Abstract:
A method and system are provided for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system may include a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment. The system may additionally include a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. The system may also provide for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system may additionally include a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/743,312, filed Dec. 23, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of sharing information over a network and more particularly to techniques for sharing information based on proximity within a particular environment. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    With widespread adoption of wireless networks and the proliferation of networked devices and objects, it is desirable to create products that intelligently take advantage of these networking capabilities. One currently available networking option is Bluetooth, which is a short-range radio technology aimed at simplifying communications among Internet devices and between Internet devices and other computers. Bluetooth uses short-range radio links to replace cables between computers and connected units. 
         [0004]    Using Bluetooth and other similar technologies, mobile devices can communicate with one another when the devices are within a pre-determined distance from one another. For instance, a Bluetooth computer can detect a Bluetooth printer in its vicinity and wirelessly execute a print job. Similarly, a mobile phone using the Bluetooth network can communicate with a nearby computer to inform a user that the computer has received an email. 
         [0005]    Other technologies that facilitate communications between devices include wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless application protocol (WAP), and Infrared Technologies such as IrDA-Data. All of these technologies are capable of simplifying wireless communications between devices and can be used optimally in different environments. For example, WLANs are LAN protocols modulated on carrier waves. WLANs can handle greater data throughput than Bluetooth and are generally server-based, whereas Bluetooth technologies are generally peer-to-peer. WAP is a communications protocol for mobile phones intended to extend available Internet-based services. IR technologies require that a data beam be aimed at a receiving antenna. Accordingly, IR technologies require a free line of sight. 
         [0006]    While these currently available technologies facilitate wireless communications, they do not currently fully utilize the potential for devices to share information with one another and to acquire information from nearby objects. In particular, networking options within particular environments, such as the home environment, can utilize location-based component technologies. Knowledge of physical space and proximity have not been adequately utilized to present information. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a solution is needed that allows networked devices to interact with other networked devices intelligently. Furthermore, a solution is needed that will allow networked devices to interact intelligently with other nearby objects. For instance, a solution is needed that will allow devices to adjust their offerings and capabilities based on the collection of devices or objects in the area. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The system includes a detection module for automatically detecting proximity of a participant within the device environment and a user-configurable authorization module for authorizing the device to adjust a device user interface in a pre-determined manner in response to the detection of the participant. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for facilitating interaction between a device and a device environment. The method includes detecting a participant present within the device environment and adjusting a device user interface based on user-configured rules set forth in a device authorization module in response to the detection of the participant. 
         [0010]    In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to a system for sharing resources among multiple participating devices, wherein each of the multiple participating devices has a device specific set of application resources. The system includes a detection module for detecting proximity of a first participating device to a second participating device and a configurable resource regulation mechanism for making the device specific application resources from the second participating device available to the first participating device. 
         [0011]    In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method for facilitating resource sharing between multiple devices. The method includes allowing a user to configure regulation of shared resources between multiple participating devices and enabling regulation of device resources based on proximity of a first participating device to a second participating device. Regulation includes making device specific application resources of the first participating device available to the second participating device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a suitable computing environment for implementing the system of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a software platform for use in an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate a series of screen displays for a participating device based on its proximity to another participating device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an additional series of screen displays of a participating device based on its proximity to another participating device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an additional series of screen displays of a participating device based on its proximity to another participating device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate screen displays of a participating device when it senses proximity of a participating object in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate additional screen displays in which a participating device operates based on the proximity of a participating object; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the system of the invention. A system  2  may include a plurality of participants such as a tablet PC  40 , a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a mobile phone  50  associated with a docking cradle  52  and a telecommunications service  54 , and personal computer  200  connect with a display  202 . The personal computer  200  may also be connected with an infrared receiver  201 , a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag scanner  203 , and wirelessly connected to an Ethernet network. The system  2  may additionally include remote control devices such as an adult infrared (IR) remote device  10  and a child&#39;s IR remote device  20 , and an RFID tagged object  30 . The participants in the system  2  may communicate with one another using different techniques including IR, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, RF, and others. 
         [0023]    All of the described components are participants in the system. While the tablet PC  40 , the PDA with mobile phone  50 , and the personal computer  200  may function as active components, other components such as the RFID tagged object  30  may function as passive components detectable by the active components. Detection of a passive component may cause the active components to launch a particular application. The active components may be connected in a peer-to-peer system in which there is no serve or alternatively, one active component may be designated as a server. The interaction between the components will be described further below with respect to  FIGS. 4-9 , and is particularly described in the context of a peer-to-peer environment. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a suitable computing system environment  100  on which the invention may be implemented. The computing system environment  100  is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the computing environment  100  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment  100 . 
         [0025]    The invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary system  100  for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer  110  including a processing unit  120 , a system memory  130 , and a system bus  121  that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit  120 . 
         [0027]    Computer  110  typically includes a variety of computer readable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. The system memory  130  includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM)  131  and random access memory (RAM)  132 . A basic input/output system  133  (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer  110 , such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM  131 . RAM  132  typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit  120 . By way of example, and not limitation,  FIG. 2  illustrates operating system  134 , application programs  135 , other program modules  136 , and program data  137 . 
         [0028]    The computer  110  may also include other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,  FIG. 2  illustrates a hard disk drive  141  that reads from or writes to nonremovable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive  151  that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk  152 , and an optical disk drive  155  that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk  156  such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive  141  is typically connected to the system bus  121  through an non-removable memory interface such as interface  140 , and magnetic disk drive  151  and optical disk drive  155  are typically connected to the system bus  121  by a removable memory interface, such as interface  150 . 
         [0029]    The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in  FIG. 2 , provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer  110 . In  FIG. 2 , for example, hard disk drive  141  is illustrated as storing operating system  144 , application programs  145 , other program modules  146 , and program data  147 . Note that these components can either be the same as or different from operating system  134 , application programs  135 , other program modules  136 , and program data  137 . Operating system  144 , application programs  145 , other program modules  146 , and program data  147  are given different numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. A user may enter commands and information into the computer  110  through input devices such as a keyboard  162  and pointing device  161 , commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit  120  through a user input interface  160  that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a USB. A monitor  191  or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus  121  via an interface, such as a video interface  190 . In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers  197  and printer  196 , which may be connected through an output peripheral interface  195 . 
         [0030]    The computer  110  in the present invention may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer  180 . The remote computer  180  may be a personal computer, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer  110 , although only a memory storage device  181  has been illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The logical connections depicted in  FIG. 2  include a local area network (LAN)  171  and a wide area network (WAN)  173 , but may also include other networks. 
         [0031]    When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer  110  is connected to the LAN  171  through a network interface or adapter  170 . When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer  110  typically includes a modem  172  or other means for establishing communications over the WAN  173 , such as the Internet. The modem  172 , which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus  121  via the user-input interface  160 , or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer  110 , or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,  FIG. 2  illustrates remote application programs  185  as residing on memory device  181 . It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. 
         [0032]    Although many other internal components of the computer  110  are not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such components and the interconnection are well known. Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction of the computer  110  need not be disclosed in connection with the present invention. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary software platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The active components described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , such as the personal computer  20 , the table PC  40 , and the PDA with mobile phone  50  may include the software components shown in  FIG. 3 . The software components may function within a computing environment such as that described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . The software components may include user interface (UI) tools  210 , UI element manager  211 , a command and control translation module  212 , a nearby device list  214 , an authorization module  216 , device detection tools  218 , a device connection manager  220 , and a network selection module  222 . 
         [0034]    The device detection tools  218  may be employed on each active participating device in the system in order to detect other participating devices in the immediate environment. Upon detection, by the device detection tools  218 , the authorization module  216  may be consulted to determine which of the devices will be the controlling device and which device will be controlled. The device connection manager  220  secures a connection between the controlled and controlling devices. 
         [0035]    The authorization module  216  preferably interacts with the nearby device list  214 , which keeps track on each active device of all of the nearby participants. The authorization module  216  may be configured by the user to establish a hierarchy of devices or a defining policy for determining which devices will obtain resources from other devices. For example, the personal computer authorization module  216  may be configured to control the tablet PC. In this instance, if the tablet PC is brought in the vicinity of the personal computer, the authorization module  216  or the command and control translation module  212  may be configured with a set of rules including a rule stating that the tablet PC will display the user interface of the personal computer. Aside from a user interface, the tablet PC may acquire other features, characteristics, or applications from the personal computer as dictated by these components that have been configured by the user. 
         [0036]    Additionally, the set of rules within the authorization module  216  should be able to resolve possible conflicts between devices such that given any combination of devices in the environment, each device shares a predetermined set of characteristics or acquires a predetermined set of characteristics from each other device. The arbitration may be arranged in a hierarchy so that a device at the top of the hierarchy will cause devices lower in the hierarchy to acquire its user interface or other resources. Optionally, arbitration can also be on a first come, first serve basis, in which any participant entering the environment acquires the user interface of the participant first present in the environment. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the authorization module  216  may include two pieces of information. The first is whether the particular participant is a controlled participant or a controlling participant. Thus, when the two proximal participants include one controlling participant and one controlled participant, no conflicts arise. However, in the instance of a conflict, the authorization module refers to a second internal source of information that includes arbitration information as described above. Alternatively, arbitration information could be stored as a component separate from the authorization module  216   
         [0038]    The network selection module  222  may control communications between system participants. The particular network selected may depend upon the nature of the communicating devices. Examples of networks that may be selected include IR, USB, Ethernet, RF, and telecommunications. A base layer of the application shown in  FIG. 3  preferably comprises a self-configuring network facilitating communication between all participating devices. Each participating device may communicate with other participating device via multiple communication modes. 
         [0039]    The command and control translation module  212  receives commands from the user interface tools  210  and communicates user commands to the authorization module  216 . The command and control translation module  212  may store user input as to particular actions that should be taken when the participating device is the controlling device and when the participating device is the controlled device. The user may interact with the software platform by a keyboard and mouse or by a selection of infrared remote controls, or by any other suitable technique. The UI element manager  211  manipulates the user interface in accordance with the user-defined rules from the authorization module  216  and the command and control translation module  212 . 
         [0040]    The nature of the system and the ability to implement user controls, such as through the use of the authorization module  216  render the proposed system ideal for use in a home environment. Participants in the system including those shown in  FIG. 1  may have the ability to detect each other&#39;s presence using the device detection tools  218  when the devices are within the home. A purchaser such as parent may have the right to use the authorization module to  216  to control the functioning of all of the participants. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 4-8  display a plurality of scenarios in which three devices including a personal computer, a tablet PC, and a phone PC interact. In a first Scenario A, the personal computer and tablet PC are adjacent one another in location  1  and the phone PC is in a remote location. In a second scenario B, the phone PC moves into the room, and in Scenario C, the tablet PC is removed from the environment. These scenarios are reflected in Table 1 below. The figures illustrating the screen display for the listed device are included in parentheses. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SCENARIO 
               
             
          
           
               
                 LOCATION 
                 SCENARIO A 
                 SCENARIO B 
                 SCENARIO C 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 LOCATION 1 
                 Personal  
                 Personal Computer 
                 Personal 
               
               
                   
                 Computer 
                 (FIG. 4B) 
                 Computer 
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 4A) 
                   
                 (FIG. 4C) 
               
               
                   
                 Tablet PC 
                 Tablet PC (FIG. 5A) 
                 Phone PC 
               
               
                   
                 (FIG. 5A) 
                 Phone PC (FIG. 6B) 
                 (FIG. 6B) 
               
               
                 REMOTE 
                 Phone PC 
                   
                 Tablet PC 
               
               
                 LOCATIONS 
                 (FIG. 6A) 
                   
                 (FIG. 5B) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]      FIG. 4A  shows an embodiment of a personal computer user interface  300 . In a home environment, the personal computer may be placed in a common access area such as the kitchen. The displayed user interface  300  includes a photo  302 , a “Now Playing” option  304 , personal headlines  306  for each member of the family, blinds controls  308 , a tickets shortcut  310 , a quote of the day  312 , and a front door message option  314 . The user interface  300  also includes shortcuts  316  to a shopping list and a craft fair. Finally, the user interface  300  shows scenes  318 . Elements of the application user interface  300  may include a link presented as a dynamic real-time thumbnail view to a calendar applet nested further down in the application (and not currently visible) as well as a door message applet that renders a photo and audio message captured by a networked device installed at an external doorway. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4B  shows the personal computer user interface  300  after the detection tools  218  of the personal computer detect the phone PC docked adjacent the PC.  FIG. 4B  shows many of the same features. However, in accordance with pre-set authorization rules, the front door message  314  has moved to the phone display and has been replaced on the user interface  300  by a temperature gauge  320 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4C  shows the personal computer user interface  300  when a previously adjacent tablet PC is removed. In this instance, the personal headlines  306  have been replaced by a shortcut to a calendar  322 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate the screen display  400  for the tablet PC. A docking cradle for the tablet PC can be manually registered in the application as being proximal. When a user places the tablet PC in the nearby docking station, the tablet PC notifies the personal computer that it is docked. The personal computer may request and receive permission to control the tablet PCs display if the authorization rules are consistent. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 5A , the tablet PC is adjacent the personal computer in Scenario A and includes a full screen family calendar  402  with the names of each family member listed across the top of the calendar and with each displayed name checked off at the bottom in section  404 . The calendar has three possible views  410  including month view, day view, and map view. The user may select any of these views and furthermore may check off any of the items listed in section  404  in order to alter the display. The calendar in  FIG. 5A  is shown in day view. In Scenario B, the tablet PC is unaffected by the introduction of the phone PC and continues to display the calendar shown in  FIG. 5A . In Scenario C, the display of the tablet PC is not altered by its removal from the vicinity of the personal computer. However, the user interface  400  is shown in map view  412  for illustrative purposes. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a phone PC display  500 . In  FIG. 5A , the phone PC display is shown with its default screen with the “start#” box  502 . When the phone PC is brought into the vicinity of the personal computer in Scenario B, the phone PC display  500  is shown in  FIG. 5B . The phone PC launches its full screen “front door message” display  504 , which shows an image captured at the front door. A play button  506  may be activated to play an audio message recorded at the front door. In scenario C, the phone PC is not altered by the removal of the tablet PC from the environment. Accordingly, the display of  FIG. 6B  is also shown in scenario C. 
         [0048]    As noted above with respect to  FIG. 1 , some participants in the system  2 , such as the RFID tagged object  30  are passive rather than active participants and do not include screen displays.  FIGS. 7A-7C ,  8 A, and  8 B illustrate the interaction between an RFID tagged object and a tablet PC that actively participates in the system  2 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a screen display  600  of the tablet PC that includes a calendar  604  shown in month view  602 . The displayed participants are checked at section  606 . The tablet PC detects and RFID tag in the vicinity. If the tablet PC determines that the RFID tag belongs to a drug bottle as shown in  FIG. 7B , the user interface  600  may be altered to include a shortcut to a medication manager application. In  FIG. 7C , the tablet PC presents an authenticate challenge. The authenticate challenge may include a voice authentication process or any other appropriate authentication process. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a medication manager screen display  700  that appears upon successful login. The medication manager screen display  700  includes a medication icon  702  with the name  704  of the medication owner  703  and a list of medications  706 . The screen display may further include selectable options such as “my insurance”  708  and “my benefits”  710 . An information section  712  may include drug information, physician information, directions, and warnings. The medication manager  700  may further include a “my pharmacies” and prescriptions section  714 . A logoff shortcut  716  may also be included. The detected medication is included for illustrative purposes at  730 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a medication manager screen display that appears upon the detection of an additional RFID tagged over-the-counter medication, such as NyQuil™, shown as  732 . The over-the-counter medication is automatically added to the medications list  706  and drug info area  712 . The medication manager application detects a potential overdose and displays an alarm highlight  716 . The “my pharmacies” area  712 , also lists alternatives to the over-the-counter medication. If the over-the-counter medication is removed from the vicinity of the tablet PC, the warnings disappear. Upon selecting the logoff shortcut  716 , a user will be re-directed to the calendar display of  FIG. 7A . 
         [0052]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8 , the user interfaces of each participant may dynamically span multiple devices by leveraging and managing the displays of nearby devices. Each interface may dynamically adjust its menu based on nearby objects, or it may dynamically adjust its interaction methods based on the types of nearby human interface devices. Additionally, services provided through nearby devices may adjust their offerings based on the collection of devices or objects in the area. A user interface that dynamically and intelligently adjusts its presentation to reflect the proximity of nearby objects or devices increases the quality of the user experience. 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  illustrates a method for implementing an embodiment of the invention. In step A 10 , a participant detects the proximity of another participant. Depending on the character of the participants, the detection may be mutual. However, if one participant is active and the other is passive, the active participant detects the passive participant. In step A 20 , active participants will add the detected participant to the device list. In step A 30 , active participants check the authorization module and the command and control translation module to determine appropriate user interface actions. In step A 40 , active participants proceed according to authorization rules and configuration rules, generally by making changes to the user interface of a controlled device. In step A 50 , if proximity is no longer detected, the departed participant is deleted from the list in step A 60 . Individual participant functioning is resumed in step A 70 . The steps described above can be performed in various orders and should not be limited by the sequence described above. 
         [0054]    In an embodiment of the method described above, a docking cradle for the tablet PC can be manually registered in the application as being proximal. When a user places the tablet PC in the nearby docking station, the tablet PC notifies the personal computer that it is docked in step A 10 . The personal computer and tablet PC then may add each other to their respective device lists in step A 20 . In step A 30 , the personal computer may request and receive permission to control the tablet PCs display if the authorization rules are consistent. In an embodiment of the invention, the authorization rules allow the personal computer to take control of the tablet PC display and extend its own UI onto the tablet PC display surface. If the personal computer application determines that it can improve the quality of its user experience by rendering the calendar applet on the tablet PC&#39;s display, it will perform this action. 
         [0055]    Similarly, if participating devices include a PDA and a desktop PC, when a user places the PDA in a docking cradle connected to the desktop PC, the desktop PC detects this in step A 10 . The PDA and desktop PC add each other to their respective device lists in step A 20  and determine the authorization rules in step A 30 . If the desktop PC is the controlling device, it takes control of the PDA&#39;s display and extends its own UI onto the PDA display surface in step A 40 . For example, if the desktop PC&#39;s controlling application determines that it can improve the quality of the user experience by moving the door message applet onto the PDA&#39;s display, it will perform this action. The position on the desktop PCs display previously held by the door message applet is replaced by a lower-value applet or link. Also, the telecommunication services accessible to the PDA may be made available to the controlling application while the PDA is docked. 
         [0056]    In a further example, the participants include a remote control and a desktop PC. In the event the user chooses to control the UI on the desktop PC with a remote control, the platform detects and identifies the particular remote control being used and adjusts the UI based on that remote. As an example, commands issued from an adult&#39;s remote control device cause the UI to adjust its presentation to provide access to services, control, and content appropriate for an adult user. Should control be attempted with a child&#39;s remote, the UI adjusts itself to provide access and control appropriate for a child user. 
         [0057]    In a further example in which the participants include an active and a passive participant, a user may place an RFID tagged object within range of the RFID scanner connected to a desktop PC. The RFID tagged object is detected by the desktop PC scanner in step A 10 . The desktop PC may identify the object by looking up the tag ID in databases either hosted by the desktop PC or accessible via the wireless network. Based on the identification, the PC retrieves relevant application information. 
         [0058]    In summary, the invention provides a platform for a user interface that makes use of nearby intelligent objects or devices to improve its usefulness. The interface may dynamically span multiple devices by leveraging and managing the displays of nearby devices. It may dynamically adjust its menu based on nearby objects or it may dynamically adjust its interaction methods based on the types of nearby human interface devices. Additionally, services provided through nearby devices may adjust their offerings based on the collection of devices or objects in the area. A user interface that dynamically and intelligently adjusts its presentation to reflect the proximity of nearby objects or devices increases the quality of the user experience. 
         [0059]    As set forth above, services of one participant are available on another through cooperative interaction between participants. The platform is preferably a peer-to-peer distributed platform and participants derive knowledge from proximity. If a participating device enters the defined environment, it becomes part of the system. The base layer is a self-configuring network and dynamic software tools such as the authorization module allow user to change resources available from and to each device. 
         [0060]    The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. 
         [0061]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated and with the scope of the claims.