shared windows to the same size, placing them side by side, and placing the scaled shared windows on a neutral background to fill the entire screen of the shared display 140.

[0071] It should be noted that the rendering of content on shared display 140 is independent of what is displayed on primary display 120. Therefore, it is not important that "Shared window B" is not entirely contained within first screen image 121. Because sharing is performed by sharing software running on computing device 110, it is possible to access application information and files locally and render content to be shared directly to the secondary display for sharing purposes.

[0072] A second aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the systems shown schematically in FIGS. 5-10, the flowchart in FIG. 11, and the exemplary screen layouts in FIGS. 12a-12b. In these setups, a shared display 140 is operably connected to an intermediate device 130, which is connected to a computing device 110. The computing device 110 is configured to control the intermediate device 130 as its secondary display. The intermediate device 130 preferably presents itself to the computing device 110 as both a display device for receiving display signals and as a data receiver for receiving metadata (particularly selection information and, optionally, processing instructions, as described in more detail below). The intermediate device 130 may be a separate device, as shown in FIGS. 5, 8, and 9, or may be a function integrated into the shared display 140, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, or may be a function integrated into another separate device that also provides other functions, such as an all-in-one conference bar (not shown).

[0073] Thus, an operable connection between computing device 110 and intermediate device 130 may be realized by a digital, wired, point-to-point connection, preferably a USB-C connection operating in Alternate Mode, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8. If USB-C is used, the second video signal may be transmitted via USB Alternate Mode (e.g., using DisplayPort or Thunderbolt), while the metadata (selection data and optionally processing instructions) may be transmitted via a side channel such as USB. The metadata may be transmitted via an auxiliary channel of DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, or a separate channel such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, or the metadata may be encoded into the second video signal as a (hidden) signal that can be decoded later.

[0074] Alternatively, the operative connection between computing device 110 and intermediate device 130 may be realized by a digital wireless connection in various manners, including those shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. Computing device 110 may include dongle 115 (Figures 9 and 10) or an internal transceiver (Figure 7) that transmits the second image signal to a wireless receiver 145 connected to or integrated into shared display 140 (if it hosts an integrated intermediate device 130 (Figures 7 and 10)), or to an internal transceiver in intermediate device 130 itself (if it is a separate device (Figure 9)). The wireless connection between the computing device 110 or its dongle 115 and the receiver 145 or intermediate device 130 may use a proprietary protocol, a video transfer protocol, or a wireless video casting protocol such as Miracast, Apple AirPlay, or Google Chromecast that operates over a wireless local area network protocol such as IEEE Std 802.11 ("Wi-Fi"), or a wireless personal area network protocol such as IEEE Std 802.15 ("Bluetooth").

[0075] If the intermediate device 130 is not integrated into the shared display 140, the operative connection between the intermediate device 130 and the shared display 140 may be achieved by a wired point-to-point connection, such as by an analog video connector, a DVI connector, an HDMI connector, a USB-C connector, or the like, as shown in FIG. 5 . Alternatively, the operative connection between the intermediate device 130 and the shared display 140 may be achieved by a wireless connection, as shown in FIG. 8 , where the intermediate device 110 includes an internal transceiver that transmits the second image signal to a wireless receiver 145 connected to or integrated with the shared display 140. As before, the wireless connection between the intermediate device 130 and the receiver 145 may use a wireless video casting protocol, such as Miracast, Apple AirPlay, or Google Chromecast, operating over a wireless local area network protocol, such as IEEE Std 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”), or a wireless personal area network protocol, such as IEEE Std 802.15 (“Bluetooth”).

[0076] 11 , video sharing occurs as follows: Computing device 110 is configured to use a copy of the first screen image as the second screen image transmitted to intermediate device 130, and computing device 110 also transmits information indicating a selection to intermediate device 130 (1050). Intermediate device 130 extracts one or more elements from the second screen image according to the information indicating the selection (1070). Intermediate device 130 then generates a third image signal representing a third screen image including a representation of the one or more elements (1100). Intermediate device 130 then transmits the third image signal to shared display 140 connected to intermediate device 130 (1110).

[0077] This embodiment therefore relies on a “desktop cloning” mode of driving the secondary display of computing device 110, whereby intermediate device 130 receives a substantially identical copy of the content of computing device 110's primary display 120. Thus, intermediate device 130 can selectively copy and rearrange elements of the screen image of primary display 120 to prepare the screen image for sharing. A limitation of this embodiment is that elements that are not visible on primary display 120, such as hidden portions of application windows or images stored on computing device 110 but not actively rendered, are not accessible to intermediate device 130 for sharing. Portions of shared elements that are missing due to obscuring or overlapping on primary display 120 or that are filled with irrelevant content may be restored or repaired at intermediate device 130. The restoration / repair process at intermediate device 130 is preferably based on additional metadata received from computing device 110 identifying the affected areas and, optionally, on the content to replace those affected areas. In the absence of information regarding content to replace the affected area or areas, the intermediate device 110 may process the shared elements to de-emphasize the affected areas, for example, by blurring them, filling them with a pattern or message indicating the missing content, or filling them with a neutral or background color.

[0078] Preferably, the one or more elements include, in the intermediate device 130, prior to generating the third image signal (1100): · changing the relative or absolute position of one or more of said elements; and scaling the one or more elements; and Modifying the title bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; and Modifying the menu bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with the main application window contained in the one or more elements; and Modifying portions of one or more of these elements to adapt them to the current context; and Modify any portion of one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; The process is performed by executing one or more of the following (1080):

[0079] Optional aspects and advantages of these processing steps are described above in the context of the first aspect of the invention.

[0080] Because a digital data communication channel is available for relaying selection information between computing device 110 and intermediate device 130, the shared software may also relay processing instructions to intermediate device 130. Thus, the method according to this embodiment may further include, at computing device 110, sending (1060) the processing instructions to intermediate device 130, and, at intermediate device 130, processing (1090) the one or more elements in accordance with the processing instructions prior to generating (1100) the third image signal.

[0081] Intermediate device 130 may act as a hub that receives and processes video and metadata in the manner described above from multiple computing devices, combining shared elements provided by different computing devices into a third image signal that includes a representation of all the provided shared elements or a selection thereof. The selection may be made by intermediate device 130 based on, but not limited to, hard-coded or configurable rules, a hierarchy between computing devices or types of content, additional metadata sent by any computing device for this purpose, or an artificial intelligence agent that uses machine learning and user feedback to build a selection strategy.

[0082] Assuming an appropriate feedback communication channel exists, intermediate device 130 may further be adapted to receive instructions from shared display 140. These instructions may relate, for example, to processing (1090) the elements to be shared and generating (1100) a third image signal, possibly including the selection and layout of elements provided by different computing devices. This type of feedback enables a usage model whereby a user interacts with the user interface of shared display 140 to modify the rendering of the shared elements (which may include interacting with shared display 140, such as touching a touchscreen, to rearrange elements, zoom in on particular elements, or remove elements). Further feedback communication may occur from intermediate device 130 to computing device 110, for example, to alert computing device 110 that a particular shared element originating from computing device 110 has been zoomed in on, and to allow intermediate device 130 to request a higher resolution or larger size version of the shared element.

[0083] FIG. 12a shows an example of the content of the primary display 120 (i.e., first screen image 121) of the computing device 110. Here, one particular application window (labeled "Shared window A") has been selected for sharing. The complete first screen image 121 is cloned as a second screen image 122, which is sent as a second image signal (1040) to the intermediate device 130 via the USB-C connection. The USB-C side channel is used to relay selection information (1050) from the computing device 110 to the intermediate device 130, in this case telling the intermediate device 130 which portion of the screen image has been selected for sharing. The information may be conveyed in the form of coordinates of at least two corners of a rectangle corresponding to the selected window. Using this selection information, intermediate device 130 extracts (1070) the appropriate portion of second screen image 122, processes (1080) it (in the illustrated case, this includes removing the title bar from the shared window), and renders (1100 / 1110) it as third screen image 123a / b / c on shared display 140. Examples of processing (1080) include expanding the shared window to cover the full screen (123a), placing the shared window on a neutral background (123b), and moving the shared window to a different screen location (123c) to make room for other content.

[0084] FIG. 12b shows another example of the content of the primary display 120 of the computing device 110 (i.e., first screen image 21). Here, two specific application windows (labeled “Shared window A” and “Shared window B”) have been selected for sharing. The complete first screen image 121 is cloned as a second screen image 122, which is sent as a second image signal (1040) to the intermediate device 130 via the USB-C connection. The USB-C side channel is used to relay selection information (1050) from the computing device 110 to the intermediate device 130, in this case telling the intermediate device 130 which portions of the screen image have been selected for sharing. The information may be conveyed in the form of coordinates of at least two corners of the respective rectangles corresponding to the selected windows. Using this selection information, intermediate device 130 extracts (1070) the appropriate portions of second screen image 122, processes (1080) them (in the illustrated case, this includes removing title bars from the shared windows), and renders (1100 / 1110) them as third screen images 123d / e / f on shared display 140. Examples of processing (1080) include scaling the shared windows to the same size, moving them side by side, and placing them on a neutral background (123d), scaling the shared windows differently to emphasize one window relative to the other, moving them side by side, and placing them on a neutral background (123e), and scaling the shared windows to the same size, placing one on top of the other, and moving the pair to one side of the screen to make room for other content (123f).

[0085] During the rendering step (1100 / 1110), how various shared elements are selected for effective rendering and / or how they are represented relative to one another (relative size, placement, and emphasis) may be determined by the intermediate device 130 based on, but not limited to, hard-coded or configurable rules, hierarchies between computing devices or types of content, additional metadata sent by the computing devices for this purpose, or artificial intelligence agents that use machine learning and user feedback to build selection strategies.

[0086] A third aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to the systems shown schematically in Figures 5-10, the flow chart of Figure 13, and the exemplary screen layout of Figure 14. The setup descriptions of Figures 5-10 presented above in the context of embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention apply equally to the third aspect of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated below.

[0087] 13 , video sharing is performed as follows: Computing device 110 is configured to generate a first screen image and a second screen image to represent respective portions of a virtual area. A second image signal is generated by arranging representations of elements selected for sharing in an image space covered by the secondary display (1040) and transmitted to intermediate device 130. Computing device 110 also transmits information indicating the arrangement to intermediate device 130 (1050). Intermediate device 130 extracts one or more elements from the second screen image according to the information indicating the arrangement (1070). Intermediate device 130 then generates a third image signal representing a third screen image including representations of the one or more elements (1100). Intermediate device 130 then transmits the third image signal to shared display 140 connected to intermediate device 130 (1110).

[0088] As with the first aspect of the invention, this third aspect of the invention may be implemented using an "extended desktop" mode driving a secondary display of computing device 110, whereby the sharing software preferably causes the entire screen area of ​​the secondary display to be covered with appropriately arranged renderings of the elements to be shared. Certain practical aspects of using "extended desktop" were discussed above in the context of the first aspect of the invention and apply here as well.

[0089] A limitation of the second aspect of the present invention is that elements that are not visible on primary display 120, such as hidden portions of an application window or images stored on computing device 110 but not actively rendered, are not accessible to intermediate device 130 for sharing, but this limitation does not exist in the third aspect of the present invention.

[0090] As with the second aspect of the invention, the one or more elements are preferably processed (1080) at intermediate device 130 prior to generating (1100) the third image signal. As with the second aspect of the invention, the method according to this embodiment may further include, at computing device 110, sending (1060) processing instructions to intermediate device 130, and, at intermediate device 130, processing (1090) the one or more elements in accordance with the processing instructions prior to generating (1100) the third image signal. Optional details and advantages of these features are as described above in the context of the second aspect of the invention.

[0091] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the content of the primary display 120 (i.e., first screen image 121) of computing device 110. Here, two specific application windows (labeled “Shared window A” and “Shared window B”) have been selected for sharing. Computing device 110 operates the virtual secondary display in “extended desktop” mode, thereby creating a second screen image 122 (to the left of the white arrow) that serves as a canvas, invisible to the end user, on which the selected content can be pre-rendered before being relayed to intermediate device 130. It should be noted that the rendering of content on the virtual secondary display is independent of what is displayed on primary display 120. Therefore, it is not important that “Shared window B” is not fully contained within first screen image 121. Sharing is performed by sharing software running on computing device 110, which allows local access to application information and files and the content intended for sharing to be directly rendered onto the virtual secondary display (second screen image 122) for sharing purposes. This example takes advantage of this to organize the image prior to sending it to intermediate device 130. That is, the shared application window is preprocessed by removing its title bar and scaling it to the extent that it can occupy the maximum amount of space on the second screen image 122 without overlapping. The positions of each shared element in the resulting arrangement are used as selection data that is relayed to the intermediate device 130 along with the second screen image 122. The information may be conveyed in the form of coordinates of at least two corners of each rectangle that corresponds to the selected window. Using this selection information, the intermediate device 130 extracts (1070) the appropriate portions of the second screen image 122, processes (1080) them, and renders (1100 / 1110) them as the third screen image 123g / h / i on the shared display 140.Examples of processing (1080) include scaling the shared windows to the same size, moving them side by side, and placing them on a neutral background (123g), scaling the shared windows differently to emphasize one window relative to the other, moving them side by side, and placing them on a neutral background (123h), and scaling the shared windows to the same size, placing one on top of the other, and moving the pair to one side of the screen to make room for other content (123i).

[0092] During rendering step 1100 / 1110, how various shared elements are selected for effective rendering and / or how they are represented relative to one another (relative size, placement, and emphasis) may be determined by intermediate device 130 based on, but not limited to, hard-coded or configurable rules, hierarchies between computing devices or types of content, additional metadata sent by computing devices for this purpose, or artificial intelligence agents that use machine learning and user feedback to build selection strategies.

[0093] The present invention also relates to a computer program product including code means configured to cause a computer to perform steps to be performed by computing device 110 in any of the aspects of the present invention described above. The code means may additionally cause the computer to perform steps indicated as optional in the preceding description. The code means may be configured to perform some or all of the steps by interacting with an operating system. The code means may be configured to perform some or all of the steps by receiving input from a user via a user interface.

[0094] The present invention also relates to a computer configured to perform the steps to be performed by computing device 110 in any of the aspects of the present invention described above. The computer may be further configured to perform steps indicated as optional in the preceding description. The computer may be configured to perform some or all of the steps by receiving input from a user via a user interface.

[0095] The present invention also relates to a peripheral configured to perform the steps to be performed by intermediate device 130 in the second and / or third aspects of the present invention. The peripheral may be equipped with appropriate wired and / or wireless interfaces as described herein. The peripheral may further be configured to perform steps indicated as optional in the preceding description. The functionality of the peripheral may be implemented by, but is not limited to, programmable components such as processors and appropriate programming, configurable components such as FPGAs, dedicated hardware components such as ASICs, and combinations thereof. The peripheral may also be configured to perform other functions besides those described herein.

[0096] The present invention also relates to a system for selectively displaying audiovisual content, the system including the computer and peripherals defined in the preceding paragraph and a shared display 140 operatively connected to the peripherals.

[0097] Combinations of features defined by the following numbered clauses constitute embodiments and unclaimed alternatives of the present invention having the technical effects described herein, and are expressly included as part of this disclosure.

[0098] [Clause 1] A method for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device (110) on a shared display (140), comprising: the computing device (110) has a primary display (120); the computing device (110) is further capable of controlling a secondary display, whether real or virtual; The method includes, in the computing device (110), transmitting (1010) a first image signal representing a first screen image (121) to the primary display (120); Obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared (1020); generating (1040) a second image signal representing a second screen image (122) for display on the secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements; Including, the shared display (140) is operably connected to the computing device (110); the computing device (110) is configured to control the shared display (140) as the secondary display; the computing device (110) is configured to independently generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122); The method, wherein generating (1040) the second image signal includes placing a representation of the one or more elements in an image space covered by the secondary display. [Clause 2] The method of clause 1, wherein the computing device (110) is configured to generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122) to represent respective portions of a virtual area. [Clause 3] In the computing device (110), modifying the relative or absolute position of said one or more elements; scaling said one or more elements; Modifying the title bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; and Modifying the menu bar of an application window contained in one or more of said elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with a main application window included in the one of the one or more elements; Modifying portions of one or more of said elements to adapt them to the current context; and Modifying any portion of said one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising processing (1030) the one or more elements prior to generating (1040) the second image signal by performing one or more of: [Clause 4] The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein generating the second image signal (1040) includes combining the one or more elements with content received from a different source. [Clause 5] The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the shared display (140) is connected to the computing device (110) by one of an analog video connector, a DVI connector, an HDMI connector, and preferably a USB-C connector operating according to an alternate mode. [Clause 6] The method of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the computing device (110) comprises a wireless dongle (115), the shared display (140) includes a wireless receiver (145) or is connected to a wireless receiver (145), and the operable connection between the computing device (110) and the shared display (140) comprises a wireless link between the wireless dongle (115) and the wireless receiver (145). [Clause 7] A method for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device (110) on a shared display (140), comprising: the computing device (110) has a primary display (120); the computing device (110) is further capable of controlling a secondary display, whether real or virtual; The method includes, in the computing device (110), transmitting (1010) a first image signal representing a first screen image (121) to the primary display (120); Obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared (1020); generating (1040) a second image signal representing a second screen image (122) for display on the secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements; Including, the shared display (140) is operably connected to an intermediate device (130); the intermediate device (130) is operably connected to the computing device (110); the computing device (110) is configured to control the intermediate device (130) as the secondary display; the computing device (110) is configured to use a copy of the first screen image (121) as the second screen image (122); The method further comprises, in the computing device (110): transmitting (1050) information indicating the selection to the intermediate device (130); The method further comprises, in the intermediate device (130): extracting (1070) the one or more elements from the second screen image (122) according to the information indicating the selection; generating (1100) a third image signal representing a third screen image (123a-123f), said third screen image (123a-123f) including a representation of said one or more elements; transmitting (1110) the third image signal to the shared display (140) connected to the intermediate device (130). [Clause 8] In the intermediate device (130), modifying the relative or absolute position of said one or more elements; scaling said one or more elements; modifying the title bar of an application window included in said one or more elements; modifying the menu bar of an application window included in said one or more elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with a main application window included in the one of the one or more elements; Modifying portions of one or more of said elements to adapt them to the current context; and Modifying any portion of said one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising processing (1080) the one or more elements prior to said generating (100) the third image signal by performing one or more of: [Clause 9]: In the computing device (110), sending (1060) a processing instruction to the intermediate device (130); processing (1090) the one or more elements prior to said generating (1100) the third image signal in accordance with said processing instructions in said intermediate device (130); 9. The method of clause 7 or clause 8, further comprising: [Clause 10] A method according to any one of clauses 7 to 9, wherein the generating (1100) of the third image signal comprises combining the one or more elements with content received from a different source. [Clause 11] The method of any one of clauses 7 to 10, wherein the intermediate device (130) is connected to the computing device (110) by a USB-C connector and operates according to an alternate mode. [Clause 12] A method for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device (110) on a shared display (140), comprising: the computing device (110) has a primary display (120); the computing device (110) is further capable of controlling a secondary display, whether real or virtual; The method includes, in the computing device (110), transmitting (1010) a first image signal representing a first screen image (121) to the primary display (120); Obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared (1020); generating (1040) a second image signal representing a second screen image (122) for display on the secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements; Including, the shared display (140) is operably connected to an intermediate device (130); the intermediate device (130) is operably connected to the computing device (110); the computing device (110) is configured to control the intermediate device (130) as the secondary display; the computing device (110) is configured to independently generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122); said generating (1040) said second image signal includes placing a representation of said one or more elements in an image space covered by said secondary display; The method further comprises, in the computing device (110): transmitting (1045) information indicating the placement of the representation of the one or more elements to the intermediate device (130); The method further comprises, in the intermediate device (130): extracting (1070) the one or more elements from the second screen image (122) according to the information indicating the arrangement; generating (1100) a third image signal representing a third screen image (123g-123i), said third screen image (123g-123i) including a representation of said one or more elements; transmitting (1110) the third image signal to the shared display (140) connected to the intermediate device (130); A method comprising: [Clause 13] The method of clause 12, wherein the computing device (110) is configured to generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122) to represent respective portions of a virtual area. [Clause 14] In the intermediate device (130), modifying the relative or absolute position of said one or more elements; scaling said one or more elements; modifying the title bar of an application window included in said one or more elements; modifying the menu bar of an application window included in said one or more elements; modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with a main application window included in the one of the one or more elements; Modifying portions of one or more of said elements to adapt them to the current context; and Modifying any portion of said one or more elements determined to contain confidential information; 14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising processing (1055) the one or more elements prior to the generation of the third image signal by performing one or more of: [Clause 15] The method of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein the generating (1100) of the third image signal comprises combining the one or more elements with content received from a different source. [Clause 16] The method of any one of clauses 12 to 15, wherein the intermediate device (130) is connected to the computing device (110) by a USB-C connector and operates according to an alternate mode. [Clause 17] A computer program product comprising code means configured to cause a computer to perform the steps performed by said computing device in the method according to any one of clauses 1 to 16. [Clause 18] A computer (110) configured to perform the steps performed by the computing device in the method according to any one of clauses 1 to 16. [Clause 19] A peripheral device (130) configured to perform the steps performed by the intermediate device in the method according to any one of clauses 7 to 16. [Clause 20] A system (100) for selectively displaying audiovisual content, comprising: a computer (110) configured to perform the steps performed by the computing device in the method according to any one of clauses 7 to 16; a peripheral device (130) operably connected to the computer (110), the peripheral device (130) being configured to perform the steps performed by the intermediate device in the method of any one of clauses 7 to 16; a display (140) operably connected to said peripheral device (130); A system (100) including:

[0099] While various aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments, this is intended to clarify and not limit the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device (110) on a shared display (140), comprising: the computing device (110) has a primary display (120); The computing device (110) is further capable of controlling a secondary physical display; The method includes, in the computing device (110), transmitting (1010) a first image signal representing a first screen image (121) to the primary display (120); Obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared (1020); generating (1040) a second image signal representing a second screen image (122) for display on the secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements; Including, the shared display (140) is operably connected to the computing device (110); the computing device (110) is configured to control the shared display (140) as the secondary display; the computing device (110) is configured to independently generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122); The method, wherein said generating (1040) said second image signal comprises placing said representation of said one or more elements in an image space covered by said second display.

2. a user of the computing device (110) is prevented from actively placing content on the secondary display, or content placed by the user is automatically repositioned on the primary display (120); or The presence of the secondary display is completely hidden from the user by the operating system of the computing device (110); The method of claim 1.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the computing device (110) is configured to generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122) to represent respective portions of a virtual area.

4. In the computing device (110), - modifying the relative or absolute position of said one or more elements; scaling said one or more elements; - modifying the title bars of application windows included in said one or more elements; - modifying the menu bar of an application window included in said one or more elements; - modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with a main application window included in the one of the one or more elements; - modifying portions of said one or more elements to adapt them to the current context; - modifying any portion of said one or more elements determined to contain sensitive information; 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising processing (1030) the one or more elements prior to generating (1040) the second image signal by performing one or more of:

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating (1040) of the second image signal comprises combining the one or more elements with content received from a different source.

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the shared display (140) is connected to the computing device (110) by one of an analog video connector, a DVI connector, an HDMI connector, and a USB-C connector, preferably operating according to an alternate mode.

7. the computing device (110) comprises a wireless dongle (115); the shared display (140) includes or is connected to a wireless receiver (145); 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the operable connection between the computing device (110) and the shared display (140) includes a wireless link between the wireless dongle (115) and the wireless receiver (145).

8. A method for selectively displaying audiovisual content from a computing device (110) on a shared display (140), comprising: the computing device (110) has a primary display (120); The computing device (110) is further capable of controlling a secondary physical display; The method includes, in the computing device (110), transmitting (1010) a first image signal representing a first screen image (121) to the primary display (120); Obtaining a selection of one or more elements to be shared (1020); generating (1040) a second image signal representing a second screen image (122) for display on the secondary display, the second screen image including a representation of the one or more elements; Including, the shared display (140) is operably connected to an intermediate device (130); the intermediate device (130) is operably connected to the computing device (110); the computing device (110) is configured to control the intermediate device (130) as the secondary display; the computing device (110) is configured to independently generate the first screen image (121) and the second screen image (122); said generating (1040) said second image signal includes placing a representation of said one or more elements in an image space covered by said secondary display; The method further comprises, in the computing device (110): transmitting (1045) information indicating the placement of the representation of the one or more elements to the intermediate device (130); The method further comprises, in the intermediate device (130): extracting (1070) the one or more elements from the second screen image (122) according to the information indicating the placement; generating (1100) a third image signal representing a third screen image (123g-123i), said third screen image (123g-123i) including a representation of said one or more elements; transmitting (1110) the third image signal to the shared display (140) connected to the intermediate device (130); A method comprising:

9. a user of the computing device (110) is prevented from actively placing content on the secondary display, or content placed by the user is automatically repositioned on the primary display (120); or The presence of the secondary display is completely hidden from the user by the operating system of the computing device (110); The method of claim 8.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the computing device (110) is configured to generate the eighth screen image (121) and the ninth screen image (122) to represent respective portions of a virtual area.

11. In the intermediate device (130), - modifying the relative or absolute position of said one or more elements; scaling said one or more elements; - modifying the title bars of application windows included in said one or more elements; - modifying the menu bar of an application window included in said one or more elements; - modifying a portion of one of the one or more elements that is not associated with a main application window included in the one of the one or more elements; - modifying portions of said one or more elements to adapt them to the current context; - modifying any portion of said one or more elements determined to contain sensitive information; 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising processing (1055) the one or more elements prior to the generation of the third image signal by performing one or more of:

12. The method of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the generating (1100) of the third image signal comprises combining the one or more elements with content received from a different source.

13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the intermediate device (130) is connected to the computing device (110) by a USB-C connector and operates according to an alternate mode.

14. A computer program product comprising code means configured to cause a computer to perform the steps performed by said computing device in the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A computer (110) configured to perform the steps performed by the computing device in the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A peripheral device (130) configured to perform the steps performed by the intermediate device in the method of any one of claims 8 to 13.

17. A system (100) for selectively displaying audiovisual content, comprising: a computer (110) configured to perform the steps performed by the computing device in the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13; a peripheral device (130) operatively connected to the computer (110), the peripheral device (130) being configured to perform the steps performed by the intermediate device in the method of any one of claims 8 to 13; a display (140) operably connected to said peripheral device (130); A system (100) comprising:

Images