A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHARING OUTPUT DEVICES BETWEEN MULTIMEDIA DEVICES TO STREAM DATA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of multimedia, and more specifically to the field of sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Multimedia devices are generally used as standalone devices to consume media. The multimedia devices are capable of exclusively playing video data and audio data and on respective output devices only, for example display screens, and audio output ports or speakers. The multimedia devices can be connected to few other devices in order to stream data, for example the audio data or the video data. However, cables or some wireless technology requiring setups are required which are usually beyond technical skills of an average user. Hence, capability of the output devices of the multimedia devices is restricted to its integrated hardware. Conventional techniques deal with sharing of files only and further require a central server to control the multimedia devices and to enable sharing.

[0003] In the light of the foregoing discussion there is a need for an efficient method and system for sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide a method and system for sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data.

[0005] An example of a method of sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data includes transmitting a low power signal by a first multimedia device. The method also includes notifying a user on discovery of one or more compatible multimedia devices, the compatible multimedia devices also transmitting the low power signal. The method further includes enabling selection of a second multimedia device from the one or more compatible multimedia devices. Further, the method includes enabling selection of an output device of the second multimedia device. Moreover, the method includes streaming the data to the output device of the second multimedia device.

[0006] An example of a system for sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data includes a plurality of multimedia devices for streaming the data. The plurality of multimedia devices further includes a memory that stores instructions. Further, the plurality of multimedia devices includes a processor responsive to the instructions to transmit a low power signal by a first multimedia device, to notify a user on discovery of one or more compatible multimedia devices, the compatible multimedia devices also transmitting the low power signal, to enable selection of a second multimedia device from the one or more compatible multimedia devices, to enable selection of an output device of the second multimedia device, and to stream the data to the output device of the second multimedia device. The system also includes a communication interface for establishing communication between the plurality of multimedia devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0007] 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.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multimedia device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0011] FIGS. 4A - 4D exemplarily illustrate a method of sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data, 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 a method and system for sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100 in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented. The environment 100 includes one or more multimedia devices, for example a multimedia device 105A and a multimedia device 105B, and a network 110. The multimedia devices are connected to each other through the network 110. Examples of the multimedia devices include, but are not limited to, a digital television, a mobile device, a laptop, a tablet 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] In some embodiments, the multimedia devices are connected directly using a wireless link.

[0016] The multimedia devices are configured to store different types of multimedia data, hereinafter referred to as data. Examples of the data include, but are not limited to, audio data and video data.

[0017] In one example, the data in the multimedia device 105A can be played on the multimedia device 105B using an output device of the multimedia device 105B and vice-versa.

[0018] The multimedia device 105A transmits a low power signal. If the multimedia device 105A discovers one or more compatible multimedia devices, the multimedia device 105A notifies a user using a notification icon and by displaying a list of the compatible multimedia devices. The compatible multimedia devices are also transmitting the low power signal. The user can then select the multimedia device 105B from the list of compatible multimedia devices, and further select an output device of the multimedia device 105B. The multimedia device 105A subsequently streams the data to the output device of the multimedia device 105B. The low power signal is hence provided for discovery of the compatible multimedia devices and for handshaking between the multimedia device 105A and the multimedia device 105B to perform one or more of establishing a connection, determining output devices to share, determining video and audio bitrates, and determining codecs.

[0019] A multimedia device, for example the multimedia device 105A, including a plurality of elements is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

[0020] The multimedia device 105A includes a bus 205 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 210 coupled with the bus 205 for processing information. The multimedia device 105A 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 multimedia device 105A 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. In one example, a high bandwidth wireless link optimized for high speed data transfer is used for transmitting the information.

[0021] The multimedia device 105A can be coupled via the bus 205 to a display 230, for example a cathode ray tube (CRT), 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. In one example, a touch screen is used for the display 230 and for the input device 235. The multimedia device 105A further includes a speaker or an audio output as an output device 250.

[0022] Various embodiments are related to the use of the multimedia device 105A for implementing the techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the techniques are performed by the multimedia device 105A 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 multimedia device 105A, 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 multimedia device 105A 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 multimedia device 105A 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.

[0027] The multimedia device 105A also includes a communication interface 245 coupled to the bus 205. The communication interface 245 provides a two-way data communication coupling between the multimedia device 105A and the multimedia device 105B 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. The communication interface can also allow connect directly using wireless link

[0028] The processor 210 in the multimedia device 105A is operable to transmit a low power signal. In some embodiments, in place of the processor 210, the low power signal can be transmitted using a wireless device connected to the processor 210 and embedded with the multimedia device 105A. For example, Bluetooth is either integrated into the processor 210 or is a separate wireless device connected to the processor 210 and embedded in the multimedia device. The processor 210 further notifies a user on discovery of one or more compatible multimedia devices. The processor 210 enables the user to select the multimedia device 105B from the compatible multimedia devices that are displayed as a list. The processor 210 then enables selection of an output device of the multimedia device 105B and streams the data to the output device of the multimedia device 105B that is selected.

[0029] A method of sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data/is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data, in accordance with one embodiment. The method starts at step 305.

[0031] At step 310, a low power signal is transmitted by a first multimedia device, for example the multimedia device 105A. The low power signal can be sent out periodically. The low power signal is of low bandwidth optimized for handshaking and low volume data exchange between the multimedia devices. In some examples, the data exchanged can include a bit rate for transmission, and exchange of keys for maintaining a link. The low power signal can be transmitted by the first multimedia device via a wireless network. An example of the wireless network includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth. In one embodiment, a low power wireless link can be used which is optimized for power efficiency and small packet exchange, for example in handshaking and deciding bitrates.

[0032] At step 315, a user is notified on discovery of one or more compatible multimedia devices. The compatible multimedia devices also transmit the low power signal. The compatible multimedia devices are usually discovered automatically when within a fixed range of each other, for example within 10 meters. The first multimedia device will display a notification icon to the user signaling that the compatible multimedia devices with capability to share its output devices, for example audio device and display device, are within the fixed range. The output devices can be defined as audio/video (AV) ports that output or receive audio data or video data. In one example the audio data can be transmitted using Frequency Modulation and the video data can be transmitted using Radio Frequency transmission. In some embodiments, the transmission of data can be through digital signals or analog signals.

[0033] In some embodiments, the user is provided an option to cancel notification.

[0034] In one example, a low power and short range antenna present in the first multimedia device can be used to discover the compatible multimedia devices.

[0035] At step 320, selection of a second multimedia device, for example the multimedia device 105B, from the compatible multimedia devices is enabled. The user can be shown the compatible multimedia devices on tapping the notification icon. A list of the compatible multimedia devices is displayed to the user on the first multimedia device. The user can select any of the compatible multimedia devices as the second multimedia device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second multimedia device and the compatible multimedia devices will also display the notification icon.

[0037] At step 325, selection of an output device of the second multimedia device is enabled. A list of the output devices of the second multimedia device is displayed to the user on the first multimedia device. The user can select the audio device or the video device of the second multimedia device as the output device. A link is then created between the first multimedia device and the second multimedia device. In some examples, the link can include a hard wired connection or a wireless high speed link.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second multimedia device receives a request for streaming the data from the output device of the second multimedia device. The second multimedia device can either accept the request or cancel the request. The first multimedia device is further notified regarding cancellation of the request.

[0039] At step 330, the data is streamed to the output device of the second multimedia device. The data can be transmitted using a high speed wireless technology of short range with high throughput and less error checking to maximize speed of connection. The high speed wireless technology is optimized for the data transmission of audio data and video data. At any point of time or at end of streaming, the first multimedia device or the second multimedia device can terminate the link. In one embodiment, the data can be transmitted using analog radio frequency, for example frequency modulation for audio and TV signals for video.

[0040] In some embodiments, the data is streamed after one or more parameters are automatically decided upon for sharing the output devices of the first multimedia device and the second multimedia device. An example of the parameters includes, but is not limited to, bit rate. Such a handshaking is accomplished using a low power wireless link.

[0041] The method stops at step 340.

[0042] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a user with a tablet device 405 walks into a room including a TV 410. A notification icon 415, for example, a dot appears on the top right of screen of the tablet device 405 and the TV 410 indicating that the tablet device 405 is within a fixed range of the TV 410 which is capable of sharing its output devices. The user taps the notification icon 415 and, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, is shown options to start streaming the data, for example audio data, video data, or audio data and video data, to the TV 410 or from the TV 410. Direction of the streaming can be bi-directional, that is, the tablet device 405 can either send or receive the data. Without any setup involved, the TV 410 starts receiving or sending the audio data, the video data or both, based on a selected output device. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the user selects an option to stream AV data from the TV 410 to the tablet device 405.

[0043] In some embodiments, the output devices can be shared between two or more multimedia devices.

[0044] In some embodiments, a preference sheet can also be maintained within each multimedia device, which will state a default action for a multimedia device. Examples of the default action include, but are not limited to, start streaming out, start receiving the data, to be visible, and to not be visible. In one example, the preference sheet of the tablet device 405 can have that it should start receiving the video data from any compatible multimedia device within the fixed range. Hence, as soon as the tablet device 405 comes within the fixed range of another compatible multimedia device, the tablet device 405 will start playing the video data of the compatible multimedia device on its screen, for example a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

[0045] The multimedia devices can share the output devices, for example screens and speakers. In one example, screen of the tablet device 405 is visible on screen of the TV 410. In another example, audio data of the tablet device 405 can be played on the speakers of the TV 410 when the video data plays on the screen of the tablet device 405 and vice versa.

[0046] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, only audio data of the TV 410 is played on the speakers of the tablet device 405, and the TV 410 and the tablet device 405 displays its own video data and vice versa.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sharing starts without any setup involved. Preferences can be stored in settings section of the multimedia device and a one or more default options are also set.

[0048] Advantageously, the embodiments specified in the present disclosure enable extension of AV capabilities of a multimedia device beyond that of integrated hardware by efficiently sharing output devices. The present disclosure further enables seamless streaming of data without any complicated setup involved and by using existing technologies.

[0049] 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 output devices between multimedia devices to stream data, the method comprising:

transmitting a low power signal by a first multimedia device;

notifying a user on discovery of one or more compatible multimedia devices, wherein the one or more compatible multimedia devices also transmit the low power signal;

enabling selection of a second multimedia device from the one or more compatible multimedia devices;
enabling selection of an output device of the second multimedia device; and streaming the data to the output device of the second multimedia device.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein notifying the user comprises:
providing a notification icon on the first multimedia device and the second multimedia device.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the user is provided an option to cancel notification.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein enabling selection of the second multimedia device comprises:

selecting, by the user, the second multimedia device from a list of the one or more compatible multimedia devices displayed on the first multimedia device.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second multimedia device receives a request for streaming the data from the output device of the second multimedia device.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second multimedia device performs one of cancelling the request; and accepting the request.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6 and further comprising notifying the user of the first multimedia device of cancellation of the request.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising automatically deciding on one or more parameters before sharing the output devices of the first multimedia device and the second multimedia device.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data comprises audio data and video data.

10. A system for sharing output devices between multimedia devices to stream data, the system comprising:
a plurality of multimedia devices for streaming the data, the plurality of multimedia devices further comprising a memory that stores instructions; and
a processor responsive to the instructions to transmit a low power signal by a first multimedia device; notify a user on discovery of one or more compatible multimedia devices, wherein the one or more compatible multimedia devices also transmit the low power signal;
enable selection of a second multimedia device from the one or more compatible multimedia devices;
enable selection of an output device of the second multimedia device; and
stream the data to the output device of the second multimedia device; and a communication interface for establishing communication between the plurality of multimedia devices.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the data comprises audio data and video data.