Method and apparatus for collaborative graphical creation

An approach is provided for performing collaborative graphical creation. It is determined that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image. The modifications are initiated by a plurality of members of a social network service. A conflict rule specified by the social network service is retrieved. One of the modifications is selected based on the conflict rule.

BACKGROUND

Collaborative applications have recently become a focus area for service providers (e.g., wireless, cellular, etc.) and device manufacturers to deliver value and convenience to consumers. These applications have permitted users who are geographically dispersed to work on common tasks and projects. For example, whiteboarding applications support concurrently annotating and editing of documents, e.g., word processing or presentation materials. However, little attention has been paid to other types of applications, particularly highly graphics intensive applications, as these applications consume relatively large amount of resources—i.e., bandwidth and processor. Conventionally, interactive whiteboards, and the like, have utilized pixel-level replacements to manage modifications of areas by the multiple users. Unfortunately, this approach is not viable in graphics applications because the determination and resolution of conflicts (e.g., two users attempting to edit the same image) are difficult and impractical at the pixel-level.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment, a method comprises determining that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image, wherein the modifications are initiated by a plurality of members of a social network service. The method also comprises retrieving a conflict rule specified by the social network service. The method further comprises selecting one of the modifications based on the conflict rule.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause, at least in part, the apparatus to determine that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image, wherein the modifications are initiated by a plurality of members of a social network service. The apparatus is also caused, at least in part, to retrieve a conflict rule specified by the social network service. The apparatus is further caused, at least in part, to select one of the modifications based on the conflict rule.

According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause, at least in part, an apparatus to determine that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image, wherein the modifications are initiated by a plurality of members of a social network service. The apparatus is also caused, at least in part, to retrieve a conflict rule specified by the social network service. The apparatus is further caused, at least in part, to select one of the modifications based on the conflict rule.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for determining that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image, wherein the modifications are initiated by a plurality of members of a social network service. The apparatus also comprises means for retrieving a conflict rule specified by the social network service. The apparatus further comprises means for selecting one of the modifications based on the conflict rule.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a diagram of a system100capable of performing collaborative graphical creation, according to one embodiment. Graphics and animation composition and control can be accomplished using graphical objects and elements. The graphics and animation composition and control can be performed in a collaborative graphical environment, where users can view changes made by other users in real time or near real time. In a multi-user graphical environment, these graphical objects and elements can be manipulated to a possible level of confliction, that is, a level where the graphical objects and elements are being modified by multiple users in an inconsistent way. For example, a first user could create and manipulate an object. Then, second user can further manipulate the object. A selection needs to be made whether the first user manipulation or the second user manipulation should be selected for use in the graphical environment. Moreover, the first user and the second user may simultaneously determine that the users wish to manipulate a single object. This can lead to a real time conflict in collaboration. Thus, it is desired to have a scheme to resolve conflicts as the conflicts arise. Additionally, because it is desired to have multiple users contributing to the composition, it would be beneficial to determine the role of each user in contributing to the creation.

To address these problems, a system100ofFIG. 1introduces the capability to perform collaborative graphical creation. Users can use user equipment (UE)101a-101nto communicate with a collaborative services platform103over a communication network105. The collaborative services platform103can provide a collaborative graphical environment that the users can access via a collaboration application107a-107n.Moreover, the UEs101and collaborative services platform103can be in communication with a social network service109that can provide organizational information about the users. This organizational information as well as social priority rules can be stored in a social network controller111associated with the collaborative services platform103. Additionally, an active level controller113may be associated with the collaborative services platform103to monitor and control use of the collaborative graphical environment by the users. Further, the collaborative services platform103can associate contributions made by users with the collaborative graphical environment. These associations can be displayed during a presentation of the collaborative graphical environment.

According to one embodiment, the system100includes a collaborative services platform103. The collaborative services platform103can be used to deploy and monitor a collaborative graphical environment that can be utilized by collaboration applications107of UEs101. In some embodiments, the collaborative services platform103can be implemented on a UE101. In other embodiments, the collaborative services platform103can reside upon a computer system such as a server. The collaborative services platform103may also be associated with a social network controller111and an active level controller113. A user can access the collaborative graphical environment via a collaboration application107once the collaborative graphical environment is deployed. A collaboration application107can request for the deployment of the collaborative graphical environment. Deployment of the collaborative graphical environment can include providing one or more background images that can be utilized by users to sketch on, create objects and elements, and manipulate elements and objects. Thus, a user using a collaboration application107can draw sketches, select animated objects and drag them to a desired place on the background image, change the background, initiate scrolling of a background image, and other graphical actions.

The system100ofFIG. 1includes a social network service109, according to one embodiment. The social network service109can include members who form social networks to communicate with colleagues, friends, and other contacts or people. Additionally, the social network service109can have organizational information associated with its members or other external social networks (e.g., FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, etc.) and relationships or interdependencies among the contacts. This organizational information can be accessed by a social network controller111. Under some scenarios, the social network service109can be created for the purpose of using a collaborative environment. Moreover, the social network service109can specify a set of rules based at least in part on the organizational information. These rules can include conflict rules that can be used to determine how to resolve conflicts based on the organizational information.

Under one scenario, the collaborative services platform103provides a collaborative graphical environment for UEs101. When the collaborative graphical environment is initiated, the collaborative services platform103can receive and/or associate identifiers (e.g., user name) of users that are associated with the collaborative graphical environment. The collaborative graphical environment can be stored in a memory (e.g., a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory) of the collaborative services platform103. The collaborative services platform103can then assign operational priorities to the users based on the social role of each user based on the social network controller111and based on the activity level and activity history of each user based on information from the active level controller113. Moreover, the operational priorities can be dynamic based on a rating received from the social role and the activity history of each user. In some embodiments, the social role of a user can change based on a portion of the collaborative graphical environment. For example a user can be a supervisor of one set of frames of an animation presentation and a normal worker for another set of frames of the animation presentation.

The collaborative graphical environment can provide a background image for users to use for an image or animation presentation. A user may desire to change the background image as a global change for all users and each animation sketch. The user can make the change on the user's collaboration application107, which will request that the change be made to the collaborative graphical environment. The collaborative services platform103can then receive the request and create a second instance of the background image for use while determining if the request should be granted. The collaborative services platform103can then forward the change request information to other users associated with the collaborative graphical environment. The collaborative services platform103can request that the users provide feedback on whether the change should be approved.

In one embodiment, a weighted or un-weighted vote can be used to determine whether the change request should be approved. In an un-weighted vote, each user has a single vote. In a weighted vote, the magnitude of a user's vote can be determined on the social organizational level of the user and/or the activity level of the user. A user with a supervisory role can have a greater magnitude vote (e.g., 3 votes or 2.5 votes). Additionally, a user that has been more active in the collaboration process may have a greater magnitude vote even though the user is not in a supervisory role. If the vote meets a certain threshold count (e.g., a majority of available votes), the background image is approved and can be changed.

In another scenario, a first user adds an object to an area of the collaborative graphical environment and begins manipulation of the object. In this scenario, the area can be a set of coordinates of an image of the collaborative graphical environment. The area can be selected by the first user via a graphical user interface of the first user's UE101. The first user can also perform the actions on a collaboration application107of the first user's UE101. The collaboration application107can synchronize with the collaborative services platform103periodically to update the collaborative services platform103of the first user's actions. The collaborative services platform103can monitor the actions by the first user and determine that the actions are associated with the area. The collaborative services platform103can then associate the first user as currently working upon the area. The collaborative services platform103may also update each other collaboration application107associated with the collaborative graphical environment to notify other users that the first user is actively working upon the area. Because the area is being worked upon, the area can be locked from modification by other users. The actions accomplished by the first user in the area may also be viewable by other users of the collaborative graphical environment via synchronization. A second user on the second user's UE101may view the actions by the first user while the first user is performing actions in the area. The second user may not have access to change the area because the first user is currently active, however, the second user may add comments, such as emotional figures of encouragement, viewable to the first user. In this manner, the second user can add the second user's viewpoint to the actions of the first user without causing a conflict. Once the actions are completed by the first user, the actions can be approved by the collaborative services platform103. The collaborative services platform103can then associate the changes to the object and/or area with the first user (e.g., as a creator and manipulator) and/or second user (e.g., as a commentator).

As shown inFIG. 1, the system100comprises a user equipment (UE)101having connectivity to collaborative services platform103and a social network service109via a communication network105. By way of example, the communication network105of system100includes one or more networks such as a data network (not shown), a wireless network (not shown), a telephony network (not shown), or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that the data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like.

The UE101is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the UE101can support any type of interface to the user (such as “wearable” circuitry, etc.).

FIG. 2is a diagram of the components of a collaborative services platform103that can provide for collaborative graphical creation, according to one embodiment, according to one embodiment. By way of example, the collaborative services platform103includes one or more components for providing collaborative graphical creation. It is contemplated that the functions of these components may be combined in one or more components or performed by other components of equivalent functionality. In this embodiment, the collaborative services platform103includes a communication interface201, a runtime module203, a collision detection module205, a presentation module207, a collaboration synchronization module209, and a memory211.

The collaborative services platform103includes a communication interface201, according to one embodiment. The communication interface201can include communications hardware and software to communicate with UEs101. Under one scenario, the UEs101and collaborative services platform103utilize a communication layer of a cross-layer collaborative protocol to communicate. The communication layer can include operational signals and parameters that are transmitted in a multicast mode. In the multicast mode, a runtime module203of the collaborative services platform103can send communications messages to groups (e.g., the users associated with the collaborative graphical environment) or subgroups (e.g., a group of users assigned a task to complete in the collaborative graphical environment) of users. Additionally, a user may have priority rights to broadcast to all users of the of the collaborative services platform103or to groups of multiple collaborative environments. The collaborative environments can be stored in a memory211associated with the collaborative services platform103. The memory211may be volatile or non-volatile. The broadcast can occupy a predetermined channel purposed for such broadcasts. Moreover, when the broadcast is sent, the user with the priority rights can cause an immediate synchronization of the collaborative environment and update the UEs101of the broadcasts. The synchronization can include updating the collaborative environment in the memory211and sending messages of the update to UEs101of the users.

The collaborative services platform103also includes a collision detection module205, according to one embodiment. The runtime module203may use the collision detection module205to identify collisions that occur in a collaborative environment that is stored in memory211. Collisions can be identified based on a cooperation layer of the cross-layer collaborative protocol. A collision can be detected if it is detected that one or more user requests to work on a single area or a single object of the collaborative environment simultaneously. Before a UE101of a user can access an area or object of the collaborative environment, the UE101sends a request to the runtime module203for the access via the communication layer. If the area or object is available, the user can be provided access to the area or object and the area or object can be designated as being actively used by the user. This status can be stored and updated in the active level controller113. The active status can be changed to inactive when the user accesses another area or object or if the user does not perform a function within a predetermined timeout period. If a subsequent user attempts to access the area or object when the user is active, the subsequent user may be denied access and provided an availability message when the area or object becomes available. Collisions may also be resolved by the runtime module203using the cooperation layer.

In one embodiment, the collaborative services platform103includes a presentation module207. The runtime module203can utilize the presentation module207to provide views of a complete or incomplete collaborative environment. A representation layer of the cross-layer collaborative protocol can be used to render a personalized presentation of the collaborative environment based on contributions from one or more users. Contributions can be detected by the representation layer each time a user submits completed work or actions on an object or an area. The submission and corresponding information about the submission can be stored and updated in the social network controller111. As used herein, according to some embodiments, “contributions” may be used to refer to any actions completed by a user that can be associated with an area or object. Examples of contributions include creating an object, moving an object, commenting on an object or an area, recommending an object or modifications to an area, modifying an object or area, etc. These contributions can be associated with a tag or a label that can be displayed for a personalized view of the collaborative environment presentation. For example, a user may select a personalized view to display the contributions of a first user during a rendered presentation of the collaboration work product. Moreover, the user may select to view the contributions of more than one user during the personalized presentation.

In another embodiment, the collaborative services platform103can include a collaboration synchronization module209. The runtime module203may utilize the collaboration synchronization module209to coordinate manipulations via the cooperation layer of the collaborative protocol. Manipulations can include creation and/or modification of areas or objects of the collaborative environment. Moreover, manipulations can be synchronized when a user submits work product or on a periodic basis while the user is manipulating an object or area. In this manner, manipulations can be displayed to other users of the collaborative environments, via transmission over the communication layer, periodically so that the other users are made aware of the user's manipulations.

FIG. 3is a diagram of a cross-layer collaborative protocol300that may be used to provide collaborative graphical creation, according to one embodiment. The cross-layer collaborative protocol300may include a communication layer301, a cooperation layer303, and a representation layer305. The as previously discussed, the three layers can be used to interface between a UE101and a collaborative services platform103by storing and receiving information from a social network controller111and an active level controller113.

In one embodiment, the cross-layer collaborative protocol300includes a communication layer301. The communication layer301may be used to multicast or broadcast messages. A user on a UE101can utilize functions of a collaboration application107. The collaboration application107can convert the functions via the cross-layer collaborative protocol300to a communication layer301messages. The communication layer301can transmit the messages to the collaborative services platform103. The collaborative services platform103can monitor the messages and classify the messages into messages that are utilized by the collaborative services platform103to perform a function (e.g., update or modify the social network controller111or the active level controller113), to multicast the message or to broadcast the message as previously discussed. Moreover, the communication layer301can be used to multicast and broadcast messages to UEs101based on synchronization and collision detection activities of the cooperation layer303.

In one embodiment, the cross-layer collaborative protocol300includes a cooperation layer303. The cooperation layer303includes collision detection and collaboration synchronization functionalities as discussed in the collision detection module205and the collaboration synchronization module209. Additionally, the cooperation layer303can send messages via the communication layer301to modify the social network controller111and the active level controller113. The social network controller111can be used to control the collaborative environment for social creation by storing information about the users, such as the role of the users in a social network service109. For example, if a group of users was represented as a family, parents may have more priorities or rights than children. In another example, in a classroom social network, a teacher or teaching assistant may have more and/or different priorities and/or rights than students. Further, the active level controller113can be used to determine rights of users to access an area or object in the collaborative environment. When a user is modifying an object or area, the active level controller113can store an instance of the original area or object and the modified area or object. As the user is modifying the object or the area, the active level controller113can be used to store information indicating that the user is actively modifying the area. Moreover, when the user has completed the user's modification, the user can submit the modification and an identifier of the user can be associated with the area. The submission can be stored in a memory211associated with the collaborative services platform103.

Additionally, when the user has completed modifying the object or the area, the activity level controller113can be used to assign or modify an activity level rating of the user. In one example, the activity level rating of a user can be an integer that can be incremented by a value based on each modification the user makes. In another example, the activity level of a user can be a floating value that can be incremented by one or more values based on modifications or other activity performed by the user and can diminish over time. For example, the activity level rating can decay based on a logarithmic algorithm over time. The activity level rating may also be updated and stored in the social network controller111, which can use the activity level rating to determine priority rights of users.

A priority right of a user can be assigned based on a social role rating and an activity level rating. The social role rating may be a static or a dynamic value based on the role of a user in a collaborative environment. The user may have multiple social roles in a single collaborative environment because the collaborative environment may be split into separate areas, slides, or other partitions that can each have different social roles. For example, one user may be designated to be a supervisor over a first area and a regular user in a second area because the user has experience in the first area. In one embodiment, experiences or interests of a user can be accessed in a profile of the user in a social network service109and be used to determine when it is appropriate for the user to have a supervisory role because the user has a special interest or experience in the first area. For example, if the user is an expert on dogs or has a dog and the first area is associated with a dog, the user may be assigned a supervisory role over the first area. The profile of the user can be parsed to determine a weight on the role of the user based on e.g., the number of times a word (e.g., dog) appears on the user's profile.

When resolving collisions and/or collaboration synchronizations, the priority on which user's modifications have priority can be determined based on the social role rating and/or the activity level rating of the user. In one embodiment, the social role rating and the activity level rating can be added together to create a priority rating. In this embodiment, the highest priority rating is selected for conflicts to be resolved in favor of In another embodiment, the ratings can be used in voting for a resolution. The ratings can be set as weights on each user's vote. A vote can be successful if the vote receives a threshold weighted count. The threshold can be preset or can be dynamic based on the number of users currently active in the collaborative environment. Votes can be yes or no votes (e.g., to approve or deny a change) or can be a selection vote (e.g., to select which modification of multiple users on an area to select and use). A vote can be used by the collaborative services platform103for certain changes by a user that can be approved by a vote. In yet another embodiment, the priority rating is based on the social role rating (e.g., when the social role designates a manager).

In one embodiment, the cross-layer collaborative protocol300includes a representation layer305. The representation layer305can be used to render views of a collaborative environment. The collaborative services platform103can send users a synchronization message over the communication layer301. The message can be processed to determine a visualization rendering update. The UE101of the user can then display the rendered visualization. This visualization can be an active visualization of activities occurring in the collaborative environment or can be a visualization of a complete or partially complete presentation.

Additionally, each object in a collaborative environment can have a data structure associated with the object. The data structure can include an identifier of the object, attributes for the object, coordinates for the object, and an identifier of users that contributed to the object. When a user creates or modifies an object, a message associated with the object can be sent to the collaborative services platform103and then to other users via the communication layer301. The object identifier can include a type of object or object tool that was used to create the object (e.g., a pen identifier, an elephant identifier, a dog identifier, etc.). The attribute data can include attributes that can be associated with a particular identifier (e.g., the pen identifier can be associated with a color of the pen and a thickness of the pen, the dog identifier can be associated with a movement of the dog during the presentation, etc.). Moreover, the coordinate data can include the coordinates that the identifier is located during the presentation or coordinates that the identifier moves through during the presentation. Additionally or alternatively, the representation layer305may be used to personalize a rendering to view contributions from one or more users. As stated above, when a user makes a contribution to an object or an area, the user can be associated with that object or identifier. One or more users can be associated with the object or area during each step or layer of a presentation. The user may optionally view all of the contributions of one or more users during a presentation.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of a process for modifying an area in a collaborative environment, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the runtime module203performs the process400and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shownFIG. 8. The collaborative services platform103can deploy a collaborative environment in response to a request by a UE101. The collaborative environment can be stored in a memory211associated with the collaborative services platform103. In one embodiment, the collaborative environment can include one or more images that can be combined to create an animation. Additionally, users can be assigned to the collaborative environment with social role and activity level ratings. The users can be identified by the UE101that requested the deployment of the collaborative environment. These users may also be members of a social network service109. The social role rating of the users can be based on user profiles as discussed in the discussion of priority rights. Moreover, the activity level ratings may be based on an activity history of the user stored on the collaborative services platform103, whether associated with the collaborative environment or not associated with the collaborative environment. Further, the collaborative services platform103and UEs101of the users can communicate via a cross-layer collaborative protocol300having a communication layer301, a cooperation layer303, and a representation layer305.

In step401, the runtime module203determines that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image. The modifications can be initiated by one or more users via a UE101of the respective user. Before initiating a modification, the UE101asks for permission to modify the area by specifying the area of the modification or a specific object to be modified. Then, the runtime module203determines if the user has access to the area based on activity in the area (e.g., based on a process as described inFIG. 5.). If there is no activity in the area, the user is provided modification privileges. If there is current activity in the area, the user is denied modification privileges and the user is provided an alert when the area is available. When the user is granted the modification privilege an instance (e.g., a copy) of the area can be made available to the user to modify. Modifications to the area may be entered into the UE101of the user and stored in one or more object data structures. An object data structure can, as stated above, be used as a message to send, by the UE101, to the collaborative services platform103to modify the object. Updates of the modification in the instance can be received at the runtime module203. The runtime module203can then, via the communication interface201, notify additional users (e.g., via a multicast message of the communication layer301) of the active modifications of the user in the area. When the user has completed the user's modification, the instance can be submitted to and received by the runtime module203. The modifications made in the instance may need to be approved by a selection process.

Then, at step403, the runtime module203can retrieve a conflict rule specified by a social network service109. The conflict rule can be used to select one of the modifications (step405). The selection can be used to determine which one of the modifications to implement in the collaborative environment. Under one scenario, the conflict rule is based on social role ratings and/or activity level ratings as described in the discussion of the cooperation layer303. In one embodiment, the conflict rule selects a modification based on the greatest priority rating. The greatest priority rating is the rating with the most priority. The priority rating can be determined based on a calculation of each user's individual social role rating and active level rating. The calculation can be a simple addition, or it can be weighted. In another embodiment, the conflict rule selects a modification based on a weighted vote. The vote can be weighted based on the priority ratings of the users. A vote can be successfully completed when a certain threshold level of votes are met. In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold can dynamically change based on the number of users actively associated with collaborative environment during the vote. Moreover, the conflict rule can include an option that allows the initiators of the modifications to determine the selection by withdrawing the initiator's modification from the selection process. In this manner, the initiator can recommend the anther user's modification for selection.

Then, at step407, the collaborative environment can be updated. The collaborative environment can be updated by the runtime module203to implement the modification selection based on the conflict rule. Next, the runtime module203can synchronize UEs101associated with users of the collaborative environment via an update using the cooperation layer303and communication layer301of a cross-layer collaborative protocol300. The runtime module203can also store an identifier marking the selected modification's initiator as a contributor to the area and/or object the initiator work on. Moreover, the runtime module203may cause, at least in part, actions leading to the presentation of the collaborative environment to the users that collaborate to create the collaborative environment as well as to one or more users other than the members. These actions can include providing the updated collaborative environment to UEs101of the users for presentation of the UE101. Additionally or alternatively, the users other than the members can share the collaborative environment with more users.

With the above approach users can avoid or resolve collisions in a collaborative environment. The users are provided a presentation that can display areas that are actively being modified to increase transparency to other users and avoid duplicate work. Removing duplication of work effort increases efficiency and can thus reduce energy consumption of the collaborative services platform103and UEs101.

FIG. 5is a diagram exemplifying collision avoidance and resolution in a collaborative environment, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the runtime module203performs the process500and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory211as shownFIG. 8. The collaborative services platform103can deploy a collaborative environment in a memory of the collaborative services platform103based on a request by a UE101. Moreover, users that may be associated with a social network service109can be assigned to the collaborative environment by the UE101or be chosen by the runtime module203. The collaborative environment can include one or more images that can be combined to create an animation. Users can submit a request to modify an area of the collaborative environment.

At step501, the runtime module203detects actions by multiple users. The runtime module203monitors the communication interface201to determine when one or more requests to modify areas of the collaborative environment occur. Then, at step503, the one or more requests are respectively associated with areas of the collaborative environment. The requests may contain area information (e.g., a set of coordinate ranges of an image) based on user input. With respect to a particular request to modify an area, the runtime module203can determine if the area is available to be modified (step505). If the area is not available to be modified, then at step507, the runtime module203can determine if the user has central control status. The central control status identifies the user as having special privileges to modify an area even though another user is currently active in the area. The central control status can be a parameter associated with the user in an identifier of the user. If the user does not have central control status, the user is denied privileges to modify the area and is sent an update when the area is available (step509). If the user does have central control status, the runtime module203can notify the other user of the override by the user with central control status. The runtime module203may also save the other user's modification information for later use (step511).

Then, at step513, if the area is available or the user has central control status, the runtime module203can update the status of the user to active in the area. Under one scenario, when the user is active in the area, other users may not be able to access the area until the user becomes inactive. Thus, at step515other users are notified of the active status of the user in the area. The runtime module203can inform the other users via a multicast message via the communication interface201. The UEs101of the other users can present the information to the user via the representation layer305of a cross-layer collaborative protocol300in the form of a presentation (e.g., as shown inFIG. 6C). Next, at step517, the runtime module203determines if the user is inactive. A user can be inactive if the runtime module203has not detected an action by the user for a threshold amount of time. Additionally, a user can be inactive in the area if the runtime module203detects that the user has requested to become active in another area. If the user is active, then the active status of the user is prolonged (step513). If the user is inactive in the area, at step519, the status of the user is set to inactive. Once the status of the user is set to inactive, a message can be sent to each of the other UEs101that the area is available.

According to the above approach, users of a collaborative environment may modify the collaborative environment while avoiding conflicts. The collaborative environment can be synchronized to present the status of areas of the collaborative environment as well as associations of the users to the areas to devices of the users. The presentation of the status of the areas allows the users to avoid duplication of work efforts by notifying the users of modifications made by other users.

FIG. 6Ais a flowchart of a process for utilizing a cross-layer collaborative protocol to provide collaborative graphical activities, according to one embodiment.FIGS. 6B-6Fare diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the process ofFIG. 6Ato illustrate examples of the collaborative graphical activities. In one embodiment, the runtime module203performs the process600and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shownFIG. 8. The collaborative services platform103may provide a collaborative environment stored in a memory of the collaborative services platform103. The collaborative environment may be displayed on a user interface620and may include a background image621. Moreover, the user interface may additionally include predetermined objects such as a dog object623and a giraffe object625as well as tool-created objects such as line objects627. Tools629, such as a pen tool, a paint tool, and other artistic tools can be provided to users of the collaborative services platform103via the user interface620on a UE101.

At step601, the runtime module203receives a request associated with a first user to modify a first area within the collaborative environment. The request can be sent by a UE101of the first user over a communication layer301and received by the runtime module203via a communication interface201. The runtime module203, at step603then determines via a cooperation layer303if the first user has sufficient rights to modify the first area. The runtime module203can make this determination via the process500ofFIG. 5. If the first user has sufficient rights to modify the first area631, the first user can be provided the first area631as an instance of the current area. Moreover, while the first user is modifying the first area631, a second user may be modifying a second area633. The second user is able to view the modifications of the first user because the runtime module203is caused, at least in part, to cause actions to the display of the area modification to other users (such as the second user) via a representation layer305. Thus, the second user can view the actions of the first user on the second user's UE101. When the first user has completed the first user's actions, the first user can submit the work to the runtime module203. The runtime module203can determine that there are no conflicts with the first area631because the first user is the first user to be associated with the area. The runtime module203can then associate the first user with the first area631and/or an object in the first area635. The runtime module203can store this association in a memory211of the collaborative services platform103.

After viewing the actions of the first user, the second user can determine that the second user wishes to modify the first area631. The second user can request and receive rights to modify the first area631via steps601,603, and605performed by the runtime module203. Then, the second user can modify the first area641. The first user is able to see the modification made by the second user and can add comments643to encourage the second user to make more modifications. The comments can be in the form of text, emotional figures, or any other visible communication. In certain embodiments, the comments are limited to the user interface640of the second user. Next, the second user can submit the second user's modifications to the runtime module203.

Then, the runtime module203determines, at step607, that the area modification conflicts with the work of another user, the first user. The runtime module203makes this determination by reviewing the prior associations of the first area. During this phase, the user interface650of other UEs101can display the work product of the first user in the first area651while the modifications are in conflict. Next, at step609, the runtime module203determines a selection of which modification, the first user's modification or the second user's modification, to use based on the cooperation layer303. The selection process can be determined in the same or similar method as step405ofFIG. 4. Moreover, the first user can resolve the selection conflict by rescinding the first user's modification from the selection process.

Once the conflict is resolved, at step611, the runtime module203can update the collaborative environment based on the selection. The update can include updating the image areas of the collaborative environment on associated UEs101via a multicast. Associations of the areas and objects to users can also be updated by the runtime module203. The associations can be displayed to users of the collaborative environment via a personalized presentation mode of the representation layer305. User interface660displays a presentation of the collaborative environment presenting that the first user and second user are associated with the first area661and that the second user is associated with the second area663.

The processes described herein for providing collaborative graphical creation may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware (e.g., general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

A bus710includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus710. One or more processors702for processing information are coupled with the bus710.

Computer system700also includes a memory704coupled to bus710. The memory704, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for performing collaborative graphical creation. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system700. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory704is also used by the processor702to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system700also includes a read only memory (ROM)706or other static storage device coupled to the bus710for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system700. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus710is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device708, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system700is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for performing collaborative graphical creation, is provided to the bus710for use by the processor from an external input device712, such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into physical expression compatible with the measurable phenomenon used to represent information in computer system700. Other external devices coupled to bus710, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device714, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), or plasma screen or printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device716, such as a mouse or a trackball or cursor direction keys, or motion sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display714and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display714. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system700performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device712, display device714and pointing device716is omitted.

Computer system700also includes one or more instances of a communications interface770coupled to bus710. Communication interface770provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a network link778that is connected to a local network780to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface770may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface770is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface770is a cable modem that converts signals on bus710into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface770may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. For wireless links, the communications interface770sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams, such as digital data. For example, in wireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones, the communications interface770includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface770enables connection to the communication network105for providing collaborative graphical creation to the UE101.

Network link778typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link778may provide a connection through local network780to a host computer782or to equipment784operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment784in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet790.

A computer called a server host792connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host792hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display714. It is contemplated that the components of system700can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host782and server792.

At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system700for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system700in response to processor702executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory704. Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory704from another computer-readable medium such as storage device708or network link778. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory704causes processor702to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC720, may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software, unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.

The signals transmitted over network link778and other networks through communications interface770, carry information to and from computer system700. Computer system700can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks780,790among others, through network link778and communications interface770. In an example using the Internet790, a server host792transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer700, through Internet790, ISP equipment784, local network780and communications interface770. The received code may be executed by processor702as it is received, or may be stored in memory704or in storage device708or other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system700may obtain application program code in the form of signals on a carrier wave.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor702for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host782. The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system700receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red carrier wave serving as the network link778. An infrared detector serving as communications interface770receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus710. Bus710carries the information to memory704from which processor702retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory704may optionally be stored on storage device708, either before or after execution by the processor702.

In one embodiment, the chip set800includes a communication mechanism such as a bus801for passing information among the components of the chip set800. A processor803has connectivity to the bus801to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory805. The processor803may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor803may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus801to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor803may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP)807, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)809. A DSP807typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor803. Similarly, an ASIC809can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a general purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or more controllers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.

The processor803and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory805via the bus801. The memory805includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the inventive steps described herein to provide for performing collaborative graphical creation. The memory805also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps.

Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU)903, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)905, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit907provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of providing or utilizing a collaborative graphical environment. The display9includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display907and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry909includes a microphone911and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone911. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone911is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)913.

A radio section915amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna917. The power amplifier (PA)919and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU903, with an output from the PA919coupled to the duplexer921or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA919also couples to a battery interface and power control unit920.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer925for compensation of any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator927combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface929. The modulator927generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter931combines the sine wave output from the modulator927with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer933to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA919to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA919acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP905from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer921and optionally sent to an antenna coupler935to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna917to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal901are received via antenna917and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)937. A down-converter939lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator941strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer925and is processed by the DSP905. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)943converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker945, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU)903—which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown).

The MCU903receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard947. The keyboard947and/or the MCU903in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone911) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU903runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal901to provide or utilize a collaborative graphical environment. The MCU903also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display907and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU903exchanges information with the DSP905and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card949and a memory951. In addition, the MCU903executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP905may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP905determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone911and sets the gain of microphone911to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal901.

An optionally incorporated SIM card949carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card949serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal901on a radio network. The card949also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.