GB2371385A

GB2371385A - Displaying data from a peripheral device on an Internet browser

Info

Publication number: GB2371385A
Application number: GB0125423A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Adam Mick; Jeremy L Cook; Gregory A Brake
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Co
Current assignee: HP Inc
Priority date: 2000-10-25
Filing date: 2001-10-23
Publication date: 2002-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-23
Also published as: GB0125423D0; DE10152531A1; GB2371385B

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for viewing data. The apparatus comprises an Internet browser (214), a peripheral device driver (218), and an Internet browser plug-in (216) configured to reconfigure data received from a peripheral device such as a scanner or digital camera via the peripheral device driver into a format suitable for viewing with the Internet browser. With this apparatus, data can be viewed by receiving a request for peripheral device input (300), receiving data from the peripheral device (302), processing data with an Internet browser plug-in (304), and displaying the data with an Internet browser GUI (306). Through utilization of the Internet browser, data from peripheral devices can be viewed with a minimum of necessary software. Accordingly, data can be viewed with computing devices having relatively small storage capacities such as a net PC, or a handheld device such as a PDA.

Description

5 METHOD AND SYSEM FOR VIEWING DATA

FIELD OF THE INVENT1019

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for viewing data. More

0 particularly the present disclosure relates to a method and system for viewing data

input into a computing device from a peripheral device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INN ENTICE

As use of the Interpret has grown so has interest in simple devices that can be IS used to gain Inten et access. More particularly interest has grown in relatively low memory low cost devices that can access the World Wide Web. One example of such a device is the so-called net PC. Net PCs typically comprise compute devices that include the common components of a standard personal computer (PC) such as a central processing unit (CPU) hard drive memory monitor keyboard and mouse.

so Unlike standard PCs however net PCs have limited storage capacity to keep the cost of the device low. In another example some handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and even mobile telephones can be used to access the Intemet. Like net PCs these handheld devices have limited storage capacity.

Due to the limited storage capacity of the simple lnternet-enabled devices 25 described above these devices have limited functionality. For instance such devices typically cannot be used to access information from peripheral devices. The reason for this limitation is that such peripheral devices typically require a relatively large software package that is stored on the computing device with which the peripheral

r 1 devices communicate w ith the computing device and with which the data is configured for viewing on the computing, device. Accordingly. simple computing devices normally cannot be used to view tl e textual. raphical, and image data scanned by a scanner. Similarly, such computing devices nonnally cannot be used to display digital images captured by digital cameras. In both situations, a substantial amount of software is required for proffer communication With the peripheral device and for processing of the data transmitted from the peripheral device.

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that it would he desirable to have a method and system for viewing data that does not require a large amount of software lo stored on the computing device witl1 which the information is viewed.

SU!UBIARY OF THE INVEIsTIOTs' The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for viewing data.

The apparatus typically comprises an Internet browser. a peripheral device driver, and IS an Internet browser plug-in configured to reconfigure data received from a peripheral device via the peripheral device driver into a format suitable for viewing with the Internet browser. With this apparatus, data can be viewed by receiving a request for peripheral device input, receiving data from the peripheral device, processing data with an Internet browser plug-in, and displaying the data with an Internet browser 20 GUI. Through utilization of the Internet browser, data from peripheral devices can be viewed with a minimum of necessary software. Accordingly, data can be viewed with computing devices having relatively small storage capacities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAY I>'G$

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.

5 FIG. I is a schematic of a network system in which the present invention can be used. FIG. 2 is a bloclc dia,ram of a computing device shown in FIG. I with which data can be viewed.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for viewing data with the computing lo device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an example graphical riser interface for the computing device shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED l:)ESCRIPTION Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. FIG. 1 illustrates a network system 100 with which the method and system for viewing data can be vised. Although this network system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it will be understood from the discussion that follows that the computing device used to view the data need not be connected to a 20 network to practice the invention. A network system 100 is shown, however, by way of example to illustrate alternative uses of the method and system for viewing data.

As identified in FIG. 1, the networl; system 100 can comprise one or more computing devices 102. The computing device 102 can comprise a net PC 104 having a processor 106 and a monitor 108. Normally, the processor 106 comprises the typical 25 components of a net PC, namely a CPU, hard drive, and memory (not shown). The net

PC 104 is shown electrically connected to a scanner 110 a printer 112 and a di ital camera 1 14. By way of example the net PC 104 can be connected to these peripheral devices throu h-a small computer system interface (SCSI). It will be understood however that alternative interface protocols can be used. if desired. In addition to its 5 connection to the scanner 110 printer 112 and digital camera 114 the net PC 104 can be connected to a net\vorl; 1 15. By way of example this networl; can comprise a wide area network (WAN) a local area networl; (LAN) the Interpret or an\ other network to which computing devices can connect.

As is further indicated in Fig. 1 the computing device 102 can comprise a 0 handheld device 116. Like the net PC 104 the handheld device 116 typically comprises a CPU and memory but further comprises a display screen I 1 S. The handheld device 1 16 is shown electrically connected to a further scanner 120 a further digital camera 122 and the network 115. In addition the network system 100 is shown as including a third scanner 124 a facsimile machine 126 and a further printer 128. As will be 5 appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art Allure the computing devices 102 are connected to the networl; 115 these additional peripheral devices are capable of interacting with the computing devices 102. Although FIG. 1 only illustrates a net PC 104 and a handheld device 116 as possibilities for the computing devices 102 it will be understood that other possibilities exist and are considered to be within the scope of the 20 invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device 102. This block diagram is intended as a generic representation of an example computing device 102 with which data sent from a peripheral device can be viewed. As indicated in FIG. 2 the computing device 102 generally comprises a local interface 202 through which the 2s various electrical connections are made within the device. Connected to the local

interface 202 is a CPU 204, input device(s) 206, output device(s) 20S, and display device(s) 210. In addition to these components, the computing device 102 further includes a memory 212. As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the memory 21 comprises both storage memory and system memory. Therefore, 5 the memory 212 can comprise, for instance, a hard drive and random access memory (RAM).

The nature of the input device(s) 906 depends upon the configuration of the computing device 107. Where the con putin=, device 102 comprises a net PC such as net PC 104 shown in FIG. 1, the input device(s) 206 can include a l;eyboarcl and a mouse.

ID Where the computing device 102 is a handheld device as handheld device 116 shows in FIG. 1, the input device(s) 906 can comprise input keys provided on the device and/or a touch-sensitive screen of the device. The output device(s) 206 nonnally comprise standard output hardware such as cable interfaces and/or infrared ports. As identified above with reference to FIG. 1, the display device(s) 210 typically comprise a monitor is such as monitor 108 shown in FIG. 1 where the computing device is a net PC, or a display screen such as display screen l l 8 shown in FIG. I where the computing device is a handheld device.

As is further indicated in FIG. 2, the memory 212 comprises an Internet browser 214, a browser plug-in 216, and one or more peripheral drivers 21S. As will be 20 appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the Internet browser 214 is a nearly ubiquitous component in substantially any computing device that is adapted for connecting to and browsing of the Internet. By way of example, the Internet browser 214 can comprise Netscape Navigators or Microsoft Internet Explorers, although it will be understood that the browser can comprise substantially any browser with which a 2s user can connect to and browse the lntemet.

s

The lntemet browser 214 normally comprises software designed to display HyperText Markup Language (HTML) fonnatted data. By may of example, the Inten et browser 214 is adapted to display various pages of Intemet web sites available on the World Wide Web. In particular, the browser 214 interprets the HTML files of the web s site that are loaded into the browser, and automatically configures these files for viewing by the user.

The Interpret browser 214 is adapted to produce a graphical user interface (GU1) with whicl1 the user can vie\\ web pages and navigate the various u eb sites. The GUI is presented to the user faith the display device 210 such that the user can view the web 0 pages as well as the various command buttons and pull-down menus with sN'hicl1 the user can manipulate the pages and navigate the web sites. For instance, where the computing device 102 is a net PC, a GUI can be presented to the user via a monitor sucl, as monitor 106 in FIG. 1. Alternatively, where the computing device 109 is a handheld device, the GUI can be presented to the user \vith a display screen such as display screen 1 16 shown 5 in FIG. 1. Normally, the GUI is configured to present a plurality of buttons and other input means (see, e.g., FIG. 4) through which the user can navigate the World Wide Web and manipulate the displayed information.

The peripheral driver(s) 218 typically comprise software responsible for low level communications between the computing device 102 and a peripheral device such 20 as scanners I 10, 120, and 124, cameras 1 14 and 122, and facsimile machine 126 shown in FIG. 1. As is known in the art, these drivers 218 normally only comprise the very minimum code necessary for communications and, therefore, do not normally comprise the software necessary for processing the data for viewing.

The browser pl g-in 216 typically comprises a relatively smell 'amount of software that is designed to facilitate communications between the Interpret browser 214 and the peripheral drivers 218. Normally, the browser plug-in 216 is stored in a sub directory of the browser directory in the storage memory of the computing device 109.

5 As is explained in greater detail below, the plug-in 216 is cone,ured such that data transmitted from a peripheral device to the computing device 107 can be loaded into the lnternet browser 214 so that the transmitted data can be viewed via the browser. Dale to the relatively small amount of software Oldish comprises the browser plug-in 216, the plug-in facilitates viewing of the input data without the need for a large amount of lo additional software as is typically tl e case for most peripheral devices. Accordingly, through the presence of the browser plugin 216, an Intemet-enabled computing device having relatively low storage capacity can be used to view data input from a peripheral device. As will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the browser Is plug-in software can be stored and transported on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such that a computer-based system, processor containing system. or other system can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execut the instructions. In the context of this disclosure, a "computer readable medium" can be

20 a means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus or device. A compute readable medium can be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples of compute readable media include the following: an 2s electrical connection having one or more wires, camera memory card, affordable

computer disl;ette, a random access memory (RAM) a read only memory (ROM), an erasable pro;,rammable read only memory (EPROM or Flash mend), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disl; read only memory (CD RoM). It is to be noted that the computer readable median, can even be paper or another suitable n ediun upon which the program is printed as the program can be electronically' captured, via for instance optical scanning, of the paper or other medium, then compiled. interpreted, or others ise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

FIG. 3 illustrates method for vied ing data with the computing device 102 shown in FIG. 2. As indicated in block 300, the viewing process is initiated u hen an input 0 request is received by the computing device 102 throu,l1 the browser GUI. FIG. 4 illustrates an example browser GUI 400. In particular, illustrated is a browser GUI based upon Microsoft Internet Explorers. Although a Microsoft Internet Explorers; GUI is illustrated in FIG. 4, it is to be understood that this GUl is shown for purposes of example only and that the browser can comprise substantially any Interpret browser. As 5 identified above, the browser GUI 400 normally is presented to the user on the display device of the computing device. By way of example, this display device can comprise monitor 108 or display screen 1 18 shown in FIG. 1.

Normally, the browser GUI 400 includes a tool bar 402 which, as is 'known in the art, permits the user to input various commands into the lntemet browser 214 By 20 way of example, the tool bar 402 can comprise a plurality of pull-down menus 404 that contain a plurality of different input commands. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the tool bar 402 can comprise menus has ing the headings 'File," "Edit," '\iie\v," "Favorites, " "Peripherals," "Tools," and "Help." In addition to the tool bar 402, the browser GUI 400 nonnally includes a navigation bar 406 with which the user can 2> navigate the Internet when the computing device 102 is online. This navigation bar 406

normally comprises a plurality of navigation buttons 408 that can be selected by the user by "cliclcinv" on the buttons with a mouse or where the computing device is a handheld device tapping on the buttons with a stylus.

The browser GUI 400 further includes an address blocl; 410 with which the user 5 can directly access particular web sites by entering a web site address. Typically provided below the tool bar 402 navi; ation bar 406 and address blocl; 410 is a viewing window 419 with which the various web pages and in the case of the invention peripherals data can be viewed by the user. As is conventional will, Internet browsers the browser GUI 400 normally includes a scroll bar 414 that is used to scroll through 10 web pages that do not fit within the viewing window 412. The scroll bar I normally includes an up arrow button 416 a scrolling button 41 and a down arrow button 420.

The browser GUI 400 typically further includes a status bar 422 that indicates the connection status with the Internet. In addition to the status bar 422. the browser GUI 400 can further include a peripherals tool bar 424 that is placed at the bottom of the 5 viewing window 412 adjacent the status bar 422. As indicated in FIG. 4 the peripherals tool bar 424 can comprise a plurality of peripherals buttons 476 that can be used to manipulate the image displayed in the viewing window 412 in various ways. By way of example as indicated in FIG. 4 the peripherals tool bar 424 can include buttons 426 for "Scale" "Rotate" "Crop" "Center" "Modify" and "Reverse" commands. As is 20 discussed below these buttons 424 can be used to manipulate data input from a peripheral device and displayed in the viewing window 412 of the browser GUI 400.

With reference back to FIG. 3 the input requests identified in block 300 can be received in a variety of ways. For instance the user can select the peripherals pull-don menu 404 shown in FIG. 4 that is provided with a plurality of different commands 2s relevant to receiving and manipulating data input from a peripheral device. By way of

example, the peripherals pull-down menu 404 can include a command to "receive data" from a peripheral device connected to the computing device. If a scanner, such as scanner I I O or 120 shown in FIG. I, is directly connected to the computing device 102, the user can instruct the computing device 102 to receive scanned data from the scanner.

s In another example the user can command the computing device 102 to receive scanned data from a remote scanner, such as scanner 124 shown in FIG. 1, that is coupled With the computing device via the network 1 15. Similarly, the peripherals pull down menu 404 can be used to collect image data Tom a digital camera, such as digital cameras 114 and 122 shown hi FIG. 1. b, yet a further alternative, the user can collect 0 data from a facsh, ile machine, such as facsimile machine 126 illustrated in FIG. 1, where the facsimile machine has such output capability. Generally stated, the user can use the browser GUI 400 to summon data from substantially any peripheral device capable of outputting viewing data to a computing device.

Once the input request has been received by the computing device 1 O9? the data from the peripheral device can be received as indicated in blocl; 302. After this data has been received, the data is processed for viewing with the browser plug-in 916 as indicated in blocl: 304. In particular, the browser plug-in 216 re-configures the data, whether it be from a scanner, digital camera, or other peripheral device, to place the data into HTML fonnat. Once this data has been placed in HTML format, the hiternet 20 browser 214 can display the image in the viewing window 412 of the browser GUI 400 as indicated in block 306. Therefore, the user can view the input data from the peripheral device with the lnternet browser GUI 400 regardless of whether the computing device 102 is currently connected to the lnternet.

At this point, the image can be manipulated, if desired (see 308), in several 2s different ways when manipulation instructions are received through the GUI 400 as

indicated in block 310. For instance if the user is content with the configuration he or she can save the image by for example selecting a "save" command located in the peripherals pull-down menu 404. Alternatively the user can print a hard copy of the viewed ima; e by selectin; a "print" confound similarly located within the peripherals s pull down menu 404. Where a print command is input by the user the image displayed in the viewing window 417 can be printed by for example. printer 112 and.'or printer 1 2S illustrated in FIG. 1.

Where the user is not content with the configuration of the intake he or she can manipulate the image. For instance if the image is too large or too small the user can 10 scale the image with the "Scale" peripheral button 476. Shnilariv if the orientation of the image is not acceptable the image can be rotated by selecting the "Rotate" peripheral button 426. Other such conventional image manipulation can be effected through the remaining peripheral buttons 496 indicated in FIG. 4. Accordingiv the user can crop center reverse and modify the image with these buttons. Although particular 5 commands are noted in FIG. 4 it is to be understood that these buttons are presented to the reader as examples only and that substantially any other common image manipulation can be performed upon the image with selection of a peripheral button 426. Alternatively the peripherals tool bar 424 can be omitted. if desired where the peripheral pull-down menu 404 comprises all the commands for the various image 20 manipulation options.

Reh rnin; to FIG. 3 aRer any manipulations or other processing has been performed flow continues to 312 at which further viewing can be terminated as indicated at termination point 314 or where the viewing process can begin anew by returning to block 300.

2s

Wl ile particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail in the foregoing description and drawings for purposes of example, it Will be understood

by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications thereof can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

l CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

I. A method for viewing data, comprising: 2 receiving a request for peripheral device input (300); 3 receiving data from the peripheral device (302); 4 processing data with an Internet browser plug-in (304); and 5 displaying the data with an Internet browser graphical user interface (GUJ) 6 (306).

1
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of processing data with an 2 Internet browser plug-in comprises reconfiguring the data into HyperText Markup 3 Language (HTML) format.

1
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the data 2 comprises displaying the data in a viewing window of the Internet browser GU1.

1
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising manipulating the data 2 displayed with the lnternet browser GUI (310).

1
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of manipulating the data is 2 conducted in response to manipulation commands received with the Internet browser 3 GUI.

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6. Apparatus for viewing data, comprising 2 an Internet browser (214); 3 a peripheral device driver (218); and an Intemet browser plug-in (216) configured to reconfigure data received from s a peripheral device via the peripheral device driver into a format suitable for viewing 6 with the Internet browser.

1
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the lnternet browser plug-in is 2 configured to reconfigure the data received from the peripheral device into HTML 3 format.

1
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is provided on a net 2 PC. I
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is provided in a 2 handheld device.