Visual group interface for group connectivity
First Claim
1. A system for communicably linking a first user of a first computing device having a first display to a group of users of computing devices, the group having at least one member comprising a second user of a second computing device having a display, the system comprising in combination:
- a rendered desktop on the display of the first computing device;
a selectable group icon visibly rendered on the desktop, the group icon being associated with the group of users of computing devices whereby selection of the group icon by the first user initiates transmission of a communication over a network from the first computing device to the group of users with the first user not being required to specify the identity of a member of the group of users during or after selection.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communication icon represents a shared connection allowing members of an online group to interact with each other and participate in different activities together. The icon through which the group interacts resides on each group member'"'"'s desktop and has many attributes including click activation modes and drag and drop functionality. The icon provides each group member with a representation of the group'"'"'s shared relationship. Any group member can change the group icon and have that change propagated to the computers of the other members of the group. The icon can be activated for both non-verbal and verbal communications as well as activity sharing. Online members of the group are kept apprised of the group'"'"'s status and activities via a displayed status bar.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for communicably linking a first user of a first computing device having a first display to a group of users of computing devices, the group having at least one member comprising a second user of a second computing device having a display, the system comprising in combination:
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a rendered desktop on the display of the first computing device;
a selectable group icon visibly rendered on the desktop, the group icon being associated with the group of users of computing devices whereby selection of the group icon by the first user initiates transmission of a communication over a network from the first computing device to the group of users with the first user not being required to specify the identity of a member of the group of users during or after selection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of communicating from a first user of a first computing device, having a display associated therewith, to a group of computing device users, each being a user of a computing device having a respective display associated therewith, the group of computing device users comprising at least a second user, the method comprising:
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presenting a visual group icon to the first user on the display of the first computing device, the group icon being associated with the group of computing device users;
receiving an activation of the group icon by the first user;
in response to receiving an activation of the group icon by the first user, sending a communication over a network connection from the first computing device to the computing devices associated with the group of computing device users. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification