Patent Publication Number: US-10324679-B2

Title: Methods and systems for electronic ink projection

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/923,924, issued as U.S Pat. No. 9,535,646, filed on Jun. 21, 2013, entitled “Methods and Systems for Electronic Ink Projection,” which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/836,466, filed on Jun. 18, 2013, entitled “Methods and Systems for Electronic Ink Projection,” which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern presentation methods and systems rely heavily upon interactive tools for interacting with information within a presentation. Such interactive tools may be utilized with presentation software, word processing software, and other applications used to present information. Traditionally, the use of an application program in a social setting such as a classroom, lecture, conference or other shared activity involves the transmission of the application program running on a computer to a display, such as an external monitor or projector. With the advent of various wired and wireless protocols and standards, including but not limited to the Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 standards, connections between various devices make possible a level of interaction beyond the use of interactive tools such as the laser pointer or mouse cursor that are typically used for interacting with information within a presentation. 
     It is with respect to these and other general considerations that embodiments have been made. Also, although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the embodiments should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the background. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detail Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for transmitting to a display communicatively coupled to a second device electronic ink input data received from a first device. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein provide translating electronic ink input data based upon one or more output parameters associated with a display. Once the electronic ink input data is translated, electronic ink output data is generated. In certain embodiments, a stream of the electronic ink output data is transmitted to the display. 
     Embodiments may be implemented as a computer process, a computing system or as an article of manufacture such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a display communicatively coupled to a second device according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a method for transmitting to a display communicatively coupled to a second device electronic ink data received from a first device according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a display comprising a second device according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a system for transmitting to a display communicatively coupled to a second device electronic ink data received from a plurality of first devices according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data between a plurality of first devices and a plurality of displays according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a plurality of displays according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a method for transmitting electronic ink data comprising X-Y coordinates according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a method for transmitting electronic ink data comprising vector data according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method for transmitting electronic ink data comprising presentation data according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a method for synchronizing a presentation with electronic ink data transmitted for display within the presentation according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  provides an exemplary illustration of transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a display comprising a second device according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a tablet computing device for executing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a block diagram of a computing environment suitable for implementing one or more embodiments disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates one embodiment of a mobile computing device executing one or more embodiments disclosed herein; and 
         FIG. 14B  is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary mobile computing device suitable for practicing one or more embodiments disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show specific exemplary embodiments. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Embodiments may be practiced as methods, systems or devices. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of a hardware implementation, an entirely software implementation or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     In embodiments described herein, “electronic ink,” “e-ink” and “ink” refer generally to data representing, or recognized as, input received from a user&#39;s interaction with a touchscreen, touch-sensitive display, or gesture-based interface or input device (e.g., including but not limited to gesture-sensing technology such as technology utilized within the KINECT device by MICROSOFT of Redmond, Wash.). Although embodiments within the remainder of this specification describe use of touch-sensitive displays (e.g., including touchscreens), one of skill in the art will recognize that gesture-based input devices (that is, devices that recognize input based upon gestures from hand movement, facial movement, arm movement and other various types of gesture-based input) are possible and contemplated within the full inventive scope of this disclosure. In one non-limiting example, e-ink may refer to data representing the X-Y coordinates, shape, pressure, or other characteristics of input received from a user interacting with a touchscreen. In another non-limiting example, e-ink may refer to data representing an interpretation of vector graphics or presentation objects drawn on a touch-sensitive display. In embodiments described herein, a “display” refers generally to a visual output device. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that “display” may refer a variety of visual output devices including but not limited to displays utilizing LED-, LCD-, CRT-, plasma-, and OLED-display technology. As described herein, displays may incorporate one or more computing devices or components of computing devices, including but not limited to processors, memory, communications interfaces, and wireless hardware, including technology conforming to various standards such as the Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 standards. One of skill in the art will further recognize that one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) may be utilized to represent, recognize, and/or interpret e-ink data. 
     Based on the above, the embodiments described herein describe systems and methods for transmitting e-ink input data between computing devices for presentation of the e-ink input data on one or more displays. That is, a user&#39;s input with a touch-sensitive input device (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet computer) is typically processed by the device such that the user input may be represented as e-ink input data. Accordingly, when e-ink input data is received by the device, the device may transmit the e-ink input data to another device or display in order to display the e-ink input data, e.g., overlaying a currently displayed presentation or application program. For example, a mobile device may generate e-ink input data in response to receiving touch input from a user. The mobile device may then transmit the e-ink input data to another device such as a computer hosting an active presentation, such as a presentation within a POWERPOINT application program by MICROSOFT of Redmond, Wash. Upon receiving the e-ink input data from the mobile device, the computer hosting the active presentation displays the e-ink input data on an external display projecting the presentation. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  for transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a display communicatively coupled to a second device according to one or more embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the system  100  includes a first device  110  and a second device  120 . In certain embodiments, the first device  110  and the second device  120  are communicatively coupled over a network connection  130 , typically utilizing a local area network (LAN) connection. In other embodiments, the first device  110  and the second device  120  are communicatively coupled over a wireless connection  150 , typically utilizing a wide area network (WAN) connection. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first device  110  and second device  120  may be connected through various combinations of wired and wireless connections. Although two clients are shown, it is contemplated that fewer or additional clients may be connected through the network connection  130 . It is further contemplated that the network connection may be further connected to various other computing devices, including but not limited to servers or network storage devices (not shown). Further to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the second device  120  is connected to an external display  140  via a wired or wireless (not shown) connection. In an embodiment, first device  110  comprises a mobile computing device and second device  120  comprises either a mobile computing device or a computing device. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that first device  110  and second device  120 , as well as other devices described within this disclosure, may interchangeably comprise, as the case may be, a mobile computing device or a computing device. 
     In embodiments, the first device  110  is a mobile computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer) that includes a touch-sensitive display. In an embodiment, the first device  110  is communicatively connected to second device  120  via a wireless connection  150 . Further to this embodiment, the first device  110  and second device  120  may display, in part or in whole, a common or shared view or session of an application program, such as POWERPOINT, WORD, or INTERNET EXPLORER application programs by MICROSOFT of Redmond, Wash. In an embodiment, upon interacting with the touch-sensitive display by a user, the first device  110  detects the interaction(s) and processes the interaction(s) as touch input data. In embodiments, the touch input data may represent a series of X-Y coordinates detected from the user interaction with the touch-sensitive display. For example, the touch input data may comprise a data stream of X-Y coordinates, or information representing the same, that represents the interaction of the user with the application program displayed on the first device  110 . In other embodiments, the touch input data may represent vector graphics, objects, or other program or input data that represents the interaction of the user with the application program displayed on the first device  110 . For example, the user may interact with the application program on the first device  110  such that the user draws or otherwise interacts with the touch-sensitive display displaying a presentation associated with the application program. 
     In an embodiment, the first device  110  may transmit a stream of touch input data to second device  120 , which may receive and process the stream of touch input data. In an embodiment, a stream of touch input data may be processed to extract or otherwise identify the user&#39;s drawing or interaction with the touch-sensitive display of the first device  110 . In one embodiment, processing may comprise extracting or identifying X-Y coordinates that correspond to the user&#39;s touch input. In another embodiment, processing may comprise extracting or identifying shapes such as vector graphics, including the dimensions, location, characteristics or other properties of such graphics. For example, the stream of touch input data may include information identifying the color, pressure, stroke, or shape associated with the touch input, or effects (e.g., post-processing by the first device  110 ) associated with a user&#39;s drawing or interactions with the touch-sensitive display of the first device  110 . As another example, the stream of touch input may include information identifying the positional, dimensional, geographic, or temporal characteristics of vector graphics or other touch input data associated with the user&#39;s drawing or interactions with the touch-sensitive display of first device  110 . 
     In an embodiment, second device  120  processes the received touch input data into a data stream for transmission to a display, such as, for example, display  140 . For example, processing of the received touch input data from first device  110  may comprise formatting the touch input data for rendering the received data stream on the display  140 . The processing may comprise adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the resolution or other display characteristics of the received touch input data stream to correspond to a profile or other display characteristics associated with the display  140 . For example, the viewable dimensions of display  140  may be different than the dimensions of the touch-sensitive display of the first device  110  and thus may require processing to account for the difference in dimensions between the touch-sensitive display and display  140 . As another example, the touch input data stream may be received such that it corresponds to a video standard or protocol that may require adjustment or translation into another video standard or protocol for displaying the touch input data on display  140 . As yet another example, the touch input data stream may be processed in order to align the touch input with temporal characteristics such as a time, duration, or period associated with the display of a presentation on the display  140 . In another example, the touch input data stream may be processed to identify, modify, highlight, or manipulate presentation objects that may correspond to the presentation objects being displayed by the second device  120  on display  140 . One of skill in the art will recognize that other types of translation and processing are encompassed within the scope of processing by the second device  120 , as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a method for transmitting to a display communicatively coupled to a second device electronic ink data received from a first device according to one or more embodiments. Method  200  begins at operation  210  in which ink input data is received. In an embodiment, ink input data may comprise a data stream of X-Y coordinates, vector graphics data, presentation and/or other objects or data, or any combination(s) thereof. Receiving ink input data at operation  210  may comprise receiving data for synchronizing the display of ink input data with a presentation displayed on a display, such as an external display. For example, received ink input data may comprise information that permits displaying ink input data based on the temporal order in which it was rendered on a touch-sensitive display. Further to this example, the received ink input data may permit ink strokes, drawings, and other received information to be displayed on a presentation in the same or similar manner and in the same or similar order as it was received or processed on a touch-sensitive display. 
     Once the ink input data is received, flow proceeds to operation  220  in which the ink input data is translated or otherwise processed for display on a different display (e.g., a display different from the display communicatively coupled to a device that transmitted the received ink input data stream in operation  210 ). In an embodiment, translation of the ink input data comprises extracting and analyzing X-Y coordinates against one or more characteristics of a display device and/or the touch-sensitive display or device (or both) that transmitted the ink input data. For example, translation of ink input data may comprise extracting X-Y coordinates. The X-Y coordinates may correspond to a touch-sensitive display having more or less resolution than a display intended for output of the ink input data. In the event an output display has a resolution greater than the touch-sensitive display, translation of the X-Y coordinates may comprise applying algorithms for interpolating, expanding, or otherwise improving the resolution of points or lines between lower resolution X-Y coordinates received from the touch-sensitive display. It is also contemplated that translation of X-Y coordinates may comprise applying algorithms for reducing the resolution of points or lines where, for example, the X-Y coordinates are received from a touch-sensitive display having greater resolution than an output display. In other embodiments, translation may comprise alteration of the properties (e.g., width, texture, color, pressure, stroke shape, brush shape, fill, outlining, highlighting, etc.) of the received ink input data. In another embodiment, translation may comprise identifying presentation objects (e.g., geometric patterns, charts, headings, text boxes, media) or other objects that correspond to objects from an application program displaying the presentation on an output display. In yet another embodiment, translation of ink input data may comprise recognizing the ink input data and passing through the received ink input data in a format or manner that is substantially similar or the same as how it was received in operation  210 . 
     Flow of method  200  then proceeds to operation  230  in which ink output data is generated. In an embodiment, generation of ink output data comprises integrating ink input data received from operation  210  with a presentation for display. In an embodiment, the presentation is actively displayed. In another embodiment, the presentation may be later displayed on a display device. In an embodiment, the display is a device different from the touch-sensitive display and/or device from which the received ink input data was received. For example, generation of ink output data may comprise an application program such as POWERPOINT incorporating the ink output data as part of an output (e.g., a slideshow presentation) of slides for presentation on one or more displays. It is also contemplated that generation of ink output data may comprise packaging the translated ink input data from operation  220  into an output stream, data structure or package of data for transmission to a display. Generation of the ink output data may comprise preparing or conforming the translated ink input data to one or more standards for display on one or more connected displays. 
     Once the ink output data is generated, flow proceeds to operation  240  in which the ink output data is transmitted to one or more displays. In an embodiment, transmission of the ink output data comprises sending the ink output data integrated with, or incorporated within, data for display of a presentation on one or more display devices. Further to this embodiment, the ink output data may be comprised within or as part of an output (e.g., a slideshow presentation) of slides for presentation on one or more displays. It is also contemplated that the ink output data may be transmitted separate from or interleaved with a presentation transmitted to one or more displays. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a display comprising a second device according to one or more embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the system  300  includes a first device  310  and a second device  320  incorporated within display  340 . In certain embodiments, the first device  310  and the second device  320  are communicatively coupled over a network connection  330 , typically utilizing a local area network (LAN) connection. In other embodiments, the first device  310  and the second device  320  may be communicatively coupled over a wireless connection (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first device  310  and second device  320  may be connected through various combinations of wired and wireless connections. Although two clients are shown, it is contemplated that fewer or additional clients may be connected through the network connection  330 . It is further contemplated that the network connection may be further connected to various other computing devices, including but not limited to servers or network storage devices (not shown). Further to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the second device  320  is incorporated within the display  340 . As described herein, a display may incorporate one or more computing devices or components of computing devices, including but not limited to processors, memory, communications interfaces, and wireless hardware, including technology conforming to various standards such as the Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 standards. As incorporated within display  340 , the second device  320  may be comprised of, in whole or in part, a system-on-chip (SOC). 
     In embodiments, as discussed previously, the second device  320  processes touch input data received from first device  310 . For example, processing of the received touch input data from first device  310  may comprise formatting the touch input data for rendering the received data stream on the display  340 . The processing may comprise adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the resolution or other display characteristics of the received touch input data stream to correspond to a profile or other display characteristics associated with the display  340 . For example, the touch input data stream may be processed in order to align the touch input with temporal characteristics such as a time, duration, or period associated with the display of a presentation on the display  340 . In another example, the touch input data stream may be processed to identify, modify, highlight, or manipulate presentation objects that may correspond to the presentation objects being displayed by the second device  320  on display  340 . One of skill in the art will recognize that other types of translation and processing are encompassed within the scope of processing by the second device  320 , as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system for transmitting to a display communicatively coupled to a second device electronic ink data received from a plurality of first devices according to one or more embodiments. With respect to  FIG. 4 , the system  400  comprises a plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  410 , a second device  420 , a third device  430 , a fourth device  440 , and an Nth device  450 ) that are communicatively coupled over a network connection  470  to a sixth device  460 . In embodiments, the network connection  470  may comprise a local area network (LAN) connection, a wide area network (WAN) connection, or another communications connection. 
     In an embodiment, sixth device  460  comprises a computing device that hosts a presentation within an application program and displays the presentation on a display  480 . In embodiments, the plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  410 , a second device  420 , a third device  430 , a fourth device  440 , and an Nth device  450 ), where each device comprises a touch-sensitive display, may transmit a plurality of streams of touch input data to sixth device  460 . In an embodiment, the sixth device  460  may receive and process the plurality of streams of touch input data. In an embodiment, the plurality of streams of touch input data are processed to extract or otherwise identify a user&#39;s drawing or interaction with the plurality of touch-sensitive displays corresponding to the plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  410 , a second device  420 , a third device  430 , a fourth device  440 , and an Nth device  450 ). Extraction and identification of a user&#39;s drawing or interaction may comprise highlighting with different or identifying colors, text, or objects each of the plurality of streams of touch input data received from the plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  410 , a second device  420 , a third device  430 , a fourth device  440 , and an Nth device  450 ). For example, the sixth device  460  may prepare a touch output data stream (or incorporate within the presentation itself) such that the touch input data received from a subset of the plurality of devices (e.g., first device  410  and second device  420 ) is highlighted in one color and the touch input data received from another subset of the plurality of devices (e.g., third device  430  and fourth device  440 ) is highlighted using a different color or colors. 
     It is contemplated that the interaction of the plurality of devices with the sixth device  460  may be synchronous or asynchronous such that the processing and/or display of touch input data may depend upon a certain or relative ordering or timing. It is further contemplated that the interactions of the plurality of devices with the sixth device  460  may be either bi-directional or uni-directional (not shown), such that when uni-directional the plurality of devices would transmit touch input data for display on display  480  in a collaborative many-to-one (e.g., students-teacher, audience-presenter, etc.) environment. For example, the system  400  may comprise an audience participation environment that enables a user from one or more of the plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  410 , a second device  420 , a third device  430 , a fourth device  440 , and an Nth device  450 ) to write questions, highlight, draw upon, or otherwise interact with a presentation that is hosted on sixth device  460  and displayed on display  480 . 
     In an embodiment, processing by the sixth device  460  may comprise extracting or identifying X-Y coordinates that correspond to a plurality of user touch input. In another embodiment, processing may comprise extracting or identifying shapes such as vector graphics, including the dimensions, location, characteristics or other properties of such graphics. For example, as discussed previously, the streams of touch input data may include information identifying the color, pressure, stroke, or shape associated with the touch input, or effects (e.g., post-processing by the first device  410 ) associated with a drawing or interaction (e.g., a user&#39;s interaction with the touch-sensitive display of the first device  410 ). As another example, the stream of touch input may include information identifying the positional, dimensional, geographic, or temporal characteristics of vector graphics or other touch input data associated with a drawing or interaction (e.g., a user&#39;s drawing or interaction with the touch-sensitive display of first device  410 ). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data between a plurality of first devices and a plurality of displays according to one or more embodiments. With respect to  FIG. 5 , the system  500  comprises a plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  510 , a second device  520 , a third device  530 , a fourth device  540 , and a fifth device  550 ) that are communicatively coupled over a network connection  560  to a plurality of displays (e.g., first display  570 , second display  580 , and third display  590 ). In an embodiment, fifth device  550  may be communicatively coupled to a fourth display  592  without utilizing network connection  560 . In embodiments, the network connection  560  may comprise a local area network (LAN) connection, a wide area network (WAN) connection, or another communications connection. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of devices (e.g., the first device  510 , the second device  520 , the third device  530 , the fourth device  540 , and the fifth device  550 ) comprise computing devices that may host a presentation session within one or more application programs. For example, the plurality of devices (e.g., a first device  510 , a second device  520 , a third device  530 , a fourth device  540 , and a fifth device  550 ) may share a peer-to-peer or other collaborative network connection via the network  560  such that one or more of the plurality of devices may interactively and/or asynchronously interact with (e.g., share data between) one or more of the other plurality of devices. In an embodiment, the plurality of devices (e.g., the first device  510 , the second device  520 , the third device  530 , the fourth device  540 , and the fifth device  550 ) are connected via wired or wireless (not shown) connections to a plurality of displays (e.g., the first display  570 , the second display  580 , the third display  590  and the fourth display  592 ). In embodiments, respective ones of the plurality of devices (e.g., the first device  510 , the second device  520 , the third device  530 , the fourth device  540 , and the fifth device  550 ), particularly where each of the respective ones of the plurality of devices comprise a touch-sensitive display, may transmit a plurality of streams of touch input data to respective others of the plurality of devices. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of displays (e.g., the first display  570 , the second display  580 , the third display  590 , and the fourth display  592 ) may further comprise a computing device incorporated within the one or more of the plurality of displays. 
     In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of devices (e.g., the first device  510 , the second device  520 , the third device  530 , the fourth device  540 , and the fifth device  550 ) and those of the displays (e.g., the first display  570 , the second display  580 , the third display  590  and the fourth display  592 ) that incorporate a computing device may process, as discussed previously, a plurality of streams of touch input data received from one or more of the plurality of devices and the plurality of displays. It is contemplated that the interaction of the plurality of devices with the plurality of displays may be synchronous or asynchronous such that the processing and/or display of touch input data may depend upon a certain or relative ordering or timing. It is further contemplated, as discussed previously, that the interactions of the plurality of devices and the plurality of displays may be either bi-directional or uni-directional (not shown), such that bi-directional interactions may exist between one or more of the plurality of devices and one or more of the plurality of displays in a collaborative many-to-many (e.g., classroom, conference, etc.) environment. For example, the system  500  may comprise a participatory environment that enables real-time interaction that permits participating users to write questions, highlight, draw upon, or otherwise interact with a shared presentation. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a system for transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a plurality of displays according to one or more embodiments. With respect to  FIG. 6 , the system  600  comprises a first device  610  and a second device  620  that are communicatively coupled over a network connection  630  to a plurality of displays (e.g., first display  640 , second display  650 , and third display  660 ). In an embodiment, second device  620  may be communicatively coupled to a fourth display  670  without utilizing network connection  630 . In embodiments, the network connection  630  may comprise a local area network (LAN) connection, a wide area network (WAN) connection, or another communications connection. 
     In an embodiment, the second device  620  comprises a computing device that hosts a presentation session within one or more application programs. Further to this embodiment, the second device  620  may share a peer-to-peer or other collaborative network connection via the network  630  such that one or more of the displays (e.g., first display  640 , second display  650 , third display  660 , and fourth display  670 ) may interactively and/or asynchronously interact with (e.g., share data between) the second device  620 . In an embodiment, the first device  610  and the second device  620  (or both, as the case may be) may transmit a plurality of streams of touch input data to one or more of the displays (e.g., first display  640 , second display  650 , third display  660 , and fourth display  670 ) where the displays are displaying a presentation from an application program hosted by the first device  610  or second device  620  (or both). In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of displays (e.g., the first display  640 , the second display  650 , the third display  660 , and the fourth display  670 ) may further comprise a computing device incorporated within the one or more of the plurality of displays. 
     As discussed previously, it is contemplated that the interaction of the plurality of devices (e.g., the first device  610  and the second device  620 ) with the plurality of displays (e.g., first display  640 , second display  650 , third display  660 , and fourth display  670 ) may be synchronous or asynchronous such that the processing and/or display of touch input data may depend upon a certain or relative ordering or timing. It is further contemplated, as discussed previously, that the interactions of the plurality of devices and the plurality of displays may be either bi-directional or uni-directional (not shown), such that bi-directional interactions may exist between one or more of the plurality of devices and one or more of the plurality of displays in a collaborative few-to-many (e.g., classroom, conference, etc.) environment. For example, the system  600  may comprise a participatory environment that enables real-time interactions between first device  610  and second device  620 , possibly including one or more of the plurality of the displays incorporating a computing device, such that the real-time interactions are displayed on the plurality of displays (e.g., first display  640 , second display  650 , third display  660 , and fourth display  670 ). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a method for transmitting electronic ink data comprising X-Y coordinates according to one or more embodiments. Method  700  begins at operation  710  in which communications are established with a presentation device and with a touchscreen device. For example, a computing device hosting a presentation in an application program establishes a first communication path with a touchscreen device (e.g., a computing device having a touch-sensitive display). Further to this example, the computing device hosting the presentation in an application program may establish a second communication path with a presentation (e.g., an output) device, for example, including but not limited to an external display, a mobile device or another computing device. The communications between either or both of the touchscreen and presentation devices may be bi-directional or uni-directional, such that the host computing device is at least communicatively coupled to the touchscreen device to receive data representative of touch input and transmit to the presentation device touch output data. In an embodiment, data representative of touch input may include a stream of data, such as a stream of data indicating X-Y coordinates. 
     Flow of method  700  then proceeds to operation  720  where the computing device hosting the presentation configures one or more output stream parameters for transmitting data received from an input stream for display on a presentation device. In an embodiment, configuring of output stream parameters may comprise adjusting, storing, or otherwise manipulating data necessary for adjusting the resolution or other display characteristics of a received touch input data stream to correspond to a profile or other display characteristics associated with a presentation device (e.g., a display). For example, the viewable dimensions of a presentation device may be different than the dimensions of the touch-sensitive display of a touchscreen device transmitting the received touch input data stream and thus may comprise configuring output stream parameters (e.g., data) necessary to process the received touch input data and account for the difference in dimensions between the touch-sensitive display and presentation device. As another example, where a touch input data stream may be received such that it corresponds to a video standard or protocol that may require adjustment or translation into another video standard or protocol for displaying the touch input data on a presentation device, configuring output parameters may comprise adjusting, storing, or otherwise manipulating data necessary for adjusting or translating (or both) one or more protocols or standards. As yet another example, the touch input data stream may comprise configuring output stream parameters necessary for adjusting, storing, or otherwise manipulating data for processing to align the received touch input with temporal characteristics of a presentation, such as a time, duration, or period associated with the display of the presentation on a presentation device. In another example, configuring output steam parameters may comprise adjusting, storing or otherwise manipulating data to identify, modify, highlight, or manipulate presentation objects within a generated output stream. One of skill in the art will recognize that configuring output stream parameters may comprise additional or other types of configuration that are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure, as discussed herein. 
     Flow of method  700  then proceeds to operation  730  where the computing device hosting a presentation (or a presentation session) in an application program receives a stream of data comprising at least X-Y coordinates from a touchscreen device. For example, the receiving of X-Y coordinates may comprise receiving data indicating an actual, a relative, or a computed location of an X-Y coordinate from a touch-sensitive display. Thus, receipt of an X-Y coordinate may comprise receiving data representing at least two dimensional values (e.g., a data structure representing as integers the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates) that correspond to pixels, for example, of a touch-sensitive display. In another example, operation  730  may comprise receiving X-Y coordinates as relative data that describes the position of a point, line or other touchscreen input data with respect to the relative position of other data, such as touchscreen input data. It is contemplated that many types of data structures may be received, including but not limited to integer and other arrays, two-dimensional tables, etc. 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  740  where an output stream is generated by conforming X-Y coordinates to the output stream parameters. In an embodiment, conforming of X-Y coordinates may comprise one or more of adjusting the resolution or display characteristics, adjusting the dimensions, translating or adjusting for a protocol or standard, and aligning the received touch input with temporal characteristics of a presentation, such as a time, duration, or period associated with the display of the presentation, on a presentation device. In another embodiment, conforming X-Y coordinates to output stream parameters may comprise algorithmically or programmatically interpreting the received input stream based upon the output stream parameters. For example, conforming X-Y coordinates may comprise analyzing X-Y coordinates to identify vectors, objects, lines, points, and other data. As another example, generating an output stream by conforming X-Y coordinates to output stream parameters may comprise utilizing an application program other than the application program hosting a presentation. As yet another example, generating an output stream by conforming X-Y coordinates to output stream parameters may comprise integrating the received X-Y coordinate data into the output data stream or application program (as the case may be) that displays the presentation itself. 
     In an embodiment, the output stream generated by operation  740  comprises data different from the data received at operation  730 . For example, a generated output stream may represent the received X-Y coordinates using data (e.g., vector graphics) other than the values (e.g., integer values) representing the X-Y coordinates as received. In an embodiment, generation of an output stream may thus comprise conforming X-Y coordinates to vector data, presentation data, or some other type or form of data for displaying touch input based upon the X-Y coordinates within the presentation or on the display. In another embodiment, generation of an output stream comprises conforming X-Y coordinates, or data representing the same, with respect to a plurality of actual or potential presentation device profiles, where each of the actual or potential presentation device profiles may comprise different output parameters corresponding to a plurality of presentation devices. Further to this embodiment, generation of an output stream may comprise packaging the conformed X-Y coordinates, or data representing the same, within one or more data structures for transmission to the plurality of the presentation devices. 
     Method  700  flow then proceeds to operation  750  in which the generated output stream is transmitted to one or more presentation devices. In an embodiment, a generated output stream, conforming to output stream parameters, is transmitted to a single presentation device. In another embodiment, a plurality of generated output streams, conforming to multiple output stream parameters, are transmitted to a plurality of presentation devices. Further to this embodiment, transmission to a plurality of presentation devices may comprise conforming a received data stream (e.g., a touch input data stream) to various different output stream parameters, e.g., corresponding to configuration differences of different presentation devices. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a method for transmitting electronic ink data comprising vector data according to one or more embodiments. Further to the one or more embodiments discussed with respect to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  provides a method  800  where flow proceeds in operations  810 ,  820  and  850  in a correspondingly similar manner, respectively, as operations  710 ,  720 , and  750  of  FIG. 7 . With respect to  FIG. 8 , flow proceeds to operation  830  in which a stream of vector data is received from a touchscreen device. In an embodiment, the vector data comprises one or more variables having a distance and direction, or objects and data representing the one or more variables. For example, vector data may be comprised of data within an array or other data structure such that the data mathematically describes a position, length, and direction of touch input received based upon user interaction with a touch-sensitive display. Vector data may also comprise data representing objects that are collections of data that mathematically describe a position, length, and direction of the touch input. It is contemplated that a position typically has an actual or relative beginning point and ending point. It is further contemplated that length may be alternatively described as a distance, such as a distance between two points. 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  840  where an output stream is generated by confirming the stream of vector data to output parameters. In an embodiment, generation of an output stream comprises conforming vector data to X-Y coordinates, presentation data, or some other type or form of data for displaying the vector data within the presentation or on the display. In another embodiment, generation of an output stream comprises conforming vector data with respect to a plurality of actual or potential presentation device profiles, where each of the actual or potential presentation device profiles may comprise different output parameters corresponding to a plurality of presentation devices. Further to this embodiment, generation of an output stream may comprise packaging the conformed vector data within one or more data structures for transmission to the plurality of the presentation devices. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method for transmitting electronic ink data comprising presentation data according to one or more embodiments. Further to the one or more embodiments discussed with respect to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 9  provides a method  900  where flow proceeds in operations  910 ,  920  and  950  in a correspondingly similar manner, respectively, as operations  710 ,  720 , and  750  of  FIG. 7 . With respect to  FIG. 9 , flow proceeds to operation  930  where a stream of data is received that comprises presentation data from a touchscreen device. In an embodiment, the presentation data comprises one or more objects or data corresponding to an application program or a type of application program file. For example, presentation data may be comprised of data that identifies presentation objects such as geometric patterns, charts, titles, headings, text boxes, media, graphics, pictures, or other objects that correspond to objects from an application program displaying the presentation on an output display. 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  940  where an output stream is generated by confirming the stream of presentation data to output parameters. In an embodiment, generation of an output stream comprises conforming presentation data to X-Y coordinates, vector data, compatible presentation data, or some other type or form of data for displaying the presentation data within the presentation or on the display. In another embodiment, generation of an output stream comprises conforming presentation data with respect to a plurality of actual or potential presentation device profiles, where each of the actual or potential presentation device profiles may comprise different output parameters corresponding to a plurality of presentation devices. Further to this embodiment, generation of an output stream may comprise packaging the conformed presentation data within one or more data structures for transmission to the plurality of the presentation devices. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a method for synchronizing a presentation with electronic ink data transmitted for display within the presentation according to one or more embodiments. Method  1000  begins at operation  1010  in which an input stream comprising touch input data and synchronization data is received. In an embodiment, receiving the input stream in operation  1010  comprises receiving as synchronization data numerical or logical representations of temporal values corresponding to the touch input data. In an embodiment, the temporal values corresponding to the touch input data may be processed such that the touch input data may be reconstructed according to temporal values (e.g., according to the time the touch input data was first input by a user). 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  1020  in which the synchronization data is extracted from the input stream. In an embodiment, extracting the synchronization data comprises filtering for temporal data that corresponds to touch input data within the input stream. One of skill in the art will recognize that other forms of extraction are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  1030  where a computing device that hosts an active presentation compares the synchronization data against the display of the active presentation. In an embodiment, comparison of the synchronization data against the active presentation comprises determining whether the received touch input data is temporally aligned or misaligned (e.g., being faster or slower) when compared to the temporal status of the active presentation. One of skill in the art will recognize that alignment may comprise comparison of finite temporal values, comparison of a range or ranges of temporal values, or some combination of finite values and ranges. One of skill in the art will also recognize that an error rate or margin may be relied upon when comparing temporal time values and/or ranges, such that a finite value or range may or may not exceed a threshold error rate or margin in order to account for processing delays, network delays, etc. 
     Flow of method  1000  then proceeds to operation  1040  in which a determination is made whether the received synchronization data is aligned with an active presentation on the presentation display. In embodiments, operation  1040  comprises a determination whether synchronization data (e.g., one or more timestamps) is aligned with a timestamps or other temporal data corresponding to the processing of and/or display of a presentation on the presentation display. In an embodiment, determination of whether synchronization data aligns with an active presentation may comprise a determination that the synchronization meets a predetermined or threshold alignment value or range. Upon determining that synchronization data is aligned with the display of an active presentation on the presentation display, flow proceeds to operation  1050  where the touch input data is transmitted to the presentation device. Upon a determination that synchronization data is mis-aligned with the display of an active presentation on the presentation display, flow proceeds to operation  1060  where display of the touch input data is suppressed. In embodiments, suppression of touch input data according to operation  1060  comprises buffering the touch input data until a subsequent determination is made that the synchronization data aligns with the display of the active presentation. For example, buffering of the synchronization data may comprise waiting for a time period (e.g., several microseconds) until the synchronization data aligns (e.g., meets a time value or range) with the active presentation. 
       FIG. 11  provides an exemplary illustration of transmitting electronic ink data from a first device to a display comprising a second device according to one or more embodiments. While the exemplary system  1100  illustrated in  FIG. 11  provides a first device  1110  communicating with an external display  1120  via a network connection  1130 , one of skill in the art will appreciate that additional devices and/or displays may be included in the system  1100  without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments, a presentation may be displayed on both the first device  1110  and the external display  1120 . In embodiments, the presentation content may be a slide show, a document, a spreadsheet, or any other type content. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , ink data input  1140  received at first device  1120  may be displayed on external device  1120  using the various systems and methods described herein. 
     The embodiments and functionalities described herein may operate via a multitude of computing systems including, without limitation, wired and wireless computing systems, mobile computing systems (e.g., mobile telephones, netbooks, tablet or slate type computers, and laptop computers).  FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary tablet computing device  1200  that may execute one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, the embodiments and functionalities described herein may operate over distributed systems (e.g., cloud-based computing systems), where application functionality, memory, data storage and retrieval and various processing functions may be operated remotely from each other over a distributed computing network, such as the Internet or an intranet. User interfaces and information of various types may be displayed via on-board computing device displays or via remote display units associated with one or more computing devices. For example user interfaces and information of various types may be displayed and interacted with on a wall surface onto which user interfaces and information of various types are projected. Interaction with the multitude of computing systems with which embodiments of the invention may be practiced include, keystroke entry, touch screen entry, voice or other audio entry, gesture entry where an associated computing device is equipped with detection (e.g., camera) functionality for capturing and interpreting user gestures for controlling the functionality of the computing device, and the like.  FIGS. 12 through 14B  and the associated descriptions provide a discussion of a variety of operating environments in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. However, the devices and systems illustrated and discussed with respect to  FIGS. 12 through 14B  are for purposes of example and illustration and are not limiting of a vast number of computing device configurations that may be utilized for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure, described herein. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary physical components of a computing device  1300  with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. The computing device components described below may be suitable for the computing devices described above. In a basic configuration, the computing device  1300  may include at least one processing unit  1302  and a system memory  1304 . Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, the system memory  1304  may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile storage (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory), flash memory, or any combination. The system memory  1304  may include an operating system  1305 , one or more program modules  1306 , which are suitable for running applications  1320 . The operating system  1305 , for example, may be suitable for controlling the operation of the computing device  1300 . Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 13  by those components within a dashed line  1308 . The computing device  1300  may have additional features or functionality. For example, the computing device  1300  may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in  FIG. 13  by a removable storage device  1309  and a non-removable storage device  1310 . 
     As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in the system memory  1304 . While executing on the processing unit  1302 , the program modules  1306  may perform processes including, for example, one or more of the stages of the methods described herein. The aforementioned process is an example, and the processing unit  1302  may perform other processes. Other program modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include electronic mail and contacts applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aided application programs, etc. 
     Generally, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure 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. Embodiments of the present disclosure 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 memory storage devices. 
     Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced via a system-on-a-chip (SOC) where each or many of the components illustrated in  FIG. 13  may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such an SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communications units, system virtualization units and various application functionality all of which are integrated (or “burned”) onto the chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. When operating via an SOC, the functionality, described herein may be operated via application-specific logic integrated with other components of the computing device  1300  on the single integrated circuit (chip). Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems. 
     The term computer readable media as used herein may include computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, or program modules. The system memory  1304 , the removable storage device  1309 , and the non-removable storage device  1310  are all computer storage media examples (e.g., memory storage.) Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacture which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the computing device  1300 . Any such computer storage media may be part of the computing device  1300 . Computer storage media does not include a carrier wave or other propagated or modulated data signal. The computing device  1300  may also have one or more input device(s)  1312  such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a touch input device, etc. The output device(s)  1314  such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used. 
     The term computer readable media as used herein may also include communication media. Communication media may be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The computing device  1300  may include one or more communication connections  1316  allowing communications with other computing devices  1318 . Examples of suitable communication connections  1316  include, but are not limited to, RF transmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver circuitry; universal serial bus (USB), parallel, and/or serial ports. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate a mobile computing device  1400 , for example, a mobile telephone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, and the like, with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. With reference to  FIG. 14A , an exemplary mobile computing device  1400  for implementing the embodiments is illustrated. In a basic configuration, the mobile computing device  1400  is a handheld computer having both input elements and output elements. The mobile computing device  1400  typically includes a display  1405  and one or more input buttons  1410  that allow the user to enter information into the mobile computing device  1400 . The display  1405  of the mobile computing device  1400  may also function as an input device (e.g., a touch screen display). If included, an optional side input element  1415  allows further user input. The side input element  1415  may be a rotary switch, a button, or any other type of manual input element. In alternative embodiments, mobile computing device  1400  may incorporate more or less input elements. For example, the display  1405  may not be a touch screen in some embodiments. In yet another alternative embodiment, the mobile computing device  1400  is a portable phone system, such as a cellular phone. The mobile computing device  1400  may also include an optional keypad  1435 . Optional keypad  1435  may be a physical keypad or a “soft” keypad generated on the touch screen display. In various embodiments, the output elements include the display  1405  for showing a graphical user interface (GUI), a visual indicator  1420  (e.g., a light emitting diode), and/or an audio transducer  1425  (e.g., a speaker). In some embodiments, the mobile computing device  1400  incorporates a vibration transducer for providing the user with tactile feedback. In yet another embodiment, the mobile computing device  1400  incorporates input and/or output ports, such as an audio input (e.g., a microphone jack), an audio output (e.g., a headphone jack), and a video output (e.g., a HDMI port) for sending signals to or receiving signals from an external device. 
     Although described herein in combination with the mobile computing device  1400 , in alternative embodiments, features of the present disclosure may be used in combination with any number of computer systems, such as desktop environments, laptop or notebook computer systems, multiprocessor systems, micro-processor based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, mini computers, main frame computers and the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure 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; programs may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. To summarize, any computer system having a plurality of environment sensors, a plurality of output elements to provide notifications to a user and a plurality of notification event types may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 14B  is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of one embodiment of a mobile computing device. That is, the mobile computing device  1400  can incorporate a system (e.g., an architecture)  1402  to implement some embodiments. In one embodiment, the system  1402  is implemented as a “smart phone” capable of running one or more applications (e.g., browser, e-mail, calendaring, contact managers, messaging clients, games, and media clients/players). In some embodiments, the system  1402  is integrated as a computing device, such as an integrated personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless phone. 
     One or more application programs  1466  may be loaded into the memory  1462  and run on or in association with the operating system  1464 . Examples of the application programs include phone dialer programs, e-mail programs, personal information management (PIM) programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, Internet browser programs, messaging programs, and so forth. The system  1402  also includes a non-volatile storage area  1468  within the memory  1462 . The non-volatile storage area  1468  may be used to store persistent information that should not be lost if the system  1402  is powered down. The application programs  1466  may use and store information in the non-volatile storage area  1468 , such as e-mail or other messages used by an e-mail application, and the like. A synchronization application (not shown) also resides on the system  1402  and is programmed to interact with a corresponding synchronization application resident on a host computer to keep the information stored in the non-volatile storage area  1468  synchronized with corresponding information stored at the host computer. As should be appreciated, other applications may be loaded into the memory  1462  and run on the mobile computing device  1400 . 
     The system  1402  has a power supply  1470 , which may be implemented as one or more batteries. The power supply  1470  might further include an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements or recharges the batteries. 
     The system  1402  may also include a radio  1472  that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications. The radio  1472  facilitates wireless connectivity between the system  1402  and the “outside world”, via a communications carrier or service provider. Transmissions to and from the radio  1472  are conducted under control of the operating system  1464 . In other words, communications received by the radio  1472  may be disseminated to the application programs  1466  via the operating system  1464 , and vice versa. 
     The visual indicator  1420  may be used to provide visual notifications, and/or an audio interface  1474  may be used for producing audible notifications via the audio transducer  1425 . In the illustrated embodiment, the visual indicator  1420  is a light emitting diode (LED) and the audio transducer  1425  is a speaker. These devices may be directly coupled to the power supply  1470  so that when activated, they remain on for a duration dictated by the notification mechanism even though the processor  1460  and other components might shut down for conserving battery power. The LED may be programmed to remain on indefinitely until the user takes action to indicate the powered-on status of the device. The audio interface  1474  is used to provide audible signals to and receive audible signals from the user. For example, in addition to being coupled to the audio transducer  1425 , the audio interface  1474  may also be coupled to a microphone to receive audible input, such as to facilitate a telephone conversation. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the microphone may also serve as an audio sensor to facilitate control of notifications, as will be described below. The system  1402  may further include a video interface  1476  that enables an operation of an on-board camera  1430  to record still images, video stream, and the like. 
     A mobile computing device  1400  implementing the system  1402  may have additional features or functionality. For example, the mobile computing device  1400  may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in  FIG. 14B  by the non-volatile storage area  1468 . 
     Data/information generated or captured by the mobile computing device  1400  and stored via the system  1402  may be stored locally on the mobile computing device  1400 , as described above, or the data may be stored on any number of storage media that may be accessed by the device via the radio  1472  or via a wired connection between the mobile computing device  1400  and a separate computing device associated with the mobile computing device  1400 , for example, a server computer in a distributed computing network, such as the Internet. As should be appreciated such data/information may be accessed via the mobile computing device  1400  via the radio  1472  or via a distributed computing network. Similarly, such data/information may be readily transferred between computing devices for storage and use according to well-known data/information transfer and storage means, including electronic mail and collaborative data/information sharing systems. 
     One skilled in the relevant art may recognize, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances, well known structures, resources, or operations have not been shown or described in detail merely to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments. 
     The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed invention.