Abstract:
A method for selection and transfer a computer object between computers is employed in a computer networking environment including at least two computer devices and a network interface coupling between the computer devices. A computer object selection/transfer pen is used to select a computer object from a source computer device and an object ID of the computer object is picked up by the pen. The pen is then moved to a target computer device and the object ID is transferred to the target computer device. The target computer searches and retrieves the computer object from the source computer device via the network interface. The network interface can be a cable-based computer network interface or a wireless network interface and can alternatively include a servo computer to perform transfer of the computer object.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to the selection and transfer of computer object, and in particular to a method for selection and transfer of computer objects between computer devices and a device for performing the method.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     In the field of computer, in addition to the development and upgrading of hardware and software, user-friendliness is another challenge for the computer business. Due to the complexity of the newly developed computer system, it becomes difficult for general consumers to know how to properly operate newly developed computers. Thus, a simplified and user-friendly man-machine interface is of great help and benefit to the general consumers who attempt to use the computers.  
         [0003]     Generally, most of the newly developed hardware and software are quite user-friendly. For example, in a Window based operation system, a computer user is allowed to move or transfer computer files or file folders by “dragging” the computer files or file folders. Even better, locking function is also provided, which allows the user to select and lock the computer files or file folders without uninterrupted holding buttons of for example a computer mouse in moving or transferring files. This technique, however, is only applicable in a single machine computer system and is cannot help the computer user to move or transfer computer files or file folders between two or more computers.  
         [0004]     Currently, file transfer between two computers in a multiple machine computer system is done by forming cable connection or a networking system between the computers and establishing communication protocol between the computers, by which files can be transferred properly from one computer to the other.  
         [0005]     Another conventional way to transfer files between two computers, which also allows a computer user to move files by “dragging”, is to establish an infrared connection between the computers. This technique suffers the requirement of properly aligning the computers with each other in order to allow for establishment of infrared connection between the computers.  
         [0006]     These techniques, although effective in moving files between computers, is still tedious and difficult for general computer users and thus it is desired to have a method for moving computer files between computers that resembles the way that people used to moving physical articles in order to enhance user-friendliness of the computers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     An objective of the present invention is to provide a method for selection and transfer of a computer object from a source computer to a target computer in a networked multiple-machine computer system, which allows a user to transfer the computer object in a manner resembling move of physical articles, wherein the user, after selecting the computer object in the source computer, physically moves the computer object from the source computer to the target computer with the help of a transfer device.  
         [0008]     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for transferring a selected computer object from a source computer to a target computer in a networked multiple-computer system, which combines direct transfer of the object and transmission of contents of the object via the network so as to best suit mental activity of general consumers.  
         [0009]     A further objective of the present invention is to provide a device for selection and transfer of a computer object between computers, which allows for random selection and transfer of computer objects to simplify the transfer and management of computer files.  
         [0010]     In accordance with the present invention, in a computer networking environment comprised of at least two computer devices and a network interface coupling the computer devices together, a computer object selection/transfer pen is employed to select, in a source computer device, at least one computer object to be transferred and an object ID of the selected computer object is transferred to the computer object selection/transfer pen. The computer object selection/transfer pen is then moved to a target computer device and the object ID is transferred from the computer object selection/transfer pen to the target computer device. Thereafter, the target computer, based on the object ID, retrieves the computer object from the source computer device via the network interface.  
         [0011]     The network interface can be cable-based network or a wireless interface that connects between the computer devices of the system. Alternatively, the network interface comprises a servo computer that governs the transfer of the computer object itself, after the object ID is received by the target computer device. The computer object can be a computer file or a computer file folder. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description of the best mode for carrying out a method of the present invention, as well as preferred embodiment of a device for carrying out the method of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating a computer networking system comprised of at least two computer device linked to each other by a network interface for embodying a method for selection and transfer of a computer object between the computer device via the network interface in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view illustrating a computer networking system for embodying the present invention in which the network interface is formed by a cable-based network system;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is similar to  FIG. 2  but showing the network interface formed by a wireless network system;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a block circuit diagram of control circuit of a computer object selection/transfer pen in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of the method for selection and transfer of a computer object between two computer devices in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  shows an example of a table list of pen ID (PEN_ID), computer object ID (OBJ_ID), and device ID (DEV_ID), which is used in the method in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating a computer networking system for embodying the present invention in which the network interface is formed by a cable-based network system comprising a servo computer;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 7  but showing the network interface formed by a wireless network system comprising a servo computer; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 9 a  flowchart of the method for selection and transfer a computer object between two computer devices in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     With reference to the drawings and in particular to  FIG. 1 , a computer networking environment constructed in accordance with the present invention is formed by connecting at least two computer devices, which are respectively designated with reference numerals  1 ,  2 , with a network interface that is broadly designated with reference numeral  3 . Each computer device  1 ,  2  comprises a display  11 ,  21 . In the computer networking environment of the present invention that is formed by the computer devices  1 ,  2 , a computer object selection/transfer pen, designated with reference numeral  4 , is provided. The computer object selection/transfer pen  4  is selectively movable toward the display  11  of the first computer device  1  or the display  21  of the second computer device  2  to carry out selection and transfer of computer objects between the two computer devices  1 ,  2 .  
         [0023]     Each computer device  1 ,  2  is provided with a device ID (identification code), such as network address of each computer device in the computer networking environment. The computer object selection/transfer pen  4  is also provided with a pen ID, which allows the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to be identified in the computer networking environment.  
         [0024]     The term “computer object” used herein includes computer files and computer file folders. The term “transfer” used herein means data (file/file folder) copy and data (file/file folder) move that are commonly used in regular computer operation.  
         [0025]     The computer object selection/transfer pen  4  has a front tip  41 , comprising a depression-actuateable element, serving as a selector that allows a user to select computer objects. Alternatively, the front tip  41  of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  comprises electromagnetic means for performing selection in an electromagnetic manner. Another example of the front tip  41  of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  comprises a sharp end that cooperates with a touch panel, such as the touch screen of a tablet computer, to select computer objects by pointing the computer objects on the display  11 ,  21 . In the embodiment illustrated, the computer devices  1 ,  2  are provided touch-panel type display  11 ,  21 .  
         [0026]     The computer object selection/transfer pen  4  also comprises a function key  42 , such as a depressible button functioning as a confirmation button or other user-configured function key, which is actuated when depressed, for example.  
         [0027]     The network interface  3  can be embodied in several different ways. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , each computer device  1 ,  2  comprises a cable-based network interface  31 ,  32 . The interfaces  31 ,  32  are connected to each other by a cable  33 . The interfaces  31 ,  32  and the cable  33  together form a cable-based network between the computer devices  1 ,  2  and a computer networking environment for the computer devices  1 ,  2  is established.  
         [0028]     Alternatively, a wireless network interface can be established between the computer devices  1 ,  2 , an example of which is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Each computer device  1 ,  2  is equipped with a wireless network interface  34 ,  35  and wireless communication or exchange of data and signals is performed between the interfaces  34 ,  35 . Thus, a wireless computer networking environment is formed between the computer devices  1 ,  2 .  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of a control circuit of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  is illustrated. The computer object selection/transfer pen  4  comprises a microprocessor  40 , powered by a built-in power source  43 , such as a battery set. A clock signal generator  44  supplies a series of clock signals to the microprocessor  40 . A read-only memory device  45  is coupled to the microprocessor  40  for storage of control programs of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  and communication protocol for transmission/receipt of signals to/from the computer devices  1 ,  2 . A random-access memory device  46 , also coupled to the microprocessor  40 , temporarily stores data generated in selection of computer object and transmission/receipt of signals during the operation of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 .  
         [0030]     The microprocessor  40  is also connected to a pen ID register  471 , an object ID register  472 , and a device ID register  473 , for respectively storing pen ID (PEN_ID), computer object ID (OBJ_ID), and device ID (DEV_ID).  
         [0031]     The microprocessor  40  is also connected to a signal transmission/receipt unit  48 , which, under the control of the microprocessor  40 , receives the computer object ID (OBJ_ID) and the device ID (DEV_ID) from a source computer device and transmits the computer object ID (OBJ_ID), the pen ID (PEN_ID), and the device ID (DEV_ID) to a target computer device.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  shows a flowchart of the method in accordance with the present invention, which will be now described with further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Firstly, the computer devices  1 ,  2  are booted up with operation system completely loaded, step  101 . On-line connection of each computer device  1 ,  2  is then established, step  102 , and a device ID (DEV_ID) is assigned to each computer device  1 ,  2  and a pen ID (PEN_ID) is assigned to the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  in advance, step  103 . The pre-established device IDs (DEV_ID) of the computer devices  1 ,  2  and pen ID (PEN_ID) of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  are stored in the device ID register  473  and the pen ID register  471  of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , respectively.  
         [0033]     When an operator uses the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to select a computer object to be transferred on the display  11  of the source computer device, which in the embodiment is the first computer device  1 , step  104 , the selected computer object is assigned an object ID by the source computer device  1 , step  105 . Thereafter, the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  picks up the object ID of the selected computer object by the signal transmission/receipt unit  48 , step  106 , and deposits the object ID in the object ID register  472 .  
         [0034]     Thereafter, the operator physically moves the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to a target computer device, which in the embodiment illustrated is exemplified by the computer device  2 , in the computer networking environment, step  107 . The object ID (OBJ_ID) of the computer object that was previously selected from the source computer device  1 , as well as the pen ID (PEN_ID) of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , is then transferred from the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to the target computer device  2 , step  108 .  
         [0035]     When the target computer device  2  receives the object ID and the pen ID from the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , the target computer device  2  performs search through the network interface  3  for the computer object that is identified by the received object ID, step  109 . A confirmation step, step  110 , is then taken for confirmation of the transfer of the selected computer object from the source computer device  1  to the target computer device  2 , step  110 . Positive confirmation of the confirmation step initiates the transfer of the computer object that is identified by the object ID in the source computer device  1  to the target computer device through the network interface  3 , step  111 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a table list for the pen ID (PEN_ID), the object ID (OBJ_ID), and the device ID (DEV_ID). The table list contains at least one pen ID (PEN_ID) for the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , such as P 1  and P 2  in the illustrated table, at least one selected computer object, such as File 1 .txt and File 2 .txt, and the identified address of the target computer device, such as  10 . 168 . 1 . 2  and  10 . 168 . 1 . 21 . By means of the table list, correct data transfer between the source computer device and the target computer device can be realized.  
         [0037]     In a network architecture including a servo computer, data can be transferred from the source computer device to the target computer device via the servo computer, after the target computer device  2  receives the object ID (OBJ_ID) of the selected computer object and the pen ID (PEN_ID) of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  from the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of the network interface of the system illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which comprises two computer devices  1 ,  2  networked to each other by a cable-based network interface and a servo computer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the computer devices  1 ,  2  are equipped with cable-based network interface  31 ,  32  respectively and the cable-based network interfaces  31 ,  32  are connected to a network interface  51  of the servo computer  5  by cables  36 ,  37  respectively. The servo computer  5  comprises a display  52 , which can be for example a touch panel type display. Thus, on-line connection between the two computer devices  1 ,  2  and the servo computer  5  is effected by the cable-based network interfaces  31 ,  32 ,  51 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  shows another example, wherein the two computer devices  1 ,  2  form a computer networking environment with a servo computer by wireless network interfacing. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the two computer devices  1 ,  2  are equipped with wireless network interface  34 ,  35  respectively and the wireless network interfaces  34 ,  35  are in communication with a wireless network interface  53  of the servo computer  5  that comprises a display  2  in a wireless manner. Thus, on-line connection between the two computer devices  1 ,  2  and the servo computer  5  is effected by the wireless network interfaces  34 ,  35 ,  53 .  
         [0040]     The operation of the computer networking environment illustrated in either  FIG. 7  or  FIG. 8  is substantially identical to the flowchart in  FIG. 5 , with some of the steps are performed by the servo computer  5 . A flow chart of the operation of the computer system illustrated in  FIG. 7  or  8  is shown in  FIG. 9 , which will now be described with further reference to  FIGS. 1, 4 , and  6 - 8 .  
         [0041]     Firstly, the computer devices  1 ,  2  and the servo computer  5  are all booted up with operation system completely loaded, step  201 . On-line connection of each computer  1 ,  2 ,  5  is then established, step  202 , and a device ID (DEV_ID) is assigned to each computer device  1 ,  2  and a pen ID (PEN_ID) is assigned to the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  in advance, step  203 . The pre-established device IDs (DEV_ID) of the computer devices  1 ,  2  and pen ID (PEN_ID) of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  are stored in the device ID register  473  and the pen ID register  471  of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , respectively.  
         [0042]     When an operator uses the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to select a computer object to be transmitted on the display  11  of the source computer device  1 , step  204 , the selected computer object is assigned an object ID by the source computer device  1 , step  205 . Thereafter, the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  picks up the object ID of the selected computer object by the signal transmission/receipt unit  48 , step  206 , and deposits the object ID in the object ID register  472 .  
         [0043]     Thereafter, the operator physically moves the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to the target computer device  2  in the computer networking environment, step  207 . The object ID (OBJ_ID) of the computer object that was previously selected from the source computer device  1 , as well as the pen ID (PEN_ID) of the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , is then transferred from the computer object selection/transfer pen  4  to the target computer device  2 , step  208 .  
         [0044]     When the target computer device  2  receives the object ID and the pen ID from the computer object selection/transfer pen  4 , the target computer device  2  transfers the object ID and the pen ID, as well as the device ID thereof, to the servo computer  5 , step  209 . Based on the object ID, the servo computer  5  performs search for the computer object that is identified by the received object ID, step  210 . A confirmation step, step  210 , is then taken for positive confirmation of the selection of the computer object and also confirmation for transfer of the computer object from the source computer device  1  to the target computer device  2 , step  211 . Positive response of the confirmation step initiates the transfer of the computer object that is identified by the object ID in the source computer device  1  to the target computer device by the servo computer  5  through the network interface, step  212 .  
         [0045]     Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention which is intended to be defined by the appended claims.