System and method for syncing a user interface on a server device to a user interface on a client device

• US 9,716,774 B2
• Filed: 07/10/2008
• Issued: 07/25/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Jawa, Amandeep, Brodersen, Rainer, Robbin, Jeffrey L., Davis, Daniel, Cannistraro, Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): BADAWI, ANGIE M
• Application Number:
  US12/171,250
• Publication Number:
  US 20100011299A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,302 Days
• Field of Search: 715744
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/75 Indicating network or usage conditions on the user display

Abstract

A system, method, and computer-readable medium for method for syncing a user interface on a server device to a user interface on a client device are disclosed. The method includes broadcasting a signal from a server device to a client device when the server device presents an active user input interface on a display screen, wherein the active user input interface illustrates input from a user via a remote control that is separate from the client device, wherein the remote control requires multiple steps for inputting a character. The method next includes establishing a connection between the server device and the client device if certain pre-defined criteria are met. Next the method includes transmitting parameters for displaying a client user input interface on the connected client device that is associated with the active user input interface, including loading existing data in an input field of the active user input interface into a client input field on the client device. The method then includes receiving character input sent from the connected client device to the server device via the client user input interface, wherein the character is received via a single step. The method then includes updating the input field of the active user input interface with the received character input from the client user input interface, and removing the client user input interface on the client device upon the occurrence of an event.

Claims

1. A method for interacting with a server, the method comprising:

in the server, performing operations for;

presenting a user input interface on a display coupled to the server, the user input interface comprising a listing of characters and an entry box;

wherein the server is configured to enter a character in the entry box in the user input interface by either of;

receiving direction indications from a client to navigate a cursor sequentially through the listing of characters on the display to a character that is selected to be entered into the entry box; and

receiving a selection indication from the client to cause the selected character to be entered into the entry box;

or

receiving a character that was sent from the client to the server; and

causing a corresponding character to be entered into the entry box without receiving direction indications or a selection indication.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

causing the client to present, on a display of the client, a user input interface for entering a character that is different than the user input interface presented by the server.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the user input interface presented by the client comprises an input mechanism configured to receive a character entry without receiving direction indications or a selection indication.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the input mechanism comprises one of:

a keyboard presented on a display of the client;

or

an entry box configured to receive characters entered using a keyboard on the client.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the user input interface presented by the client comprises an input mechanism configured to receive a character entry using an entry mechanism available on the client.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the input mechanism comprises one of:

a keyboard presented on a display of the client;

or

an entry box configured to receive characters entered using a keyboard on the client.

7. A server, comprising:

a processor, the processor configured to perform operations for;

presenting a user input interface on a display coupled to the server, the user input interface comprising a listing of characters and an entry box;

wherein the server is configured to enter a character in the entry box in the user input interface by either of;

receiving direction indications from a client to navigate a cursor sequentially through the listing of characters on the display to a character that is selected to be entered into the entry box; and

receiving a selection indication from the client to cause the selected character to be entered into the entry box;

or

receiving a character that was sent from the client to the server; and

causing a corresponding character to be entered into the entry box without receiving direction indications or a selection indication.

8. The server of claim 7, further comprising:

causing the client to present, on a display of the client, a user input interface for entering a character that is different than the user input interface presented by the server.

9. The server of claim 8, wherein the user input interface presented by the client comprises an input mechanism configured to receive a character entry without receiving direction indications or a selection indication.

10. The server of claim 9, wherein the input mechanism comprises one of:

a keyboard presented on a display of the client;

or

an entry box configured to receive characters entered using a keyboard on the client.

11. The server of claim 8, wherein the user input interface presented by the client comprises an input mechanism configured to receive a character entry using an entry mechanism available on the client.

12. The server of claim 11, wherein the input mechanism comprises one of:

a keyboard presented on a display of the client;

or

an entry box configured to receive characters entered using a keyboard on the client.