Multiparty communications systems and methods that utilize multiple modes of communication
First Claim
1. A method for facilitating composite video communications using a communications system, the method comprising:
- receiving a video communication on a receiving device from a transmitting device;
processing a pre-recorded video;
generating a composite video communication based at least on the received video communication and the processed pre-recorded video; and
transmitting the composite video communication to the receiving device using at least one of an instant ready-on mode of communication, an intermediate mode of communication, and an active mode of communication, wherein;
the instant ready-on mode of communication enables a user to initiate communication with at least one of a plurality of other users via a pre-existing communication link between the user and the at least one of the plurality of other users;
the intermediate mode of communication enables the user to receive contextual communications from users in a group; and
the active mode of communication enables a user to receive live video communications from one or more users in a subgroup.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Improved methods, systems, and devices for managing communications are provided. A user device may display all ongoing communications so that a user can visualize the communications network or some subset thereof (e.g., a subgroup or group of users). A system may maintain the user device in an instant ready-on mode of communication with the other user devices. A user may then initiate communications with a subgroup (e.g., a pair) or group without initiating a new connection. Accordingly, a user can simultaneously and fluidly communicate at the subgroup level, at the group level, or at the inter-group level. Moreover, users can function as independent actors that can freely form and leave subgroups as well as groups.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for facilitating composite video communications using a communications system, the method comprising:
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receiving a video communication on a receiving device from a transmitting device; processing a pre-recorded video; generating a composite video communication based at least on the received video communication and the processed pre-recorded video; and transmitting the composite video communication to the receiving device using at least one of an instant ready-on mode of communication, an intermediate mode of communication, and an active mode of communication, wherein; the instant ready-on mode of communication enables a user to initiate communication with at least one of a plurality of other users via a pre-existing communication link between the user and the at least one of the plurality of other users; the intermediate mode of communication enables the user to receive contextual communications from users in a group; and the active mode of communication enables a user to receive live video communications from one or more users in a subgroup. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to:
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receive a video communication from a transmitting device to a receiving device; process a pre-recorded video; generate a composite video communication based at least on the received video communication and the pre-recorded video; and transmit the composite video communication to the receiving device using at least one of an instant ready-on mode of communication, an intermediate mode of communication, and an active mode of communication, wherein; the instant ready-on mode of communication enables a user to initiate a communication with at least one of a plurality of other users via a pre-existing communication link between the user and the at least one of the plurality of other users; the intermediate mode of communication enables the user to receive a periodically updated image of each user in a group; and the active mode of communication enables a user to receive live video communications from each user in a subgroup. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for assisting a user in associating video signals with corresponding audio signals using a communications system, the method comprising:
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creating a combined audio signal operable to; indicate to the user that a first received communication has occurred at a first spatial location; and indicate to the user that a second received communication has occurred at a second spatial location, the second spatial location being different than the first spatial location; and generating a composite video communication based at least on the first received communication, the second received communication, and the combined audio signal. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to:
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create a combined audio signal operable to; indicate to a user that a first received communication has occurred at a first spatial location; and indicate to the user that a second received communication has occurred at a second spatial location, the second spatial location being different than the first spatial location; and generate a composite video communication based at least on the first received communication, the second received communication, and the combined audio signal.
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Specification