Mobile devices supporting wireless synchronization over a wireless Network compatible, at least partly, with IEEE 802.11 standard(s)

• US 8,964,220 B2
• Filed: 05/22/2012
• Issued: 02/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Chang, William Ho, Liu, Christina Ying
• Primary Examiner(s): Popovici, Dov
• Application Number:
  US13/477,987
• Publication Number:
  US 20120230315A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,008 Days
• US Class Current: 358/1.15
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1203 Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1205 resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1208 resulting in improved quality of the output result, e.g. print layout, colours, workflows, print preview
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/122 with regard to computing resources, e.g. memory, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1226 Discovery of devices having required properties
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1228 Printing driverless or using generic drivers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1229 Printer resources management or printer maintenance, e.g. device status, power levels
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1236 Connection management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1238 Secure printing, e.g. user identification, user rights for device usage, unallowed content, blanking portions or fields of a page, releasing held jobs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1245 by conversion to intermediate or common format
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1247 by conversion to printer ready format
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1253 Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1258 by updating job settings at the printer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/128 Direct printing, e.g. sending document file, using memory stick, printing from a camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1284 Local printer device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1286 via local network
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1288 : in client-server-printer device configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1292 : Mobile client, e.g. wireless printing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/14 : Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 : Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/02 : using printers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/181 : Receiving print data characterized by its formatting, e.g. particular page description languages
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/1836 : Rasterization
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 : specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/22 : Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialogue
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/30 : Distributed recognition, e.g. in client-server systems, for mobile phones or network applications
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 2015/223 : Execution procedure of a spoken command
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/303 : Terminal profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/51 : Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 : with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00283 : with a television apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 : with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00403 : Voice input means, e.g. voice commands
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00411 : the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00488 : providing an audible output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00854 : Recognising an unauthorised user or user-associated action
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00938 : Software related arrangements, e.g. loading applications program loading in general G06F9/445
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32534 : details of interfacing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32582 : Output interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4413 : involving the use of passwords, ID codes or the like, e.g. PIN
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/442 : using a biometric data reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 : Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0041 : Point to point H04N2201/0039 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0053 : Optical, e.g. using an infrared link
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 : By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0094 : Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/16 : Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/068 : using credential vaults, e.g. password manager applications or one time password [OTP] applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

Wireless synchronization of data or software components over a wireless local area network (WLAN) compatible, at least partly, with IEEE802.11, are herein disclosed and enabled. An information apparatus, such as a laptop, a smart phone, an information pad, or digital camera, may access a WLAN for wireless synchronization with other wireless devices. To set up the wireless synchronization, the user connects the information apparatus to a wireless device over a wired connection (e.g., USB) and selects the wireless device for synchronization. Information associated with the wireless device is saved in the information apparatus. Next, the user connects the information apparatus to the WLAN and, depending on the availability of the wireless device in the WLAN, the information apparatus may lock a wireless connection to the wireless device for wireless synchronization. Operations of the wireless synchronization over the WLAN may be facilitated by a client application in the information apparatus.

Claims

1. A method for wireless synchronization of data and software components between a wireless information apparatus and a wireless output controller device over a wireless network, the wireless output controller device including software for managing wireless communication at the wireless output device, and the wireless output controller device being a distinct device from the wireless information apparatus, the wireless information apparatus including:

a graphical user interface,

a processing unit,

a memory or storage unit,

an operating system to facilitate operation of client applications at the wireless information apparatus,

an internet browsing application,

a client application for managing digital content and wireless communication at the wireless information apparatus, and

a wireless communication unit that includes a radio frequency controller for establishing wireless communication with one or more wireless devices over the wireless network and the wireless communication unit being compatible, at least partly, with part of an IEEE802.11 wireless standard, the method comprising;

establishing a wired connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device;

obtaining, at the wireless information apparatus, at least part of a device profile or object from the wireless output controller device over the wired connection, the device profile or object including one or more of communication profile information, communication protocol information, device dependent information, identification information, authentication information, security key information, and service information, individually or in any combination, associated with the wireless output controller device;

storing the at least part of the device profile or object at the wireless information apparatus; and

, subsequent to obtaining the device profile or object at the wireless information apparatus, the method further comprising;

coupling the wireless information apparatus to the wireless network via the wireless communication unit that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard;

establishing a wireless connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device over the wireless network, the establishing of the wireless connection being in dependence of the wireless output controller device in the wireless network being available for wireless connection, and the establishing of the wireless connection employing, at least in part, the wireless communication unit of the wireless information apparatus that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard; and

wireless synchronizing of data and software components between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device over the established wireless connection, that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard, the wireless synchronizing of data and software components being enabled, at least in part, by the device profile or object received from the wireless output controller device over the wired connection and stored in the wireless information apparatus; and

wherein, the wireless synchronizing between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device being facilitated, at least in part, by the client application included in the wireless information apparatus, and the wireless synchronizing being further facilitated, at least in part, by the software for managing wireless communication included in the wireless output controller device, and

wherein, the wireless output controller device comprises at least one of a personal computer, a server, or a workstation, individually or in any combination.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the wireless information apparatus comprises at least one of a laptop computer, a smart phone, a digital camera, and an information pad, individually or in any combination.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the wireless network includes a local area network.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the wireless information apparatus includes the wireless communication unit and the wireless output controller device includes a wireless communication unit that is compatible, at least partly, with part of an IEEE802.11 wireless standard, and the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device each access the wireless network by employing the wireless communication unit.

5. The method of claim 1 in which the coupling of the wireless information apparatus to the wireless network includes the wireless information apparatus contacting a control point or a server in the wireless network, the control point or the server being a distinct device from the wireless output controller device and the wireless information apparatus, the control point or the server maintaining a record of devices that are within the same wireless network, and the wireless information apparatus contacting the control point or the server for connecting to the wireless output controller device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining, at the wireless information apparatus, at least an indication related to an identifier or a name associated with the wireless output controller device that is wired connected to the wireless information apparatus, the identifier or the name associated with the wireless output controller device facilitating, at least partly, a selection operation by a user at the wireless information apparatus; and

receiving, at the wireless information apparatus, over the graphical user interface of the wireless information apparatus, an indication associated with the wireless output controller device that is wired connected to the wireless information apparatus as a selected wireless output controller device for transmitting data.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining authentication or security information at the wireless information apparatus for locking the wireless connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device, the authentication or the security information including one or more of a name, an ID number, an address, a password, a security key, or biometric information, individually or in any combination.

8. A wireless information apparatus for wireless synchronization of data and software components with a wireless output controller device over a wireless local area network, the wireless output controller device being a distinct device from the wireless information apparatus, the wireless information apparatus including:

a graphical user interface,

a processing unit,

a memory or storage unit,

an operating system to facilitate operation of client applications at the wireless information apparatus,

an internet browsing application,

at least a client application for managing digital content and wireless communication at the wireless information apparatus, and

a wireless communication unit that includes a radio frequency controller for establishing wireless communication with one or more wireless devices over the wireless local area network, and the wireless communication unit being compatible, at least partly, with part of an IEEE802.11 wireless standard, the wireless information apparatus comprising;

means for establishing, by the wireless information apparatus, a wired connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device, the wired connection includes, at least in part, a USB interface;

means for obtaining, at the wireless information apparatus, at least an indication related to an identifier or a name associated with the wireless output controller device that is wired connected to the wireless information apparatus, the identifier or the name associated with the wireless output controller device facilitating, at least in part, a selection by a user at the wireless information apparatus;

means for providing, at the wireless information apparatus and over the graphical user interface of the wireless information apparatus, an indication associated with the wireless output controller device that is wired connected to the wireless information apparatus as a selected wireless output controller device for transmitting data;

means for obtaining, at the wireless information apparatus, at least part of a device profile or object from the wireless output controller device over the wired connection, the device profile or object including one or more of communication profile information, communication protocol information, device dependent information, identification information, authentication information, security key information, and service information, individually or in any combination, associated with the wireless output controller device;

means for storing at least part of the device profile or object at the wireless information apparatus; and

, subsequent to obtaining the device profile or object at the wireless information apparatus, the wireless information apparatus further comprising;

means for coupling the wireless information apparatus to the wireless local area network via the wireless communication unit that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard, the coupling of the wireless information apparatus to the wireless local area network including the wireless information apparatus contacting a control point or a server in the wireless local area network;

means for establishing a wireless connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device over the wireless local area network, the establishing of the wireless connection employing, at least in part, the wireless communication unit of the wireless information apparatus that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard; and

means for wireless synchronizing of data or software components between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device over the wireless connection, the wireless synchronization of data or software components being enabled, at least in part, by the device profile or object received from the wireless output controller device over the wired connection and stored in the wireless information apparatus.

9. The wireless information apparatus of claim 8 in which the means for wireless synchronizing of data or software components between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device includes one or more of an encryption operation, a decryption operation, a compression operation, a decompression operation, an encoding operation, a decoding operation, or an authentication operation, individually or in any combination.

10. The wireless information apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for obtaining authentication or security information, at the wireless information apparatus, for accessing the wireless output controller device over the wireless local area network, the authentication or the security information including one or more of a name, an ID number, an address, a password, a security key, or biometric information, individually or in any combination.

11. The wireless information apparatus of claim 8 in which the wireless output controller device including one or more of a computing device, a personal computer, a server, a workstation, a sound output device, a music playing device, a video output device, or an image display device, individually or in any combination.

12. The wireless information apparatus of claim 8 in which the wireless information apparatus is one or more of a smart phone, an information-pad, a digital camera, and a laptop computer, individually or in any combination.

13. The wireless information apparatus of claim 8, in which the wireless information apparatus includes the wireless communication unit and the wireless output controller device includes a wireless communication unit that is compatible, at least partly, with part of an IEEE802.11 wireless standard, and the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device each access the wireless local area network employing, at least in part, the wireless communication unit.

14. A wireless information apparatus for wireless synchronization of data or software components with a wireless output controller device over a wireless network, the wireless output controller device being a distinct device from the wireless information apparatus, the wireless information apparatus including:

a graphical user interface,

a processing unit,

a memory or storage unit,

an operating system to facilitate operation of client applications at the wireless information apparatus,

an internet application,

at least a client application for managing digital content and wireless communication at the wireless information apparatus, and

a wireless communication unit that includes a radio frequency controller for establishing wireless communication with one or more wireless devices over the wireless network, and the wireless communication unit being compatible, at least partly, with part of an IEEE802.11 wireless standard, the wireless information apparatus further comprises a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing software including;

software for establishing, by the wireless information apparatus, a wired connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device;

software for obtaining, at the wireless information apparatus, at least an indication, related to an identity or a name associated with the wireless output controller device, over the wired connection from the wireless output controller device to the wireless information apparatus, the identity or the name associated with the wireless output controller device being for selection by a user over the graphical user interface at the wireless information apparatus;

software for receiving, at the wireless information apparatus, over the graphical user interface of the wireless information apparatus, an indication associated with the wireless output controller device that is wired connected to the wireless information apparatus as a selected wireless output controller device for transmitting data;

software for storing at least part of a device profile or object at the wireless information apparatus that includes the identity or the name associated with the selected wireless output controller device; and

, subsequent to obtaining the device profile or object at the wireless information apparatus, the wireless information apparatus further comprising;

software for coupling the wireless information apparatus to the wireless network via the wireless communication unit that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard;

software for obtaining authentication or security information at the wireless information apparatus for accessing the wireless output controller device over the wireless network, the authentication or the security information including one or more of a name, an ID number, a password, a security key, or biometric information, individually or in any combination;

software for establishing a wireless connection in between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device over the wireless network, the establishing of the wireless connection being in dependence of an availability of the wireless output controller device in the wireless network for wireless connection, and the establishing of the wireless connection employing, at least in part, the wireless communication unit of the wireless information apparatus that is compatible, at least partly, with part of the IEEE802.11 wireless standard, and the establishing of the wireless connection is related, at least in part, to the authentication or the security information obtained at the wireless information apparatus, and

software for wireless synchronizing of data or software components between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device over the wireless connection, the wireless synchronizing of data or software components being enabled, at least in part, by the device profile or object stored in the wireless information apparatus, and the wireless synchronization of data or software components being enabled at least in part by the indication, related to the identity or the name associated with the wireless output controller device, obtained from the wireless output controller device over the wired connection, and wherein the wireless synchronizing between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device is facilitated, at least in part, by the client application included in the wireless information apparatus.

15. The wireless information apparatus of claim 14 in which establishing the wired connection between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device includes, at least in part, a USB interface.

16. The wireless information apparatus of claim 14 in which the wireless network includes a local area network.

17. The wireless information apparatus of claim 14 in which the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises software for discovering, by the wireless information apparatus, the wireless output controller device over the wireless network.

18. The wireless information apparatus of claim 14 in which the wireless information apparatus includes at least one of a smart phone, an information pad, a digital camera, and a laptop computer, individually or in any combination.

19. The wireless information apparatus of claim 14 in which the wireless output controller device includes controller software for managing wireless communication at the wireless output controller device, and the wireless synchronizing between the wireless information apparatus and the wireless output controller device being facilitated, at least in part, by the controller software included in the wireless output controller device.

20. The wireless information apparatus of claim 14, in which the wireless output controller device includes at least one of a computing device, a personal computer, a server, a workstation, a sound output device, a music playing device, a video output device, and an image display device, individually or in any combination.