English:
[0002] FIGURE 1 is diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media broadcasting system 10;
[0004] FIGURE 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media output window of a user interface at the electronic device of FIGURE 2;
[0005] FIGURE 4 is a diagram illustrating the menu system of FIGURE 3;
[0006] FIGURE 5 is a diagram illustrating media output window of FIGURE 3;
[0007] FIGURE 6 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of media output window of FIGURE 3; and
[0008] FIGURES 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating a display screen of a recipient's electronic device upon receiving an invitation from the simulcasting electronic device.
[0009] Various embodiments and the advantages thereof are best understood by referring to FIGURES 1-8, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings
[0010] FIGURE 1 is diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media broadcasting system 10 to facilitate the simulcasting of media content. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1 , system 10 comprises a plurality of electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and 124. Electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and or 124may comprise any type of electronic device such as, but not limited to, a notebook or laptop computer, a desktop computer, a karaoke device, or any other type of portable or nonportable electronic device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1 , four electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and 124are illustrated; however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer number of electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and/or 124may be used in connection with system 10. According to some embodiments, communications network 14 comprises a local area network; however, it should be understood that communications network 14 may be any type of wired and/or wireless communications network (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network, etc.) that enables video communications between electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and 124.
[0011] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1 , each electronic device 121 ?122, 123and/or 124comprises a communication module interface 16 to facilitate simulcasting and/or other communications among electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and 124. For example, according to some embodiments, electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and 124are configured to simulcast media content (e.g., a live video feed and/or a video message) via communications network 14 to other electronic devices 12^ 122l123and/or 124. According to some embodiments, each electronic device 12i, 122, 123and/or 124is configured to receive media content from other electronic devices 12-ι, 122, 123and/or 124to enable each user to communicate with other users at their respective electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and/or 124. Accordingly, users of system 10 can participate in media communications at separate terminals (e.g., a separate electronic device 12i, 122, 123and/or 124).
[0012] FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device 12 of media broadcasting system 10 of FIGURE 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2, electronic device 12 comprises a processor 18, an input/output device 20 in the forma of a display screen 24 and a memory 22. In FIGURE 2, user interface 20 comprises a display screen 24 for displaying media content, such as, but not limited to, video images in a video conference, video messages, or any other type of media content. In FIGURE 2, memory 22 comprises communication module interface 16. Communications module interface 16 may comprise hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In FIGURE 2, communications module interface 16 is illustrated as being stored in memory 22 to be accessible and/or executable by processor 18. However, it should be understood that communication module interface 16 may be otherwise stored or located, even remotely. In operation, communication module interface 16 is configured to enable media simulcasts between users of electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and/or 124.
[0013] FIGURE 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media output window 60 of communications module interface 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, communications module interface 16 (FIGURES 1 and 2) is executable to display media output window 60 on display screen 24. In FIGURE 3, media output window 60 comprises a video display panel 62 and a command panel bar 64. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, video display panel 62 is configured to display media content, and command panel 62 is configured to provide status information to a user of electronic device 12 and to enable a user to provide commands to communication module interface 16 (FIGURES 2). For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, media content may comprise a live video feed from a webcam and/or a file stored on an electronic device 12 (electronic device 12 represents one or more of electronic devices 12i, 122, 123and/or 124) and displayable on display panel
[0014] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, media broadcasting system 10 comprises a pop-up menu system 84 to facilitate a simulcasting event (e.g., the simulcast of media content from one electronic device 12 for viewing on one or more other electronic devices 12 via communications network 14). For example, if a user of electronic device 12 (e.g., electronic device 12i) desires to simulcast a live video feed or stored file from the user's electronic device 12, the user invokes pop-up menu system 84 to facilitate the simulcast event to other participants (e.g., electronic device 122, 123and/or 124). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, menu system 84 is hidden from view until it is invoked by a user of the simulcasting electronic device 12. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, interface 30 causes pop-up menu system 84 to display a plurality of menu options 86 to facilitate the input of commands to communications module interface 16. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, menu options 86 comprise a simulcast command 88 to enable communications module interface 16 (FIGURE 2) to simulcast media content to other participants (e.g., users of electronic devices 12-ι, 122, 123and/or 124). While four menu options 86 are displayed on menu system 84, it should be understood that a greater or fewer number of menu options 86 may be displayed on menu system 84.
[0015] According to some embodiments, interface 16 causes menu system 84 to be displayed in response to a user pressing and/or otherwise activating menu display button 66 on output window 60; however, it should be understood that other methods of invoking menu system 84 are available (e.g., via remote control, via a stylus, by right clicking a mouse when the cursor is over any portion of window 60, etc.). Once menu system 84 has been invoked, menu system 84 is navigatable to enable a user to select simulcast command 88 to turn on/off the simulcast option (e.g., to enable and/or disable communication module interface 16). In operation, a user of electronic device 12 selects simulcast command 88 via mouse, remote control, stylus, keyboard or otherwise such that once selected, interface 16 causes a sub-menu 90 to display an "on" option 92 and an "off' option 94 to enable a user of electronic device 12 to turn on or off and/or otherwise configure communication module interface 16 for simulcasting.
[0016] FIGURE 4 is a diagram illustrating menu system 84 of FIGURE 3. In operation, when simulcast option 88 is turned on, interface 16 causes menu system 84 to display an "invite people near me" option 92 to enable the user of electronic device 12 to view a recipient list 94. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4, recipient list 94 displays all recipients communicatively coupled to system 10 via communication network 14 to enable a user of electronic device 12 to select desired recipient(s) 96 for a particular simulcast event. According to some embodiments, interface 16 causes menu system 84 to be removed from media output window 60 in response to selecting menu display button 66. However, it should be understood that communication module interface 16 may be otherwise configured such that interface 16 causes menu system 84 to be automatically removed after a predetermined period of time of no activity (e.g., no use of pop-up menu system 84). In operation, a user of electronic device 12 selects recipients 96 via a mouse, remote control, stylus or otherwise. Once selected, communications module interface 16 sends an invite command to each electronic device 12 corresponding to the respective selected recipient 96 to participate in the simulcast event. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4, three recipients 96 are selected (e.g., Roger, Nancy and Mariano); however, it should be understood that a greater or fewer number of recipients 96 may be selected based on the number of electronic devices 12 coupled via network 14.
[0017] FIGURES 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating another view of media output window 60 of FIGURE 3. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 5, media output window 60 comprises a status indicator 100 to provide the user of electronic device 12 a current status of system 10 or of the simulcast event. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 5, status bar 100 comprises a notification to the user of electronic device 12 that communications module 16 is sending invitations to each selected recipient 96.
[0018] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 6, once one or more recipients view media content from electronic device 12, communication module interface 16 causes status indicator 100 to notify the user of electronic device 12 the number of recipients 96 viewing the content. According to some embodiments, status indicator 100 may be configured to, once selected by a user of electronic device 12, list and/or otherwise identify each recipient viewing, streaming and/or downloading the media content via communications network 14.
[0019] FIGURES 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating a display screen 24 of a recipient's electronic device 12 upon receiving an invitation from the simulcasting electronic device 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 7, interface 16 generates a simulcast notification 120 to alert the user of electronic device 12 that they have been invited to participate in a simulcast event. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 7, in response to receiving an invitation from the simulcasting device 12, communication module interface 16 causes simulcast notification 120 to appear on display screen 24 to alert the user of electronic device 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8, notification 120 comprises a view option 122, a decline option 124 and a dismiss option 126. In FIGURE 7, in response to selecting view option 122, the details of notification 120 are displayed on display screen 24, as illustrated in FIGURE 8. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 8, notification 120 is configured to identify the simulcasting party and provide an accept option 128 to enable the recipient to accept the invitation from the simulcasting party. In response to selecting accept option 128, media communication interface 16 of each recipient electronic device 12 will automatically display media output window 60 (FIGURES 3-6) on display screen 24.
[0021] Thus, embodiments of communication module interface 16 enable a simulcasting party and recipient to easily navigate to transmit and/or view media content during a video simulcast. Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented in software and can be adapted to run on different platforms and operating systems. In particular, functions implemented by interface 16, for example, may be provided as an ordered listing of executable instructions that can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a computer- readable medium can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus or device. The computer-readable medium can be, for example but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electro-magnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device or propagation medium.

中文:
[0002]图1是示出媒体广播系统10的实施例的图示;
[0004]图3是示出图2的电子装置处的用户接口的媒体输出窗口的实施例的图示;
[0005]图4是示出图3的菜单系统的图示;
[0006]图5是示出图3的媒体输出窗口的图示;
[0007]图6是示出图3的媒体输出窗口的另一实施例的图示;以及
[0008]图7和8是示出在接收到来自联播电子装置的邀请后接收方的电子装置的显示屏幕的图示。
[0009]通过参考图1-8最好地理解各个实施例及其优点,相同的标号被用于各个附图的相同和对应的部分。
[0010]图1是示出用于促进媒体内容的联播的媒体广播系统10的实施例的图示。在图1所示的实施例中,系统10包括多个电子装置121、122、123和124。电子装置121、122、123和或124可以包括任何类型的电子装置,诸如但是不局限于笔记本或膝上型计算机、桌上型计算机、卡拉OK装置、或任何其他类型的便携式或非便携式电子装置。在图1中所示的实施例中,示出了四个电子装置121、122、123和124;但是,应该理解,可以结合系统10使用更多或更少数目的电子装置121、122、123和/或124。根据一些实施例,通信网络14包括局域网;但是,应该理解,通信网络14可以是任何类型的有线和/或无线通信网络(例如因特网、蜂窝网络等),该有线和/或无线通信网络使得能够在电子装置121、122、123和124之间进行视频通信。
[0011]在图1中所示的实施例中,每个电子装置121、122、123和/或124包括通信模块接口16,用于促进在电子装置121、122、123和124间的联播和/或其他通信。例如,根据一些实施例,电子装置121、122、123和124被配置为经由通信网络14联播媒体内容(例如实况视频馈送和/或视频消息)到其他的电子装置121、122、123和/或124。根据一些实施例,每个电子装置121、122、123和/或124被配置为接收来自其他电子装置121、122、123和/或124的媒体内容,以使得每个用户能够在他们相应的电子装置121、122、123和/或124处与其他用户进行通信。由此,系统10的用户能够在分离的终端(例如分离的电子装置121、122、123和/或124)处参与媒体通信。
[0012]图2是示出图1的媒体广播系统10的电子装置12的实施例的框图。在图2中所示的实施例中,电子装置12包括处理器18、采用显示屏幕24的形式的输入/输出装置20、以及存储器22。在图2中,用户接口20包括用于显示媒体内容的显示屏幕24,所述内容诸如但是不局限于视频会议中的视频图像、视频消息或任何其他类型的媒体内容。在图2中,存储器22包括通信模块接口16。通信模块接口16可以包括硬件、软件、固件或它们的组合。在图2中,通信模块接口16被图示为存储在存储器22中,以便可由处理器18访问和/或执行。但是,应该理解,通信模块接口16可以以其他方式存储或定位,甚至可以远程地存储或定位。在操作中,通信模块接口16被配置为使得能够在电子装置121、122、123和/或124的用户之间进行媒体联播。
[0013]图3是示出通信模块接口16的媒体输出窗口60的实施例的图示。在图3中所示的实施例中,通信模块接口16(图1和2)可执行以在显示屏幕24上显示媒体输出窗口60。在图3中,媒体输出窗口60包括视频显示面板62和命令面板条64。在图3中所示的实施例中,视频显示面板62被配置为显示媒体内容,以及命令面板62被配置为给电子装置12的用户提供状态信息以及使得用户能够提供命令到通信模块接口16(图2)。例如,在图3中所示的实施例中,媒体内容可以包括来自网络摄像头的实况视频馈送和/或存储在电子装置12(电子装置12代表电子装置121、122、123和/或124的一个或多个)上且能够显示在显示面板62上的文件。通信面板64包括用于接收输入命令的各种类型的接口,诸如但是不局限于菜单显示按钮66、倒回按钮70、前进按钮72、暂停按钮74、播放按钮76、停止按钮78、回跳按钮80、前跳按钮82或任何其他功能,以促进查看在输出窗口60中显示的媒体内容。命令面板62被配置为在发送和接收参与方二者上显示。
[0014]在图3中所示的实施例中,媒体广播系统10包括弹出菜单系统84,以促进联播事件(例如,来自一个电子装置12的媒体内容的联播,以便经由通信网络14在一个或多个其他电子装置12上查看)。例如,如果电子装置12(例如电子装置121)的用户期望从该用户的电子装置12联播实况视频馈送或存储的文件,则该用户调用弹出菜单系统84以促进将事件联播到其他参与方(例如电子装置122、123和/或124)。在图3中所示的实施例中,在菜单系统84被联播电子装置12的用户调用之前,将菜单系统84隐藏于视野之外。例如,在图3中所示的实施例中,接口30使得弹出菜单系统84显示多个菜单选项86,以促进输入命令到通信模块接口16。例如,在图3中所示的实施例中,菜单选项86包括联播命令88,以使得通信模块接口16(图2)能够联播媒体内容到其他参与方(例如电子装置121、122、123和/或124的用户)。虽然在菜单系统84上显示了四个菜单选项86,应该理解,可以在菜单系统84上显示更多或更少数目的菜单选项86。
[0015]根据一些实施例,响应于用户按下和/或以其他方式激活输出窗口60上的菜单显示按钮66,接口16使得菜单系统84被显示;但是,应该理解,其他的调用菜单系统84的方法也是可用的(例如经由远程控制,经由指示笔,当光标处于窗口60的任何部分之上时通过右击鼠标,等)。一旦菜单系统84已被调用,菜单系统84就可导航以使得用户能够选择联播命令88以开启/关闭联播选项(例如,以启用和/或禁用通信模块接口16)。在操作中,电子装置12的用户经由鼠标、远程控制、指示笔、键盘或以其他方式选择联播命令88,以便一旦被选择,接口16就使得子菜单90显示“开启”选项92和“关闭”选项94,以使得电子装置12的用户能够开启或关闭和/或以其他方式配置通信模块接口16来进行联播。
[0016]图4是示出图3的菜单系统84的图示。在操作中,当开启联播选项88时,接口16使得菜单系统84显示“邀请我附近的人”选项92,以使得电子装置12的用户能够查看接收方列表94。在图4中所示的实施例中,接收方列表94显示经由通信网络14通信耦合到系统10的所有接收方,以使得电子装置12的用户能够为特定的联播事件选择期望的(一个或多个)接收方96。根据一些实施例,响应于选择菜单显示按钮66,接口16使得从媒体输出窗口60中移除菜单系统84。但是,应该理解,通信模块接口16可以以其他方式被配置,从而在没有活动(例如没有使用弹出菜单系统84)的预定时间段之后,接口16使得菜单系统84被自动移除。在操作中,电子装置12的用户经由鼠标、远程控制、指示笔或以其他方式选择接收方96。一旦选择,通信模块接口16就发送邀请命令到对应于要参与联播事件的相应所选接收方96的每个电子装置12。在图4中所示的实施例中,选择了三个接收方96(例如Roger、Nancy和Mariano);但是,应该理解,可以基于经由网络14耦合的电子装置12的数目来选择更多或更少数目的接收方96。
[0017]图5和图6是示出图3的媒体输出窗口60的另一视图的图示。在图5中所示的实施例中,媒体输出窗口60包括状态指示符100,以向电子装置12的用户提供系统10的当前状态或联播事件的当前状态。例如,在图5中所示的实施例中,状态条100包括给电子装置12的用户的通知:通信模块16正在给每个选择的接收方96发送邀请。
[0018]在图6中所示的实施例中,一旦一个或多个接收方查看来自电子装置12的媒体内容,通信模块接口16就使得状态指示符100将查看所述内容的接收方96的数目通知给电子装置12的用户。根据一些实施例,状态指示符100可以被配置为:一旦被电子装置12的用户所选择,就列出和/或以其他方式识别经由通信网络14查看、流传输和/或下载该媒体内容的每个接收方。
[0019]图7和8是示出在接收到来自联播电子装置12的邀请之后接收方的电子装置12的显示屏幕24的图示。在图7中所示的实施例中,接口16生成联播通知120,以提醒电子装置12的用户他们已经被邀请参与联播事件。在图7中所示的实施例中,响应于接收到来自联播装置12的邀请,通信模块接口16使得联播通知120出现在显示屏幕24上以提醒电子装置12的用户。在图7和8所示的实施例中,通知120包括查看选项122、拒绝选项124和不理会(dismiss)选项126。在图7中,响应于选择查看选项122,在显示屏幕24上显示通知120的细节,如图8所示。例如,在图8中所示的实施例中,通知120被配置为识别联播方,并提供接受选项128以使得接收方能够接受来自联播方的邀请。响应于选择接受选项128,每个接收方电子装置12的媒体通信接口16将自动地在显示屏幕24上显示媒体输出窗口60(图3-6)。
[0021]因此,通信模块接口16的实施例使得联播方和接收方在视频联播期间能够容易地导航以传送和/或查看媒体内容。此外,实施例可以以软件实现,以及能够适于在不同的平台和操作系统上运行。具体说来,例如,由接口16实现的功能可以被提供为可执行指令的有序列表,所述可执行指令能够被包含在任何计算机可读介质中,以供指令执行系统、设备或装置使用或与所述指令执行系统、设备或装置结合使用,该指令执行系统、设备或装置诸如是基于计算机的系统;包含处理器的系统;或者能够从所述指令执行系统、设备或装置取得指令并执行该指令的其他系统。在本文件的上下文中,计算机可读介质能够是任何能够包含、存储、传输、传播或传递程序以供指令执行系统、设备或装置使用或与所述指令执行系统、设备或装置结合使用的装置。所述计算机可读介质能够是例如但是不局限于电子的、磁的、光学的、电磁的、红外的或半导体系统、设备、装置或传播介质。