File sharing in a teleconference application

• US 5,857,189 A
• Filed: 05/08/1996
• Issued: 01/05/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Computer Incorporated (Apple Inc.)
• Inventors: Riddle, Guy
• Primary Examiner(s): AMSBURY, WAYNE P
• Application Number:
  US08/646,626
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 395/615, 395/610, 707/10, 707/104
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

A system and method which enables teleconference members to share files during a teleconference. An endpoint including a processor with a memory coupled thereto. The memory stores a teleconferencing application. A file sharing mechanism is associated with the application at run time. The file sharing mechanism generates a window on the local display in which the local member of the teleconference may post advertisements for files thereby making the file sharable. The local endpoint sends the advertisement to a remote endpoint. A corresponding accessory receives the advertisement and posts it in the remote window. A local member can copy remotely posted files by manipulating the corresponding advertisement.

Claims

1. A method of sharing files during a teleconference comprising the steps of:

creating a window on a display;

posting a first representation of a remote file in the window;

copying the file to a desired storage location;

changing the first representation to a second representation when the remote file has been copied.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of copying comprises the steps of:

dragging the first representation of the remote file to the desired storage location; and

dropping the first representation in the desired storage location.

3. A computer readable storage media containing executable computer program instructions which when executed cause a digital processing system to perform a method comprising:

creating a window on a display;

posting a first representation of a remote file in the window;

copying the file to a desired storage location; and

changing the first representation to a second representation when the remote file has been copied.

4. An apparatus comprising:

means for creating a window on a display;

means for posting a first representation of a remote file in the window;

means for copying the file to a desired storage location; and

means for changing the first representation to a second representation when the remote file has been copied.