JP2020525954A - Virtual office - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of providing a virtual office is the step of generating an output for displaying a virtual office containing multiple images of items of office equipment placed in the virtual office, and each item of the office equipment is in the virtual office. With the image data stored for use in the generation of the image and the code that performs the associated office function, the step and the user input are received to select the image of the office equipment item and by the office equipment A step that identifies the action to be performed, a step that performs the identified action, and an image that modifies the generated output for display so that the selected office equipment item performs the selected function. Includes steps to display.

Description

The present invention relates to methods and systems for providing virtual offices.

Office workers are required to perform office functions using many different programs and items of office equipment on a computer. Office workers often require considerable training in how to use the items of office equipment or the array of programs they are required to use.

Therefore, there is a need to simplify the way office workers can perform their office functions.

One aspect provides a method of providing a virtual office, the method comprising generating an output for a display of the virtual office including a plurality of images of items of office equipment located in the virtual office. Each item of equipment comprises image data stored for use in generating an image in a virtual office and code associated with performing office functions, steps, and receiving office input of the office equipment. Selecting an image of the item and identifying the action performed by the office equipment, performing the identified action, and modifying the generated output for display to select the item for the selected office equipment. Displaying an image that performs the selected function.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for providing a virtual office, the system including at least one processor and memory for storing instructions, the instructions of an office device located in the virtual office. Producing an output for a display of a virtual office that includes multiple images of items, each item of office equipment being associated with image data stored for use in generating images within the virtual office and associated office functions. Code for performing an action, selecting an image of an item of office equipment to receive user input, identifying an action performed by the office equipment, performing the identified action, and generating the display for display. The output of the selected office equipment item is executable by the at least one processor to display an image that performs the selected function.

Another aspect of the invention provides a carrier medium or storage medium carrying code executable by a processor to perform a deferred search method.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a generalized system according to one embodiment. 2 is a flow diagram of a method of providing a virtual office using the system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an office system according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a networked system according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from the system, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from the system during file selection, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from the system during file selection, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during document selection, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during document selection, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating displaying virtual office output from a system during page turning of a document, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating displaying virtual office output from a system during page turning of a document, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during the writing of a document, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during the writing of a document, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates display sequence output from a system during document posting, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating displaying virtual office output from a system during document writing, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating displaying virtual office output from a system during document writing, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from the system during mail retrieval according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from the system during mail retrieval according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during social network input, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during social network input, according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display in a section of virtual office output from the system during filing and retrieval of documents, according to one embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of a basic computing device used in one embodiment.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, which show, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. It should be understood that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made. Such embodiments of the present inventive subject matter are for convenience only and without the intention to voluntarily limit the scope of the application to any single invention or inventive concept when more than one is actually disclosed, References herein may be made individually and/or collectively to the term "invention."

Therefore, the following description should not be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present subject matter is defined by the appended claims.

In the following embodiments, similar components are given similar reference numbers.

In the following embodiments, the data is described as being stored in at least one database. The term database includes, but is not limited to, relational databases (eg, Oracle® database, mySQL database, etc.), non-relational databases (eg, NoSQL database, etc.), in-memory databases, spreadsheets with comma-separated values ( CSV files, eXtendible markup language (XML) files, text (TXT) files, flat files, spreadsheet files, and/or any other widely used or proprietary for data storage. It is intended to encompass any data structure (and/or combination of data structures) for storing and/or organizing data, including as a format of. Databases are typically stored in one or more data stores. As such, each database referred to herein (eg, in the description and/or drawings of the present application) should be understood to be stored in one or more data stores. A "file system" can control how data is stored and/or retrieved (eg, FAT, NTFS, disk file systems such as optical disks, flash file systems, tape file systems, database files). System, transaction file system, network file system, etc.). For simplicity, this disclosure is described herein in terms of databases. However, the systems and techniques disclosed herein may be implemented in a file system or a combination of database and file system.

In the following embodiments, the term data store is intended to include any computer-readable storage medium and/or device (or collection of data storage media and/or devices). Examples of data stores include, but are not limited to, optical disks (eg, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), magnetic disks (eg, hard disk, floppy disk, etc.), memory circuits (eg, solid state drive, random access memory). (RAM) etc.) and the like. Another example of a data store is a hosted storage environment that includes a collection of physical data storage devices (commonly referred to as "cloud" storage) that can be remotely accessible and can be provided quickly as needed. Is.

The functions or algorithms described herein are implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware in one embodiment. Software includes computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable carrier medium such as memory or other type of storage device. Furthermore, the functions described may correspond to modules that may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. The functions described may be performed in one or more modules, as desired, and the described embodiments are merely examples. The software is on a digital signal processor, ASIC, microprocessor, or other type of processor that runs on a system such as a personal computer, server, router, or other device capable of processing data, including network interconnection devices. Run on.

Some embodiments use associated control and data signals that are communicated between and through two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices, or as part of an application specific integrated circuit. , To realize the function. Therefore, the exemplary process flow is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

The generalized embodiment includes a method and system for providing a virtual office, wherein an output is generated for display of the virtual office including a plurality of images of items of office equipment located in the virtual office. Each item of office equipment has image data stored for use in generating images in a virtual office and associated code that performs office functions. User input is received to select an image of an item of office equipment, identify an action performed by the office equipment, and perform the identified action. The output generated for display is modified to display an image of the selected office equipment item performing the selected function.

Office functions may include operations on electronic documents.

Thus, the displayed virtual office provides a simple and intuitive user interface for office workers to use to perform office functions. Office equipment items include paper, writing instruments (eg, pens, pencils, erasers, highlight markers, etc.), printers, scanners, facsimile machines, shredders, filing cabinets, files, scanners, in trays, whiteboards, pinboards, calculators. , And even any computer that implements applications such as email, spreadsheets, or budget/accounting software. This list is exemplary only and not exhaustive.

The Office functions that you can perform in Virtual Office are the following actions on documents: filing, searching, shredding, emailing, faxing, printing, scanning, creating, saving, opening, closing, editing/modifying, posting, and displaying. (Eg to a shared whiteboard or pinboard) and the like. The office function may also be, for example, a telephone call or the initiation of a video call/conference.

In this patent, the term "document" is intended to include any form of data held in the office environment in a unit for electronic publication or communication, including photographs and images, text, email, and the like. ..

To provide the user with feedback and to provide an intuitive user interface, the generated output can be modified to display an animation of the image that the selected item performs the selected function. Thus, for example, the shredder function can be illustrated by an image that the shredder shreds a document, and the print function can be illustrated as an image printed by a printer.

Office equipment may include paper that carries electronic document content, and the identified action may include turning pages. The output produced is responsively modified to display a page-turned image of the paper and electronic document content.

Office equipment may include paper carrying electronic document content and writing instruments such as pens or pencils. The identified action may include writing on paper, the output produced is then modified to display an image where the writing appears on the paper, and the electronic document is modified according to the writing.

The office equipment may include an envelope and the identified operations may include writing into the envelope, inserting paper into the envelope, and posting the envelope. This can be referred to as virtual posting. The output produced is responsively modified to display an image in which the paper is inserted into the envelope, an image in which the writing appears in the envelope, and an image in which the envelope is inserted into the post. The identified actions in this case include electronically communicating the electronic document according to the writing on the envelope. The envelope writing may be manually entered by the user or retrieved from a locally or remotely stored source such as contact details stored in the address book. Also, the writing may be entered by cutting and pasting from other displayed text, for example in another application or window.

Office equipment may include files that include documents. The electronic document may be stored in an electronic file associated with the image of the file. This can be referred to as virtual filing. The identified action can include selecting a file and the generated output can be modified to display an image for which the file is selected. The identified action may include opening the file and the output generated may be modified to display the image in which the file is opened. The identified action may include selecting a document in the file and the generated output may be modified to display the image in which the document is opened.

Office equipment may include a telephone or video telephone, and the associated action stored for the office function of the telephone may be making a voice or video telephone call.

In an embodiment, virtual office processing is an office that provides standard office functions such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation applications, email applications, communication applications, messaging applications, image processing applications, drawing applications, document management applications, etc. Interfaces with applications to provide a more intuitive interface for performing office functions. In a virtual office environment, users can interact with items of office equipment in a more natural way. The user can also interact with the avatar, control them to operate in the virtual office, and interact with images of office equipment.

In one embodiment, the code for execution by the processor includes a virtual office application that produces output for displaying a virtual office, the virtual office application being interfaced to at least one office application that performs office functions. (Interfaced). Therefore, standard available office applications such as word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, etc. are used behind the virtual office interface, avoiding the need to replace known office applications and replacing standard office word processing applications. Without providing an interface that is easier to use.

In one embodiment, the user can interface with the displayed output and use the pointer device and keyboard to provide user input. In an alternative embodiment, the user interface is any form of visual output and audio that recognizes a keyboard, touch screen, pointer device (such as a mouse, trackball, trackpad, or pen device), sound or speech from the user. It may be any form of input such as recognition hardware and/or software, gesture recognition input hardware and/or software.

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a generalized system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows modules implemented in a computing device. Modules contain logical units of code. However, the functionality of the logical units may be performed by any suitable separation or division of code into modules.

The user interface 11 is connected to the virtual office processing module 12 to perform the process of generating a virtual office output for display using the user interface 11. The Virtual Office processing module 12 accesses a Virtual Office data store 13 that stores all of the data needed to create and render the Virtual Office environment. For example, the virtual office data store 13 may store image data of items of office equipment, background office images, and the like. A document data store 14 is connected to the virtual office processing module 12 and stores document data for use in a virtual office environment.

2 is a flow diagram of a method of providing a virtual office using the system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

In step S10, an output is generated for display of the virtual office including a plurality of images of items of office equipment located within the virtual office. Each item of office equipment has image data stored for use in generating images in a virtual office and associated code that performs office functions. Office functions may include operations on electronic documents as broadly defined above. In step S11, user input is received to select an image of an item of office equipment and identify an action to be performed on the electronic document by the office equipment. In step S12, the identified action is performed on the electronic document, and in step S13, the output generated for display displays an image of the selected office equipment item performing the selected function. To be changed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an office system according to one embodiment.

In this embodiment, the Virtual Office processing module 22 is connected to the user interface 21 and uses the data stored in the Virtual Office data store 25 to provide Virtual Office output for display. The virtual office processing module interfaces to multiple office applications including office processing modules 23A, 23B, and 23C. An office file storage module 24 is provided and connected to each of the office processing modules 23A, 23B, and 23C to store data A, B, and C associated with each office processing module 23A, 23B, and 23C, respectively. To do. Office processing modules 23A, 23B, and 23C are high-level applications that perform office functions such as word processing, presentation processing, spreadsheet processing, image processing, social networking, email sending, and printer drivers, shredders, or secure applications. It can include any conventional application that provides office functionality, including lower level applications such as delete applications. Thus, in this embodiment, the virtual office environment provides a top-level interface for the user to perform office functions more intuitively, which they are familiar with, or standard, eg for policy reasons. Or allow access to applications that are required to be used in the office for compatibility reasons.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a networked system for providing virtual offices, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows two client devices 100A and 100B used by a user. Any number of client devices may be used. Client devices 100A and 100B may be any type of computing such as personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, personal organizers, mobile devices, smartphones, mobile phones, video players, televisions, audio players, multimedia devices, personal digital assistants, and the like. Alternatively, it may include a processing machine.

The client devices 100A and 100B are connected to a communication network such as the Internet 50. The server system 1000 is connected to the Internet 50 and provides a virtual office via the Internet 50. The server system 1000 includes a network interface 110 and a virtual office application 120. The Virtual Office application is connected to a Virtual Office data store 130 that stores all of the data needed to create and render the Virtual Office environment for display on client devices 100A and 100B. For example, the virtual office data store 130 may store image data of office equipment items, background office images, and the like. A document data store 140 is connected to the virtual office application 120 and stores document data for use within the virtual office environment provided to client devices 100A and 100B.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display of virtual office output from the system, according to one embodiment. A virtual office may be a representation of a 3D environment displayed on a 2D display.

Display 200 displays a virtual office that includes a desk, a chair, and multiple items of office equipment with which a user can interact with input instructions for processing documents. In this embodiment, on the desk is a laptop 202 and a printer 201. A trash box 203 and a shredder 204 are located near the desk, and a filing cabinet 205 is located at a corner. On one wall is a shelf with books 206, and on the other wall is a shelf with files 207 and shared whiteboards and pinboards 208. A bookcase 209 is further displayed next to the desk. All of these displayed images of office equipment items are selectable by the user to choose to perform processing that corresponds to the expected normal functionality of the illustrated office equipment item. For example, if the user has a document open on the desk, they can place it in the trash 203, for example by a drag and drop operation, and delete it. If the user wants to securely delete the document, they can put it on the shredder 204, for example by a drag and drop operation. To print a document, the user can drag and drop the document onto printer 201 to trigger a printing operation. Although drag and drop operations are described as an example, the user can interface by any means such as touch and voice.

Shared whiteboards and pinboards 208 allow users to write messages and add documents for viewing by other users who can use the shared office environment.

Bookcase 209 allows a user to select it and access a library of reference books. An image of the phone 214 is provided, allowing the user to select the image to initiate the office function of the phone call (or video call if the phone has video capabilities).

Execution of other office functions using the virtual office environment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during file selection, according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the user can select the file 207 on the shelf to search for and open the document in one of the files. The sequence of images that appear in the virtual office is shown in Figure 6B, which shows the animated state of file 207 on the shelf being processed. When the user makes a selection of a file, it is shown as moving from the shelf to leave empty space on the shelf.

7A and 7B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during document selection, according to one embodiment.

Once the file is selected in FIG. 6B, it is placed on the desk and the user can select the document from the file. The selected document is shown open on the desk next to the selected file. To retrieve the document, the user can select it and it will be displayed in a larger format. If the user wants to act on the document, the user can choose to manipulate the document, eg edit it, and a word processing application can be opened to allow word processing of the document. The word processing interface may overlay the virtual office display, or may be in a separate display area or screen. This applies equally to accessing any other word processing application, such as a spreadsheet application, a presentation application, an accounting application.

The display of documents in the display area can be manipulated in the same manner as the user interacts with the paper. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during page turning of a document, according to one embodiment. Therefore, the user can choose to display the next page by performing a simple selection operation, such as a drag operation to turn a page of a document, and an image of paper (an item of office equipment) can be turned over. Changed to show behavior.

9A and 9B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during writing of a document, according to one embodiment.

In this embodiment, the user's interaction with the document can be displayed on a table and the user input can be displayed as an action the pen writes on paper.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating display sequence output from the system during virtual document posting according to one embodiment.

In this embodiment, the document can be displayed on a table and the user can choose to write the document and send it as an electronic communication such as an email. The sequence of FIG. 10 shows the operations of selecting a document, writing to the document, inserting the document into a virtual envelope, writing the destination of the envelope, and posting the envelope. The envelope may be stamped and the user may be required to pay or obtain permission to obtain the stamp. The stamp can include any desired image, such as a company logo.

Virtual offices represent different types of office environments in which handling virtual mail is an important activity in the office. The virtual mail posting and delivery system enables sending and receiving, ie posting and delivery, of virtual mail including virtual letters, including virtual letters, leaflets, card flyers, parcels and the like.

This embodiment provides a visual and intuitive way for users to send electronic communications such as email.

11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during document writing, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the user can write notes in Notepad and these can be stored as documents. The writing operation can be shown as a virtual writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, writing on virtual paper.

12A and 12B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system reading mail, according to one embodiment. Thus, the embodiments can be used in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 10 that describes the creation and transmission of electronic communications.

Users may be notified by simple notification that they have an email (or any form of electronic communication). In one embodiment, the notification may be a stack of virtual envelopes on a desk or in an in-tray. The user can choose to view the envelopes, as shown in the first part of FIG. 12B, and the user can choose to open one of the envelopes and read the documents contained therein. The user can further choose to reply to the message in the envelope, and the envelope can automatically readdress and send back to the sender.

13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display of virtual office output from a system during social network input according to one embodiment.

The document in this embodiment includes text that is entered into the social network interface. The user can open the social network page as a document and interact with it as if it were a document.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a display in a section of virtual office output from the system during filing and retrieval of documents, according to one embodiment. This embodiment illustrates a user interaction with the filing cabinet 205 of FIG.

When the user selects the filing cabinet 205, a search input box 300 is displayed that allows the user to enter a search string as a query for documents stored in the filing cabinet. When the user enters the query "File A" and the file is found, the filing cabinet image is modified to open the drawer and indicate that the document is retrieved.

The virtual office may be a home office. The virtual office interface may be used as an interface to a virtual office, which is a shared office environment that can be "occupied" or shared by multiple users, and in which an administrative user can be, for example, an employer. There may be many offices within the main virtual office area, or they may be linked together. In this environment, files may be accessed, transferred and shared. Similarly, users can use bookshelves to share books, browse each other's books, add books to the bookshelf, and download new books from sources such as over the Internet.

Although virtual offices are described above without reference to any office worker depictions, in one embodiment office workers may be depicted by avatars. The avatar can interact, and the virtual office displayed can include a virtual meeting or conference to allow attendees to interact with images of office equipment. Avatars can interact with each other, which can interact with virtual office equipment to move images of office equipment within the virtual office to reconfigure the office layout.

In one embodiment, the method and system can be used with the method and apparatus disclosed in the co-pending U.S. patent application number filed on the same date as the present application and entitled "VIRTUAL MEETING PARTICIPANT RESPONSE INDICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM", The content of that application is incorporated herein in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the user can interface with the displayed output and use the pointer device and keyboard to provide user input. In an alternative embodiment, the user interface recognizes any form of visual output as well as keyboard, touch screen, pointer device (such as mouse, trackball, trackpad, or pen device), sound or speech from the user. It may be any form of input such as audio recognition hardware and/or software, gesture recognition input hardware and/or software.

[Basic Computing Device]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a basic computing device 600 in which exemplary embodiments of the invention may be implemented. Computing device 600 and its components, including their connections, relationships, and functions are intended to be merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the implementation of the exemplary embodiments. Other computing devices suitable for implementing the example embodiments may have different components, including components having different connections, relationships, and capabilities.

The computing device 600 may include, for example, any of the server or user device shown in FIG. 3, or a computing device in which the modules of FIG. 1 are implemented.

Computing device 600 may include a bus 602 or other communication mechanism for addressing main memory 606 and transferring data between and within various components of device 600.

Computing device 600 may further include one or more hardware processors 604 coupled to bus 602 for processing information. Hardware processor 604 may be a general purpose microprocessor, system on chip (SoC), or other processor.

Main memory 606, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage, may also be coupled to bus 602 for storing information and software instructions to be executed by processor 604. Main memory 606 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of software instructions to be executed by processor 604.

The software instructions, when stored on a storage medium accessible to the processor 604, cause the computing device 600 to be a specialized computing device customized to perform the operations specified in the software instructions. The terms “software”, “software instructions”, “computer program”, “computer-executable instructions”, and “processor-executable instructions” perform certain operations on computing devices, whether human-readable or not. Application software, desktop applications, scripts, binaries, operating systems, device drivers, boot loaders, shells, utilities, system software, JAVASCRIPT (registered trademark), web pages, webs. It should be broadly construed to cover any machine-readable information, including applications, plug-ins, embedded software, microcode, compilers, debuggers, interpreters, virtual machines, linkers, and text editors.

Computing device 600 may further include read only memory (ROM) 608 or other static storage coupled to bus 602 for storing static information and software instructions for processor 604.

One or more mass storage devices 610 provide information and software instructions on fixed or removable media such as magnetic, optical, solid state, magneto-optical, flash memory, or any other available mass storage technology. May be coupled to bus 602 for persistent storage. The mass storage may be shared by the network or may be a dedicated mass storage. Typically, at least one of the mass storage devices 610 (eg, the main hard disk for the device) contains an operating system, user application programs, drivers and other support files, as well as any other type of data files. The main body of programs and data for instructing the operation of the computing device is stored.

Computing device 600 may be coupled via bus 602 to a display 612, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other electronic visual display, for displaying information to a computer user. In some configurations, a touch-sensitive surface that incorporates touch-sensing technology (eg, resistive, capacitive, etc.) is overlaid on the display 612 to communicate touch gestures (eg, finger or stylus) input to the processor 604. Of touch sensitive displays may be formed.

An input device 614, including alphanumeric characters and other keys, may be coupled to bus 602 to communicate information and command selections to processor 604. In addition to or in place of alphanumeric and other keys, the input device 614 may also include one or more physical buttons or switches, such as a power (on/off) button, a “home” button, a volume control button, and the like. Good.

Another type of user input device communicates directional information and command selections to processor 604 and cursor controls, such as a mouse, trackball, cursor, touch screen, or directional keys, for controlling cursor movement on display 612. It may be 616. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (eg x) and a second axis (eg y), so that the device specifies a position in a plane. To be able to do. Other input device embodiments include an audio or speech recognition input module that recognizes audio input such as speech, a visual input device that can recognize gestures by a user, and a keyboard.

In some configurations, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 15, one or more of display 612, input device 614, and cursor control 616 are external components (ie, peripherals) of computing device 600, but not others. In some configurations, some or all of display 612, input device 614, and cursor control 616 are integrated as part of the form factor of computing device 600.

In addition or in place of display 612, any other type of user output device may be used, such as an audio output device or a tactile (vibration) output device.

The functions of the disclosed systems, methods and modules may be performed by computing device 600 in response to processor 604 executing one or more programs of software instructions contained in main memory 606. Such software instructions may be read into main memory 606 from storage device 610 or another storage medium such as a transmission medium. Execution of software instructions contained in main memory 606 causes processor 604 to perform the functions of the illustrative embodiments.

The functions and operations of the exemplary embodiments may be implemented entirely in software instructions, but in other embodiments, instead of software instructions for performing the functions, in accordance with the requirements of the particular implementation at hand. , Or in combination, may use hard-wired or programmable circuitry of computing device 600 (eg, ASIC, FPGA, etc.).

The term “storage medium” as used herein refers to any non-transitory medium that stores data and/or software instructions that cause a computing device to operate in a particular manner. Such storage media may include non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, or solid state drives, such as storage device 610. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 606. Common forms of storage media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid state drives, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, hole pattern. RAM, PROM, and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, flash memory, any other memory chip, or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from transmission media but may be used in connection with transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferring information between storage media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 602. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications. Machine-readable media, which carry instructions in the form of code, may include non-transitory storage media and transmission media.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more software instructions to processor 604 for execution. For example, the software instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the software instructions into its dynamic memory and send the software instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computing device 600 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus 602. Bus 602 carries data to main memory 606 from which processor 604 retrieves and executes software instructions. The software instructions received by main memory 606 may optionally be stored on storage device 610 either before or after execution by processor 604.

Computing device 600 may further include one or more communication interfaces 618 coupled to bus 602. The communication interface 618 is both coupled to a wired or wireless network link 620 that connects to a local network 622 (eg, Ethernet network, wireless local area network, cellular phone network, Bluetooth wireless network, etc.). Providing data communication for communication. Communication interface 618 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. For example, the communication interface 618 may be a wired network interface card, a wireless network interface card with integrated wireless antennas, or a modem (eg ISDN, DSL, or cable modem).

Network link 620 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 620 may provide a connection through local network 622 to a host computer or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP then provides data communication services through a worldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet." Local network 622 and the Internet use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Signals through the various networks that carry digital data to and from computing device 600, as well as signals on network link 620 and through communication interface 618, are in the exemplary form of transmission media. is there.

Computing device 600 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 620 and communication interface 618. In the Internet example, a server may send the requested code for an application program through the Internet, ISP, local network 622, and communication interface 618.

The received code may be executed by processor 604 as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 610 or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

One aspect is a carrier medium, such as a non-transitory storage medium storing code for execution by a processor of a machine to execute the method, or for execution by a processor of the machine to execute the method. And a temporary medium carrying processor executable code. Embodiments may be implemented in programmable digital logic that implements computer code. The code may be provided on a carrier medium to programmable logic such as a processor or microprocessor. One such embodiment of the carrier medium is a transitory medium, i.e. a signal such as an electrical, electromagnetic, acoustic, magnetic or optical signal. Another form of carrier medium is a non-transitory storage medium for storing code, such as solid state memory, magnetic medium (hard disk drive), or optical medium (compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)). is there.

Various other changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of parts and method steps described and illustrated to illustrate the nature of the subject matter of the invention, as well as the principles of the subject matter of the invention, are set forth in the appended claims. And can be made without departing from the scope, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Claims (24)

A method of providing a virtual office, comprising:
Generating an output for display of said virtual office comprising a plurality of images of items of office equipment arranged in a virtual office, each item of office equipment being used in the generation of said image in said virtual office. Having image data stored for it and code to perform associated office functions,
Receiving user input and selecting an image of an item of office equipment and identifying an action to be performed by the office equipment;
Performing the identified operation;
Modifying the generated output for display to display an image in which the selected office equipment item performs the selected function;
Including the method. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one office function comprises an action on an electronic document. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the generated output is modified such that the selected item displays an animation of the image that performs the selected function. The office device includes a paper carrying the electronic document content, the identified action includes turning a page, and the generated output is a page-turned image of the paper and the electronic document content. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is modified to display. The office equipment includes a paper carrying a content of the electronic document and a writing instrument, the identified operation includes writing on the paper, and the generated output displays an image in which the writing appears on the paper. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic document is modified according to the writing. The office equipment includes an envelope, and the identified operation includes writing to the envelope, inserting the paper into the envelope, and mailing the envelope, the generated output being the paper Changed to display an image to be inserted in an envelope, an image in which the writing appears in the envelope, and an image in which the envelope is inserted in a mail box, wherein the identified action is in accordance with the writing to the envelope. The method of claim 5, comprising electronically communicating an electronic document. The office device includes a file containing a document, the electronic document is stored in an electronic file associated with an image of the file, and the identified action includes selecting a file, the generated 7. A method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the output is modified to display the image in which the file is selected. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the identified action comprises opening a file and the generated output is modified to display an image in which the file is opened. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the identified action comprises selecting a document in the file and the generated output is modified to display an image in which the document is opened. 10. The office equipment of any of claims 1-9, wherein the office equipment comprises a telephone or video telephone, and the associated action stored for the office function of the telephone is making a voice or video telephone call. The method according to item 1. The output for displaying the virtual office is generated using a virtual office application, at least one of the office functions is realized using an office application, and the virtual office application is the at least one virtual office application. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is interfaced to one office application. A system for providing a virtual office,
At least one processor,
A memory for storing instructions,
The command is
Producing an output for display of said virtual office comprising a plurality of images of items of office equipment arranged in a virtual office, each item of office equipment for use in the generation of said image in said virtual office. Having stored image data and code to perform associated office functions,
Receiving user input, selecting an image of an item of office equipment, identifying the actions performed by said office equipment,
Performing the identified action,
A system executable by the at least one processor to modify the generated output for display to display an image of the selected office equipment item performing the selected function. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one office function includes operations on electronic documents. 14. The system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the generated output is modified such that the selected item displays an animation of the image that performs the selected function. The office device includes a paper carrying the electronic document content, the identified action includes turning a page, and the generated output is a page-turned image of the paper and the electronic document content. 15. The system according to any one of claims 12-14 modified for display. The office equipment includes a paper carrying a content of the electronic document and a writing instrument, the identified operation includes writing on the paper, and the generated output displays an image in which the writing appears on the paper. 16. The system of any of claims 12-15, wherein the system is modified to modify the electronic document according to the writing. The office equipment includes an envelope, and the identified operation includes writing to the envelope, inserting the paper into the envelope, and mailing the envelope, the generated output being the paper Changed to display an image to be inserted in an envelope, an image in which the writing appears in the envelope, and an image in which the envelope is inserted in a mail box, wherein the identified action is in accordance with the writing to the envelope. 17. The system of claim 16, including electronically communicating electronic documents. The office device includes a file containing a document, the electronic document is stored in an electronic file associated with an image of the file, and the identified action includes selecting a file, the generated 18. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the output is modified to display the image in which the file is selected. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the identified action comprises opening a file and the generated output is modified to display an image in which the file is opened. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the identified action comprises selecting a document in the file and the generated output is modified to display an image in which the document is opened. 21. Any of claims 12-20, wherein the office equipment comprises a telephone or video telephone, and the associated action stored for the office function of the telephone is making a voice or video telephone call. The system according to item 1. 13. The instructions include a virtual office application for generating the output for display of the virtual office, the virtual office application being interfaced to at least one office application performing the office function. 22. The system according to any one of claims 21 to 21. A carrier medium carrying processor executable code executed by a processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11. A non-transitory storage medium storing processor-executable code executed by a processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11.

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