PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8490002-B2
Application Number: US-70434410-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Projected display shared workspaces

Abstract:
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating a shared workspace where images may be shared between projected displays. In one embodiment, electronic devices each may include a projector that produces a projected display and a camera that detects gestures made with respect to the projected displays. The electronic devices may interpret gestures on the projected displays to identify image sharing commands for sharing images between the projected displays. The electronic devices may be connected through a communication link that allows the electronic devices to share image data for producing images on any of the projected displays included within the shared workspace.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a projector configured to produce a first projected display that is projected onto a projection surface, wherein the first projected display shows an image; 
 one or more cameras configured to capture a user gesture made in front of the projection surface, a shadow of the user gesture on the projection surface, or both, made with respect to the first projected display, wherein the user gesture is associated with sharing the image; 
 a communication interface configured to enable communication with a second electronic device configured to produce a second projected display; and 
 a processor operably coupled to the communication interface, the projector, and the one or more cameras, and configured to identify the image shown on the first projected display based on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, and to transmit data associated with the image to the second electronic device through the communication interface to form a shared workspace comprising the first projected display and the second projected display. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to interpret the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both to identify the second electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to interpret the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both to identify the image. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the data comprises a source file for the image or a source file location identifier for the image. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the data comprises version control information for the image. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to compare the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both to a library of user gestures to determine an image sharing command associated with the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, and wherein transmitting the data comprises executing the image sharing command. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the data enables the second electronic device to display the image on the second projected display. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the shared workspace comprises the first projected display and the second projected display projected onto the projection surface as a unified space. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, comprises an image sharing command. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the shadow of the user gesture comprises a shadow cast in the first projected display on the projected surface. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, comprises a movement made across the first projected display. 
     
     
       12. A method executed by a processor of a first electronic device, comprising:
 producing a first projected display that is projected onto a projection surface using the first electronic device; 
 establishing a communication link with a second electronic device that produces a second projected display that is also projected onto the projection surface; 
 detecting a user gesture made in front of the projection surface, a shadow of the user gesture on the first projected display on the projection surface, or both, made with respect to the first projected display through a camera of the first electronic device that is aimed at the projection surface; and 
 communicating image data between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both to form a shared workspace comprising the first projected display and the second projected display. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , comprising displaying an image represented by the image data on the first projected display and on the second projected display. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , comprising interpreting the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both to determine an image sharing command associated with the gesture, wherein communicating the image data executes the image sharing command. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , comprising interpreting the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both to determine an identity of the second electronic device. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both is interpreted based on a magnitude and/or a direction of the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 12 , comprising detecting an image sharing enablement user gesture, a shadow of the image sharing enablement user gesture, or both, through the camera and enabling an imaging sharing mode between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the enablement user gesture, the shadow of the image sharing enablement user gesture, or both. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 12 , comprising receiving position information for the second electronic device and determining relative positions of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the position information. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 12 , comprising identifying the image data based on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both made with respect to the first projected display when the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both are made with respect to an image shown on the first projected display. 
     
     
       20. A first electronic device, comprising:
 a projector configured to produce a first projected display that is projected onto a projection surface; 
 a camera pointed at the projection surface and configured to capture a user gesture made in front of the projection surface, a shadow of the user gesture in the first projected display on the projection surface, or both, made with respect to the first projected display; 
 a communication interface configured to enable communication with one or more other electronic devices, each configured to produce another projected display onto the projection surface; and 
 a processor operably coupled to the communication interface, the projector, and the camera, and configured to identify an image shown on the first projected display based on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, to determine a recipient electronic device of the one or more other electronic devices based on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, and to transmit data associated with the image to the recipient electronic device through the communication interface to enable the recipient electronic device to display the image on a respective other projected display generated by the recipient electronic device. 
 
     
     
       21. The first electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein the camera comprises a viewing area wider than a display angle of the projector. 
     
     
       22. The first electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein the camera is configured to detect an electronic device identifier shown on a neighboring projected display of at least one of the another projected displays, and wherein the processor is configured to determine positions of the one or more other electronic devices with respect to the first electronic device based at least in part on the electronic device identifier. 
     
     
       23. The first electronic device of  claim 20 , comprising a positioning device configured to determine a location of the first electronic device, wherein the processor is configured to determine the recipient electronic device based at least in part on the location. 
     
     
       24. The first electronic device of  claim 20 , wherein the camera is configured to detect a magnitude and/or a direction of the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the recipient electronic device based on the magnitude and/or the direction. 
     
     
       25. The first electronic device of  claim 20 , comprising a user interface configured to enable user selection of positions of the one or more other electronic devices with respect to the electronic device, wherein the processor is configured to determine the recipient device based on the relative positions. 
     
     
       26. A manufacture, comprising:
 one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage media having application instructions encoded thereon for execution by a processor, the application instructions comprising instructions to:
 interpret a user gesture, a shadow of the user gesture, or both, made with respect to a first projected display that is projected on a projection surface to determine an image sharing command; 
 determine a recipient electronic device projecting a second projected display on the projection surface based at least in part on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both; and 
 transmit image data to the recipient electronic device to execute the image sharing command, wherein the first projected display and the second projected display thereby form a shared workspace. 
 
 
     
     
       27. The manufacture of  claim 26 , wherein the application instructions include instructions for determining a position of the recipient electronic device. 
     
     
       28. The manufacture of  claim 26 , wherein the application instructions include instructions for identifying image data based on the user gesture, the shadow of the user gesture, or both. 
     
     
       29. The manufacture of  claim 26 , wherein the application instructions include instructions for enabling an image sharing mode based on interpretation of an additional user gesture, a shadow of the additional user gesture, or both. 
     
     
       30. A first electronic device, comprising:
 one or more cameras aimed at a projection surface and configured to detect an image sharing command gesture made in front of the projection surface, a shadow of the image sharing command gesture, or both, made with respect to a first projected display, wherein the first projected display is projected on the projection surface; 
 a communication interface configured to enable communication with a second electronic device configured to produce a second projected display that is also projected on the projection surface or an adjacent projection surface; and 
 a processor operably coupled to the communication interface and the one or more cameras, and configured to identify an image shown on the first projected display based at least in part on the image sharing command gesture, the shadow of the image sharing command gesture, or both, and to transmit data associated with the image to the second electronic device through the communication interface to enable the second electronic device to display the image on the second projected display. 
 
     
     
       31. The first electronic device of  claim 30 , wherein the image sharing command gesture, the shadow of the image sharing command gesture, or both, comprise a movement made across the first projected display. 
     
     
       32. The first electronic device of  claim 30 , wherein the processor is configured to interpret the image sharing command gesture, the shadow of the image sharing command gesture, or both, to determine an identity of the second electronic device. 
     
     
       33. The first electronic device of  claim 30 , wherein the communication interface comprises a near field communication interface configured to receive information identifying the second electronic device. 
     
     
       34. A first electronic device, comprising:
 an input/output port configured to enable connection of the first electronic device to a projector configured to produce a first projected display that is projected onto a projection surface; 
 a communication interface configured to enable communication with a second electronic device configured to produce a second projected display, wherein the second projected display is also projected onto the projection surface and forms a shared workspace with the first projected display; and 
 a processor operably coupled to the communication interface, and configured to receive image data from the second electronic device, wherein the image data is identified based on an image sharing command gesture performed in front of on the second projected display, a shadow of the image sharing command on the projection surface, or both, and configured to enable display of an image represented by the image data on the first projected display. 
 
     
     
       35. The first electronic device of  claim 34 , wherein the processor is configured to adjust a size of another image shown on the first projected display to enable display of the image represented by the image data. 
     
     
       36. The first electronic device of  claim 34 , wherein the processor is configured to adjust a position of another image shown on the first projected display to enable display of the image represented by the image data. 
     
     
       37. The first electronic device of  claim 34 , comprising one or more cameras pointed toward the projection surface and configured to detect an image sharing command gesture performed in front of the first projected display, a shadow of the image sharing command gesture performed in front of the first projected display, or both.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and, more particularly to electronic devices with projected displays that may be in communication with one another to form a shared workspace. 
     This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. 
     Consumers frequently store many types of data on electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, portable media players, laptop computers, and personal data assistants. For example, consumers may store photographs, movies, presentations, messages, documents, databases, and spreadsheets on electronic devices. Due to the increasing portability of electronic devices, consumers frequently share data stored on electronic devices with other people. Many electronic devices include display screens that allow a consumer to display the data and allow viewing of the data by other people. However, to facilitate portability, these display screens may be small, which may inhibit viewing by larger groups of people. Further, to facilitate viewing on the display screen, the electronic device may be transferred between viewers, which may be inconvenient. 
     SUMMARY 
     A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below. 
     The present disclosure generally relates to electronic devices that may be connected to one another over one or more communication links to produce a shared projected workspace. In accordance with certain embodiments, each electronic device may include a projector that may be used to produce a projected display. Two or more projected displays, each from a separate electronic device, may be displayed proximate or adjacent to one another to produce the shared projected workspace. Images displayed on one of the projected displays within the shared workspace may be transferred and/or copied to another projected display within the shared workspace. According to certain embodiments, the electronic devices may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for transferring images between the projected displays. The electronic devices each also may include a camera that detects user gestures on the projected display. In these embodiments, a user may perform a gesture to transfer images between the projected displays. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of exemplary components of an electronic device that may be employed to produce a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a computer in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a shared workspace system that includes one or more of the electronic devices of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 3  illustrating a gesture for sharing images within a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 3  illustrating another gesture for sharing images within a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 3  illustrating a unified display mode for a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of another embodiment of a shared workspace system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a GUI screen that may be employed to assign electronic device positions within the system of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of a GUI screen that may be employed to select images for display on the shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a GUI screen that may be employed to transfer images between projected displays within the system of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of an embodiment of a projected display of  FIG. 7  that facilitates gestures for sharing images within a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of another embodiment of a projected display of  FIG. 7  that facilitate gestures for sharing images within a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of methods for sharing images within a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a shared workspace system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of methods for sharing images within a shared workspace, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The present disclosure is directed to electronic devices and systems that may be employed to create a shared workspace. The shared workspace may include two or more projected displays, each generated by a separate electronic device. Images may be transferred between the projected displays within the shared workspace. For example, the electronic devices may communicate with each other over a communication link that allows data for images to be transferred between the electronic devices for display on different projected displays within the shared workspace. In certain embodiments, the electronic devices may communicate directly with one another. However, in other embodiments, the electronic devices may communicate through an intermediary device, such as a server. 
     The electronic devices may include projectors for producing the projected displays, as well as cameras for detecting gestures made with respect to the projected displays. According to certain embodiments, the electronic devices may include a library of gestures that correspond to image sharing commands. For example, different gestures may represent different image sharing commands, such as an image transfer command for moving an image from one projected display to another projected display and an image copy command for displaying a copy of an image on one projected display on another projected display. To share images between projected displays, a user may perform a gesture with respect to the projected displays. The camera for the electronic device producing that projected display may detect the gesture, and in turn, the electronic device may interpret the gesture and perform the associated image sharing command. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device  10  that may be employed to produce a shared workspace. Electronic device  10  may be any type of electronic device that is capable of displaying projected images and recognizing gestures through a camera. For instance, electronic device  10  may be a media player, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a personal data organizer, a workstation, or the like. According to certain embodiments, electronic device  10  may be a portable electronic device, such as a model of an iPod® or iPhone® available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. In other embodiments, electronic device  10  may be a desktop or laptop computer, including a MacBook®, MacBook® Pro, MacBook Air®, iMac®, Mac® Mini, or Mac Pro®, also available from Apple Inc. In further embodiments, electronic device  10  may include other models and/or types of electronic devices employing cameras and projectors. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  10  may include various internal and/or external components that contribute to the function of device  10 . The various functional blocks shown in  FIG. 1  may include hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including computer code stored on a computer-readable medium), or a combination of both hardware and software elements. It should further be noted that  FIG. 1  is merely one example of a particular implementation and is intended to illustrate, but not limit, the types of components that may be present in electronic device  10 . 
     Electronic device  10  includes a display  12  that may be used to display image data, which may include stored image data (e.g., picture or video files stored in electronic device  10 ) and streamed image data (e.g., images received over a network), as well as live captured image data (e.g., photos or video taken using the electronic device  10 ). Display  12  also may display various images generated by electronic device  10 , including a GUI for an operating system or other application. The GUI may include various layers, windows, screens, templates, or other graphical elements that may be displayed in all, or a portion, of display  12 . Display  12  may be any suitable display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, for example. 
     According to certain embodiments, display  12  may be provided in conjunction with a touchscreen  14  that may function as part of a control interface for device  10 . Touchscreen  14  may be positioned in front of, or behind, display  12  and may be used to select graphical elements shown on display  12 . Further, in certain embodiments, touchscreen  14  may be used to move images between projected displays of the shared workspace and/or to set parameters of the shared workspace, such as relative positions of electronic devices included within the shared workspace. Touchscreen  14  may employ any suitable type of touchscreen technology such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, surface acoustic wave, electromagnetic, or near field imaging. Furthermore, touchscreen  14  may employ single point or multipoint sensing. 
     Display  12  also may operate in conjunction with a projector  16 . Although shown as a separate component, in other embodiments, projector  16  may be an integral part of display  12 . Further, in certain embodiments, projector  16  may be removably attached to electronic device  10 . For example, projector  16  may clip to an external surface of electronic device  10 . In these embodiments, projector  16  may be connected to electronic device  10  through an I/O port  18  or through a wireless connection. Projector  16  may be any suitable type of projector, such as a holographic laser projector, a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector, a digital light processing (DLP) projector, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) projector, or a light emitting diode (LED) projector, among others. 
     I/O ports  18  may include ports configured to connect to a variety of external devices, such as a power source, headset or headphones, or other electronic devices such as computers, printers, projectors, external displays, modems, docking stations, and so forth. I/O ports  18  may support any interface type, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a video port, a serial connection port, an IEEE-1394 port, an Ethernet or modem port, and external S-ATA port, and/or an AC/DC power connection port, among others. 
     An I/O controller  20  may provide the infrastructure for exchanging data between a processor  22  and input/output devices connected through I/O ports  18 , as well as other input/output devices, such as display  12 , touchscreen  14 , and projector  16 . I/O controller  20  may contain one or more integrated circuits and may be integrated with processor  22  or may exist as a separate component. 
     Processor  22  may include one or more processors that provide the processing capability to execute the operating system, programs, user and application interfaces, and any other functions of electronic device  10 . Processor  22  may include one or more microprocessors and/or related chip sets. For example, processor  22  may include “general purpose” microprocessors, a combination of general and special purpose microprocessors, instruction set processors, graphics processors, video processors, related chips sets, and/or special purpose microprocessors. Processor  22  also may include on board memory for caching purposes. 
     Information, such as programs and/or instructions, used by processor  22  may be located within storage  24 . Storage  24  may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, storage  24  may store firmware for electronic device  10  (such as a basic input/output instruction or operating system instructions), various programs, applications, or routines executed on electronic device  10 , user interface functions, processor functions, and so forth. According to certain embodiments, storage  24  may store a program enabling establishment of a shared workspace and/or control of a shared workspace using electronic device  10 . In addition, storage  24  may be used for buffering or caching during operation of electronic device  10 . 
     Storage  24  may include any suitable manufacture that includes one or more tangible, computer-readable media. For example, storage  24  may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or as a non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The components may further include other forms of computer-readable media, such as non-volatile storage, for persistent storage of data and/or instructions. The non-volatile storage may include flash memory, a hard drive, or any other optical, magnetic, and/or solid-state storage media. The non-volatile storage may be used to store firmware, data files, software, wireless connection information, and any other suitable data. 
     Electronic device  10  also may include one or more input devices  26  that may be actuated by a user to provide user input or feedback to processor  22 . For instance, input devices  26  may be configured to control one or more functions of electronic device  10 , applications running on electronic device  10 , and/or any interfaces or devices connected to or used by electronic device  10 . User interaction with input devices  26 , such as to interact with a user or application interface displayed on display  12 , may generate electrical signals indicative of the user input. These input signals may be routed through I/O controller  20  via suitable pathways, such as an input hub or bus, to processor  22  for further processing. 
     By way of example, input devices  26  may include buttons, sliders, switches, control pads, keys, knobs, scroll wheels, keyboards, mice, touchpads, and so forth, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, input devices  26  may allow a user to navigate a GUI displayed on display  12  to control settings for a shared workspace. Input devices  26  may be used in conjunction with, or independently of, touchscreen  14  to select inputs for electronic device  10 . 
     One or more communication interfaces  28  may provide connectivity channels for receiving and transmitting information and/or for connecting to other electronic devices to establish a shared workspace. Communication interface  28  may represent, for example, one or more network interface cards (NIC) or a network controller. Communication interface  28  may include a local area network (LAN) interface for connecting to a wired Ethernet-based network and/or a wireless LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11x wireless network. 
     Communication interface  28  also may include a wide area network (WAN) interface that permits connection to the Internet via a cellular data network, such as the Enhanced Data rates for GMS Evolution (EDGE) network or a 3G or 4G network. Further, communication interface  28  may include a personal area network (PAN) interface for connecting to a Bluetooth® network, an IEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) network, or an ultra wideband network (UWB). Communication interface  28  may include any number and combination of network interfaces. As will be appreciated, communication interface  28  may employ one or more protocols, such as the High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) protocol, for rapidly downloading data over a network. Additionally, communication interface  28  may allow electronic device  10  to receive a software upgrade that enables electronic device  10  to establish and/or control a shared workspace in accordance with certain embodiments. 
     In certain embodiments, electronic device  10  may use a device identification networking protocol to establish a connection with another electronic device through communication interface  28 . For example, both electronic device  10  and the other electronic device may broadcast identification information using Internet protocol (IP). The electronic devices may then use the identification information to establish a network connection, such as a PAN connection or a LAN connection, between the devices. By way of example, the device identification protocol may be Bonjour® by Apple Inc. 
     Communication interface  28  may further include a near field communication (NFC) device. The NFC device may allow for close range communication at relatively low data rates (424 kb/s), and may comply with standards such as ISO 18092 or ISO 21481, or it may allow for close range communication at relatively high data rates (560 Mbps), and may comply with the TransferJet® protocol. In certain embodiments, the NFC device may be used to receive information, such as the service set identifier (SSID), channel, and encryption key, used to connect through another communication interface, such as a WAN, LAN, or PAN interface. 
     Electronic device  10  also includes one or more cameras  30  that may be used to acquire still and/or moving images, such as digital photographs or videos. Camera  30  may be any suitable camera, such as a digital video camera employing a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, among others. According to certain embodiments, camera  30  may be an iSight® camera available from Apple Inc. 
     Camera  30  may be designed to detect gestures in the form of shadows and/or silhouettes shown on the projected display created by projector  16 . For example, camera  30  may be designed to detect spatial patterns, such as shadows, produced on the projected display. Camera  30  also may be designed to detect movement of an object, such as hand, that produces gestures within the viewing area of camera  30 . For example, rather than, or in addition to, detecting shadows on the projected display, camera  30  may detect the movement of the object itself Camera  30  also may be designed to detect x and y spatial directions along the plane of the projected display to determine a direction of the gesture. Further, where two or more cameras are included, cameras  30  may operate in conjunction with one another along the plane of the projected display to detect the z spatial direction, in addition to the x and y spatial directions. For example, the motion of an object with respect to a projected display may be detected in the x and y spatial directions with one camera, or in the x, y, and z spatial directions with two or more cameras. 
     Camera  30  may operate in conjunction with image processing software included within storage  24  to interpret gestures for sharing or moving images between projected displays of the shared workspace. For example, storage  24  may include a library of gestures  32  that may correlate to image sharing commands that allow a user to move images between different projected displays of the shared workspace. Image processing software may interpret gestures viewed through camera  30  to determine image sharing commands represented by the detected gestures. Processor  22  may then use one or more programs encoded on storage  24  to execute the image sharing commands. For example, camera  30  may detect a gesture that corresponds to an image sharing command to move an image from the current projected display to another projected display. The image processing software may interpret the gesture viewed by camera  30  to identify the image sharing command. Processor  22  may then retrieve and transmit data corresponding to the image to an electronic device for the other projected display to allow the other electronic device to display the image on its projected display. 
     Electronic device  10  also includes a positioning device  34  designed to determine the geographic location of electronic device  10 . For example, positioning device  34  may be a GPS system, such as an Assisted GPS (A-GPS) system. In another example, positioning device  34  may include a device that triangulates wireless access points to determine a location. In yet another example, positioning device  34  may include a radio frequency transmitter that operates in conjunction with a radio frequency mapping system through communication interface  28  to determine a location. According to certain embodiments, processor  22  may use the location information from positioning device  34  to determine the relative positions of electronic devices connected to form the shared workspace. 
     Electronic device  10  may be powered by a power source  35  that may include one or more batteries and, or alternatively, an AC power source, such as provided by an electrical outlet. In certain embodiments, electronic device  10  may include an integrated power source that may include one or more batteries, such as a Li-Ion battery. In certain embodiments, a proprietary connection I/O port  18  may be used to connect electronic device  10  to a power source for recharging the battery. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an example of an electronic device  10 A in the form of a laptop computer. As shown in  FIG. 2 , electronic device  10 A includes a housing  36 A that supports and protects interior components, such as processors, circuitry, and controllers, among others. Housing  36 A also allows access to user input devices  26 A, such as a keypad, touchpad, and buttons, that may be used to interact with electronic device  10 A. For example, user input devices  26 A may be manipulated by a user to operate a GUI and/or applications running on electronic device  10 A. In certain embodiments, input devices  26 A may be manipulated by a user to control properties of a shared workspace produced by electronic device  10 A. 
     Electronic device  10 A also may include various (I/O) ports  18 A that allow connection of electronic device  10 A to external devices, such as a power source, printer, network, or other electronic device. For example, electronic device  10 A may be connected to an external projector  16 A through a cable  37  that connects projector  16 A to an I/O port  18 A of electronic device  10 A. Projector  16 A may be used to produce a projected display from electronic device  10 A that may form part of a shared workspace. Electronic device  10 A also includes camera  30 A that may be used to detect gestures on the projected display for controlling the shared workspace. According to certain embodiments, camera  30 A may include one or more cameras pointed in multiple directions. For example, camera  30 A may be directed towards the front of display  12 A to function as a webcam and may be directed towards the back of display  12 A to detect gestures for controlling a shared workspace. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a system  38  of electronic devices  10 B and  10 C that may be employed to produce a shared workspace  40 . As shown, electronic device  10 B represents a multifunctional media player that may be used to play videos, take pictures, and make phone calls, and electronic device  10 C represents a tablet computer. However, in other embodiments, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may be any suitable type of electronic device, such as a portable media player, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or the like. Moreover, in certain embodiments, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may be the same or different type of electronic device. 
     Each electronic device  10 B and  10 C includes a projector  16 B and  16 C, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, electronic device  10 B includes an integrated projector  16 B, which may be coupled to electronic device  10 B through an I/O port  18  ( FIG. 1 ). According to certain embodiments, projector  16 B may clip or snap onto housing  36 B of electronic device  10 B. However, in other embodiments, projector  16 B may be disposed within housing  36 B. Further, in certain embodiments, projector  16 B may be an external device connected to an I/O port  18  ( FIG. 1 ) of electronic device  10 B through a connector, such as a cable. In the depicted embodiment, electronic device  10 C includes an integral projector  16 C disposed within housing  36 C. However, in other embodiments, projector  16 C may be disposed outside of housing  36 C. 
     Electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may be placed on a surface  42 , such as a table, to produce shared workspace  40  on a surface  44 , such as a wall, screen, or whiteboard, among others. In other embodiments, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may be held by a user or mounted on a tripod. To produce shared workspace  40 , each projector  16 B and  16 C may produce a projected display  48 B and  48 C. Projected displays  48 B and  48 C may be produced within the same location to allow a user to interact with both projected displays  48 B and  48 C. According to certain embodiments, the projected displays  48 B and  48 C may be disposed adjacent to each other to form a unified display. However, in other embodiments, the projected displays  48 B and  48 C may be produced farther apart and/or on separate walls of a location. Further, in certain embodiments, projected displays  48 B and  48 C may be positioned above and below one another. 
     In one embodiment, each electronic device  10 B and  10 C includes an input device  26 B or  26 C, and a display  12 B or  12 C with a touchscreen  14 B or  14 C that may be used to display a GUI that enables a user to interact with shared workspace  40 . For example, through touchscreen  14 B or  14 C, a user may select images  50  and  52  to display on projected displays  48 B and  48 C. Images  50  and  52  may represent pictures, photographs, video files, audio files, application files, or the like. In another example, through touchscreen  14 B or  14 C, a user may select a graphical element to initiate an image sharing mode, where images may be transferred between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. 
     In particular, when electronic devices operate in an image sharing mode, a communication link may be established between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C through their respective communication interfaces  28  ( FIG. 1 ). Through the communication link, image data may be transferred between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C to allow images from one projected display  48 B or  48 C to be displayed on the other projected display  48 C or  48 B. For example, a user may transfer image  50  currently shown on projected display  48 B to projected display  48 C, as described further below with respect to  FIG. 4 . Image data also may be transferred between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C to allow images from one projected display  48 B or  48 C to be displayed on both projected displays  48 B and  48 C. For example, a user may copy image  50  and display a copy of image  50  on projected display  48 C along with the original image  50  that is shown on projected display  48 B, as described further below with respect to  FIG. 5 . In another example, projected displays  48 B and  48 C may be combined to produce a unified display where a single image may be displayed across both projected displays  48 B and  48 C, as described further below with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
     To share images between projected displays  48 B and  48 C, a user may perform one or more gestures on a projected display  48 B or  48 C. Each device  10 B and  10 C includes one or more cameras  30 B and  30 C that may be used to detect gestures performed in front of projected displays  48 B and  48 C. For example, a user may stand adjacent to shared workspace  40  and gesture in front of one or both of projected displays  48 B and  48 C. The user&#39;s gesture may cast a shadow on projected display  48 B or  48 C that the respective camera  30 B or  30 C may detect. In other embodiments, camera  30 B or  30 C may detect the gesture itself, rather than the shadow of the gesture. Electronic device  10 B or  10 C may interpret the detected gesture and may correlate the gesture with an image sharing command. For example, electronic device  10 B or  10 C may compare the detected gestures to a library of gestures  32  ( FIG. 1 ) stored within electronic device  10 B or  10 C. 
     Image sharing commands may include various types of commands, such as copy or transfer commands, for sharing an image shown on one projected display  48 B with one or more other projected displays  48 C within shared workspace  40 . Each image sharing command may be represented by a different gesture. For example, a user may place a hand or other suitable object in front of an image  50  and may flick his hand to the right to produce a gesture that electronic device  10 B recognizes and uses to transfer image  50  from projected display  48 B to projected displays  48 C. In another example, a user may hold onto an image with a fist and move the fist to the right to produce a gesture that electronic device  10 B recognizes as a command to copy image  50  and transfer a copy of image  50  to projected display  48 C. In this example, image  50  may then be displayed on both projected displays  48 B and  48 C. As may be appreciated, these gestures are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting. Any number of various types of gestures may be associated with different image sharing commands or functionalities. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an example of a gesture that may be employed to transfer images  50  and  52  between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. To produce a gesture, a user may move an object  54 , shown here as a hand, in front of a projected display  48 B. Although object  54  is shown here as a hand, in other embodiments, object  54  may represent a pointing device, or other suitable object. To produce the gesture, a user may move object  54  from a first position  55  to a second position  56 , as generally shown by an arrow  57 . Camera  30 B of electronic device  10 B may detect the gesture on projected display  48 B. In response to detection of the gesture, electronic device  10 B may interpret the gesture and perform an image sharing command associated with the gesture. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the gesture may correspond to an image sharing command for transferring an image  50  from one projected display  48 B to another projected display  48 C. In particular, in response to detecting the gesture, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C have moved image  50  from projected display  48 B to projected display  48 C. According to certain embodiments, in response to detecting the gesture, electronic device  10 B may transmit image data for image  50  to electronic device  10 C to enable electronic device  10 C to display image  50  on projected display  48 C. After transmitting the image data, electronic device  10 B may remove image  50  from projected display  48 B. 
     After receiving the image data, electronic device  10 C may display image  50  on projected display  48 C through projector  16 C. Electronic device  10 C also may reposition images  50  and  52  shown on projected display  48 C to ensure that there is adequate space for displaying all of the images. Further, in certain embodiments, electronic device  10 C may resize images  50  and  52  to ensure that the images fit within the display area of projected display  48 C. In certain embodiments, electronic devices  10  may store user preferences within storage  24  ( FIG. 1 ) that specify how images  50  and  52  should be resized and/or repositioned. 
     According to certain embodiments, electronic devices  10  may interpret the gesture based on the shape, direction, speed, acceleration, and/or magnitude of the gesture. Accordingly, a user may vary the shape of object  54 , the orientation of object  54 , the direction of the gesture, the speed of the gesture, the acceleration of the gesture, and/or the magnitude of the gesture to perform different image sharing commands. For example, a user may display an open palm or a closed fist to perform gestures for executing other types of image sharing commands, such as copying images, displaying images on multiple projected displays, displaying an image on a unified space that includes the projected displays, or exchanging images between projected displays, among others. In another example, a user may change the number of fingers that are extended during the gesture. Further, in certain embodiments, gestures may be performed with multiple objects  54 , such as two hands. Moreover, in certain embodiments, gestures may include a series of separate motions. 
     In certain embodiments, gestures also may be used to collect a series of images that may be shared between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. For example, a user may perform a gesture, such as a two-finger tap, to select multiple images and group the multiple images together. A user may then perform a subsequent gesture that corresponds to an image sharing command. For example, a user may perform a gesture that corresponds to moving an image from one projected display  48 B to another projected display  48 C as shown in  FIG. 4 . In response to detecting the gesture, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may then perform the image sharing command for the entire group of selected images. For example, the group of selected images may be moved from one projected display  48 B to another projected display  48 C. The grouping of images may allow for mass sharing or copying of images between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. Further, in certain embodiments, the grouping of images may allow for the mass uniform display of multiple images on a unified space that includes projected displays  48 B and  48 C. 
       FIG. 5  depicts another example of a gesture that may be used to share images between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. In this example, a user may arrange object  54  into a fist that moves from a first position  58  to a second position  59  as shown by an arrow  60 . Camera  30 B may detect the gesture, and electronic device  10 B may interpret the gesture to retrieve an imaging sharing command associated with the detected gesture. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the gesture may represent a copy command for producing a copy of an image on another projected display  48 C. In particular, in response to detecting the gesture, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C have produced a copy  61  of image  50  that is shown on projected display  48 C. According to certain embodiments, in response to detecting the gesture, electronic device  10 B may transmit image data for image  50  to electronic device  10 C to enable electronic device  10 C to display the copy  61  of image  50  on projected display  48 C. Rather than removing image  50  from projected display  48 B, electronic device  10 B may continue to display image  50  on projected display  48 B so that image  50  and copy  61  of image  50  are displayed simultaneously. 
       FIG. 6  depicts another embodiment of shared workspace  40  that may operate in a unified display mode. In the unified display mode, projected displays  48 B and  48 C may be combined to produce a unified display  62  that allows individual images to be displayed across two or more projected displays  48 B and  48 C within shared workspace  40 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, image  50  is displayed across projected displays  48 B and  48 C. In other embodiments, unified display  62  may include three or more projected displays  48  produced by three or more electronic devices  10 . In these embodiments, images may be transferred and/or shared between any of the projected displays  48  included within unified display  62 . 
     The unified display mode may be enabled in response to receiving a gesture and/or in response to receiving a user input. In certain embodiments, the shape, direction, acceleration, and/or magnitude of the gesture may determine which projected displays  48 B and  48 C should be combined to form unified display  62 . When the unified display mode is enabled, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may adjust projected displays  48 B and  48 C to create unified display  62 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C have extended projected displays  48 B and  48 C towards one another to form a contiguous display without space between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. In addition to minimizing the space between projected displays  48 B and  48 C, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may also minimize or reduce the overlap between projected displays  48 B and  48 C. 
     The creation of unified display  62  may allow an individual image  50  to be displayed using both projected displays  48 B and  48 C. A user may select an image  50  to display on unified display  62  using a gesture and/or through a user input on one of electronic devices  10 B or  10 C. In response to detecting the gesture or user input, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may display a portion  63  of image  50  on projected display  48 B while another portion  64  of image  50  is displayed on projected display  48 C. The portions  63  and  64  may be displayed contiguous to one another to form the complete image  50 . 
     According to certain embodiments, a user may perform gestures to control the display of images  50  on unified display  62 . For example, a user may perform various gestures to enlarge or reduce the size of an image  50 , to move an image  50 , and/or to rotate an image  50 . One or both cameras  30 B and  30 C may detect the gesture and vary the display of image  50  in response to detecting the gesture. 
     In certain embodiments, to facilitate control of unified display  62 , one of the electronic devices  10 B may be designated as the master device while the other electronic devices  10 C function as slave devices. An indicator  65  may be displayed on unified display  62  to facilitate identification of the master electronic device  10 B. The master electronic device  10 B may then be used to control the display of images on unified display  62 . For example, a user may select images to display on unified display  62  through a GUI of electronic device  10 B and/or through gestures detected by camera  30 B. In certain embodiments, the master electronic device  10 B may provide control signals to the slave electronic devices  10 C, for example, through communication interfaces  28  ( FIG. 1 ), to control the display of images  50  on unified display  62 . Further, in certain embodiments, through a GUI of electronic device  10 B or through a gesture, a user may be able to change the electronic device  10 B or  10 C that is designated as the master electronic device. 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , the shape, direction, speed, acceleration, and/or magnitude of a gesture may be used by electronic device  10  to identify an image sharing command. Further, in certain embodiments, the shape, direction, speed, acceleration, and/or magnitude of a gesture may be used to determine the projected display  48  that receives a shared image. Using the shape, direction, speed, acceleration, and/or magnitude of a gesture to determine a recipient projected display  48  may be particularly important in systems  38  with three or more connected electronic devices  10  that produce three or more projected displays  48 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of system  38  that includes three connected electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C that produce three projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C within shared workspace  40 . In particular, electronic device  10 A produces projected display  48 A; electronic device  10 B produces projected display  48 B; and electronic device  10 C produces projected display  48 C. Images  50  and  52  may be shared across projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C to produce shared workspace  40 . In certain embodiments, images  50  and  52  may be shared between projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C in a discrete image sharing mode where an individual image is transferred or copied between projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C. Further, in certain embodiments, projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C may be combined to form a unified display that allows for individual images to be displayed across two or three of the projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C, as described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . Moreover, in other embodiments, projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C may be arranged in an omnidirectional orientation with projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C located above and below on another or diagonal with respect to one another in addition to, or instead of, being arranged next to one another as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In addition to determining an image sharing command, the shape, direction, speed, acceleration, and/or magnitude of a gesture may determine the projected display  48 A,  48 B, or  48 C that receives a shared image. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a user may produce a gesture that moves object  54  from a first position  68  to a second position  70 , as illustrated by arrow  72 . The projected display  48 B, on which the gesture is performed, may generally be referred to as the initiating projected display  48 B. The shape and direction of the gesture in  FIG. 7  is similar to the gesture shown in  FIG. 4 . However, as indicated by arrow  72 , which is larger than arrow  57  shown in  FIG. 4 , the gesture of  FIG. 7  is much larger in magnitude than the gesture shown in  FIG. 4 . Indeed, second position  70 , shown in  FIG. 7 , is disposed almost completely outside of projected display  48 B, while second position  56 , shown in  FIG. 4 , is disposed within projected display  48 B. The larger magnitude of the gesture shown in  FIG. 7  may indicate that image  50  should be displayed on the farthest projected display  48 A, rather than the adjacent projected display  48 C. 
     According to certain embodiments, the magnitude of a gesture may be increased to share an image with a projected display  48 A that is farther away from the initiating projected display  48 B, and may be decreased to share an image with a projected display  48 C that is closer to the initiating projected display  48 B. Further, the direction of the gesture may indicate whether the recipient projected display  48  is located to the left or to the right of the initiating projected display  48 B. For example, a gesture to the right may indicate that the recipient projected display is located to the right of the initiating projected display  48 B, while a gesture to the left may indicate that the recipient projected display  48  is located to the left of the initiating projected display  48 B. 
     Further, in certain embodiments, the projected displays  48  may be arranged in a circular interface where gestures to the right and left may be used to select projected displays  48  in succession. For example, a gesture to the left may be made on projected display  48 B shown in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, since there is no projected display  48  to the left of projected display  48 B, the gesture may be used to select projected display  48 A as the recipient display. In other words, electronic devices  10  may be designed to select the last projected display  48  in the opposite direction if there is no projected display  48  located in the direction specified. 
     In other embodiments, the shape of a gesture may determine the recipient projected display  48 . For example, the arc of the gesture may be varied to simulate tossing an image to the recipient projected display. The arc of a gesture may be increased to select a recipient projected display  48  that is farther away, which may simulate tossing the image over the projected displays disposed between the initiating projected display and the recipient projected display. Similarly, the arc of a gesture may be decreased to select a recipient projected display that is closer to the initiating projected display. In another example, each of the projected displays  48  within shared workspace  40  may be assigned a different number. A gesture may be made with a number of extended fingers corresponding to the number of the recipient projected display  48 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , projected display  48 A may be assigned the number two. The gesture may then be made with two extended fingers to share image  50  with projected display  48 A. 
     According to certain embodiments, position identifiers  74 A,  74 B, and  74 C may be employed to determine the relative positions of projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C and their associated electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. Position identifiers  74 A,  74 B, and  74 C may display a visual image, such as a letter, number, picture, barcode, or the like, that identifies the electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C associated with a projected display  48 A,  48 B, or  48 C. For example, in addition to displaying images  50  and  52 , each projected display  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C may display one or more position identifiers  74 A,  74 B,  74 C that identify the electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C associated with that projected display  48 A,  48 B, or  48 C. 
     Cameras  30 A,  30 B, and  30 C each may have a wider viewing area than the display area of projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C. The wider viewing area may allow cameras  30 A,  30 B, and  30 C to view a portion of, or all of, the neighboring projected display  48 A,  48 B, or  48 C. For example, projected display  48 C may include two position identifiers  74 C each located in one corner of projected display  48 C. Neighboring electronic device  10 A may view one or more of the position identifiers  74 C through camera  30 A. Electronic device  10 A may process the position identifier  74 C to establish that electronic device  10 C is located to the left of electronic device  10 A. 
     In another example, electronic device  10 C may view position identifiers  74 B and  74 A through camera  30 C to establish that electronic device  10 A is located to the right of electronic device  10 C and that electronic device  10 B is located to the left of electronic device  10 C. Electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may communicate with each other through communication interfaces  28  ( FIG. 1 ) to determine the relative positions of each of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. Electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may then use the relative locations in conjunction with the detected gesture to determine which projected display should receive a shared image. 
     In other embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, using position identifiers  74 A,  74 B, and  74 C to determine the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C, the relative positions may be determined using positioning devices  34  included within each of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. As described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , positioning devices  34  may include global positioning devices, wireless access point triangulation devices, and/or radio frequency transmitters, among others, that may be used to determine the locations of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C to within a few feet or yards. The locations of each electronic device  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may then be compared to one another to determine the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. Further, in certain embodiments, positioning devices  34  may be employed to detect movement of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C with respect to one another and to adjust the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C after movement of one or more of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. 
     In certain embodiments, a user may enter orientation information that may be used in conjunction with positioning devices  34  to determine the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. For example, through a GUI of an electronic device  10  included within workspace  40 , a user may specify whether an electronic device  10  is positioned to project towards the north, south, east, or west. The orientation information may allow the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C to determine the direction of projection for each device in addition to the geographic positions. 
     In addition to displaying position identifiers  74 A,  74 B, and  74 C, projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C may display image source identifiers  76 . Image source identifiers  76  each may be associated with a certain image  50  or  52  to identify the electronic device  10 A,  10 B,  10 C that is the source of the image  50  or  52 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , image  52  was initially generated through electronic device  10 C, and accordingly, image  52  includes an image identifier  76  that identifies electronic device  10 C. In another example, image  50  was initially generated using electronic device  10 B, and accordingly, image  50  includes an image identifier  76  that identifies electronic device  10 B. Even though image  50  has been transferred to projected display  48 A from projected display  48 B, image  50  still includes image identifier  76 , which identifies the source of image  50  as electronic device  10 B. Image source identifiers  76  may allow the source of an image  50  or  52  to be identified even after multiple transfers of an image to different projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C. 
     According to certain embodiments, image identifiers  76  may allow an electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C to identify the electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C that stores the image data associated with an image  50  or  52 . For example, a user may produce a gesture on projected display  48 A to transfer image  50  from projected display  48 A to projected display  48 C. Upon detecting the gesture, electronic device  10 A may view image source identifier  76  and, in certain embodiments, may transfer the image data for image  50  to electronic device  10 C. However, in other embodiments, electronic device  10 A may send a communication to electronic device  10 B through communication interface  28  ( FIG. 1 ) to request that electronic device  10 B, which stores the original image data for image  50 , transmit the image data to electronic device  10 C. 
     Image identifiers  76  also may identify a version of the source file associated with an image  50  or  52 . For example, after an image has been shared between projected displays  48 A,  48 B, and  48 C, multiple users may be able to edit the image. The image identifier  76  may allow a user to identify which version of the image is currently displayed on the projected display  48 A,  48 B, or  48 C. Further, as a user edits an image, the image identifier  76  may be updated to reflect the next version. Moreover, in certain embodiments, version information identifying the current version, the changes made, and/or the author of the changes may be stored by one or more of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C and/or by an external server. A user may access the version information through one of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C to retrieve a history of changes and/or to retrieve a previous version of an image. 
     A user also may employ a GUI of one or more of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C to specify the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , electronic device  10 C may display a screen  78  of the GUI on display  12 C. A user may interact with the GUI via display  12 C, touchscreen  14 C, and/or input devices  26 C to specify the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. Further, in certain embodiments, screen  78  may include an indicator that identifies one of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C as the master device when a unified display mode is enable as described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . Through the GUI, a user also may be able to change the electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C that is specified as the master device. 
     According to certain embodiments, screen  78  may include graphical elements  80 ,  82 , and  84  that represent each of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C included within shared workspace  40  ( FIG. 6 ). Graphical elements  80 ,  82 , and  84  may display text, graphics, and/or images that identify electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. For example, graphical elements  80 ,  82 , and  84  may display a name of the electronic device  10 , a name of the owner of the electronic device  10 , a phone number for the electronic device  10 , a model number, a serial number, or a virtual representation of the electronic device  10 , among others. As shown, graphical element  80  represents electronic device  10 A; graphical element  82  represents electronic device  10 B; and graphical element  84  represents electronic device  10 C. 
     Screen  78  also includes areas  85 ,  86 , and  87  representing the relative positions of electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C within a graphical representation  88  of shared workspace  40 . Instructions  89  may prompt a user to drag graphical elements  80 ,  82 , and  84  to the relative positions defined by areas  85 ,  86 , and  87 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , electronic device  10 B is located in the leftmost position; and accordingly, a user has moved graphical element  82  to area  85 , which represents the leftmost position. In other embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, moving graphical elements  80 ,  82 , and  84 , a user may enter the relative location using another input device  26 C included within electronic device  10 . For example, a user may select one of the areas  85 ,  86 , or  87  to display a virtual keyboard that may be used to enter text identifying the electronic device  10  positioned in the location corresponding to that area  85 ,  86 , or  87 . In another example, a mouse, touchpad, or keyboard may be employed to assign the relative positions to electronic devise  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a user also may employ a GUI to select images to display on projected displays  48  ( FIG. 7 ). Through the GUI, a user may access images from any of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C included within shared workspace  40 . For example, electronic device  10 C may display a screen  90  with virtual folders  91 ,  92 , and  93  that may be selected to retrieve images stored on corresponding electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. Instructions  94  may prompt a user to select images for display using virtual folders  91 ,  92 , and  93 . 
     In response to selection of a virtual folder  91 ,  92 , or  93 , electronic device  10 C may display image representations, such as icons, file names, or the like, that represent images stored on the corresponding electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C. The image representations may be selected to choose the corresponding image for display on projected displays  48 . According to certain embodiments, electronic device  10 C may access the images stored on another electronic device  10 A or  10 B through communication interface  28  ( FIG. 1 ). Once an image is selected, electronic device  10 C may then display the selected image on the corresponding projected display  48 C ( FIG. 7 ). Further, in certain embodiments, a user may select the image representations to move images stored on one electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C to another electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C. For example, a user may drag an image representation to a virtual folder  91 ,  92 , or  93  to move or copy the corresponding image to the electronic device  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C associated with that virtual folder  91 ,  92 , or  93 . 
     In other embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, virtual folders  91 ,  92 , and  93 , other types of file retrieval features, such as file directories, search features, or navigation systems, may be employed to select images to display on projected displays  48 . For example, in certain embodiments, icons representing each of the electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may be displayed on screen  90 . In another example, screen  90  may be divided into separate areas each corresponding to an electronic device  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. Image representations may then be displayed within the corresponding area of screen  90 . For example, image representations for images stored on electronic device  10 A may be displayed within one area while image representations for images stored on electronic device  10 B may be displayed within another area. Further, in other embodiments, image representations may be displayed for images that are stored on an external device, such as a server. 
     A user also may employ a GUI to share or move images between projected displays  48  ( FIG. 7 ). The GUI may be employed to select image sharing commands instead of, or in addition to, performing gestures in front of projected display  48  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 4 through 7 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , electronic device  10 C may display a screen  96  that shows an image  98  that may be shared between projected displays  48  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Screen  96  also includes graphical elements  100 ,  102 , and  104  that represent electronic devices  10 B,  10 C, and  10 A included within shared workspace  40 . Graphical elements  100 ,  102 , and  104  may display text, graphics, and/or images that identify electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. As shown, graphical element  100  represents electronic device  10 B; graphical element  102  represents electronic device  10 C; and graphical element  104  represents electronic device  10 A. According to certain embodiments, graphical elements  100 ,  102 , and  104  may be positioned on screen  96  in an order that corresponds to the relative positions of the electronic devices  10 . However, in other embodiments, graphical elements  100 ,  102 , and  104  may be shown in locations independent of the actual positions of electronic devices  10 . 
     Screen  96  also includes instructions  106  that prompt a user to drag image  98  to a recipient electronic device  10  for display on the projected display  48  produced by the recipient electronic device  10 . For example, a user may drag image  98  to graphical element  100  to show image  98  on projected display  48 B. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a user may interact with the GUI through touchscreen  14 C. However, in other embodiments, other input devices  26 , such as a keyboard, touchpad, or the like, may be employed to interact with the GUI. In response to receiving the user input through touchscreen  14 , electronic device  10 C may transmit image data for image  98  to the selected recipient electronic device  10 . The recipient electronic device  10  may then display image  98  on its projected display  48 . 
     Further, in certain embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, displaying an image  98  on screen  96 , a file retrieval feature, such as a table of contents, file directory, and/or a search feature, may be displayed that allows a user to access images available for sharing. As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the images may represent photographs, pictures, graphical representations, application files, audio files, sound files, or the like. The file retrieval feature may be shown on display  12  to allow a user to select images for sharing through touchscreen  14  or input devices  26 . Moreover, in certain embodiments, the file retrieval feature may be shown on projected display  48  to allow a user to select images for sharing using gestures. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , components of the GUI also may be displayed on projected displays  48  to facilitate performance of gestures for sharing images within a shared workspace. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a graphical representation  108  of shared workspace  40  may be shown on projected display  48 B. In particular, projector  16 B ( FIG. 7 ) may project graphical representation  108  onto projected display  48 B. Graphical representation  108  includes virtual bins  110 ,  112 , and  114 , each corresponding to one of the projected displays  48  within shared workspace  40 . As shown, virtual bin  110  represents projected display  48 B; virtual bin  112  represents projected display  48 C; and virtual bin  114  represents projected display  48 A. Although graphical representation  108  is shown at the bottom of projected display  48 B, in other embodiments, graphical representation  108  may be shown in other locations, such as the top and/or sides of projected display  48 B. 
     To share an image with another projected display  48 , a user may perform a gesture that moves an image to a virtual bin  110 ,  112 , or  114  shown within graphical representation  108 . For example, a user may perform a gesture that moves image  98  to virtual bin  112  to display image  98  on projected display  48 C ( FIG. 7 ). In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, a user has moved object  54  from a first position  116  proximate to image  98  to an ending position  118  proximate to virtual bin  112 , as generally indicated by an arrow  120 . The ending position  118  of the gesture may determine which recipient projected display  48  receives the shared image. For example, because ending position  118  is proximate to virtual bin  112 , which corresponds to projected display  48 C, projected display  48 C may be the recipient projected display. Camera  30 B ( FIG. 7 ) may detect the gesture, and electronic device  10 B may transmit image data for image  98  to electronic device  10 C to enable display of image  98  on projected display  48 C. 
     According to certain embodiments, the shape of object  54  may determine the image sharing command to be performed. For example, as shown, object  54  represents a hand with one finger extended, which may correspond to a command that moves image  98  from one projected display  48  to another projected display  48 . The shape of object  54  may be varied to perform other image sharing commands. For example, in certain embodiments, object  54  may be made into a fist to perform an image sharing command that copies image  98  from one projected display  48  to another projected display  48 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts another embodiment where part of the GUI may be projected onto the projected display  48  to facilitate performance of gestures for sharing images within a shared workspace. As shown in  FIG. 12 , a legend  122  is shown on projected display  48 B to identify gesture directions  124 ,  126 ,  128 , and  130  that correspond to projected displays  48 . Labels  132  identify the projected display  48  that corresponds to each gesture direction  124 ,  126 ,  128 , and  130 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, up direction  124  corresponds to projected display  48 A ( FIG. 7 ); right direction  126  corresponds to projected display  48 B; and down direction  128  corresponds to projected display  48 C ( FIG. 7 ). Because only three projected displays  48  are included within shared workspace  40  ( FIG. 7 ), a projected display is not associated with left direction  130 . However, in other embodiments where shared workspace  40  includes four or more projected displays, left direction  130  may correspond to a projected display. Further, in other embodiments, any number of directions  124 ,  126 ,  128 , and  130  may be included within legend  122 . For example, according to certain embodiments, eight different directions, such as up, down, right, left, diagonal to the upper right corner, diagonal to the lower right corner, diagonal to the upper left corner, and diagonal to the lower left corner, may be shown within legend  122 . 
     To share an image with another projected display  48 , a user may perform a gesture in a direction  124 ,  126 ,  128 , or  130  that corresponds to the recipient projected display. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a user has moved object  54  in the down direction  128  from a first position  134  proximate to a second position  136 , as generally indicated by an arrow  138 . The gesture in the down direction  128  may identify projected display  48 C as the recipient projected display. Camera  30 B ( FIG. 7 ) may detect the gesture, and electronic device  10 B may transmit image data for image  98  to electronic device  10 C to enable display of image  98  on projected display  48 C ( FIG. 7 ). 
     The direction of the gesture may identify the recipient projected display while the shape of the gesture may identify the image sharing command. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , object  54  represents a hand with one finger extended, which may correspond to an image sharing command to move an image from one projected display  48  to another projected display  48 . The shape of object  54  may be varied to identify different image sharing commands. For example, an open palm may be used to exchange images between two projected displays. Further, in other embodiments, the speed and/or trajectory of the gesture may be varied to identify different image sharing commands. For example, a gesture performed in a straight line may represent an image sharing command that moves an image while a gesture performed in an arc represents an image sharing command that copies an image. 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 3 through 12 , gestures and/or GUIs may be employed to share images  50 ,  52 , and  98  between projected displays  48  within a shared workspace  40 . Electronic devices  10  within a shared workspace  40  may be connected to one another over a communication link that allows electronic devices  10  to share image data used to project images  50 ,  52 , and  98  on projected displays  48  within shared workspace  40 . One or more of the electronic devices  10  within shared workspace  40  may include an application for interpreting and executing the image sharing commands received as gestures and/or through the GUIs. According to certain embodiments, the application may be encoded on storage  24  of electronic devices  10  and may allow electronic devices  10  to perform one or methods for performing image sharing as described below with respect to  FIGS. 13 through 15 . Further, in certain embodiments, the application may facilitation programming and/or customization of gestures for image sharing commands. 
       FIG. 13  depicts a method  148  for sharing images between electronic devices  10  to produce a shared workspace  40  ( FIG. 7 ). Method  148  may begin by establishing (blocks  150  and  152 ) a communication link between two or more electronic devices, such as electronic devices  10 B and  10 C, that form shared workspace  40 . According to certain embodiments, a communication link between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may be established by joining a common network, such as a LAN, PAN, or WAN. For example, each device  10 B and  10 C may connect to a common network through its communication interface  28  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Further, in certain embodiments, close range communication may be used to establish a communication link between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C. For example, communication interface  28  of each electronic device  10 B and  10 C may include a close range communication interface, such as a near field communication interface or a Bluetooth® communication interface. Electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may connect to one another over the close range communication interface and may then either transfer image data over the close range communication link or may exchange connection data  154 , such as an SSID, channel identifier, and an encryption key, over the close range communication link to establish a longer range communication link, such as a network connection. 
     Connection data  154  also may include other information used to establish a communication link between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C. For example, in certain embodiments, connection data  154  may include identification information broadcast using Internet protocol (IP) or another device identification protocol, such as Bonjour®. Electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may use the connection data  154  to establish a network connection, such as a PAN, LAN, or WAN connection between electronic devices  10 B and  10 C. 
     Connection data  154  further may include location information for electronic devices  10 B and  10 C. For example, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may determine their locations through positioning devices  34  included within electronic devices  10 B and  10 C. In another example, electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may determine their locations using position identifiers  74  viewed through cameras  30 B and  30 C, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Electronic devices  10 B and  10 C may exchange location information and use the location information to determine (block  156 ) their relative positions, which may facilitate interpretation of image sharing commands. 
     Once a communication link has been established, electronic device  10 B may enable (block  158 ) an image sharing mode. According to certain embodiments, electronic device  10 B may enable an image sharing mode in response to establishment of a communication link. In other embodiments, electronic device  10 B may enable an image sharing mode in response to receiving a user input. For example, a user may toggle one of the user input devices  26  ( FIG. 1 ) included within electronic device  10 B to enable an image sharing mode. In another example, a user may select a graphical element through touchscreen  14 B ( FIG. 1 ) of electronic device  10 B to initiate an image sharing mode. 
     In certain embodiments, a user also may select the type of image sharing mode. For example, a user may select a discrete image sharing mode where images may be transferred or copied between projected displays  48 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , or a user may select a unified display mode where multiple projected displays  48  may be employed to display individual images on a unified display, as described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . In another example, a user may turn on a version control feature that allows version information for the shared images to be maintained. Further, in certain embodiments, a user may enable display of a file retrieval feature, such as a table of contents, on display  12  and/or on a projected display, that facilitates user selection of images to be shared. 
     In another embodiment, electronic device  10 B may detect an enablement gesture through camera  30 B ( FIG. 1 ). For example, one or more stored gestures  32  ( FIG. 1 ) may correspond to an enablement gesture for enabling the image sharing mode. A user may perform one of these enablement gestures in front of projected display  48 B, and the enablement gesture may be detected by camera  30 B. Processor  22  ( FIG. 1 ) may then interpret the detected gesture, for example, by comparing the detected gesture to a library of gestures  32  ( FIG. 1 ). After determining that the gesture corresponds to an enablement gesture, processor  22  may enable (block  158 ) the image sharing mode. 
     Once the image sharing mode is enabled, electronic device  10 B may adjust (block  159 ) the shared workspace  40 . For example, electronic device  10 B may determine whether a unified display mode or a discrete image sharing mode has been enabled. If a unified display mode has been enabled, electronic device  10 B may adjust the projected displays  48  of shared workspace  40  to form a unified display. For example, electronic device  10 B may communicate with the other electronic devices  10  included within the shared workspace to move each of projected displays  48  towards one another to reduce spaces between projected displays  48 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Further, in certain embodiments, electronic device  10 B may communicate with the other electronic devices  10  to minimize overlap of projected displays  48 . The overlap adjustment may be performed for both a unified display mode and for a discrete image sharing mode. In certain embodiments, electronic device  10 B may determine that no adjustment should be performed. 
     Electronic device  10 B may then detect (block  160 ) user gestures that correspond to image sharing commands. For example, camera  30 B ( FIG. 6 ) within electronic device  10 B may detect shadows and/or silhouettes created by a user on projected display  48 B ( FIG. 7 ). In another example, camera  30 B may detect the object itself that performs the gesture. Camera  30 B may detect the shape, magnitude, speed, acceleration, and/or direction of the gestures shown on projected display  48 B. According to certain embodiments, camera  30 B may detect the gestures using instructions encoded within storage  24  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Processor  22  may then interpret (block  162 ) the gestures detected by camera  30 B. For example, processor  22  may use gesture interpretation software included within storage  24  to associate the detected gesture with an image sharing command. According to certain embodiments, processor  22  may compare the detected gestures to a library of gestures  32  stored within storage  24 . Further, processor  22  may use lookup tables, algorithms, or the like to determine the image sharing command associated with each detected gesture. Processor  22  also may interpret (block  162 ) the gestures to identify the image that corresponds to the gesture. For example, processor  22  may use gesture data from camera  30 B to identify the image that is located behind the shadow of the gesture produced on projected display  48 B. The identified image may be the image that is shared with another projected display  48  during execution of the image sharing command. 
     After interpreting (block  162 ) the gesture, electronic device  10 B may determine (block  164 ) the recipient electronic device  10  that may receive the shared image. When only two electronic devices  10 B and  10 C are included within shared workspace  40 , processor  22  may determine which electronic device  10 B detected the gesture and select the other electronic device  10 C as the recipient electronic device  10 . Further, processor  22  may use the magnitude, speed, acceleration, and/or direction of the detected gesture to determine the recipient electronic device  10 . 
     When three or more electronic devices  10  are included within shared workspace  40 , processor  22  may determine the recipient electronic device  10  based on the shape, magnitude, speed, acceleration, and/or direction of the detected gesture and the relative positions of electronic devices  10 . For example, as shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 7 , processor  22  may utilize the magnitude of the gesture to determine the recipient electronic device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the magnitude of the gesture may indicate the relative distance that the recipient electronic device  10  is located from the initiating electronic device  10 B. For example, a longer gesture may identify a recipient electronic device  10  that is farther away from the initiating electronic device  10 B, while a shorter gesture may identify a recipient electronic device  10  that is closer to the initiating electronic device  10 B. 
     In another example, the direction of the gesture may indicate the side of the initiating electronic device  10 B on which the recipient electronic device  10  is located. For example, a gesture to the right may indicate that the recipient electronic device  10  is located to the right of the initiating electronic device  10 B, while a gesture to the left may indicate that the recipient electronic device  10  is located to the left of the initiating electronic device  10 B. 
     After determining (block  164 ) the recipient electronic device  10 C, electronic device  10 B may then share (block  166 ) the image with the recipient electronic device  10 C. For example, electronic device  10 B may transfer image data  168  to recipient electronic device  10 C. Image data  168  may include data, such as an image file, that allows recipient electronic device  10 C to display the shared image. Further, in certain embodiments, image data  168  may include an image identifier and/or an image source identifier that allows recipient electronic device  10 C to retrieve the image from a server and/or a database over a network connection. 
     In response to receiving image data  168 , recipient electronic device  10 C may adjust (block  170 ) its projected display  48 C ( FIG. 7 ). For example, electronic device  10 C may adjust the relative sizes and/or positions of the images shown on projected display  48 C to allow the shared image to be displayed along with the currently displayed images. 
     Electronic device  10 B also may adjust (block  171 ) its projected display  48 B ( FIG. 7 ). For example, if the image sharing command specifies that an image should be transferred from projected display  48 B to projected display  48 C, electronic device  10 B may remove the image from its projected display  48 B. In another example, if the image sharing command specifies that images should be exchanged between projected displays  48 B and  48 C, electronic device  10 B may display an image received from electronic device  10 C on it projected display  48 B. For certain image sharing commands, a display adjustment may not be performed by the initiating electronic device  10 B. For example, if the image sharing command specifies that an image should be copied to projected display  48 C, electronic device  10 B may continue to display the image without adjusting its projected display  48 B. In another example, if the image sharing command specifies that two projected displays  48 B and  48 C should be used to show an image on a unified space, electronic device  10 B may adjust its projected display  48 B to show only a portion of the image. 
     Recipient electronic device  10 C may then display (block  172 ) the image. For example, recipient electronic device  10 C may use projector  16 C to display the image on projected display  48 C. Further, when a unified display mode is enabled, recipient electronic device  10 C may display a portion of the image on projected display  48 C while the remainder of the image is displayed on projected display  48 B, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In certain embodiments the adjustments (blocks  170  and  171 ) to the projected displays  48 C and  48 B may be performed simultaneously with or just prior to display (block  172 ) of the image. 
       FIG. 14  depicts another embodiment of a system  176  for sharing images. Rather than being connected directly to one another, electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may be connected to each other through a server  178 . Server  178  may be connected to a database  180  that contains images that may be displayed on shared workspace  40  ( FIG. 7 ). Electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may be connected to server  178  through communication interfaces  28  ( FIG. 1 ) included within each electronic device  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C. The connection may include a close range communication link and/or a long range communication link, such as a LAN communication link. Further, in certain embodiments, electronic devices  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C may be connected to server  178  over the Internet. Server  178  may maintain the shared database  180  of images and/or files that may be shared within shared workspace  40 . For example, as changes are made to images within shared workspace  40 , server  178  may store updated versions of the images and/or files. Further, in certain embodiments, server  178  may maintain version control information for the images and/or files included within database  180 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts a method  182  that may be employed to share images between electronic devices  10  connected through server  178 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Method  182  may begin by establishing (blocks  184  and  186 ) a connection between an electronic device, such as electronic device  10 B, and server  178 . As may be appreciated, although only one electronic device  10 B is shown as connected to server  178 , in other embodiments, any number of electronic devices  10  may be connect to server  178  to perform method  182 . 
     Connection data  188  may be exchanged between electronic device  10 B and server  178  to establish the connection. For example, device identifier information and/or protocol information may be exchanged to connect electronic device  10 B to server  178  through a network connection, such as a WAN, LAN, or PAN connection, among others. Connection data  188  also may include location information for electronic device  10 B. For example, electronic device  10 B may obtain location information through positioning device  34  included within electronic device  10 B. In another example, electronic device  10 B may obtain location information by viewing position identifiers  74  through camera  30 B, as described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . Electronic device  10 B may include the location information in the connection data  188  provided to server  178 . Server  178  may then use the location information to determine (block  190 ) relative locations of the connected electronic devices  10 . For example, server  178  may compare the locations of each electronic device  10  connected to server  178  to determine the relative positions of the electronic devices  10 . 
     After establishing (block  184 ) a connection to server  178 , electronic device  10 B may enable (block  192 ) an image sharing mode. For example, electronic device  10 B may receive a user input that enables the image sharing mode, such as selection of a graphical element through a GUI of electronic device  10 B. In another example, electronic device  10 B may detect a gesture on projected display  48 B ( FIG. 7 ) that is assigned to enable the image sharing mode. 
     Once the image sharing mode is enabled, electronic device  10 B may detect (block  194 ) user gestures that correspond to image sharing commands. For example, electronic device  10 B may detect a gesture on projected display  48 B through camera  30 B and may capture the detected gesture as gesture data  196 . Electronic device  10 B may then transmit gesture data  196  to server  178  to interpret (block  198 ) the gesture. According to certain embodiments, database  180  ( FIG. 14 ) may include a library of gestures. Server  178  may compare gesture data  196  to the library of gestures to determine the image sharing command corresponding to the detected gesture. Further, server  178  may employ algorithms, lookup tables, or the like, to determine the image sharing command that corresponds to the detected gesture. 
     Gesture data  196  also may be employed by server  178  to determine (block  200 ) the recipient electronic device. According to certain embodiments, gesture data  196  may include the magnitude and/or direction of the gesture, which server  178  may use, in conjunction with the relative positions of electronic devices  10 , to determine the recipient device. For example, server  178  may interpret a larger magnitude gesture to identify a recipient electronic device that is farther away from the initiating electronic device  10 B, while a smaller magnitude gesture may identify a recipient electronic device that is closer to the initiating electronic device  10 B. Further, server  178  may use the direction of a gesture to determine the side of the initiating electronic device  10 B on which the recipient electronic device  10  is located. 
     To execute the image sharing command, electronic device  10 B may identify (block  202 ) the image to be shared with the recipient electronic device  10 . For example, processor  22  ( FIG. 1 ) of electronic device  10 B may interpret the detected gesture to determine the image on projected display  48 B to which the gesture corresponds. According to certain embodiments, processor  22  may use gesture data  196  to determine the image that is behind the shadow created by the gesture on projected display  48 B. Further, in certain embodiments, processor  22  may use gesture data  196  to select a file through a file retrieval feature, such as a table of contents, shown on projected display  48 B. In certain embodiments, the file retrieval feature may be employed to retrieve files directly from database  180  for display on shared workspace  40  ( FIG. 7 ) and/or to transfer files from shared workspace  40  to database  180 . 
     Electronic device  10 B may then retrieve image data  204  for the identified image and may transmit image data  204  to server  178 . According to certain embodiments, image data  204  may include an image identifier that allows server  178  to retrieve the identified image from database  180 . Further, in certain embodiments, if the image is not stored within database  180 , image data  204  may include data, such as the image source file, for reproducing the identified image. 
     After receive image data  204 , server  178  may then share (block  206 ) the image with the recipient electronic device. For example, according to certain embodiments, server  178  may retrieve the image source file from database  180  ( FIG. 14 ) and transmit the image source file to the recipient electronic device. The recipient electronic device may use the image source file to display the image on its projected display  48 . In other embodiments, server  178  may transmit an image identifier that identifies the location of the identified image within database  180  to the recipient electronic device. The recipient electronic device may then use the image identifier to retrieve and display the identified image on its projected display. Further, in certain embodiments, server  178  may store the image within database  180  for future use. For example, in certain embodiments, a user may modify an image shown on projected display  48 B. The user may then perform a gesture that transfers the image to server  178  for storage within database  180 . 
     As may be appreciated, although the methods  148  and  182  described herein are depicted in the context to two electronic devices  10 , the methods may be performed with any number of electronic devices  10  connected to produce a shared workspace  40 . Further, electronic device  10  and/or server  178  may perform steps within the methods simultaneously or in succession with each other and/or with the other method steps. Moreover, the GUIs described herein that may be used to perform the methods are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, the layouts of the interfaces, the relative shapes and sizes and types of graphical elements and the types of input devices  26  may vary. 
     The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100211
Publication Date: 20130716
Grant Date: 20130716
Priority Date: 20100211
Inventors: FAI ANTHONY Y S
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1645", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1639", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1645", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0425", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1639", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0425", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44354632