Online graphical message service
First Claim
1. A method for providing an electronic information service in a computer system connected to a network, the method comprising:
- creating, in a whiteboard storage server, a first information object comprising at least part of a virtual whiteboard into which a plurality of users can write information and from which the plurality of users can read information via respective computer terminals;
transmitting the first information object from the whiteboard storage server via the network to a first computer terminal of a first user included in the plurality of the users, such that the first computer terminal causes the virtual whiteboard to be printed together with a position-coding pattern on a substrate, said printed position-coding pattern having sufficient resolution to define strokes of an optically-imaging pen when the pen is moved over the position-coding pattern;
receiving, in the whiteboard storage server, a second information object from the first computer terminal of the first user, the second information object including a modification of at least part of the virtual whiteboard, said second information object comprising position information generated by the pen; and
updating the virtual whiteboard stored in whiteboard storage server utilizing the second information object,wherein the position information generated by the pen is used to provide a graphical image which is created by moving the pen over the position-coding pattern.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for achieving an electronic information service (also called an online graphical message service) hosted by a computer system (e.g., a server) connected to a network. Remote users can write information into and read information from the information service over the network. In response to a request from a first user, the service may create a first information object that comprises a virtual whiteboard. The virtual whiteboard may include information written by the remote users. Then, the service may transmit the first information object via the network to the first user. Later, the service may receive a second information object from the first user corresponding to part of the virtual whiteboard. The second information object may include modifications the first user made to the virtual whiteboard. The service may then update the virtual whiteboard utilizing the received second information object.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for providing an electronic information service in a computer system connected to a network, the method comprising:
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creating, in a whiteboard storage server, a first information object comprising at least part of a virtual whiteboard into which a plurality of users can write information and from which the plurality of users can read information via respective computer terminals; transmitting the first information object from the whiteboard storage server via the network to a first computer terminal of a first user included in the plurality of the users, such that the first computer terminal causes the virtual whiteboard to be printed together with a position-coding pattern on a substrate, said printed position-coding pattern having sufficient resolution to define strokes of an optically-imaging pen when the pen is moved over the position-coding pattern; receiving, in the whiteboard storage server, a second information object from the first computer terminal of the first user, the second information object including a modification of at least part of the virtual whiteboard, said second information object comprising position information generated by the pen; and updating the virtual whiteboard stored in whiteboard storage server utilizing the second information object, wherein the position information generated by the pen is used to provide a graphical image which is created by moving the pen over the position-coding pattern. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for creating and updating a virtual whiteboard, said system comprising:
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(A) a whiteboard storage server configured for; creating a first information object comprising at least part of a virtual whiteboard into which a plurality of users can write information and from which the plurality of users can read information via respective computer terminals; transmitting the first information object from the whiteboard storage server via a network; (B) a first computer terminal of a first user configured for receiving the first information object; (C) a printer connected to the first computer terminal, said printer being configured for printing the virtual whiteboard together with a position-coding pattern on a substrate; an optically imaging pen configured for; imaging the printed position-coding pattern when the pen is moved over the printed position-coding pattern; and generating position information identifying digital ink strokes, wherein the whiteboard storage server is further configured for; receiving a second information object from the first computer terminal of the first user, the second information object including a modification of at least part of the virtual whiteboard, said second information object comprising the position information generated by the pen; and updating the virtual whiteboard utilizing the second information object.
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Specification