A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHARING A WEB RESOURCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sharing a web resource, and more specifically to the field of downloading data from a source page to a destination page.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Data from a webpage is downloaded using one or more hyperlinks that correspond to the data. Conventionally, a user right clicks on a hyperlink and clicks a download option for invoking a download plug-in associated with a web browser. Invocation of the download plug-in enables the user to download the data corresponding to the hyperlink. Upon downloading, the user can save the data, downloaded, in a memory of an electronic device of the user. The user can also include the data to an electronic mail (email), in the form of an attachment, by dragging the data, downloaded, from the memory and further dropping the data into an email compose window associated with the email. The email that includes the data as the attachment is transmitted to one or more recipients. However, the conventional method requires the user to mandatorily download the data and store the data in the memory prior to transmitting the data, via the email, to the recipients.

[0003] Also, the data downloaded can be converted from a first data format into a second data format. In one example, the data can be converted from a 'png' data format to a 'jpeg' data format. Conventional method includes providing the data of the first data format, as an input to a data converter. The data converter converts the data of the first data format into the data of the second data format. The data of the second data format is stored in the memory of the electronic device and further can be attached to the email for transmission. However, in the conventional method, the user is required to convert the data to the second data format and further store the data converted in the memory prior to attaching the data converted into the email.

[0004] In the light of the foregoing discussion there is a need for an efficient method and a system for transmission of the data without explicitly downloading the data. Further, there is a need for a method to convert the data prior to transmission without necessarily downloading, converting and attaching the data converted from the memory.

SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide a method and system for sharing a web resource.

[0006] An example of a method of sharing a web resource includes enabling a user to access a source page and a destination page. The source page and the destination

page are accessed using a web browser. The method also includes enabling the user to perform a drag function and a drop function on a hyperlink. The drag function is performed on the source page and the drop function is performed on the destination page. The method further includes invoking a download plug-in to download data associated with the hyperlink. The download plug-in is invoked upon performance of the drop function on the destination page. Further, the method includes enabling attachment of the data to the destination page.

[0007] An example of a system for sharing a web resource includes a web server. The system also includes a communication interface for establishing communication between an electronic device and the web server. The system further includes a memory that stores instructions. Further, the system includes a processor responsive to the instructions to enable a user to access a source page and a destination page, to enable the user to perform a drag function and a drop function on a hyperlink, to invoke a download plug-in to download data associated with the hyperlink and to enable attachment of the data to the destination page.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0008] The accompanying figure, similar reference numerals may refer to identical or functionally similar elements. These reference numerals are used in the detailed description to illustrate various embodiments and to explain various aspects and advantages of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device for sharing a web resource, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sharing a web resource, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] It should be observed the method steps and system components have been represented by conventional symbols in the figure, showing only specific details which are relevant for an understanding of the present disclosure. Further, details may be readily apparent to person ordinarily skilled in the art may not have been disclosed. In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from another entity, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide system and method of sharing a web resource.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100 in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented. The environment 100 includes a web server 105, electronic devices, for example, an electronic device 115a, an electronic device 115b and a network 110. The electronic device 115a and the electronic device 115b are connected to each other through the network 110. The electronic device 115a and the electronic device 115b are connected to the web server 105 through the network 110. Examples of the electronic device 115a and the electronic device 115b include, but are not limited to, a desktop, a laptop, a mobile device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone and other hand held devices. Examples of the network 110 include a local area network, a wide area network and a wireless network.

[0015] The electronic device 115a is configured to download a web resource from a source page. The web resource includes data. Examples of the data include, but are not limited to, a music file, a video, a pdf document, a word document and an image. The data can be downloaded using a corresponding hyperlink present on the source page. The source page includes a webpage that is hosted by the web server 105.

[0016] A user of the electronic device 115a accesses the webpage using a web browser installed in the electronic device 115a. The user of the electronic device 115a can also access the webpage using the web browser present in the cloud. In one example, the webpage includes a hyperlink for downloading a pdf document. Also, the user is enabled to access a destination page, for example an email compose window using the web browser. The email compose window is used for composing an email that can be transmitted to one or more recipients.

[0017] Upon accessing the webpage, the user is enabled to perform a drag function for dragging the hyperlink included in the webpage. The user is further enabled to perform a drop function for dropping the hyperlink on the email compose window. Similarly, the user can also perform the drop function for dropping the hyperlink on a memory location of the electronic device 115a.

[0018] Upon performing the drop function, a download plug-in associated with the web browser is invoked to download the pdf document that corresponds to the hyperlink. Downloading is enabled upon performing the drop function for attaching the pdf document to the email. Similarly, the user can perform the drop function on a text messaging window for enabling attachment of the pdf document to a text message.

[0019] Further, the download plug-in upon downloading, enables attachment of the pdf document to the email. Similarly, upon dropping the hyperlink on the memory location of the electronic device 115a the download plug-in is invoked to enable downloading of the pdf document and further storing the pdf document in the memory location of the electronic device 115a.

[0020] In one embodiment, the user can select an attachment option associated with the hyperlink for invoking the download plug-in. In one example, the attachment option can be selected upon right clicking the hyperlink. The attachment option selected by the user further enables the user to access the email compose window. Further, the attachment option invokes the download plug-in on the email compose window to enable downloading of the pdf document, associated with the hyperlink, and further enabling attachment of the pdf document to the email corresponding to the email compose window. Similarly, the user can select an attachment option for invoking the download plug-in on the text messaging window such that the pdf document is attached to the text message.

[0021] In another embodiment, the user provides the hyperlink to the email compose window for invoking the download plug-in. Provision of the hyperlink to the email compose window can be performed by, for example copying of the hyperlink from one or more sources and further pasting the hyperlink on the email compose window. In another example, the user can perform a right click function on the hyperlink for invoking the email compose window. Provision of the hyperlink directs the email compose window to the webpage that includes the hyperlink. Upon directing, the download plug-in is invoked to enable downloading of the pdf document and further enabling attachment of the pdf document to the email corresponding to the email compose window. The attachment can be in the form of the hyperlink or in the form of the pdf document. Similarly, the user can provide the hyperlink to the text messaging window for invoking the download plug-in to download the pdf document and further enable attachment of the pdf document to the text message.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, a recipient of the email can click on a dummy icon for invoking the download plug-in. The dummy icon represents a reference to the hyperlink that corresponds to the pdf document. The dummy icon can be present in the web page or the dummy icon can be a feature of an email service provider of the email. The user can drag the dummy icon from the webpage and further drop the dummy icon on the email compose window prior to transmitting the email corresponding to the email compose window. The email including the dummy icon can be transmitted with the hyperlink or an icon that can be embedded on the email. The recipient upon receiving the email can click on the dummy icon for invoking the download plug-in. Upon invoking, the pdf document corresponding to the hyperlink that is represented by the dummy icon is downloaded. Similarly, the user can click on a dummy icon, present in a text message, for invoking the download plug-in for downloading the pdf document.

[0023] Further, the user can convert the data of one data format to another data format. A plurality of data converter plug-ins is used for converting the data of one data format to another data format. The user can click on a data convert option present on the email compose window for converting the data of one data format to another data format. In one example, the pdf document can be converted into a word document using one of the data converter plug-ins. Similarly the data with one data format is converted to another data format using corresponding data converter plug-ins. Further, the data converted can be transmitted to the recipient. Similarly, the user can click on the data convert option present on the text messaging window for converting the data of one data format to another data format.

[0024] The electronic device 115a including a plurality of elements for sharing a web resource is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

[0025] The electronic device 115a includes a bus 205 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 210 coupled with the bus 205 for processing information. The electronic device 115a also includes a memory 215, for example a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 205 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 210. The memory 215 can be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor 210. The electronic device 115a further includes a read only memory (ROM) 220 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 205 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 210. A storage unit 225, for example a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to the bus 205 for storing information.

[0026] The electronic device 115a can be coupled via the bus 205 to a display 230, for example a cathode ray tube (CRT), an LED display or an LCD display for displaying data. The input device 235, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 205 for communicating information and command selections to the processor 210. Another type of user input device is the cursor control 240, for example a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 210 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 230.

[0027] Various embodiments are related to the use of the electronic device 115a for implementing the techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the techniques are performed by the electronic device 115a in response to the processor 210 executing instructions included in the memory 215. Such instructions can be read into the memory 215 from another machine-readable medium, for example the storage unit 225. Execution of the instructions included in the memory 215 causes the processor 210 to perform the process steps described herein.

[0028] In some embodiments, the processor 210 can include one or more processing units for performing one or more functions of the processor 210. The processing units are hardware circuitry used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform specified functions.

[0029] The term "machine-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to perform a specific function. In an embodiment implemented using the electronic device 115a, various machine-readable media are involved, for example, in providing instructions to the processor 210 for execution. The machine-readable medium can be a storage medium, either volatile or non-volatile. A volatile medium includes, for example, dynamic memory, such as the memory 215. A non-volatile medium includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, for example the storage unit 225. All such media must be tangible to enable the instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine.

[0030] Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic media, a CD-ROM, any other optical media, punchcards, papertape, any other physical media with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

[0031] In another embodiment, the machine-readable media can be transmission media including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that include the bus 205. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. Examples of machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, a carrier wave as described hereinafter or any other media from which the electronic device 115a can read. For example, the instructions can initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the electronic device 115a can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on the bus 205. The bus 205 carries the data to the memory 215, from which the processor 210 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the memory 215 can optionally be stored on the storage unit 225 either before or after execution by the processor 210. All such media must be tangible to enable the instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine.

[0032] The electronic device 115a also includes a communication interface 245 coupled to the bus 205. The communication interface 245 provides a two-way data communication coupling between the electronic device 115a and the web server 105 through the network 110. For example, the communication interface 245 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface 245 can be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. In any such implementation, the communication interface 245 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0033] The processor 210 in the electronic device 115a is operable to enable a user to access a source page and a destination page. The source page and the destination page are accessed using a web browser installed in the electronic device 115a. The source page includes a webpage that is hosted by one or more web servers, for example the web server 105. The destination page includes an email compose window, a text messaging window, a memory location of the electronic device 115a or a memory location of a remote electronic device.

[0034] The processor 210 in the electronic device 115a is operable to enable the user to perform a drag function and a drop function on a hyperlink. The hyperlink enables downloading of data. The drag function is performed on the source page for dragging the hyperlink and the drop function is performed on the destination page for dropping the hyperlink on the destination page.

[0035] The processor 210 in the electronic device 115a is further configured to invoke a download plug-in to download the data associated with the hyperlink. The download plug-in is invoked upon performance of the drop function on the destination page.

[0036] In one embodiment, the processor 210 is configured to invoke the download plug-in by enabling the user to select an attachment option associated with the hyperlink. In one example, the attachment option can be selected upon right clicking the hyperlink. The processor 210 is further configured to invoke the destination page, upon selection of the attachment option by the user for invoking the download plug-in for downloading the data.

[0037] In another embodiment, the processor 210 is configured to invoke the download plug-in by provision of the hyperlink, by the user, to the destination page. The provision of the hyperlink can be performed by, for example copying of the hyperlink and further pasting the hyperlink on the destination page. Upon the provision of the hyperlink, processor 210 is operable to direct the destination page to the webpage that includes the hyperlink. Further upon directing, the processor 210 is operable to invoke the download plug-in for downloading the data.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the processor 210 is configured to invoke the download plug-in by clicking a dummy icon by a recipient of an email that corresponds to the email compose window. The dummy icon represents a reference to the hyperlink that corresponds to the data. The processor 210 enables the user to drag the hyperlink from the webpage and further drop the hyperlink in the form of the dummy icon on the email compose window prior to sending the email. The processor 210 further enables invocation of the download plug-in for downloading the data when the recipient, upon reception of the email, clicks the dummy icon. Similarly, the processor 210 is configured to invoke the download plug-in by clicking the dummy icon by the recipient of a text message that corresponds to the text messaging window.

[0039] The processor 210 in the electronic device 115a is further operable to enable attachment of the data to the destination page such that the user can transmit the data as an attachment to the email without necessarily downloading the data and further storing the data in a memory location prior to attaching the data to the email.

[0040] The processor 210 is also configured to activate a plurality of data converter plug-ins upon invocation of the download plug-in. The data converter plug-ins enables conversion of the data from one data format to another data format. The processor 210 downloads the data prior to the conversion. In one example, the user can click on a data convert option present on the email compose window for activation of the data converter plug-ins. Further, the processor 210 is configured to attach the data converted into the email prior to transmitting the email to the recipient. The processor 210 is also configured to attach the data converted into the text message prior to transmitting the text message to the recipient. The processor 210 is also configured to attach the data converted into the memory location of the electronic device 115a or the memory location of the remote electronic device.

[0041] A method of enabling sharing of data between a server device and a client device is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sharing a web resource, in accordance with one embodiment. The method starts at step 305.

[0043] At step 310 a user is enabled to access a source page and a destination page using an electronic device, for example the electronic device 115a. The source page and the destination page are accessed using a web browser installed in the electronic device or present in the cloud. The source page includes a webpage hosted by one or more web servers, for example the web server 105.

[0044] The webpage includes one or more hyperlinks for downloading data. Examples of the data include, but are not limited to, a word document, a pdf document, an mp3 file, a video file and an image.
[0045] The destination page includes an email compose window, for generating an email, or a memory location of the electronic device or a memory location of a remote electronic device or a text messaging window.

[0046] At step 315 a user is enabled to perform a drag function and a drop function on a hyperlink that corresponds to the data. The drag function is performed on the source page for dragging the hyperlink from the source page. The drop function is performed on the destination page for dropping the hyperlink on the destination page. The drag function and the drop function can be performed using a pointing device. Examples of the pointing device include, but are not limited to, mouse, stylus and a human finger.

[0047] At step 320 a download plug-in is invoked for downloading the data associated with the hyperlink. The download plug-in is invoked upon performance of the drop function on the destination page by the user.

[0048] In one embodiment, the download plug-in is invoked by selecting an attachment option associated with the hyperlink. In one example, the user can right click on the hyperlink for selecting the attachment option. Selection of the attachment option enables activation of the destination page and further enables invocation of the download plug-in. The invocation of the download plug-in enables downloading of the data.

[0049] In another embodiment, the download plug-in is invoked by providing the hyperlink to the destination page. In one example, provision of the hyperlink can be performed by enabling the user to copy the hyperlink, from one or more source locations, and further paste the hyperlink on the email compose window. The provision of the hyperlink directs the email compose window to the source page that includes the hyperlink. Upon directing, the download plug-in is invoked to enable downloading of the data.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the download plug-in is invoked by clicking a dummy icon that is attached to the email that corresponds to the email compose window. The dummy icon represents a reference to the hyperlink. The dummy icon is clicked by a recipient of the email. Attachment of the dummy icon such that the dummy icon appears as an attachment to the recipient, is performed upon dragging the hyperlink from the source page and further dropping the hyperlink on the email compose window by the user. Upon dropping, the hyperlink is transformed into the dummy icon and further the dummy icon is attached to the email. The email including the dummy icon is further transmitted to the recipient. The recipient, upon reception on the email, can click on the dummy icon to invoke the download plug-in for downloading the data. The invocation of the download plug-in directs the recipient to the webpage that includes the hyperlink and further downloads the data that corresponds to the hyperlink. Similarly, the download plug-in can be invoked by clicking the dummy icon that is attached to the to the text message that corresponds to the text messaging window.

[0051] At step 325, the data downloaded by invoking the download plug-in is attached to the destination page. If the destination page includes the email compose window then the data downloaded is attached as an attachment to the email. The email including the attachment can be transmitted to the recipient. If the destination page includes the text messaging window then the data downloaded is attached as an attachment to the text message. Further, if the destination page includes the memory location of the electronic device or the memory location of the remote electronic device then attachment of the data is referred to as storage of the data in the memory location.

[0052] In some embodiments, a plurality of data converter plug-ins can be enabled to convert the data from one data format to another data format. The activation of the data converter plug-ins can be performed by clicking on a data convert option present on the email compose window. Upon clicking the data convert option, the data is downloaded and further a list of extension convert options are displayed such that one of the extension convert options can be selected by the user. A data converter plug-in that corresponds to the extension convert option selected by the user is activated for converting the data from one data format to another data format. The data converted can be attached to the email prior to transmitting the email to the recipient. The data converted can also be stored in the memory location of the electronic device or the memory location of the remote electronic device.

[0053] The method stops at step 340.

[0054] Advantageously, the embodiments specified in the present disclosure enables attachment of the data to an email or a memory location by performing drag and drop function to the hyperlink without explicitly downloading the data into the memory location of the electronic device. Also, the attachment option enables automatic invocation of the email compose window for downloading the data and further attaching the data to the email without requiring the user to download the data into the memory and explicitly open the email compose window for attaching the data. Further, provision of the hyperlink enables implicit invocation of the download plug-in to download the data and further attach the data to the email without requiring the user to necessarily attach the data that is downloaded and stored in the memory location. Further, transmission of a dummy icon prevents the user from transmitting files that exceeds a maximum limit. However, the recipient can still download the data completely as the dummy icon directs the recipient to the webpage that includes the hyperlink. Furthermore, the method also enables the user to convert the data from one data format to another data format and further transmit the data converted to the recipient without necessarily using one or more data converters.

[0055] In the preceding specification, the present disclosure and its advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than in restrictive sense. All such possible modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure.

I/We claim:

1 A method of sharing a web resource, the method comprising:

enabling a user to access at least one of a source page and a destination page, wherein the source page and the destination page are accessed using a web browser;

enabling the user to perform at least one of a drag function and a drop function on a hyperlink, wherein the drag function is performed on the source page and the drop function is performed on the destination page;

invoking a download plug-in to download data associated with the hyperlink, wherein the download plug-in is invoked upon performance of the drop function on the destination page; and

enabling attachment of the data to the destination page;

2 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source page comprises a webpage hosted by one or more web servers.

3 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the destination page comprises at least one of an email compose window, a memory location of an electronic device, a text messaging window and a memory location of a remote electronic device.

4 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the download plug-in is invoked by selecting, by the user, an attachment option associated with the hyperlink.

5 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the invoking of the download plug-in is performed by provision of the hyperlink, by the user, to an email compose window.

6 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the invoking of the download plug-in is performed by clicking a dummy icon by a recipient of an email, the email being transmitted upon performing, by the user, at least one of the drag function to the dummy icon present on the source page and the drop function to the dummy icon on an email compose window associated with the email.

7 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the invoking of the download plug-in further comprises activation of a plurality of data converter plug-ins for converting the data associated with the hyperlink from one data format to another data format.

8 A system for sharing a web resource, the system comprising:

a web server;

a communication interface for establishing communication between an electronic device and the web server;

a memory that stores instructions; and

a processor responsive to the instructions to enable a user to access at least one of a source page and a destination page, wherein the source page and the destination page are accessed using a web browser;
enable the user to perform at least one of a drag function and a drop function on a hyperlink, wherein the drag function is performed on the source page and the drop function is performed on the destination page;

invoke a download plug-in to download data associated with the hyperlink, wherein the download plug-in is invoked upon performance of the drop function on the destination page; and
enable attachment of the data to the destination page.

9 The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the download plug-in is invoked by selecting, by the user, an attachment option associated with the hyperlink.

10 The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the invoking of the download plug-in is performed by provision of the hyperlink, by the user, to an email compose window.

11 The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the invoking of the download plug-in is performed by clicking a dummy icon by a recipient of an email, the email being transmitted upon performing, by the user, at least one of the drag function to the dummy icon present on the source page and the drop function to the dummy icon on an email compose window associated with the email.

12 The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the invoking of the download plug-in further comprises activation of a plurality of data converter plug-ins for converting the data associated with the hyperlink from one data format to another data format.