CLIPSYNC TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] Personal, I.T, Office environment, Leisure BACKGROUND [0002] The following concept is not new. However, ClipSync is a broadening of a previous concept. The notion of copying information on one device and pasting it on another has been encompassed in an application discovered prior to lodging this patent request, entitled 'Stuf. Stuf allows the user to copy information and have it stored in a user defined folder for Macs and PCs. ClipSync is an embellishment on this idea, further enhancing its capabilities to encompass such devices as iPhones, Androids and Tablets. Furthermore, its implications will be extended by bypassing third-party file storing facilities, utilizing the Wireless Wide Area Network to transfer digital information directly from device to device, in addition to the ability to pick and choose which device you wish to share to on the fly for security or privacy purposes. SUMMARY [0003] A simple operating system application that will allow quick and efficient transmission of copied electronic information using a copy/paste function, linked between networked devices (such as PCs, Phones, Tablets) either on private or public networks. Operating systems will include Windows, Android, MacOS and iOS and may extend further with future updates. TECHNICAL PROBLEM [0004] In order to transfer a link, picture, file or other digital information from one electronic device to another, the current method is to use file servers, blue-tooth, email, text-message, or instant message applications. This process is tedious, time consuming, and often ignored in preference of seeking the information once again on the other device.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM [0005] As with most applications that are created for use on PCs, Phones or Tablets, they have the ability to talk to other networked devices. The next step in developing the copy/paste feature is to use an application specifically designed to organise and manage the transmission of clipboard (copied) information between devices, quickly and efficiently. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION [0006] The application will allow the user to network multiple devices together, and through the applications functionality, the user can copy a piece of information (e.g. a website link, piece of text, photo, etc.) and have it appear instantaneously on a list within the application's clipboard menu. The networked devices with the application installed will be able to access the copied information on the clipboard, or through a context menu and with a click or a press, users are then free to paste the information to its intended destination. The simplicity and efficiency of this concept does away with the time consuming process of emailing, blue-toothing or texting a piece of information to its intended device. It is a feature that is sure to be embraced within the computing, phoning and particularly the office realm. EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION [0007] John is on his computer at home and wishes to copy a YouTube video link to to his friend's phone. Using ClipSync, he can use ClipSync to copy the link from his PC and if their two devices are connected to the same network, his friend will be able to access the link by either accessing it from ClipSync's clipboard menu form within the application, or from ClipSync's context menu paste function. [0008] In the corporate office, Joanne wants Jason to view a portion of text from an email she has just read. Using ClipSync, she can highlight the text, bring up the context menu containing ClipSync's copy function, and as previously, the text will appear as an item on the clipboard menu of ClipSync. Jason, and all other employees connected to the network will be able to copy the text that Joanne has copied, from the clipboard of ClipSync. Joanne could only wish for Jason to view the link and nobody else, in which case she can specify which device that the link should be transmitted to. [0009] In the corporate office again, Jeffery wants his boss, Jackson, to view a confidential password saved on his computer. They are both connected to the default "Work" network; however Jeffery only wants his boss to see the password. If Jeffery opens the network options and checks the select all checkbox (which, when unchecked, deselects all devices) and then checks Jackson's device, Jackson will be the only person who can view the confidential password. Any proceeding changes to Jeffery's network will not jeopardize the accessibility of the password for other colleagues unless he specifically chooses to do so. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0010] How the user would connect multiple devices together, securely. [0010.1] Local connectivity [0010.la] Connectivity using LAN or WLAN is the optimum method, with the same principles utilized when connecting computers or phones together over LAN or WLAN. The devices will 'talk' to each other in the same way as a local instant messaging application would, where the application provides a list of the local devices running ClipSync on the local network leveraging the existing LAN infrastructure services. The application allows you to create secure networks using SSL certificate security where necessary. Then it is a matter of adding by their ClipSync device name (provided by clicking in the aforementioned list) devices you want to become members of the ClipSync network. [0010.2] Wide-Area connectivity [00 10.2a] Connectivity over the Internet using a technology synonymous to DropBox is the optimum method. The devices will 'talk' to each other in the same way as an instant messaging application would, utilising a parent infrastructure framework that provides the devices with the Internet addresses of the user's desired devices. The parent infrastructure provides a framework that initiates the facility to allow the user to create secure networks using SSL certificate security for trusted authorisation. Then it is a matter of adding by their ClipSync device name, devices you want to become members of the network. [0011] Creating the application for cross-platform functionality. [0011.1]This would require multi-platform compatibility for the application, most likely requiring it to be coded for each platform type (Android, iOS, Windows). Given the simplicity of the concept, the development and implementation would be no more difficult than with applications that utilize the same technology. [0012] How the copied information would be transferred. [0012.1] The information will be transmitted through WLAN, LAN or WWAN, using existing network frameworks, utilizing the same method as when transmitting messages through Instant Messaging applications from one phone to another over WLAN and WWAN. With the ClipSync application running in the background of a particular device, it will recognise when a user has copied some information and add it to its own clipboard. The clipboard is then updated through the network across all devices connected to the network. [0013] How the copied information would be stored and accessed. [0013.1] The simplistic design concept of the application will be the driving factor in its expected popularity. The user, once having decided which piece of information they wish to copy, will open the ClipSync context menu, in which will contain the ClipSync copy function, and possible destinations. Depending on the device, this could be a right click context menu on a PC/tablet, or a long-press context menu on Androids, iPads, and iPhones. Then the user can access the same context menu on the designated device they wish to paste to, and use ClipSync's paste function, which could contain 1 or more pieces of clipboard information. They will also have the option of directly opening the application, on their PC, phone or tablet, and viewing the list of previously copied information on whichever devices utilized ClipSync's copy function. With a single click or tap of the finger, the copied information will be added to the ClipSync clipboard of the device, and can be pasted at will. To save bandwidth and unwanted downloading, these items will appear in the clipboard list as thumbnails with a written description next to them. Once an item is selected, the transfer will initiate. [0014] Additional features of the application. [0014.1] As stated previously, the main display of the application will be the list of items you have copied with the ClipSync copy feature, and list of networks. There will then be two more areas of options, Networks, and Settings, accessibility depending on the user interface and ergonomics of the device. The context menus, accessibility depending on the user interface and ergonomics of the device, will incorporate the ClipSync Copy and Paste functions. Within the ClipSync Copy menu, the quick network selection function will be accessible. A link that opens the ClipSync main application window will also be included to allow users to open the application and configure settings and networks for efficiency purposes. [0014.2] Network creation and search function (labelled, "Networks"). [0014.2a] Selecting "Networks" will open a display with a list of four pre-set networks, Personal, Work, Family and Friends and any number of custom networks that you specify. The networks will be arranged in a common hierarchical tree layout. Expanding the 'branch' by selecting it will present the devices that are members of that network, and an option to add new members by their device name. There will also be the option to exclude certain devices from the network in the form of a small checkbox or something similar, with the addition of a select/deselect all function. The option to create a new network is available and accessible in the initial network display by selecting a plus icon, or similarly intuitive graphical device. [0014.3] Security and discretion regarding clipboard information [00 14.3a] With the use of multiple networks comes the ability for users to pick and choose which network they wish for their copied information to be accessible from by default. The context menu containing the copy function, will also incorporate the ability for a user - at their own discretion - to disseminate the desired copied information to a device or grouping of devices using quick network selections from within the context menu, thus altering the default destinations of copied information. Additionally, the main display of the application will allow the user to rapidly switch from the four pre-set networks and custom networks through selecting coloured, intuitive icons, and with their discretion they can allocate the network(s) recipients that are to receive the information by default. Changing to a new network does not allow the current clipboard to be seen by that new network, but rather all copied information in future will be allocated to the network(s) recipients. Furthermore, each clipboard item has its own long-press or context menu in which the option to share with each specific network is available. Each clipboard item will have its own coloured icon which corresponds with the colour of the network icon it's accessible from. [0014.4] The configuration of the application (Settings). [0014.4a] The configuration menu will also be retrievable depending on the capabilities of the device, as stated in [0012.1]. The user will be able to configure settings regarding: e Their device 'name' * Whether they want to enable Wi-Fi or mobile network connectivity * The visual theme of the application * The amount of items they wish to have saved in their clipboard list (catering for devices with low memory) * A time limit for items to be purged from the list * Automatic start-up * Notification icon options * A quick tutorial * An About section regarding the inventor, version number etc. Other possible options could include: * Utilizing the accelerometers in such devices so as to purge the clipboard or potentially to activate the copied information to be ready for pasting * Adding/removing/changing sounds for copying/pasting items INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0015] Within the office environment of nearly any business, transferring information from one employee to another is a vital part of the business system operating efficiently. ClipSync will allow its users the ability to transmit almost any piece of digital information that needs to be transmitted, almost instantaneously. [0016] All previously outlined content is the intellectual property of Ivan Finley Szaks, residing at 1067 Mountain Top Road, Nimbin NSW, Australia, Dated 18/1/2012