Multiparty communications and methods that utilize multiple modes of communication
First Claim
1. A method for facilitating dynamic communications amongst multiple users, the method comprising:
- maintaining an instant ready-on mode of communication between a selected user and a plurality of other users, the plurality of other users comprising at least a first group and a second group;
providing live video communications to the selected user, the live video communications comprising facial expressions of a plurality of other users within the first group;
receiving, in response to providing live video communications, a request from the selected user to join the first group;
granting the request; and
upgrading a mode of communication between the selected user and the plurality of other users within the first group to at least one of an intermediate mode of communication and an active mode of communication.
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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.
48 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for facilitating dynamic communications amongst multiple users, the method comprising:
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maintaining an instant ready-on mode of communication between a selected user and a plurality of other users, the plurality of other users comprising at least a first group and a second group; providing live video communications to the selected user, the live video communications comprising facial expressions of a plurality of other users within the first group; receiving, in response to providing live video communications, a request from the selected user to join the first group; granting the request; and upgrading a mode of communication between the selected user and the plurality of other users within the first group to at least one of an intermediate mode of communication and an active mode of communication. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification