Gesture-based content sharing

摘要

A user selects a content item that he wishes to send. He then performs a gesture to specify a direction toward which the content item is to be sent. For example, he pretends to “throw” his portable communications device toward the West. To receive the content item, potential recipients also make gestures that specify receiving directions. For example, a recipient pretends to “catch” a ball thrown from the East. If the sending and receiving directions are compatible, then the content item is sent from the sender's device to the recipient's device. Enhancements to the basic scheme described above can be made to, for example, specify a dispersion angle for the sending or receiving directions or to include other restrictions so that, for example, only intended recipients can receive the content even if other potential recipients are in the specified sending direction and make appropriate receiving gestures.

主权项

1. A method for accepting a content item on a receiving portable communications device, the method comprising:
detecting, by the receiving portable communications device, a receiving gesture, the receiving gesture specifying a sending angular dispersion originating from a sending location, the sending angular dispersion comprising a first direction and a second direction defining a first angle; sending, by the receiving portable communications device to a device distinct from the receiving portable communications device, a request comprising a receiving angular dispersion, the receiving angular dispersion comprising a third direction and a fourth direction defining a second angle; and receiving, by the receiving portable communications device, the content item based on the first and second angle when at least a portion of the sending angular dispersion overlaps at least a portion of the receiving angular dispersion, from opposing directions, when the sending location is within a predetermined distance of the receiving portable communication device, wherein the content is not received by the receiving portable communications device when the receiving and sending angular dispersions do not overlap from the opposing directions.