Method and apparatus for providing group interaction via communications networks
Patent 7124164 Issued on October 17, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date: 
April 17, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
April 17, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesSystem for intergrating an on-line service community with a foreign service Personal conferencing system Patent #: 6151621 InventorApplicationNo. 09836512 filed on 04/17/2001US Classes:709/204, COMPUTER CONFERENCING715/716, On screen video or audio system interface715/730, Presentation to audience interface (e.g., slide show)715/734, Interactive network representation of devices (e.g., topology of workstations)715/758, Chat room715/763, Graphical or iconic based (e.g., visual program)715/765Customizing multiple diverse workspace objectsExaminersPrimary: Cardone, Jason D.Assistant: Choudhury, Azizul Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG06F 3/00G06F 9/00 G06F 17/00 G06F 15/16 G09G 5/00 AbstractA system for communicating between members of a group is disclosed which includes a communications interface transmitting at least one of voice, video and text communications from an originating member to at least one destination member within a virtual group. The graphical communication flow module graphically depicts to each member of the virtual group the originator and target of different types of communication (text, voice or iconic) occurring simultaneously within the virtual group. The simultaneous access window allows virtual group members to engage in “real-life” group activities (like viewing a video, reviewing a document, or participating in training exercises) while at the same time transmitting, receiving, and viewing communications occurring between computer users connected to the virtual group. This system of providing group interaction over networks has unique and important applications to virtual group counseling, virtual office meetings, and group communications in the form of chat rooms over the Internet. | |
