Abstract:
The smart net system has a smart net controller and one or more computers each with a smart net key. The smart net keys spawn a smart window on each computer and communicate wirelessly with the smart net controller. Via the smart net key, computer users can transmit presentations to a video display or projector attached to the smart net controller and/or communicates with other electronic devices connected to the smart net system. Data such as files, presentations, or instant messages can be shared among users by way of the smart window. The need for sharing a video cable or a computer or printing up handouts for distribution is reduced or eliminated. The efficiency of conferences, lectures, classes and workgroups is increased. Smart net for the small office provides network like communications without the traditional networking hardware allowing communications between computers without allowing computers access to each other&#39;s information.

Description:
[0001]    The terminology “computer network” refers to more than one computer that is connected together usually by a router or server or by wiring. This almost always requires configuring the connected computers many times done using “shares” or defining the locations accessible to other computers on the computer network. 
         [0002]    The terms “smart net computer” and “smart net controller” are used as interchangeable terms as computing systems may have integrated or separate controller functions depending upon the nature of the circuitry. 
         [0003]    The terms smart window and smart net window are used interchangeably. 
         [0004]    The smart net computing network does not connect one computer to another in the traditional context of a router or server or by defining accessible locations. Computers connected to the smart net computing network do not communicate with each other directly but they can communicate with the smart net computer allowing data to be shared between connected computers by way of the smart net computer and the smart net window. 
         [0005]    The term “T&amp;R” stands for transmit and receive. 
         [0006]    The smart key example is used extensively in the patents an example to illustrate one of multiple ways to interface between the smart mouse and any computer(s). The smart key is just a single method of connectivity. Wire and/or wireless communications of many natures can be utilized and the smart key is not a requirement for connectivity but is used as an example to illustrate the concept of networking without traditional kinds of router or server methods. 
         [0007]    The term “connected computer” means the computer is connected to the smart net computer or multiple computers that connect only by way of the smart net computer. This is not to be confused with computers connecting to each other by a router or other type of connection 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to the field of collaborative computing, and in particular to ad hoc computer associations in temporary conference, lecture classroom, or gaming situations. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0009]    Portable computers are very common in conference meetings today. In many occasions several people sit around a conference table and pass around a video cable connected to a video projector. Often considerable time is wasted while the video cable is reconnected and the computer owner fusses with the computer settings to enable the computer external video port to drive the projector. A game of musical chairs often ensues as conference participants rearrange their seating to allow access to a short video cable. In the worst case, electrostatic discharge (ESD) can disrupt or even damage equipment like computers or video projectors. Additionally, bent video connector pins can halt a presentation when presenters attempt to switch a video cable between computers. When this happens, what should be productive time degrades into an impromptu debugging session by amateurs. 
         [0010]    In larger forums like classrooms, presenters must trade off the podium with classmates during speaker changes. Alternatives include using one designated computer driving one video projector. In this case the presenters send their presentation ahead of time by email, compact disk, or memory module. This send-the-data-ahead approach creates a new set of problems. The new problems include incompatible versions of software, incompatible brands of computers, different operating systems. Additionally, the all too common last minute addition to a presentation is frustrated. 
         [0011]    Another current method to source numerous presentations in a common forum is to use a wireless network. In addition to many of the problems listed above comes the problem of network configuration and security. Questions such as; “Is the network secure?”, “Is the share group or workgroup configured correctly?” “Will viruses or other malware from other presenters infect my computer?” 
         [0012]    Not only conferences in a business setting require safe access to the video projector or other common assets. Increasingly, schools from college to high school to junior high even down to grade school are using portable computers in individual presentations or collaborative projects. It is important that valuable class time is not wasted in the set-up of a temporary network. Additionally, the teacher or class moderator needs to maintain control of the shared resource both for discipline and orchestration of the lesson plan. 
         [0013]    In many conference, seminar or classroom situations there is the problem of handouts. The presenter may announce a website where the presentation material may be found. Other approaches include the pass-around clip board where interested recipients list their email addresses to receive a copy of the presentation. Still other methods include the give-me-your-business-card announcement. Such approaches create more work for the presenters and introduce more error prone steps in the process. Even if each presenter came loaded with a set of preprinted handouts there is the problem of wasting paper, transportation and shipping of handouts, and the all too frequent problem of not having enough handouts. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    The smart net system enables the sharing of data among multiple computers in a setting such as conference, lecture, office or classroom. The smart net system has a smart net controller and multiple smart net keys. The smart net controller includes a processor, memory, wireless I/O system and various types of ports. The ports can include but are not limited to, a telephone interface, network port, Bluetooth interfaces, video output, USB ports, biometric readers, audio inputs/outputs, and user interfaces. Each smart net key attaches or plugs into one of many portable computers. Each smart net key has an I/O system in communication with the I/O system of the smart net controller; and software configured to establish a smart net window on the associated computer. 
         [0015]    The smart net key plugs into a computer by an interface such as a USB port. In operation, the smart net key spawns a smart net window on the computer. A user can copy data such as files, applications or presentations to the smart net window from other areas of the computer&#39;s desktop. Once transferred to the smart net window, the smart net key together with the smart net window will transfer the data to the smart net controller over the wireless I/O system established between the smart net controller and the smart net key. The smart net controller can then display this data via an attached video projector for use in a conference type setting. The smart net controller can also send the data to other computers via their attached smart keys. Other computers receiving the data transmitted by the smart net controller display the data in their smart net windows. The users of the other computers can copy the data from the smart net window to other applications or storage on the individual computers. 
         [0016]    By copying data from other areas of the desktop to the smart net window, the user of each computer can share data with other computers connected via the smart net system. Additionally, the users can chose which of the computers will display data in the computer&#39;s smart net window via the video projector attached to the smart net controller. 
         [0017]    The smart net system eliminates the need for multiple computer users to disconnect and reconnect a video cable. This reduces the risk of individual computers to ESD damage or damage to pins due to switching a video cable among computers. Since the wireless connection is between the smart net controller and each smart net key, the need for a traditional network and its associated configuration needs are reduced. In conference settings where several presenters are present, the active access to the video projector can be passed by mutual consent or through the control of a moderator. This action saves time as no changing of a video cable is needed. Also because each presenter is presenting from their own computer, the need to send presentation material ahead is reduced. Each presenter can edit their individual material even during the presentation if necessary. 
         [0018]    Because computers are fed a data stream from the smart net controller, the risk of virus infections from a common network is also reduced. Since each computer can receive a copy of the data in the presentation in its smart net window, a user can chose to copy the data to their computer, thus reducing the need for handouts. 
         [0019]    The examples given to Smart Net and Smart Key have multiple implementations that one versed in the art will understand and should not limit the application of the concept. Communications using wire devices and wireless devices of multiple technologies, i.e. Bluetooth, WiFi etc. illustrate several of many alternative implementations of Smart Net and Smart Key. Indeed the Smart Key itself may not even be required in the implementation nor should this document be construed to be limited to the computer itself as a means for communication within the Smart Net environment. Hand held devices like cell phones, blackberry communications of even a mouse with intelligence as illustrated in complimentary patent pending material could be substituted into the concept of the Smart Net. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The summary above and the following detailed description will be better understood in view of the enclosed figures which depict details of various embodiments. It should however be noted that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings and that the drawings are provided merely as examples. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of the smart net controller. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows one embodiment of a smart net key. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary system of the smart net controller and smart net keys installed in computers. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of a smart network window. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 5-10  show one embodiment of a method of using the smart net system to transfer files in a conference or classroom environment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method of using the smart net system to transfer files. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 12-15  show one embodiment of a method of using the smart net system to display a running application in a conference or classroom environment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  shows flow chart of one embodiment of a method of using the smart net system to display a running application. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of the smart net controller. The smart net controller has a processor and associated support circuitry. The memory can be any combination of rotating memory or semiconductor memory such as non-volatile, or volatile. Other memory types are also possible. The memory holds data common to typical computer systems including, but not limited to, an operating system, application software, device drivers, protocols, and general purpose buffers and data storage. The smart net controller can have any combination of I/O devices for example, a telephone interface for voice or data, connections to an external network such as an internet connection, Bluetooth, video interfaces for driving a video projector or video display, USB ports for additional memory or devices, biometric readers for security, user interfaces such as a mouse or keyboard, a wireless I/O system shown in  FIG. 1  as T&amp;R (transmit and receive) channels) as well as other interfaces. 
         [0030]    In operation the smart net controller of  FIG. 1  communicates with the many portable computers via the smart net key. Both the smart net controller and the smart net key use the I/O channels shown as T&amp;R channels, to send data bi-directionally from the smart net controller to the smart net key and associated computer or from a computer via the smart net key to the smart net controller. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of a smart net key. The smart net key has a controller or processor and associated memory. The smart key communicates with the smart net controller using the T&amp;R channels which form the wireless I/O. The interface to the computer can be any type of commonly used interface such as USB. Additional user interfaces are possible. One example of another interface is an audio I/O port for use in conference type situations. This feature is useful in large lecture halls to eliminate the pass-around-the-microphone problem, or in meetings that are separated geographically. The memory of the smart net key holds application software such as that needed to spawn the smart net window. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows the smart net system in one possible application. In  FIG. 3  four computers each have a smart net key installed. Each computer by virtue of its installed smart net key is in communication with the smart net controller. The smart net controller drives a video projector. This is a common conference room or classroom scene where each of the participants is able to present information using the video projector. Each computer further has one or more application windows referred to in  FIG. 3  as a “Sys. Window”. Because of the smart net key, each computer has a smart net window. The smart net window is discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of the smart net window. The smart net window is spawned in every computer which has a smart key installed. Several types of spaces exist in the smart net window. The application space holds a running application that can be displayed on the video projector attached to the smart net controller of  FIG. 3 . The file transfer space holds files that are transferred from one computer to another using the smart net system. The IM (instant messaging) space and chart space allow smart net users to share text notes among themselves. The computer control selects which user is controlling the video projector attached to the smart net controller. 
         [0034]    In operation the users can agree to share access to the video projector among themselves using the computer control block of  FIG. 4 . In other embodiments such as a classroom, a single moderator such as a teacher may have control of the application space and therefore the video projector as well as the file transfer space and other spaces within the smart net window. Moderators can at their discretion, give various presenters access to the video projector. A computer user can have a program running in their smart net window&#39;s application space at any time. If the video control is passed to them, the video projector displays the program running in their computer&#39;s application space for all to see. If some time before, during or after the presentation, a user wants to share files such as handouts, or other notes, the user can copy files from their computer into the file transfer space. The smart net system makes files in the file transfer space available to all users. The IM and chat space allow users to share notes. In some situations such as a classroom, the IM, chat, and file transfer features may be turned off. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 5  though  10  show one embodiment of the smart net system in use. The Figs. represent a progression of file sharing in a conference or classroom use of the smart net system. Four users, each with a smart net key enabled computer are sitting in a conference or classroom. The smart net controller is in communication with all the computers and connects to a video projector. 
         [0036]    In  FIG. 5  the computers are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each of the computers has a smart net window which was spawned by the software on the smart net key. Other application windows, labeled “Sys. Window” in the figures are also present on each computer. The “Sys.” or system windows represent windows associated with other programs on the computers. Example applications could be a word processor window, a slide presentation window or a display of the computer&#39;s file structure. In  FIG. 5  computer  2  has a system window open with some type of file in it named “DataX”. The information stored in DataX can be any type of data that the user of computer  2  wishes to share with the other users connected to the smart net system. 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 6  the user of computer  2  copies the contents of the system window into the smart net file transfer space. Many copy methods are possible such as copy and paste or drag and drop. This action is indicated by the arrow directed from the system window to the smart net window. This action causes the data, labeled “DataX” in the smart net window to be transmitted to the smart net controller. Arrows indicate the path of DataX transmitted from computer  2  to the smart net controller. The path starts at the smart net window of computer  2  through the smart net key of computer  2  to the T&amp;R channels of the smart net controller, into the memory of the smart net controller. Note that no physical media or traditional computer network is needed. 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 7  the data, DataX, originally from computer  2  is now on the smart net controller. An icon or some other representation of DataX now appears in the smart net window of each computer. If enabled, the smart net controller can transmit DataX to computers  1 ,  3  and  4  through the T&amp;R Channels and smart net keys. Users can view the data in the smart net file transfer space on their own computer. The user of computer  4  decides to make a copy of DataX. This is indicated in  FIG. 7  by the heavy arrow from the smart net controller to the file transfer space of computer  4 , to an application window on computer  4 . This transfer of DataX from the computer  4  smart net window to an application window is an example of how files can easily be shared among users. Such transfers allow for easy and rapid distribution of data and handouts even during a presentation. Note that the disruption of handing out printed material, taking down email addresses, or even assembling a distribution list is unnecessary. The user of each computer can take or leave the data as they choose. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 8  the user of computer  3  has a file named “DataY”. The user of computer  3  wishes to share this file with others in the group. DataX from the user of computer  2  is still available to all. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 9  the user of computer  3  moves DataY from the system window to the smart net file transfer space. Once the DataY is moved to the smart net file transfer space of computer  3  a chain of events, similar to those of  FIG. 6  takes place. The result is that DataY is now on the smart net controller. 
         [0041]    The events of  FIG. 10  are analogous to those of  FIG. 7  except now DataY is made available to the other computers via the smart net system. Additionally as depicted in  FIG. 3  files, instant messages and chat can be exchanged among users without the need to first display them on the video projector. 
         [0042]      FIG. 11  summarizes the events of a typical file transfer via the smart net system in flow chart  1100 . At  1105  each user installs a smart net key into their computer. Block  1110  establishes a smart net window in each computer by way of the software on the smart net key or smart net controller. In block  1115  a user of one computer transfers a file from a system window to the smart net file transfer space. At  1120  the smart net system simultaneously sends the data from the computer to the smart net controller via the smart net key and the T&amp;R channels of the smart net controller. At  1125 , the smart net controller sends an icon or other indication of the received file to the other computers via the T&amp;R channels and the smart net keys of each computer. At  1130 , individual users can decide whether or not to transfer data from their smart net window to a system window on their computer. At  1135  the loop from block  1135  to block  1115  illustrates that multiple users can transfer files or other data among themselves as the meeting, conference or class progresses. 
         [0043]    While  FIGS. 5  though  10  show file transfer among computers,  FIGS. 12-15  show a presentation shared by one computer at a time on the overhead projector or other type of display. The  FIGS. 12-15  represent a progression of a conference or classroom use of the smart net system. Four users, each with a smart net key enabled computer are sitting in a conference or classroom. The smart net controller is in communication with all the computers and connects to a video projector. 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 12  the computers are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each of the computers has a smart net window which was spawned by the software on the smart net key. Other application windows, labeled “Sys. Window” in the figures are also present on each computer. The “Sys.” or system windows represent windows associated with other programs on the computers. Example applications could be a word processor window, a slide presentation window or a display of the computer&#39;s file structure. In  FIG. 12 , the smart net window on computer  2  is highlighted indicating that computer  2  drives the video projector attached to the smart net controller. Computer  2  drives the video projector via the application space within the smart net window. The mechanism for deciding which computer drives the video projector can be by mutual agreement with users sharing the video projector or one of the computers or smart net controller itself can be designated as the moderator. In such case, the moderator alone controls which computer drives the video projector. In  FIG. 12  computer  2  has a system window open with an application such as a slide presentation like Windows Power Point. The system window shows “AppX” indicating some type of application program running in the system window. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 13  the user of computer  2  copies the contents of the system window into the smart net application space window. The copy function of the application into the smart net window application space can be accomplished in a number of ways. Two of the ways include dragging an icon of the running application into the application space while another is to launch the application in the application space directly. This action is indicated by the arrow directed from the system window to the smart net application window. This action causes the presentation, labeled “AppX” in the smart net window to be ultimately displayed on the video projector. Arrows indicate the path of AppX transmitted from computer  2  to the video projector. The path starts at the smart net window application space of computer  2  through the smart net key of computer  2  to the T&amp;R channels of the smart net controller, into the memory of the smart net controller and finally to the video projector. At this point all the viewers of the video projector can see AppX as displayed on computer  2 . This action allows the user of computer  2  to be the presenter and use the video projector. Note that the change of a video cable between computers was not needed. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 14  the control of the video projector has passed from the user of computer  2  to the user of computer  3 . This is indicated by the highlighted smart net window moving from computer  2  to computer  3 . As described previously, the decision of who controls the video projector can be by mutual consent or by the action of a moderator who has control. In  FIG. 14  the user of computer  3  has a presentation ready in the smart net window application space. This presentation is labeled “AppY”. The user of computer  3  is prepared to display it to the other members of the group. 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 15  a chain of events, similar to those of  FIG. 13  takes place. The result is that AppY is now displayed on the video projector as the user of computer  3  delivers a presentation. Note in  FIG. 15  that a video cable did not need to change from computer  2  to computer  3 . Unlike a common computer shared by all the presenters, the user of computer  3  has a presentation ready to go the moment control of the video projector passed to computer  3 . Unlike some presentation situations, the presenters did not need to change chairs or “the driver&#39;s seat” in order to gain access to a common computer. 
         [0048]      FIG. 16  summarizes the events typical of the smart net system in flow chart  1600 . At  1605  each user installs a smart net key into their computer. Block  1610  establishes a smart net window in each computer by way of the software on the smart net key or the smart net controller. Block  1615  designates one of the computers as the presenter giving that computer control of the video projector. At  1620  the presenter transfers a presentation from an application window to the smart net window application space. At  1625  the smart net system sends the display information from the presenter&#39;s smart net window application space to the smart net controller via the smart net key and the T&amp;R channels of the smart net controller. At  1630  the smart net controller receives the display information sent from the presenter&#39;s computer and at  1135  the smart net controller displays information on the video projector and all smart net application spaces. At  1640  the users themselves or a moderator can designate another presenter. The loop from block  1640  to block  1620  illustrates that multiple users can share access to the video projector as the meeting, conference or class progresses. 
       Advantages 
       [0049]    Time is saved with the smart net system as users do not need to switch cables or chairs during a conference, class or meeting. 
         [0050]    By its inherent nature the smart net system is completely isolates all computers from each other while allowing them to exchange information. 
         [0051]    Risk of damage due to ESD or damages connector pins is reduces because users do not need to constantly connect and reconnect cables or devices. 
         [0052]    Users do not need to send their data and presentations ahead of a meeting. This reduces the lead time for presentations and handouts. 
         [0053]    Users do not need to share a common display computer and can avoid many software compatibility issues. 
         [0054]    Problems associated with connecting to a common network such as configuration and security are reduced. 
         [0055]    The smart net system is flexible allowing users themselves or a designated moderator to control access to the video projector. 
         [0056]    Paper handouts are eliminated as data can be made available to each user. 
         [0057]    The smart net system reduces the inconvenience of trying to email presentations and data after a conference because both can be made available to all users in real time. 
         [0058]    The internet/network port on the smart net controller allows for remote users to be part of the smart net system by the addition of a remote smart net controller connected to the internet or phone system. 
         [0059]    An audio port on the smart net key and smart net controller enables question and answer sessions in large forums such as lecture halls. No longer does a person need to shout down to the podium or wait for a microphone to make its way up from the podium. The smart net controller&#39;s audio output port can connect to a lecture hall public address system. 
         [0060]    It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example. While there have been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments, changes, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention and that it is, therefore, aimed to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
       CLAIM PROLOGUE 
       [0061]    Insure to read the terminology, definitions and clarifications portion of the Description section of the patent application prior to reviewing the claims section. Due to the uniqueness of this technology some terms were invented and other terms without being used in their proper context could create misinterpretation in the claims.