Method and apparatus for point-and-send data transfer within an ubiquitous computing environment

A computer implemented method of interfacing with electronic devices within a ubiquitous computing environment, comprising:

• providing a handheld unit adapted to be contacted and moved by a user within a ubiquitous computing environment;
• receiving sensor data from at least one sensor, the sensor data including information indicating whether the handheld unit is within a predetermined proximity of one of the plurality of electronic devices within the ubiquitous computing environment;
• determining whether an electronic device within the ubiquitous computing environment has been selected by a user based at least in part on the received sensor data;
• and
• providing the user with physical feedback through the handheld unit when it is determined that an electronic device within the ubiquitous computing environment has been selected.

A computer implemented method of interfacing with electronic devices within a ubiquitous computing environment, comprising:

• providing a handheld unit adapted to be contacted and moved by a user within a ubiquitous computing environment;
• receiving sensor data from at least one sensor, the sensor data including information indicating whether the handheld unit is substantially pointed at one of a plurality of electronic devices within the ubiquitous computing environment;
• determining whether an electronic device within the ubiquitous computing environment has been selected by the user based at least in part on the received sensor data;
• and
• transferring data between the selected electronic device and the handheld unit over a pre-existing communication link.

A computer implemented method of interfacing with electronic devices within a ubiquitous computing environment, comprising:

• providing a handheld unit adapted to be contacted and moved by a user within a ubiquitous computing environment;
• receiving sensor data from at least one sensor, the sensor data including information indicating whether the handheld unit has been substantially pointed at electronic devices within the ubiquitous computing environment;
• determining whether first and second electronic devices within the ubiquitous computing environment have been successively selected by the user based at least in part on the received sensor data;
• and
• transferring data between the selected first and second electronic devices over a pre-existing network connection.

A system for interfacing with electronic devices within a ubiquitous computing environment, comprising:

• a handheld unit adapted to be contacted and moved by a user within a ubiquitous computing environment;
• at least one actuator within the handheld unit, wherein the at least one actuator is adapted to generate forces when energized, the generated forces transmitted to the user as a tactile sensation;
• at least one sensor adapted to determine whether the handheld unit is substantially pointed at one of a plurality of electronic devices within the ubiquitous computing environment and generate corresponding sensor data;
• and
• at least one processor adapted to determine whether an electronic device within the ubiquitous computing environment has been selected by the user based on the generated sensor data and to energize the at least one actuator when it is determined that an electronic device has been selected.