US9271117B2 - Computing system with configuration update mechanism and method of operation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A computing system includes: a context module configured to determine a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device; a zone module, coupled to the context module, configured to determine a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to the device; a proximate-device module, coupled to the zone module, configured to determine proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device; and a configuration transfer module, coupled to the proximate-device module, configured to communicate a transferable configuration setting with a communication unit using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting and the contextual information for displaying on the device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a computing system, and more particularly to a system for updating configurations.

BACKGROUND

Modern consumer and industrial electronics, such as computing systems, televisions, tablets, cellular phones, portable digital assistants, projectors, and combination devices, are providing increasing levels of functionality to support modern life. In addition to the explosion of functionality and proliferation of these devices into the everyday life, there is also an explosion of data and information being created, transported, consumed, and stored.

The increasing demand for information in modern life requires users to access information at any time, while the variety of consumer devices allow for increased functionalities. However, device configurations for accommodating the information and the functionalities have often been difficult to control, such as in programming a videocassette recorder.

Thus, a need still remains for a computing system with configuration update mechanism for dynamically controlling configuration settings. In view of the ever-increasing commercial competitive pressures, along with growing consumer expectations and the diminishing opportunities for meaningful product differentiation in the marketplace, it is increasingly critical that answers be found to these problems. Additionally, the need to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and performance, and meet competitive pressures adds an even greater urgency to the critical necessity for finding answers to these problems.

Solutions to these problems have been long sought but prior developments have not taught or suggested any solutions and, thus, solutions to these problems have long eluded those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides a computing system, including: a context module configured to determine a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device; a zone module, coupled to the context module, configured to determine a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to the device; proximate-device module, coupled to the zone module, configured to determine proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device; and a configuration transfer module, coupled to the proximate-device module, configured to communicate a transferable configuration setting with a communication unit using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting and the contextual information for displaying on the device.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operation of a computing system including: determining a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device; determining a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to a device; determining proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device; and communicating a transferable configuration setting with a communication unit using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting for displaying on the device.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions including: determining a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device; determining a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to a device; determining proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device; and communicating a transferable configuration setting with a communication unit using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting for displaying on the device.

Certain embodiments of the invention have other steps or elements in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. The steps or elements will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description when taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a computing system with configuration update mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example display of the first device.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the computing system.

FIG. 4 is a further functional block diagram of the computing system.

FIG. 5 is a control flow of the computing system.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of operation of a computing system in a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention updates a downloading-device profile based on contextual information, including a future context. A transferable configuration setting is exchanged between devices based on a proximity zone, a transfer trigger, a contextual time-mark, a transfer offset, or a combination thereof associated with the contextual information. One or more devices can exchange the transferable configuration setting, update the downloading-device profile according to the transferable configuration setting, communicate a configuration notification to a user, or a combination thereof. The exchange or the update can be based on settings for the devices within the proximity zone.

An embodiment of the present invention includes the transferable configuration setting to provide contextually relevant configurations with minimal burden on the user. The transferable configuration setting and the future context further provide timely and contextually relevant features to the user.

The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In order to avoid obscuring the present invention, some well-known circuits, system configurations, and process steps are not disclosed in detail.

The drawings showing embodiments of the system are semi-diagrammatic, and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawing figures. Similarly, although the views in the drawings for ease of description generally show similar orientations, this depiction in the figures is arbitrary for the most part. Generally, the invention can be operated in any orientation.

The term “module” referred to herein can include software, hardware, or a combination thereof in the present invention in accordance with the context in which the term is used. For example, the software can be machine code, firmware, embedded code, and application software. The software can also include a function, a call to a function, a code block, or a combination thereof. Also for example, the hardware can be circuitry, processor, computer, integrated circuit, integrated circuit cores, a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), passive devices, physical non-transitory memory medium having instructions for performing the software function, or a combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 1, therein is shown acomputing system100 with configuration update mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. Thecomputing system100 includes afirst device102, such as a client or a server, connected to asecond device106, such as a client or server, a neighboringdevice108, such as a client or server, or a combination thereof. Thefirst device102 can communicate with thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof with acommunication path104, such as a wireless or wired network.

Users of thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof can communicate with each other or access or create information including text, images, symbols, location information, and audio, as examples. The users can be individuals or enterprise companies. The information can be created directly from a user or operations performed on these information to create more or different information.

Thefirst device102, thefurther device108, or a combination thereof can be of any of a variety of devices, such as a smartphone, a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, or other multi-functional display or entertainment device. Thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof can couple, either directly or indirectly, to thecommunication path104 for exchanging information with thesecond device106 or each other, or can be a stand-alone device.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is described with thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108 as a portable multi-functional device, although it is understood that thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108 can be different types of devices. For example, thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof can also be a workstation or a multi-media presentation. A multi-media presentation can be a presentation including sound, a sequence of streaming images or a video feed, text or a combination thereof.

Thesecond device106 can be any of a variety of centralized or decentralized computing devices, or video transmission devices. For example, thesecond device106 can be a multimedia computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a video game console, grid-computing resources, a virtualized computer resource, cloud computing resource, routers, switches, peer-to-peer distributed computing devices, a media playback device, a recording device, such as a camera or video camera, or a combination thereof. In another example, thesecond device106 can be a server at a service provider or a computing device at a transmission facility.

Thesecond device106 can be centralized in a single room, distributed across different rooms, distributed across different geographical locations, embedded within a telecommunications network. Thesecond device106 can couple with thecommunication path104 to communicate with thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is described with thesecond device106 as a computing device, although it is understood that thesecond device106 can be different types of devices. Also for illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is shown with thesecond device106, thefirst device102, and the neighboringdevice108 as end points of thecommunication path104, although it is understood that thecomputing system100 can have a different partition between thefirst device102, thesecond device106, and thecommunication path104. For example, thefirst device102, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof can also function as part of thecommunication path104.

For further illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is described with thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108 as a consumer device or a portable device, and with thesecond device106 as a stationary or an enterprise device. However, it is understood that thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, and thesecond device106 can be any variety of devices. For example, thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof can be a stationary device or an enterprise system, such as a television or a server. Also for example, thesecond device106 can be a consumer device or a portable device, such as a smart phone or a wearable device.

Thecommunication path104 can span and represent a variety of network types and network topologies. For example, thecommunication path104 can include wireless communication, wired communication, optical, ultrasonic, or the combination thereof. Satellite communication, cellular communication, Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association standard (IrDA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) are examples of wireless communication that can be included in thecommunication path104. Ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber to the home (FTTH), and plain old telephone service (POTS) are examples of wired communication that can be included in thecommunication path104. Further, thecommunication path104 can traverse a number of network topologies and distances. For example, thecommunication path104 can include direct connection, personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 2, therein is shown an example display of thefirst device102. The display can show anevent202. Theevent202 is an occurrence or a happening. Theevent202 can be the occurrence or the happening for an action, a condition, a factor, or a combination thereof. Theevent202 can be based on a group of people, surrounding environment, state or output of a device, or a combination thereof. Theevent202 can further include an organized occasion.

For example, theevent202 can include a device entering or leaving a specific area, a device changing state or mode, a current time being a specific predetermined time, weather, or a combination thereof. Also for example, theevent202 can include the user being around a certain person or a certain group of people or entities, the user's location entering or leaving a specific area, or a combination thereof. For further example, theevent202 can include a sporting event, a party, a professional gathering, such as attendance for a trade show or a staff meeting, a class, or a combination thereof.

The display can further showcontextual information203 regarding theevent202, including afuture context204. Thecontextual information203 is situational or environmental information for theevent202. Thecontextual information203 can include a purpose, a meaning, a reason, a significance or importance, or a combination thereof associated with theevent202.

Thecontextual information203 can be represented by a title or a name, a categorization, a time and a location, or a combination thereof for theevent202. Thecontextual information203 can be based on entities involved in theevent202, such as a common trait or a purpose for the people or organizations associated with theevent202. Thefuture context204 is thecontextual information203 corresponding to theevent202 occurring after acurrent time206.

Thecomputing system100 can transfer adevice configuration207 between devices, such as thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108 ofFIG. 1, thesecond device106 ofFIG. 1, or a combination thereof. Thedevice configuration207 is a specified method or a setting for operating the device. Thedevice configuration207 can be implemented for hardware or software. Thedevice configuration207 can be represented by a selection of an option, identification of specific feature or function and corresponding setting information, a condition or an input value and a corresponding set of instructions or output value, or a combination thereof.

For example, thedevice configuration207 can include display or arrangement of icons or a group of actions selected to be to be automatically performed based on specified conditions. Also for example, thedevice configuration207 can include a physical switch setting or a corresponding software value for controlling display, sound, device function, device performance, or a combination thereof. For further example, thedevice configuration207 can include instructions, access information, preferences and methods, or a combination thereof for accessing information, communicating and interacting with other devices, or a combination thereof.

Thedevice configuration207 can include current configuration setting, or a portion thereof, for thefirst device102, thefurther device108, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof. Thedevice configuration207 can further include a setting stored in thefirst device102, thefurther device108, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof.

Thecomputing system100 can transfer thedevice configuration207 based on theevent202, thecontextual information203 associated therewith, or a combination thereof. Thecomputing system100 can transfer thedevice configuration207 based on thefuture context204. Thecomputing system100 can transfer thedevice configuration207 at thecurrent time206 based on thefuture context204.

Thefuture context204 can include atransfer trigger208. Thetransfer trigger208 is a condition or a factor used to initiate an exchange in thedevice configuration207 between devices. Thetransfer trigger208 can include the condition or the factor based on the user, the transferring device, another device, a surrounding environment, a time, or a combination thereof.

For example, thetransfer trigger208 can include an existence of a device within a specified area, a specific time, a user command, a location of the sending or the receiving device, a number of devices having a specific value or instance for thedevice configuration207, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, thetransfer trigger208 can include when majority of the devices in the same room are in “silent” mode, when the projection device or the main computer starts a “presentation mode” for a meeting, when the user makes a phone call or starts driving, fifteen minutes before a specific meeting, or a combination thereof.

Thefuture context204 can further include a contextual time-mark210. The contextual time-mark210 is a representation of a time of relevance for theevent202 corresponding to thefuture context204. The contextual time-mark210 can be after thecurrent time206. The contextual time-mark210 can be a starting time, an ending time, a specific time or duration during the occurrence of theevent202, or a combination thereof.

Thecomputing system100 ofFIG. 1 can calculate a transfer offset212. The transfer offset212 can be a representation of a time different and based on the contextual time-mark210. The transfer offset212 can be a time before or after the contextual time-mark210. The transfer offset212 can be a duration before or after the contextual time-mark210. Thecomputing system100 can transfer thedevice configuration207 between various devices based on the contextual time-mark210 and the transfer offset212.

The display can further show aproximity zone214, a proximate-device identity216, atrigger metric218, and a transferable configuration setting220. Theproximity zone214 is an area relative to thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof for transferring thedevice configuration207. Theproximity zone214 can be represented by a distance, a boundary, a specific area, or a combination thereof around thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof. Theproximity zone214 can be based on thefuture context204.

The proximate-device identity216 is identification information of a device within theproximity zone214. The proximate-device identity216 can be a serial number, a network identification number, a communication address, a product name, an arbitrary moniker, or a combination thereof representing thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

Thetrigger metric218 is a value or information representing a condition or a factor associated with a device for initiating the exchange in thedevice configuration207 between devices. The trigger metric218 can be based on thetransfer trigger208. The trigger metric218 a representation of conditions or factors associated with thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

The trigger metric218 can be the representation of conditions or factors specified by thetransfer trigger208. Thetransfer trigger208 can be compared to thetransfer trigger208 for initiating the exchange between thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

The transferable configuration setting220 is thedevice configuration207 that can be exchanged between devices. The transferable configuration setting220 can include the specific method or the setting for operating the device, which can be shared with another device. The transferable configuration setting220 can include a function, a category, an option, or a combination thereof and an associated value.

For example, the transferable configuration setting220 can be a table or a data structure identifying one or more feature or capability for one or more device, such as a current or stored configuration of the transmitting device or surrounding devices. Also for example, the transferable configuration setting220 can include values and information for performing various functions, such as protocol, access information, relative identification information, or a combination thereof for communication or data processing.

The display can show a device profile, such as an uploading-device profile222, the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof. The device profile is information describing a specific device. The device profile can include identification information, current setting or operational information, or a combination thereof for the device. The device profile can also include a designated setting or operational information of the device. The device profile can include thedevice configuration207 of the corresponding device.

The device profile can have a setting name, a setting value, an old value, a new value, or a combination thereof. The setting name can be identification for a specific function or a category for the setting. The device profile can have multiple instances of the setting name associated with the setting value representing the current setting of the device or associated with the old and the new values.

For example, the device profile can include identification or access information based on various access privileges, device or user identification information, grouping or membership information, location-based information, usage information, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, the device profile can include the browsing or call history, stored passwords, current location or heading of the device, schedule information, current modes, such as “silent mode” or “work mode”, or a combination thereof.

The uploading-device profile222 is the device profile of a device providing the transferable configuration setting220 to another device. The downloading-device profile224 is the device profile of a different device receiving the transferable configuration setting220 from the device providing the transferable configuration setting220.

For example, thefirst device102 having the downloading-device profile224 can receive the transferable configuration setting220 from thesecond device106 or the neighboringdevice108 having the uploading-device profile222. Also for example, thefirst device102 can have the uploading-device profile222 and transmit the transferable configuration setting220 to thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof having a common instance or device-specific instances of the downloading-device profile224.

The device profile can include anaccessible setting226, a limited-access setting228, aprivate setting230, a setting-change flag232, anaccess privilege234, adevice location236, or a combination thereof. Theaccessible setting226 is public information associated with the device. Theaccessible setting226 can include information that can be shared without specific identification or accessibility information.

For example, theaccessible setting226 can include a sound setting or volume level, a user identification information, a device identification information, a group identifier for the device, such as family or project group, a display color or brightness, or a combination thereof. Also for example, theaccessible setting226 can include information designated by the user, thecomputing system100, a service provider, or a combination thereof as being openly accessible.

The limited-access setting228 is information accessible based on privilege or specific requirement. The limited-access setting228 can include information that can be shared based on specific device identification, common membership information, password, or a combination thereof.

For example, theaccessible setting226 can include network access information based on device and user identification, program or content access information for family members, instructors, or coworkers. Also for example, theaccessible setting226 can include other information designated by the user, thecomputing system100, a service provider, or a combination thereof as being accessible based on further specified corresponding requirements.

Theprivate setting230 is information inaccessible for other devices without explicit action or input from the user. Theprivate setting230 can include browsing history, stored documents, stored passwords, call history, protected files, or a combination thereof. Theprivate setting230 can be based on specific identification or a categorization of the user, thecomputing system100, a service provider, or a combination thereof.

The setting-change flag232 is an indication of change in thedevice configuration207 corresponding to the transferable configuration setting220. The setting-change flag232 can be a notification or a representation of a state in the uploading-device profile222 or the downloading-device profile224 for information associated with sharing the transferable configuration setting220. For example, the setting-change flag232 can be for indicating a change to “silent-mode” or operational status of thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

Theaccess privilege234 is a description of relationship or familiarity for sending or receiving various information. Theaccess privilege234 can be represented by password, membership information, relationship information, identification information, previously shared information, prior interactions, or a combination thereof. Theaccess privilege234 can further be represented by category values, access or familiarity level, a degree of separation, number or frequency of interaction, types of interactions, or a combination thereof as determined by thecomputing system100, the user, the service provider, or a combination thereof.

Thedevice location236 can be the navigation information associated with thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof. For example, thedevice location236 can be a current location, a projected future location, a prior location, or a combination thereof for a device. Also for example, thedevice location236 can be an address or a set of coordinates representing the location of the user, other people, contextually relevant location, or a combination thereof.

The content or the device profile for various devices can be based oncontextual information203, ownership or control of the device, or a combination thereof. For example, the uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224 can be based on exchange of information or roles of devices involved in the communication. As a more specific example, the uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224 can be contextually relative for personal devices exchanging information or contextually fixed for a server and a client device.

Also for example, information determined as theaccessible setting226, the limited-access setting228, theprivate setting230, or a combination thereof can be based on ownership of the device, the context, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, no information may be included in theprivate setting230 for devices owned by a corporation and issued to an employee. Also as a more specific example, the limited-access setting228 can include employee identification information of the employee using the device for other devices owned by the corporation or project specific information accessible only by devices associated with the project group.

The display can further show acommunication mode238, aconfiguration notification240, a change setting242, or a combination thereof. Thecommunication mode238 is a method or a way of sharing information between devices. Thecommunication mode238 can include the communication medium or protocol, a facilitating device or service, or a combination thereof.

For example, thecommunication mode238 can include wired or wireless, direct communication between client devices, communication with or through a server, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, thecommunication mode238 can specify WiFi, cable service at home, a specific router or network at work, Bluetooth, IrDA, or a combination thereof for exchanging information between applicable devices.

Thecommunication mode238 can include acommunication rate239. Thecommunication rate239 is a representation of speed for exchanging the information using the corresponding instance of thecommunication mode238. Thecommunication rate239 can include a measured current speed, a projected or estimated speed, a maximum speed, or a combination thereof. Thecommunication rate239 can further include an error rate, a repeat rate, a failure rate, a rate specific to a grouping or a type of data, or a combination thereof.

Theconfiguration notification240 is an indication for the user regarding thedevice configuration207. Theconfiguration notification240 can be based on the transferable configuration setting220. For example, theconfiguration notification240 can be an interface or a prompt to the user regarding permission or selection for exchanging the transferable configuration setting220. Also for example, theconfiguration notification240 can be a message informing the user of receiving and implementing the transferable configuration setting220.

The change setting242 is a set of values or a process for exchanging or implementing the transferable configuration setting220. For example, the change setting242 can include adynamic setting244, astatic setting246, or a combination thereof.

Thedynamic setting244 is a set of values or a process for downloading the transferable configuration setting220, implementing the transferable configuration setting220, or a combination thereof based on conditions or environmental factors. Thedynamic setting244 can be for downloading or processing the transferable configuration setting220 without specific user interaction, before theconfiguration notification240, or a combination thereof.

Thestatic setting246 is a set of values or a process for downloading the transferable configuration setting220, implementing the transferable configuration setting220, or a combination thereof based on user interaction. For example, thestatic setting246 can be for downloading or processing the transferable configuration setting220 according to user command or selection, after theconfiguration notification240, or a combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 3, therein is shown an exemplary block diagram of thecomputing system100. Thecomputing system100 can include thefirst device102, thecommunication path104, and thesecond device106. Thefirst device102 can send information in afirst device transmission308 over thecommunication path104 to thesecond device106. Thesecond device106 can send information in asecond device transmission310 over thecommunication path104 to thefirst device102.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is shown with thefirst device102 as a client device, although it is understood that thecomputing system100 can have thefirst device102 as a different type of device. For example, thefirst device102 can be a server having a display interface.

Also for illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is shown with thesecond device106 as a server, although it is understood that thecomputing system100 can have thesecond device106 as a different type of device. For example, thesecond device106 can be a client device.

For brevity of description in this embodiment of the present invention, thefirst device102 will be described as a client device and thesecond device106 will be described as a server device. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this selection for the type of devices. The selection is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

Thefirst device102 can include afirst control unit312, afirst storage unit314, afirst communication unit316, and a first user interface318, and alocation unit320. Thefirst control unit312 can include afirst control interface322. Thefirst control unit312 can execute afirst software326 to provide the intelligence of thecomputing system100.

Thefirst control unit312 can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, thefirst control unit312 can be a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof. Thefirst control interface322 can be used for communication between thefirst control unit312 and other functional units in thefirst device102. Thefirst control interface322 can also be used for communication that is external to thefirst device102.

Thefirst control interface322 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to thefirst device102.

Thefirst control interface322 can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with thefirst control interface322. For example, thefirst control interface322 can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

Thefirst storage unit314 can store thefirst software326. Thefirst storage unit314 can also store the relevant information, such as data representing incoming images, data representing previously presented image, sound files, or a combination thereof.

Thefirst storage unit314 can be a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, an internal memory, an external memory, or a combination thereof. For example, thefirst storage unit314 can be a nonvolatile storage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory, disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory (SRAM).

Thefirst storage unit314 can include afirst storage interface324. Thefirst storage interface324 can be used for communication between thefirst storage unit314 and other functional units in thefirst device102. Thefirst storage interface324 can also be used for communication that is external to thefirst device102.

Thefirst storage interface324 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to thefirst device102.

Thefirst storage interface324 can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with thefirst storage unit314. Thefirst storage interface324 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of thefirst control interface322.

Thefirst communication unit316 can enable external communication to and from thefirst device102. For example, thefirst communication unit316 can permit thefirst device102 to communicate with thesecond device106 ofFIG. 1, an attachment, such as a peripheral device or a desktop computer, and thecommunication path104.

Thefirst communication unit316 can also function as a communication hub allowing thefirst device102 to function as part of thecommunication path104 and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to thecommunication path104. Thefirst communication unit316 can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with thecommunication path104.

Thefirst communication unit316 can include afirst communication interface328. Thefirst communication interface328 can be used for communication between thefirst communication unit316 and other functional units in thefirst device102. Thefirst communication interface328 can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

Thefirst communication interface328 can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with thefirst communication unit316. Thefirst communication interface328 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of thefirst control interface322.

The first user interface318 allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with thefirst device102. The first user interface318 can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the first user interface318 can include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, an infrared sensor for receiving remote signals, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs.

The first user interface318 can include afirst display interface330. Thefirst display interface330 can include an output device, such as thedisplay interface202 ofFIG. 2. Thefirst display interface330 can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

Thefirst control unit312 can operate the first user interface318 to display information generated by thecomputing system100. Thefirst control unit312 can also execute thefirst software326 for the other functions of thecomputing system100, including receiving location information from thelocation unit320. Thefirst control unit312 can further execute thefirst software326 for interaction with thecommunication path104 via thefirst communication unit316.

Thelocation unit320 can generate location information, current heading, current acceleration, and current speed of thefirst device102, as examples. Thelocation unit320 can be implemented in many ways. For example, thelocation unit320 can function as at least a part of the global positioning system, an inertial computing system, a cellular-tower location system, a pressure location system, or any combination thereof. Also, for example, the location unit620 can utilize components such as an accelerometer or GPS receiver.

Thelocation unit320 can include alocation interface332. Thelocation interface332 can be used for communication between thelocation unit320 and other functional units in thefirst device102. The location interface632 can also be used for communication external to thefirst device102.

Thelocation interface332 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to thefirst device102.

Thelocation interface332 can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with thelocation unit320. Thelocation interface332 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of thefirst control unit312.

Thesecond device106 can be optimized for implementing an embodiment of the present invention in a multiple device embodiment with thefirst device102. Thesecond device106 can provide the additional or higher performance processing power compared to thefirst device102. Thesecond device106 can include asecond control unit334, asecond communication unit336, asecond user interface338, and asecond storage unit346.

Thesecond user interface338 allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with thesecond device106. Thesecond user interface338 can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of thesecond user interface338 can include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs. Examples of the output device of thesecond user interface338 can include asecond display interface340. Thesecond display interface340 can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

Thesecond control unit334 can execute asecond software342 to provide the intelligence of thesecond device106 of thecomputing system100. Thesecond software342 can operate in conjunction with thefirst software326. Thesecond control unit334 can provide additional performance compared to thefirst control unit312.

Thesecond control unit334 can operate thesecond user interface338 to display information. Thesecond control unit334 can also execute thesecond software342 for the other functions of thecomputing system100, including operating thesecond communication unit336 to communicate with thefirst device102 over thecommunication path104.

Thesecond control unit334 can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, thesecond control unit334 can be a processor, an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof.

Thesecond control unit334 can include asecond control interface344. Thesecond control interface344 can be used for communication between thesecond control unit334 and other functional units in thesecond device106. Thesecond control interface344 can also be used for communication that is external to thesecond device106.

Thesecond control interface344 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to thesecond device106.

Thesecond control interface344 can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with thesecond control interface344. For example, thesecond control interface344 can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

Asecond storage unit346 can store thesecond software342. Thesecond storage unit346 can also store the information such as data representing incoming images, data representing previously presented image, sound files, or a combination thereof. Thesecond storage unit346 can be sized to provide the additional storage capacity to supplement thefirst storage unit314.

For illustrative purposes, thesecond storage unit346 is shown as a single element, although it is understood that thesecond storage unit346 can be a distribution of storage elements. Also for illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is shown with thesecond storage unit346 as a single hierarchy storage system, although it is understood that thecomputing system100 can have thesecond storage unit346 in a different configuration. For example, thesecond storage unit346 can be formed with different storage technologies forming a memory hierarchal system including different levels of caching, main memory, rotating media, or off-line storage.

Thesecond storage unit346 can be a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, an internal memory, an external memory, or a combination thereof. For example, thesecond storage unit346 can be a nonvolatile storage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory, disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory (SRAM).

Thesecond storage unit346 can include asecond storage interface348. Thesecond storage interface348 can be used for communication between thesecond storage unit346 and other functional units in thesecond device106. Thesecond storage interface348 can also be used for communication that is external to thesecond device106.

Thesecond storage interface348 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to thesecond device106.

Thesecond storage interface348 can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with thesecond storage unit346. Thesecond storage interface348 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of thesecond control interface344.

Thesecond communication unit336 can enable external communication to and from thesecond device106. For example, thesecond communication unit336 can permit thesecond device106 to communicate with thefirst device102 over thecommunication path104.

Thesecond communication unit336 can also function as a communication hub allowing thesecond device106 to function as part of thecommunication path104 and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to thecommunication path104. Thesecond communication unit336 can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with thecommunication path104.

Thesecond communication unit336 can include asecond communication interface350. Thesecond communication interface350 can be used for communication between thesecond communication unit336 and other functional units in thesecond device106. Thesecond communication interface350 can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

Thesecond communication interface350 can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with thesecond communication unit336. Thesecond communication interface350 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of thesecond control interface344.

Thefirst communication unit316 can couple with thecommunication path104 to send information to thesecond device106 in thefirst device transmission308. Thesecond device106 can receive information in thesecond communication unit336 from thefirst device transmission308 of thecommunication path104.

Thesecond communication unit336 can couple with thecommunication path104 to send information to thefirst device102 in thesecond device transmission310. Thefirst device102 can receive information in thefirst communication unit316 from thesecond device transmission310 of thecommunication path104. Thecomputing system100 can be executed by thefirst control unit312, thesecond control unit334, or a combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, thesecond device106 is shown with the partition having thesecond user interface338, thesecond storage unit346, thesecond control unit334, and thesecond communication unit336, although it is understood that thesecond device106 can have a different partition. For example, thesecond software342 can be partitioned differently such that some or all of its function can be in thesecond control unit334 and thesecond communication unit336. Also, thesecond device106 can include other functional units not shown inFIG. 3 for clarity.

The functional units in thefirst device102 can work individually and independently of the other functional units. Thefirst device102 can work individually and independently from thesecond device106 and thecommunication path104.

The functional units in thesecond device106 can work individually and independently of the other functional units. Thesecond device106 can work individually and independently from thefirst device102 and thecommunication path104.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is described by operation of thefirst device102 and thesecond device106. It is understood that thefirst device102 and thesecond device106 can operate any of the modules and functions of thecomputing system100.

Referring now toFIG. 4, therein is shown a further exemplary block diagram of thecomputing system100. Along with thefirst device102 and thesecond device106 ofFIG. 3, thecomputing system100 can include the neighboringdevice108. Thefirst device102 can send information in the first device transmission over thecommunication path104 to the neighboringdevice108. The neighboringdevice108 can send information in a neighboring-device transmission410 over thecommunication path104 to thefirst device102.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is shown with the neighboringdevice108 as a portable consumer device, although it is understood that thecomputing system100 can have theneighboring device108 as a different type of device. For example, the neighboringdevice108 can be a server device.

Also for illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is shown with thefirst device102 communicating with the neighboringdevice108. However, it is understood that thesecond device106 can also communicate with the neighboringdevice108 in a similar manner as the communication between thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108, between thefirst device102 and thesecond device106, or a combination thereof.

For brevity of description in this embodiment of the present invention, the neighboringdevice108 will be described as a client device. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this selection for the type of devices. The selection is an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

The neighboringdevice108 can include a neighboringcontrol unit412, a neighboringstorage unit414, a neighboringcommunication unit416, and a neighboringuser interface418, and a neighboringlocation unit420. The neighboringcontrol unit412 can include a neighboringcontrol interface422. The neighboringcontrol unit412 can execute aneighboring software426 to provide the intelligence of thecomputing system100.

The neighboringcontrol unit412 can be implemented in a number of different manners. For example, the neighboringcontrol unit412 can be a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination thereof. The neighboringcontrol interface422 can be used for communication between the neighboringcontrol unit412 and other functional units in the neighboringdevice108. The neighboringcontrol interface422 can also be used for communication that is external to the neighboringdevice108.

The neighboringcontrol interface422 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to the neighboringdevice108.

The neighboringcontrol interface422 can be implemented in different ways and can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the neighboringcontrol interface422. For example, the neighboringcontrol interface422 can be implemented with a pressure sensor, an inertial sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), optical circuitry, waveguides, wireless circuitry, wireline circuitry, or a combination thereof.

The neighboringstorage unit414 can store the neighboringsoftware426. The neighboringstorage unit414 can also store the relevant information, such as data representing incoming images, data representing previously presented image, sound files, or a combination thereof.

The neighboringstorage unit414 can be a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, an internal memory, an external memory, or a combination thereof. For example, the neighboringstorage unit414 can be a nonvolatile storage such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), Flash memory, disk storage, or a volatile storage such as static random access memory (SRAM).

The neighboringstorage unit414 can include a neighboringstorage interface424. The neighboringstorage interface424 can be used for communication between the neighboringstorage unit414 and other functional units in the neighboringdevice108. The neighboringstorage interface424 can also be used for communication that is external to the neighboringdevice108.

The neighboringstorage interface424 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to the neighboringdevice108.

The neighboringstorage interface424 can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the neighboringstorage unit414. The neighboringstorage interface424 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the neighboringcontrol interface422.

The neighboringcommunication unit416 can enable external communication to and from the neighboringdevice108. For example, the neighboringcommunication unit416 can permit theneighboring device108 to communicate with thesecond device106 ofFIG. 1, thefirst device102, or a combination thereof, an attachment, such as a peripheral device or a desktop computer, and thecommunication path104.

The neighboringcommunication unit416 can also function as a communication hub allowing the neighboringdevice108 to function as part of thecommunication path104 and not limited to be an end point or terminal unit to thecommunication path104. The neighboringcommunication unit416 can include active and passive components, such as microelectronics or an antenna, for interaction with thecommunication path104.

The neighboringcommunication unit416 can include a neighboringcommunication interface428. The neighboringcommunication interface428 can be used for communication between the neighboringcommunication unit416 and other functional units in the neighboringdevice108. The neighboringcommunication interface428 can receive information from the other functional units or can transmit information to the other functional units.

The neighboringcommunication interface428 can include different implementations depending on which functional units are being interfaced with the neighboringcommunication unit416. The neighboringcommunication interface428 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the neighboringcontrol interface422.

The neighboringuser interface418 allows a user (not shown) to interface and interact with the neighboringdevice108. The neighboringuser interface418 can include an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device of the neighboringuser interface418 can include a keypad, a touchpad, soft-keys, a keyboard, a microphone, an infrared sensor for receiving remote signals, or any combination thereof to provide data and communication inputs.

The neighboringuser interface418 can include a neighboringdisplay interface430. The neighboringdisplay interface430 can include an output device, such as thedisplay interface202 ofFIG. 2. The neighboringdisplay interface430 can include a display, a projector, a video screen, a speaker, or any combination thereof.

The neighboringcontrol unit412 can operate the neighboringuser interface418 to display information generated by thecomputing system100. The neighboringcontrol unit412 can also execute theneighboring software426 for the other functions of thecomputing system100, including receiving location information from the neighboringlocation unit420. The neighboringcontrol unit412 can further execute theneighboring software426 for interaction with thecommunication path104 via the neighboringcommunication unit416.

The neighboringlocation unit420 can generate location information, current heading, current acceleration, and current speed of the neighboringdevice108, as examples. The neighboringlocation unit420 can be implemented in many ways. For example, the neighboringlocation unit420 can function as at least a part of the global positioning system, an inertial computing system, a cellular-tower location system, a pressure location system, or any combination thereof. Also, for example, the location unit620 can utilize components such as an accelerometer or GPS receiver.

The neighboringlocation unit420 can include a neighboringlocation interface432. The neighboringlocation interface432 can be used for communication between the neighboringlocation unit420 and other functional units in the neighboringdevice108. The location interface632 can also be used for communication external to the neighboringdevice108.

The neighboringlocation interface432 can receive information from the other functional units or from external sources, or can transmit information to the other functional units or to external destinations. The external sources and the external destinations refer to sources and destinations external to the neighboringdevice108.

The neighboringlocation interface432 can include different implementations depending on which functional units or external units are being interfaced with the neighboringlocation unit420. The neighboringlocation interface432 can be implemented with technologies and techniques similar to the implementation of the neighboringcontrol unit412.

Thefirst communication unit316 can couple with thecommunication path104 to send information to the neighboringdevice108 in thefirst device transmission308. The neighboringdevice108 can receive information in the neighboring communication unit436 from thefirst device transmission308 of thecommunication path104.

The neighboring communication unit436 can couple with thecommunication path104 to send information to thefirst device102 in the neighboring-device transmission410. Thefirst device102 can receive information in thefirst communication unit316 from the neighboring-device transmission410 of thecommunication path104. Thecomputing system100 can be executed by thefirst control unit312, the neighboring control unit434, or a combination thereof. Thesecond device106 can similarly communicate and interact with the neighboringdevice108 using the corresponding units and functions therein.

For illustrative purposes, the neighboringdevice108 is shown with the partition having the neighboring user interface438, the neighboring storage unit446, the neighboring control unit434, and the neighboring communication unit436, although it is understood that the neighboringdevice108 can have a different partition. For example, the neighboring software442 can be partitioned differently such that some or all of its function can be in the neighboring control unit434 and the neighboring communication unit436. Also, the neighboringdevice108 can include other functional units not shown inFIG. 4 for clarity.

The functional units in the neighboringdevice108 can work individually and independently of the other functional units. The neighboringdevice108 can work individually and independently from thefirst device102, thesecond device106, and thecommunication path104.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 is described by operation of thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108. It is understood that thefirst device102, thesecond device106, and the neighboringdevice108 can operate any of the modules and functions of thecomputing system100.

Referring now toFIG. 5, therein is shown a control flow of thecomputing system100. Thecomputing system100 can include acontext module502, asurroundings module504, anevent identification module506, a configuration transfer module508, and a device configuration module510.

Thecontext module502 can be coupled to thesurroundings module504 using wired or wireless connections, by having an output of one module as an input of the other module, by having operations of one module influence operation of the other module, or a combination thereof. Similarly, thesurroundings module504 can be coupled to theevent identification module506. Moreover, the configuration transfer module508 can be similarly coupled to the device configuration module510.

Thecontext module502 is configured to determine thecontextual information203 for transferring thedevice configuration207 between various devices. Thecontext module502 can include a context-determination module512, atiming module514, an offsetmodule516, or a combination thereof. The context-determination module512 is configured to determine thecontextual information203, including thefuture context204 ofFIG. 2 for transferring thedevice configuration207.

The context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203 including thefuture context204 for describing theevent202 ofFIG. 2 associated with thefirst device102 ofFIG. 1, the neighboringdevice108 ofFIG. 1, thesecond device106 ofFIG. 1, or a combination thereof. The context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof to describe theevent202 based on a function or a mode appropriate or necessary for thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof for theevent202. The context-determination module512 can further determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof to describe theevent202 in relation to the user or a different user, or a combination thereof associated with theevent202 and having thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof.

The context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof by using available or associated information for theevent202 scheduled to occur or likely to occur during or after thecurrent time206 ofFIG. 2. The context-determination module512 can use information available on the internet, a user's calendar, a user's input, information internal to thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

For example, the context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof using thefirst communication unit316 ofFIG. 3, thesecond communication unit336 ofFIG. 3, the neighboringcommunication unit416 ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof. The context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof using a machine-learning mechanism, a pattern analysis mechanism, or a combination thereof.

Also for example, the context-determination module512 can use the first user interface318 ofFIG. 3, thesecond user interface338 ofFIG. 3, the neighboringuser interface418 ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof to generate a selection set and communicate the selection set to the user. The context-determination module512 can likewise receive a user-selection for determining thecontextual information203, including thefuture context204.

The context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof based on various types of information, including information internal to, external to, or a combination thereof with respect to thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof. For example, the context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof based on the user's schedule calendar, correspondences, documents, or a combination thereof for theevent202.

As a more specific example, the context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof by determining a cluster, a model, or a combination thereof for theevent202 specified on the user's schedule calendar using various information. The context-determination module512 can determine the cluster, the model, or a combination thereof using a title or a purpose of theevent202 in the calendar, keywords or images in a document or a correspondence, such as an email or a spread sheet, or a combination thereof stored in thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, a device external to thecomputing system100, or a combination thereof.

Also for example, the context-determination module512 can determine thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof based on a route traveled by the user, a commonality or a relationship between the user and other people within a specified area, such as within a distance from the user or in the same room with the user, historical information, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, the context-determination module512 perform the pattern analysis to determine a professional context, such as commuting to work or meeting a client, or a social context, such as going home or visiting a social contact, or a combination thereof, based on the route used or traveled by the user, thecurrent time206, historical information, or a combination thereof.

The context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 ofFIG. 2 associated with thecontextual information203, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof. The context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on theevent202, thefuture context204, thecontextual information203 for thecurrent time206, a time, a user input, a historical data, a nearby user, or a combination thereof.

For example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on a specific time associated with theevent202 having thefuture context204 associated therewith based thefuture context204. As a more specific example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on a start or end time for professional or official instances of theevent202.

Also for example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on user's familiarity with the current instance of thecontextual information203. As a more specific example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 for user's first arrival at the current location or theevent202, first usage of a service or a device associated with theevent202, or a combination thereof as indicated by thecontextual information203.

Also for example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on a user input or a user selection for changing a configuration value for the setting. As a more specific example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on selections or configuration changes from the user or other participant, such as through crowd-sourcing, occurring before, during, or after events similar to theevent202 having thefuture context204.

Also as a more specific example, the context-determination module512 can generate thetransfer trigger208 based on similar selections or configuration changes, such as switching to “silent” mode or establishing thecommunication mode238, for a specific amount of participants, such as a number or a percentage of event participants or people present within a set distance or the same room. The context-determination module512 can have a predetermined method, value, table, or a combination thereof for generating thetransfer trigger208 such as setting the specific amount, identifying the set distance or the room, types of situations, types of selection or configuration changes, or a combination thereof.

It has been discovered that thetransfer trigger208 can provide contextually relevant and situation-appropriate adaptations and features for thecomputing system100. Thetransfer trigger208 can provide measureable and machine-relevant factors for representing thecontextual information203, including thefuture context204, and theevent202 associated with the user. Thecomputing system100 can use thetransfer trigger208 to provide specific changes in thedevice configuration207 appropriate for the context surrounding the future event.

Thetiming module514 is configured to determine a time associated with thefuture context204. Thetiming module514 can determine the time by determining the contextual time-mark210 ofFIG. 2 for temporally representing thefuture context204.

Thetiming module514 can determine the contextual time-mark210 in a variety of ways. For example, thetiming module514 can determine the contextual time-mark210 based on a start time, a duration, an end time, or a combination thereof associated with theevent202 in the calendar. Also for example, thetiming module514 can determine the contextual time-mark210 based on an estimated time of arrival.

For further example, thetiming module514 can determine the contextual time-mark210 based on a participant for theevent202, identification information of a different user within an area relative to the user, historical or usage-based information thereof, calendar-based information thereof, a pattern or a combination thereof. Thetiming module514 can use thefirst control interface322 ofFIG. 3, thesecond control interface344 ofFIG. 3, the neighboringcontrol interface422 ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof to access the information necessary to determine the contextual time-mark210.

The offsetmodule516 is configured to determine an initiation time for updating thedevice configuration207 in association with thefuture context204. The offsetmodule516 can calculate the transfer offset212 ofFIG. 2 relative to the contextual time-mark210. The offsetmodule516 can calculate the transfer offset212 based on thefuture context204.

For example, the offsetmodule516 can set the transfer offset212 as ‘0’ to set thefirst device102 to a silent device at the start of the meeting or to connect to a hotel wireless network contemporaneously with checking in to the hotel. Also for example, the offsetmodule516 can set the transfer offset212 as a number of days before theevent202 for downloading configuration settings for in anticipation of and rehearsing for a major presentation, or as a time after theevent202 for processing the information obtained during theevent202.

The offsetmodule516 can calculate the transfer offset212 using thefirst control unit312, thesecond control unit334, the neighboringcontrol unit412, or a combination thereof. The offsetmodule516 can use thefirst storage interface324 ofFIG. 3, thesecond storage interface348 ofFIG. 3, the neighboringstorage interface424 ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof to access the information necessary to calculate the transfer offset212, such as the contextual time-mark210 or thefuture context204.

It has also been discovered that thetransfer trigger208 including the transfer offset212 from the contextual time-mark210 provide timely adaptations and features for thecomputing system100. Thetransfer trigger208 can be used to provide measureable and machine-relevant factors and the transfer offset212 from the contextual time-mark210 can describe an appropriate time for initiating changes in anticipation of the context surrounding the future event.

After determining thefuture context204, thetransfer trigger208 associated therewith, or a combination thereof, the control flow can pass fromcontext module502 to thesurroundings module504. The control flow can pass by having thefuture context204, thetransfer trigger208, or a combination thereof as an output from thecontext module502 to an input of thesurroundings module504, storing thefuture context204, thetransfer trigger208, or a combination thereof at a location known and accessible to thesurroundings module504, by notifying thesurroundings module504, such as by using a flag, an interrupt, a status signal, or a combination thereof, or a combination of processes thereof.

Thesurroundings module504 is configured to process information regarding surroundings of thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof. Thesurroundings module504 can include azone module518, a proximate-device module520, or a combination thereof for processing the information regarding the surroundings.

Thezone module518 is configured to determine theproximity zone214 ofFIG. 2. Thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 based on thefuture context204, the contextual time-mark210, the transfer offset212, an estimate of thecommunication mode238 ofFIG. 2 or the change setting242 ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof. For example, thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 based on a boundary or a perimeter for an area associated with the corresponding instance of theevent202, thefuture context204, the contextual time-mark210, the transfer offset212, or a combination thereof.

Also for example, thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 based on a set distance predetermined by thecomputing system100. As a more specific example, thezone module518 can adjust a distance for establishing theproximity zone214 based on current or projected use of protocols, such as peer-to-peer communication or fourth generation cellular protocol, strength of communication signals, number of participants or devices associated with thefuture context204, thecommunication rate239 ofFIG. 2 or a combination thereof for communication.

Thezone module518 can include a mechanism, a method, a set of correlated values representing different scenarios, such as a predetermined threshold or a preset value, or a combination thereof predetermined by thecomputing system100 for determining theproximity zone214. Thezone module518 can use thefirst storage interface324 ofFIG. 3, thesecond storage interface348 ofFIG. 3, the neighboringstorage interface424 ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof to access the mechanism, the method, the set of correlated information, or a combination thereof for determining theproximity zone214.

Thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 for identifying thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof within theproximity zone214. Thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 relative to thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof for identifying a further device.

For example, thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 relative to thefirst device102, such as a physical boundary surrounding thefirst device102 or an area defined by a radius around thefirst device102. Thezone module518 can identify theneighboring device108 within theproximity zone214 as the further device in the same room or building as thefirst device102, within a specified distance from thefirst device102, or a combination thereof.

Thezone module518 can further determine theproximity zone214 to include multiple areas. For example, thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 to have multiple values for the radius used to determine theproximity zone214. Also for example, thezone module518 can determine theproximity zone214 to change between the room and the building having thefirst device102 therein. Thezone module518 can select between the multiple values based on thefuture context204, thecommunication mode238 or thecommunication rate239, or a combination thereof.

The proximate-device module520 is configured to determine the proximate-device identity216. The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 for identifying thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof. The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 relative to another device, for transferring thedevice configuration207 between the devices.

For example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 relative to thefirst device102, with the proximate-device identity216 corresponding to the neighboringdevice108. Thecomputing system100 can transfer thedevice configuration207 between thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108.

For illustrative purposes, thecomputing system100 has been described as transferring thedevice configuration207 between thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108. However, it is understood that thecomputing system100 can transfer thedevice configuration207 between thefirst device102 and thesecond device106, the second device and the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof. Thecomputing system100 can further transfer thedevice configuration207 through another device, such as by communicating thedevice configuration207 from the neighboringdevice108 to thesecond device106, and then from thesecond device106 to thefirst device102.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 using short-range broadcast. The proximate-device module520 can use encryption for the short-range broadcast. The proximate-device module520 can further use multiple or sequential broadcasts, such as having both unencrypted broadcast and encrypted broadcast or broadcasting in either encrypted or unencrypted format based on information received during an initial exchange.

The proximate-device module520 can use thefirst communication unit316, thesecond communication unit336, the neighboringcommunication unit416, or a combination thereof to initiate communication, exchange preliminary information from the device profile, such as theaccessible setting226 ofFIG. 2 or the device identification, update changes in the status or mode, such as by transmitting the setting-change flag232 ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof. The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 by identifying one or more devices that respond to or initiate the short-range broadcast.

The proximate-device module520 can further determine the proximate-device identity216 by identifying one or more device within theproximity zone214, and by selecting a device from the identified device. The proximate-device module520 can identify the one or more devices within theproximity zone214 by comparing thedevice location236 in the device profile of a device responding to a communication including the short-range communication.

For example, thefirst device102 can use thefirst device transmission308 ofFIG. 3 to broadcast a query or ping any nearby device. One or more devices can respond to the query or the ping and provide identification information, thedevice location236, the device profile, or a combination thereof corresponding to the responding device. The proximate-device module520 can compare theproximity zone214 to thedevice location236 to identify the one or more device within theproximity zone214.

The proximate-device module520 can further select from the identified devices to determine the proximate-device identity216. The proximate-device module520 can select based on determining the device profile, such as the uploading-device profile222 ofFIG. 2, the downloading-device profile224 ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the device profile by determining various settings or values associated or used by a corresponding device. For example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the uploading-device profile222, the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof.

As a more specific example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the uploading-device profile222 ofFIG. 2, the downloading-device profile224 ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof by determining theaccessible setting226, the limited-access setting228 ofFIG. 2, theprivate setting230 ofFIG. 2, the setting-change flag232, theaccess privilege234 ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof. As a further specific example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the device profile for thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the device profile by determining the setting or value stored in thefirst storage unit314 ofFIG. 3, thesecond storage unit346 ofFIG. 3, the neighboringstorage unit414 ofFIG. 4, or a combination thereof at a known location designated for theaccessible setting226, the limited-access setting228, theprivate setting230, the setting-change flag232, theaccess privilege234, or a combination thereof. The proximate-device module520 can further determine the device profile by determining the setting or value using a protocol including a prompt, a request, a reply, or a combination thereof between devices.

For example, thesecond device106 can determine the various settings stored or implemented in thefirst device102 or the various setting values corresponding to thefirst device102 and stored in thesecond device106. The proximate-device module520 can determine the downloading-device profile224 for thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof, including the corresponding device having theproximity zone214 associated therewith, device within theproximity zone214, devices unrelated to theproximity zone214, or a combination thereof.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the device profile of one or more devices within thecomputing system100 from the perspective of the device itself. As a more specific example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the downloading-device profile224 for each of the devices.

As a further specific example, the proximate-device module520 can determine theaccess privilege234 as network passwords associated with specific network identification, membership information associated with accessibility information, such as conference registration or hotel check-in information associated with room or network access, a received key, or a combination thereof. Also as a more specific example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the setting-change flag232 to reflect that a mode or a status, such as “silent mode” or connection to a network, of the neighboringdevice108 has changed, indicate the new mode or status, or a combination thereof.

Also for example, thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108 can determine the various information based on exchanging theaccessible setting226, thedevice location236, theaccess privilege234, or a combination thereof through broadcasting a request and replying to the request with the corresponding information.

As a more specific example, the proximate-device module520 can determine theaccessible setting226 as public information, such as a setting for alerting a user of a device or a device identification information. The proximate-device module520 can determine the limited-access setting228 as privilege-based information, such as network or folder access based on password or membership. The proximate-device module520 determine the limited-access setting228 associated with theaccess privilege234. The proximate-device module520 can further determine theprivate setting230 as personal passwords, usage history, personal content data, or a combination thereof.

The proximate-device module520 can further calculate aconfidence value522 associated with a portion within the device profile. Theconfidence value522 is a representation of likelihood of the user's intent in the setting value within the device profile. Theconfidence value522 can be the highest rating or score if the setting value, such as a value in theaccessible setting226 or theaccess privilege234 is based on a direct input from the user. Theconfidence value522 can be based on an equation predetermined by thecomputing system100 if the setting value is determined as part of a package or based on an estimate of the user's intent or context.

The proximate-device module520 can select an instance of a device within theproximity zone214 based on the device profile according to a device-selection mechanism524. The device-selection mechanism524 can be a process or a method for selecting a device within theproximity zone214 for exchanging the transferable configuration setting220. The device-selection mechanism524 can include a scenario or an evaluation, a predetermined threshold, a step or an instruction, an equation or a formula, or a combination thereof.

For example, the proximate-device module520 can select theneighboring device108 in theproximity zone214 associated with thefirst device102 based on the device-selection mechanism524 including comparison of theaccess privilege234 for thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108. The proximate-device module520 can further include instructions or steps to select theneighboring device108 including theaccess privilege234 less than, greater than, equal to, or a combination thereof relative to theaccess privilege234 of thefirst device102.

Also for example, the proximate-device module520 can select theneighboring device108 using the device-selection mechanism524 for detecting devices attending the same instance of theevent202 in theaccessible setting226 or the limited-access setting228, detecting the identification information in theaccessible setting226 and cross-matching to a predetermined list of device identifications, or a combination thereof. The proximate-device module520 can select theneighboring device108 as any device attending the same instance of theevent202, a device identified within the predetermined list, having a specific mode, such as a “silent” mode or a mode associated with theevent202, or a combination thereof.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the uploading-device profile222 as the device profile of the selected device within theproximity zone214. The proximate-device module520 can determine the downloading-device profile224 as the device profile of the device used to define theproximity zone214. The uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224 can represent the neighboringdevice108 and thefirst device102.

For example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the uploading-device profile222 as the device profile of the neighboringdevice108 within theproximity zone214 associated with thefirst device102. Also for example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the downloading-device profile224 as the device profile of thefirst device102 having theproximity zone214 associated therewith.

For illustrative purposes thefirst device102 is described as being associated with theproximity zone214 and the neighboringdevice108 as an uploading source for transferring thedevice configuration207 to thefirst device102. However, it is understood that the neighboringdevice108 can have theproximity zone214 associated therewith and thefirst device102 can be the uploading source.

The proximate-device module520 can also determine the downloading-device profile224. The proximate-device module520 can separately determine the uploading-device profile222 for all instances of the devices within theproximity zone214. The proximate-device module520 can select the device as described above and the uploading-device profile222 associated therewith.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 as the identification information of the selected device within theproximity zone214. The proximate-device module520 can further determine the proximate-device identity216 as the uploading-device profile222 or a portion therein.

The proximate-device module520 can further determine the proximate-device identity216 based on thefuture context204. The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 as the identification information or the device profile of a device associated with thefuture context204, such as based on a location, an organizer or presenter, a function, or a combination thereof.

For example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 as the projector or a main computer connected thereto when thefuture context204 includes a meeting room, a use of the projector for theevent202, or a combination thereof. Also for example, the proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 as the personal device belonging to the user having similar function or capacity as the downloading-device profile224.

The proximate-device module520 can determine the proximate-device identity216 to be the device related to thefuture context204 or the current context. For example, the proximate-device identity216 can be the device associated with a controller or a manager of theevent202. Also for example, the proximate-device identity216 can be all devices owned by the user.

It has been discovered that the proximate-device identity216 and theproximity zone214 provide improved usability for the user. The proximate-device identity216 and theproximity zone214 provide improved usability by identifying near-by devices that are further contextually related to the user. The identification of the near-by relevant devices can be used to further identify configuration settings that are relevant to the user in light of thefuture context204 without requiring the user to identify all relevant features or configuration setting values.

After identifying the proximate-device identity216, determining theproximity zone214, or a combination thereof the control flow can pass from thesurroundings module504 to theevent identification module506. The control flow can pass similarly as described above between thecontext module502 and thesurroundings module504.

Theevent identification module506 is configured to initiate the transfer of thedevice configuration207. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer based on thetrigger metric218 ofFIG. 2, thetransfer trigger208, the contextual time-mark210, or a combination thereof.

Theevent identification module506 can identify thetrigger metric218 and evaluate the trigger metric218 based on thetransfer trigger208 for initiating the transfer of thedevice configuration207. Theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 based on data received into the corresponding device, such as user input or downloaded information, categories or types of information predetermined by thecomputing system100, such as thecurrent time206 or the user's schedule calendar, or a combination thereof.

Theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 based on thecontextual information203. For example, theevent identification module506 can identify thetrigger metric218 for when the user is new to the geographical location or theevent202. Also for example, theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 based on thecontextual information203 corresponding to thecurrent time206, thefuture context204, or a combination thereof. As a more specific example, theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 based on a categorization indicating social importance or user-specific importance for thecontextual information203, such as a meeting or a birthday.

Theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 as crowd-sourcing threshold. Theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 as a number of devices having or switching to a specific setting value in the corresponding instances of thedevice configuration207 as indicated by thecontextual information203 corresponding to thecurrent time206.

For example, theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 as a number of devices having the specific setting value including the transferable configuration setting220, such as silent or connected to a specific router, within theproximity zone214, among instances of the proximate-device identity216, or a combination thereof. Also for example, theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 as a number of devices switching to the specific setting value within a time duration relative to thecurrent time206 or a time associated with theevent202.

Theevent identification module506 can evaluate thetrigger metric218 by comparing to thetransfer trigger208. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer when thetrigger metric218 satisfies thetransfer trigger208.

For example, thetransfer trigger208 stored in thesecond device106 can include common ownership, located at user's home, or a combination thereof. Theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 as the ownership information, thedevice location236, or a combination thereof for the uploading-device profile222, the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof based on thetransfer trigger208. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer when the user brings home thefirst device102 newly purchased by the user.

Also for example, thetransfer trigger208 stored in thefirst device102 can include a threshold number of participant devices, such as 75% or more than 5, switching to or having the “silent” mode. Theevent identification module506 can identify the trigger metric218 as the setting-change flag232, a device identification, a user identification, a mode identification, the membership information, or a combination thereof. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer when the number of devices, the number of users, the number of participants for theevent202, or a combination thereof as identified by the trigger metric218 further includes “silent” mode in the device profile or switches thereto as required by thetransfer trigger208.

As a more specific example, theevent identification module506 can identify the setting-change flag232 by identifying the devices within theproximity zone214 with a specific value or changes for the setting-change flag232. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer when a magnitude of the change, a type or a categorization, a last-changed time, a number of devices having a specific value or a specific type of change, or a combination thereof for the setting-change flag232 satisfies thetransfer trigger208 associated with thefuture context204.

Theevent identification module506 can also initiate the transfer based on thecurrent time206, the contextual time-mark210, and the transfer offset212. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer when thecurrent time206 matches the contextual time-mark210 or a combination of the contextual time-mark210 and the transfer offset212. Theevent identification module506 can further initiate the transfer when thecurrent time206 is within a window defined by the contextual time-mark210, the transfer offset212, or a combination thereof.

Theevent identification module506 can further initiate the transfer based on the uploading-device profile222, the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof. Theevent identification module506 can compare the downloading-device profile224 and the uploading-device profile222 and initiate the transfer based on amagnitude difference526.

Themagnitude difference526 is a representation of the quantity, quality, amount, or a combination thereof differing between values for a common aspect between the downloading-device profile224 and one or more instances of the uploading-device profile222. For example, themagnitude difference526 can represent differences in volume settings, brightness, the communication speed, or a combination thereof.

As a more specific example, theevent identification module506 can calculate themagnitude difference526 for volume levels for an audio-media playback or a user-notification mechanism between thefirst device102 and the neighboringdevice108, any other device in theproximity zone214, or a combination thereof. As a further specific example, theevent identification module506 can calculate themagnitude difference526 for thecommunication rate239 for identical instances of thecommunication mode238.

Theevent identification module506 can further calculate themagnitude difference526 based on multiple instances of the uploading-device profile222. For example, theevent identification module506 can calculate themagnitude difference526 between the mean or median setting value for multiple instances of the devices in theproximity zone214 and the downloading-device profile224.

Theevent identification module506 can compare themagnitude difference526 to a difference threshold having a maximum limit, a minimum limit, or a combination thereof predetermined by thecomputing system100. Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer when themagnitude difference526 is outside of the difference threshold.

It has been discovered that themagnitude difference526 between the uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224 provides optimization for the user and minimizing unintended circumstances. Themagnitude difference526 can be used to determine situations where the user's devices are not performing as well as others based on possible issues with thedevice configuration207 or where thedevice configuration207 does not correctly anticipate thefuture context204. Themagnitude difference526 can provide quantitative evaluation for determining sub-optimal performance or anticipatory error for thefuture context204.

Theevent identification module506 can further initiate the transfer based on apriority condition528. Thepriority condition528 can be a representation of importance or immediacy in initiating the configuration transfer.

Thepriority condition528 can be based on one or a combination of factors, such as a current context, thefuture context204, the device profile for one or more devices in theproximity zone214, themagnitude difference526, or a combination thereof. Thepriority condition528 can be represented by one or more factors, a rating or a score representing the importance or the immediacy, or a combination thereof. Thepriority condition528 can be similar to the device-selection mechanism524 and be predetermined by thecomputing system100.

For example, theevent identification module506 can include thepriority condition528 having the rating to immediately initiate the configuration transfer based on the device location536 being in a funeral home or a conference room, certain categories or values of the current context or thefuture context204, such as a wedding or a meeting with a client, themagnitude difference526 exceeding the difference threshold, or a combination thereof. Also for example, thepriority condition528 can have the rating to initiate the configuration transfer when the user accesses a specific function or a device, such as a printer or a web browser.

It has been discovered that thepriority condition528 based on thefuture context204 provides efficiency for thecomputing system100 in transferring thedevice configuration207. Thepriority condition528 can quantize the importance of transferring thedevice configuration207 in anticipation of thefuture context204. Thecomputing system100 can use thepriority condition528 to schedule the transfer along with other tasks to maximize the efficiency for the overall system.

Theevent identification module506 can further notify and prompt the user for confirmation before initiating the transfer. Theevent identification module506 can use the first user interface318, thesecond user interface338, the neighboringuser interface418, or a combination thereof to notify and prompt the user.

Theevent identification module506 can further initiate the transfer without a confirmation or a selection. For example, theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer without previously communicating theconfiguration notification240 to the user, such as by audibly recreating or displaying theconfiguration notification240. Also for example, theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer without a direct and contemporaneous interaction with the user based on thepriority condition528, themagnitude difference526, or a combination thereof.

Theevent identification module506 can further initiate the transfer based on the user interaction according to the change setting242 for the overall device or the specific function or setting. For example, theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer without the user interaction when the setting category or name is identified by thecomputing system100 as having thedynamic setting244. Also for example, theevent identification module506 can initiate or wait for the user interaction when thefirst device102 used by the user includes the downloading-device profile224 having static setting246 for the overall setting of the device.

Theevent identification module506 can initiate the transfer through passing of the control flow from theevent identification module506 to the configuration transfer module508. The control flow can pass similarly as described above between thecontext module502 and thesurroundings module504.

The configuration transfer module508 is configured to transfer thedevice configuration207. The configuration transfer module508 can use thefirst communication unit316, thesecond communication unit336, the neighboringcommunication unit416, or a combination thereof to communicate the transferable configuration setting220 ofFIG. 2.

The configuration transfer module508 can communicate the transferable configuration setting220 by exchanging thedevice configuration207 or a portion thereof between thefirst device102, the neighboringdevice108, thesecond device106, or a combination thereof. The configuration transfer module508 can transmit the uploading-device profile222 or a portion therein to the device having theproximity zone214 associated therewith.

For example, the configuration transfer module508 can send the uploading-device profile222 or a portion therein as the transferable configuration setting220 from the neighboringdevice108 in theproximity zone214 around thefirst device102. Thefirst device102 can receive the uploading-device profile222.

The configuration transfer module508 can communicate the transferable configuration setting220 from multiple devices in theproximity zone214. The configuration transfer module508 can collect multiple instances of the transferable configuration setting220. The configuration transfer module508 can also communicate the transferable configuration setting220 with a specific device using the proximate-device identity216.

The configuration transfer module508 can communicate the transferable configuration setting220 based on various factors used to initiate the transfer of thedevice configuration207 as determined by theevent identification module506. For example, the configuration transfer module508 can communicate the transferable configuration setting220 based on thefuture context204, thetransfer trigger208, thetrigger metric218, the uploading-device profile222, the downloading-device profile224, the setting-change flag232 or a different portion therein, or a combination thereof as described above.

The configuration transfer module508 can further communicate the transferable configuration setting220 between devices without previously communicating theconfiguration notification240. The configuration transfer module508 can communicate the transferable configuration setting220 with or without a previous interaction with the user based on the change setting242, on the transfer offset212, the contextual time-mark210, or a combination thereof as described above.

The configuration transfer module508 can include atransfer mode module530, aconfiguration generator module532, or a combination thereof for communicating the transferable configuration setting220. Thetransfer mode module530 is configured to determine thecommunication mode238 based on theaccess privilege234 for communicating the transferable configuration setting220.

Thetransfer mode module530 can determine thecommunication mode238 based on receiving the preliminary information including theaccess privilege234. Thetransfer mode module530 can determine thecommunication mode238 using thefirst communication interface328, thesecond communication interface350, the neighboringcommunication interface428, or a combination thereof. Thetransfer mode module530 can determine thecommunication mode238 by selecting a communication protocol or a medium, such as WiFi or short-range communication, establishing a connection or a network between devices, or a combination thereof.

For example, thetransfer mode module530 can determine thecommunication mode238 as the short-range communication method if the membership information, the identification information of the device in theproximity zone214, the access privilege of the user's device, or a combination thereof do not coincide. Also for example, thetransfer mode module530 can establish or connect to a network based a common instance of the membership information, identification information matching a trusted device list or a previous connection history, an authentication information, such as a user name or password, or a combination thereof on thefirst device102, thesecond device106, the neighboringdevice108, or a combination thereof.

Theconfiguration generator module532 is configured to generate the transferable configuration setting220. Theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 in a variety of ways.

For example, theconfiguration generator module532 can generate a configuration data request for communicating from the downloading device to the uploading device. The configuration data request can be for a specific identification of the configuration setting or a category of the configuration setting. The configuration data request can also be for all available or sharable data. Theconfiguration generator module532 can further generate the transferable configuration setting220 as the setting value in the uploading-device profile222 corresponding to the configuration data request.

Also for example, theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 based on comparing the uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224. The transferable configuration setting220 can compare theaccessible setting226, including the identification information for the device or the owner the access privilege, communicated and determined by thesurroundings module506 as described above.

As a more specific example, theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 to include up to theprivate setting230 when the uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224 indicate common ownership by the user. As a further specific example, theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 to include up to the limited-access setting228 in the uploading-device profile222 based on the membership or identification information of the communicating devices, theaccess privilege234 of the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof.

For further example, theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 based on multiple instances of thedevice configuration207 for multiple devices in theproximity zone214. Theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 including a value for the setting based on an average, a mean, a most commonly occurring, or a combination thereof value for the corresponding values among the multiple instances of thedevice configuration207.

Theconfiguration generator module532 can further adjust the value based on a similarity between devices. Theconfiguration generator module532 can determine the similarity level as a score or a match. Theconfiguration generator module532 can use the device identification, the device categorization, a list of corresponding features or settings, the owner identification, a manufacturer identification, or a combination thereof. Theconfiguration generator module532 can compare the uploading-device profile222, the downloading-device profile224, initially exchanged and determined information from thesurroundings module504, or a combination thereof.

Theconfiguration generator module532 can use the setting values from the uploading device having the highest similarity level or setting values above a similarity threshold as compared to the downloading device to generate or adjust the value for the transferable configuration setting220. Theconfiguration generator module532 can include the similarity threshold, a method or a process for determining the similarity level, the list of features corresponding to devices and associated similarities there-between, or a combination thereof for generating or adjusting the value for the transferable configuration setting220 based on similarity between devices.

Theconfiguration generator module532 can generate the transferable configuration setting220 by encrypting thedevice configuration207 information. Theconfiguration generator module532 can encrypt for all instances of the transferable configuration setting220, based on ownership, based on theaccess privilege234, based on membership or grouping information, based on the content of the transferable configuration setting220, such as including the limited-access setting228 or theprivate setting230, based on the device location536 and the current context, based on thefuture context204, or a combination thereof.

Theconfiguration generator module532 can further generate the transferable configuration setting220 to include a sequential information set. For example, theaccess privilege234 or access information can be communicated first. Theaccess privilege234 or the access information can be used by thetransfer mode module530 for adjusting thecommunication mode238 with a higher instance of thecommunication rate239. The transferable configuration setting220 can include other information subsequent to the initial communication for communicating using thecommunication mode238 with the higher instance of thecommunication rate239 established with the initial communication.

It has been discovered that the transferable configuration setting220 provides contextually relevant configurations with minimal burden on the user. The transferable configuration setting220 can provide contextual relevance based on determining thefuture context204, the settings for nearby devices, or a combination thereof. The transferable configuration setting220 based on the nearby devices can further adapt to an unknown context, or a change or a determination error in the context. Thecomputing system100 can use the transferable configuration setting220 to adapt the devices without requiring the user to determine individual settings.

It has also been discovered that the transferable configuration setting220 and thefuture context204 provide timely and contextually relevant features to the user. The transferable configuration setting220 and thefuture context204 can anticipate and implement the necessary changes for theevent202 occurring at a later time. The anticipation and earlier implementation of setting changes can provide the necessary functions at the time of theevent202 instead of reacting to theevent202 itself.

After generating the transferable configuration setting220, the control flow can pass from the configuration transfer module508 to the device configuration module510. The control flow can pass similarly as described above between thecontext module502 and thesurroundings module504.

Alternatively, thecomputing system100 can be based on communicating information between devices within theproximity zone214. For example, thesurroundings module504 can establish a connection, a protocol, a local-impromptu network, or a combination thereof between the devices within theproximity zone214, using the proximate-device identity216, or a combination thereof. Also for example, theevent identification module506, thetransfer trigger208, or a combination thereof can be based on the connection, the protocol, the local-impromptu network, or a combination thereof.

The configuration transfer module508 can poll the devices, or transmit and receive broadcasts from the devices based on various conditions. Thetransfer trigger208, such as for the crowd-sourcing threshold, can be compared to the polled response or the broadcasted response for implementing the transferable configuration setting220.

For example, theevent identification module506 can establish the connection, the protocol, the localized network, or a combination thereof for the devices within theproximity zone214 to broadcast the transferable configuration setting220 based on a change in setting or value therein, or at a periodic basis. Also for example, theevent identification module506 can poll the devices for the transferable configuration setting220 on a periodic basis, such as based on a time associated with theevent202. The device configuration module510 can use the polled responses or the broadcasted instances of the transferable configuration setting220 to implement the transferable configuration setting220.

The device configuration module510 is configured to implement the changes in thedevice configuration207. The device configuration module510 can adjust the downloading-device profile224 based on the transferable configuration setting220 for configuring the downloading device.

For example, the device configuration module510 can change the downloading-device profile224 of thefirst device102. The device configuration module510 can use the transferable configuration setting220 based on one or more devices in theproximity zone214 around thefirst device102. Also for example, the device configuration module510 can use the downloading-device profile224 from the neighboringdevice108 having the proximate-device identity216.

The device configuration module510 can use thefirst control unit312, thesecond control unit334, the neighboringcontrol unit412, or a combination thereof to change the downloading-device profile224 according to the transferable configuration setting220. The updated instance of the downloading-device profile224 can be stored in thefirst storage unit314, thesecond storage unit346, the neighboringstorage unit414, or a combination thereof.

The device configuration module510 can further generate theconfiguration notification240 associated with adjusting the downloading-device profile224. The device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240 using the first user interface318, thesecond user interface338, the neighboringuser interface418, or a combination thereof for communicating with the user, such as by audibly recreating sounds or displaying a message. The device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240 before or after adjusting the downloading-device profile224.

For example, the device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240 to notify the user of a common setting found in devices nearby and query the user for approval to adjust the downloading-device profile224 according to the transferable configuration setting220. As a more specific example, the device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240 to notify the user that a majority of the nearby devices or a percentage of the devices are in “silent mode” or connected to a specific network. The device configuration module510 can adjust the downloading-device profile224 to conform to the other devices based on the user's approval.

Also for example, the device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240 to notify the user of various available settings across multiple nearby devices and highlight a setting based on the most common setting value, the similarity level between the user's device and others, theconfidence value522 of the setting values for the uploading-device profile222, a variance between the setting value across the multiple instances of the other devices, or a combination thereof. The device configuration module510 can adjust the downloading-device profile224 based on the user's selection in response to theconfiguration notification240.

As a further example, the device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240, adjust the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof when the user accesses a relevant feature of the device. The device configuration module510 can generate theconfiguration notification240, adjust the downloading-device profile224, or a combination thereof contemporaneous with the user's access based on thepriority condition528.

For further example, the device configuration module510 can adjust the downloading-device profile224 and subsequently generate theconfiguration notification240. The device configuration module510 can adjust the downloading-device profile224 prior to generating theconfiguration notification240 based on the setting identification or category, thefuture context204 or the current context, thepriority condition528, themagnitude difference526, or a combination thereof. The device configuration module510 can subsequently generate theconfiguration notification240 to notify the user that the downloading-device profile224 has been adjusted according to the transferable configuration setting220.

The updated instance of the downloading-device profile224 can change or adjust the criteria for determining theproximity zone214, the proximate-device identity216, or a combination thereof. Thecomputing system100 can repeat the above described process to further update the downloading-device profile224 using a different instance of the transferable configuration setting220 based on adjusting thedevice configuration207.

It has been discovered that the transferable configuration setting220, theproximity zone214, and the device profile provides contextually aware usability for the user. The transferable configuration setting220, theproximity zone214, and the device profile can be used to recognize new devices being added on to an existing network by the user and to configure the devices appropriately.

For example, the user can install a new printer. The transferable configuration setting220, theproximity zone214, and the device profile can be used to recognize the context and appropriately load the configuration settings for the new printer, other devices in the network belonging to the user, or a combination thereof.

Also for example, the user can check into a hotel or a conference. The transferable configuration setting220, theproximity zone214, and the device profile can be used to recognize the context appropriately load the configuration settings for connecting to the network in the hotel or the conference.

For illustrative purposes, the various modules have been described as being specific to thefirst device102 or thesecond device106. However, it is understood that the modules can be distributed differently. For example, the various modules can be implemented in a different device, or the functionalities of the modules can be distributed across multiple devices. Also as an example, the various modules can be stored in a non-transitory memory medium.

For a more specific example, the functions of theevent identification module506 and the configuration transfer module508 can be merged and be specific to thefirst device102 or thesecond device106. Also for a more specific example, the function for determining the device profile and determining the proximate-device identity216 of the proximate-device module520 can be separated into different modules, separated across thefirst device102 and thesecond device106, or a combination thereof. As a further specific example, one or more modules show inFIG. 5 can be stored in the non-transitory memory medium for distribution to a different system, a different device, a different user, or a combination thereof.

The modules described in this application can be stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium. Thefirst storage unit314, thesecond storage unit346, the neighboringstorage unit414, or a combination thereof can represent the non-transitory computer readable medium. Thefirst storage unit314, thesecond storage unit346, the neighboringstorage unit414, or a combination thereof or a portion thereof can be removable from thefirst device102 or thesecond device106. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium can be a non-volatile memory card or stick, an external hard disk drive, a tape cassette, or an optical disk.

Referring now toFIG. 6, therein is shown a flow chart of amethod600 of operation of acomputing system100 in a further embodiment of the present invention. Themethod600 includes: determining a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device in ablock602; determining a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to a device in ablock604; determining proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device in ablock606; and communicating a transferable configuration setting with a communication unit using the proximate-device identity for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting for displaying on the device.

It has been discovered that the transferable configuration setting220 ofFIG. 2 provides contextually relevant configurations with minimal burden on the user. It has also been discovered that the transferable configuration setting220 and thefuture context204 ofFIG. 2 provide timely and contextually relevant features to the user.

It has been discovered that thetransfer trigger208 ofFIG. 2 can provide contextually relevant and situation-appropriate and timely adaptations and features for thecomputing system100. It has also been discovered that the proximate-device identity216 ofFIG. 2 and theproximity zone214 ofFIG. 2 provide improved usability for the user. It has further been discovered that themagnitude difference526 between the uploading-device profile222 and the downloading-device profile224 provides optimization for the user and reduces unintended circumstances.

The physical transformation from the transferable configuration setting220 results in movement in the physical world, such as changing a volume level or displaying a notice on thefirst device102. Movement in the physical world results in updates to thetrigger metric218, which can be fed back into thecomputing system100 and used to further update the downloading-device profile224 using the transferable configuration setting220 according to thefuture context204.

The resulting method, process, apparatus, device, product, and/or system is straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile, accurate, sensitive, and effective, and can be implemented by adapting known components for ready, efficient, and economical manufacturing, application, and utilization. Another important aspect of the present invention is that it valuably supports and services the historical trend of reducing costs, simplifying systems, and increasing performance.

These and other valuable aspects of the present invention consequently further the state of the technology to at least the next level.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the included claims. All matters set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:

1. A computing system comprising:

a processor configured to:

determine a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device;

determine a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to the device;

determine proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device;

determine an uploading-device profile and a downloading-device profile for representing the device and the further devices;

generate a transferable configuration setting based on the uploading-device profile and the downloading-device profile for communicating the transferable configuration setting; and

a communication unit including microelectronics, coupled to the processor, configured to communicate the transferable configuration setting using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting and the contextual information.

2. The system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein:

the processor is configured to determine a future context for updating the device;

the communication unit is configured to communicate the transferable configuration setting based on the future context.

3. The system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein:

the processor is configured to:

determine a contextual time-mark for temporally representing a future context;

calculate a transfer offset relative to the contextual time-mark; and

the communication unit is configured to communicate the transferable configuration setting according to the transfer offset and the contextual time-mark.

4. The system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein:

the processor is configured to detect a trigger metric; and

the communication unit is configured to communicate the transferable configuration setting based on the trigger metric without previously displaying a configuration notification.

5. The system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein:

the processor is configured to:

determine a future context for describing an event surrounding the device, the further devices, or a combination thereof;

set a downloading-device profile based on the transferable configuration setting for configuring the device based on the transferable configuration setting; and

the communication unit is configured to communicate the transferable configuration setting based on the future context for communicating the transferable configuration setting from the further devices to the device.

6. The system as claimed inclaim 5 wherein the processor configured to:

determine an access privilege for describing the device, the further devices, or a combination thereof; and

determine a communication mode based on the access privilege for communicating the transferable configuration setting.

7. The system as claimed inclaim 5 wherein the processor configured to:

determine an uploading-device profile for representing the further devices, the uploading-device profile including an accessible setting, a limited-access setting, or a combination thereof; and

generate the transferable configuration setting based on the accessible setting, the limited-access setting, or a combination thereof.

8. The system as claimed inclaim 5 wherein the processor is configured to determine the proximate-device identities based on a device-selection mechanism for selecting the further devices.

9. The system as claimed inclaim 5, wherein:

the processor is configured to identify a setting-change flag for representing a change in the further devices; and

the communication unit is configured to communicate the transferable configuration setting based on the setting-change flag.

10. A method of operation of a computing system comprising:

determining a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device;

determining a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to a device;

determining a proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device;

determining an uploading-device profile and the downloading-device profile for representing the device and the further devices;

generating a transferable configuration setting based on the uploading-device profile and the downloading-device profile for communicating the transferable configuration setting; and

communicating the transferable configuration setting with a communication unit using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting.

11. The method as claimed inclaim 10 wherein:

determining the contextual information includes determining a future context for updating the device; and

communicating the transferable configuration setting includes communicating the transferable configuration setting based on the future context.

12. The method as claimed inclaim 10 further comprising:

determining a contextual time-mark for temporally representing a future context;

calculating a transfer offset relative to the contextual time-mark; and

wherein:

communicating the transferable configuration setting includes communicating the transferable configuration setting according to the transfer offset and the contextual time-mark.

13. The method as claimed inclaim 10 further comprising:

detecting a trigger metric; and

wherein:

communicating the transferable configuration setting includes communicating the transferable configuration setting based on the trigger metric without previously displaying a configuration notification.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions comprising:

determining a contextual information for representing the contextual information relative to a device;

determining a proximity zone for identifying further devices within the proximity zone relative to a device;

determining proximate-device identities for identifying the further devices relative to the device;

determining an uploading-device profile and the downloading-device profile for representing the device and the further devices;

generating a transferable configuration setting based on the uploading-device profile and the downloading-device profile for communicating the transferable configuration setting; and

communicating the transferable configuration setting using the proximate-device identities for updating the device based on the transferable configuration setting.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed inclaim 14 wherein:

determining the contextual information includes determining a future context for updating the device; and

communicating the transferable configuration setting includes communicating the transferable configuration setting based on the future context.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed inclaim 14 further comprising:

determining a contextual time-mark for temporally representing the future context;

calculating a transfer offset relative to the contextual time-mark; and

wherein:

communicating the transferable configuration setting includes communicating the transferable configuration setting according to the transfer offset and the contextual time-mark.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed inclaim 14 further comprising:

detecting a trigger metric; and

wherein:

communicating the transferable configuration setting includes communicating the transferable configuration setting based on the trigger metric without previously displaying a configuration notification.

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