U.S. patent application number 13/069167 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information to an invited participant.
This patent application is currently assigned to WebEx Communications, Inc.. Invention is credited to Manish Kumar.
Application Number | 20110173262 13/069167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38225918 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110173262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; Manish |
July 14, 2011 |
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR SELECTIVELY DISPLAYING INFORMATION TO
AN INVITED PARTICIPANT
Abstract
In one embodiment, an invited participant accesses a customized
web page using an electronic device. Content is displayed on the
customized web page to the invited participant. A determination is
made whether the invited participant has viewed the content on the
customize web page by tracking usage of the customize web page. In
response to determining that the invited participant has not viewed
the content, a determination is made whether the invited
participant has invited a previously-uninvited participant to
access the customized web page and view the content. In response to
determination that the invited participant has invited a
previously-uninvited participant, a determination is made whether
the previously-uninvited participant is approved to access the
customized web page and view the content. In response to the
previously-uninvited participant having been approved, an
invitation is issued to the previously-uninvited participant to
access the customized web page and view the content.
Inventors: |
Kumar; Manish; (Santa Clara,
CA) |
Assignee: |
WebEx Communications, Inc.
Santa Calra
CA
|
Family ID: |
38225918 |
Appl. No.: |
13/069167 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11323601 |
Dec 29, 2005 |
7921153 |
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13069167 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06F 16/9535 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/204 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: allowing an invited participant to access a
customized web page using an electronic device; displaying content
on the customized web page to the invited participant; determine
whether the invited participant has viewed the content on the
customize web page by tracking usage of the customize web page; in
response to determining that the invited participant has not viewed
the content, determining whether the invited participant has
invited a previously-uninvited participant to access the customized
web page and view the content; in response to determination that
the invited participant has invited a previously-uninvited
participant, determining whether the previously-uninvited
participant is approved to access the customized web page and view
the content; and in response to the previously-uninvited
participant being approved, issuing an invitation to the
previously-uninvited participant to access the customized web page
and view the content.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the
previously-uninvited participant is approved further comprises:
determining a relationship between the previously-uninvited
participant and the invited participant; and automatically
approving the previously-uninvited participant based on a type of
the relationship.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the type of the relationship is a
co-worker relationship.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the type of the relationship is a
family member relationship.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the type of the relationship is
pre-approved by a host of the customized web page.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the
previously-uninvited participant is approved further comprises:
asking a host of the customized web page to approve or reject
inclusion of the previously-uninvited participant.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to
determining that the invited participant has viewed the content,
displaying additional content on the customized web page to the
invited participant.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the content and the additional
content is part of a sequence of content programmed by a host of
the customized web page.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a
computer that includes a display and one or more user interface
components.
10. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing
instructions for one or more software modules, the one or more
software modules, when executed by the processor, operable to:
display content on a customized web page to an invited participant,
determine whether the invited participant has viewed the content on
the customize web page by tracking usage of the customize web page,
determine whether the invited participant has invited a
previously-uninvited participant to access the customized web page
and view the content, in response to determination that the invited
participant has invited a previously-uninvited participant,
determine whether the previously-uninvited participant is approved
to access the customized web page and view the content, and in
response to the previously-uninvited participant being approved,
issue an invitation to the previously-uninvited participant to
access the customized web page and view the content.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more software
modules, when executed by the processor, are further operable to:
determine a relationship between the previously-uninvited
participant and the invited participant, and automatically approve
the previously-uninvited participant based on a type of the
relationship.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the type of the relationship
is a co-worker relationship.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the type of the relationship
is a family member relationship.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the type of the relationship
is pre-approved by a host of the customized web page.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more software
modules, when executed by the processor, are further operable to:
ask a host of the customized web page to approve or reject
inclusion of previously-uninvited participant.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more software
modules, when executed by the processor, are further operable to:
in response to determination that the invited participant has
viewed the content, display additional content on the customized
web page to the invited participant.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the content and the
additional content is part of a sequence of content programmed by a
host of the customized web page.
18. An apparatus comprising: means for allowing an invited
participant to access a customized web page; means for displaying
content on the customized web page to the invited participant;
means for determine whether the invited participant has viewed the
content on the customize web page by tracking usage of the
customize web page; means for determining whether the invited
participant has invited a previously-uninvited participant to
access the customized web page and view the content, in response to
determining that the invited participant has not viewed the
content; means for determining whether the previously-uninvited
participant is approved to access the customized web page and view
the content; and means for issuing an invitation to the
previously-uninvited participant to access the customized web page
and view the content, in response to determination that the invited
participant has invited a previously-uninvited participant.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein further comprising means for
determining a relationship between the previously-uninvited
participant and the invited participant; and means for
automatically approving the previously-uninvited participant based
on a type of the relationship.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein further comprising means for
asking a host of the customized web page to approve or reject
inclusion of the previously-uninvited participant.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/323,601 filed on Dec. 29, 2005 by Manish
Kumar and entitled "Methods and Apparatuses for Selectively
Displaying Information to an Invited Participant", the contents of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to displaying
information to a participant and, more particularly, to selectively
displaying information to an invited participant.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There has been an increased use in web pages to communicate
information to employees, vendors, and clients. Through these web
pages, information is presented to multiple participants. This
presented information may include audio, graphical, and/or textual
information.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses include
allowing an invited participant to access a customized web page;
programming a first content for the invited participant; displaying
the first content on the customized web page to the invited
participant; and automatically displaying a second content to the
invited participant based on displaying the first content to the
invited participant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one
embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for selectively
displaying information to an invited participant. In the
drawings,
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which
the methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information
to an invited participant are implemented;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one
embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for selectively
displaying information to an invited participant are
implemented;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system,
consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for
selectively displaying information to an invited participant;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exemplary record for use with the methods and
apparatuses for selectively displaying information to an invited
participant;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of
the methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information
to an invited participant;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of
the methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information
to an invited participant; and
[0012] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of
the methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information
to an invited participant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The following detailed description of the methods and
apparatuses for selectively displaying information to an invited
participant refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed
description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses
for selectively displaying information to an invited participant.
Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for selectively
displaying information to an invited participant is defined by the
appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent
with the present invention.
[0014] References to a device include a device utilized by a user
such as a desktop computer, a portable computer, a personal digital
assistant, a video phone, a landline telephone, a cellular
telephone, and a device capable of receiving/transmitting an
electronic signal.
[0015] References to content include audio, video, graphical,
and/or textual data.
[0016] References to a window are directed to an area utilized to
display the content.
[0017] References to a desktop are directed to an entire portion of
a display area of a corresponding device.
[0018] References to a participant device include devices that are
participating in the collaboration session.
[0019] References to a presenter device include a device that is a
participant and shares content with other participants.
[0020] References to an attendee device include a device that is a
participant and receives content shared by another participant
device. The attendees are capable of viewing content that is
offered by the presenter device. In some instances, the attendee
devices are capable of modifying the content shared by the
presenter device.
[0021] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for
selectively sharing a portion of a display during a collaboration
session allow a presenter device to share desktop content
associated with the presenter device to an attendee device while
preventing the attendee device from gaining access to private
content shown within a particular window that is shown to the
presenter device within the desktop content. In one embodiment, the
private content shown within the particular window is part of the
desktop content associated with the presenter device. Further, the
attendee device is capable of viewing the desktop content
associated with the presenter device while excluding the private
content shown within the particular window.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which
the methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information
to an invited participant are implemented. The environment includes
an electronic device 110 (e.g., a computing platform configured to
act as a client device, such as a computer, a personal digital
assistant, and the like), a user interface 115, a network 120
(e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet), and a
server 130 (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a
server).
[0023] In one embodiment, one or more user interface 115 components
are made integral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad and
video display screen input and output interfaces in the same
housing such as a personal digital assistant. In other embodiments,
one or more user interface 115 components (e.g., a keyboard, a
pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball, etc.), a microphone,
a speaker, a display, a camera are physically separate from, and
are conventionally coupled to, electronic device 110. In one
embodiment, the user utilizes interface 115 to access and control
content and applications stored in electronic device 110, server
130, or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled via network
120.
[0024] In accordance with the invention, embodiments of selectively
displaying information to an invited participant below are executed
by an electronic processor in electronic device 110, in server 130,
or by processors in electronic device 110 and in server 130 acting
together. Server 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being a single
computing platform, but in other instances are two or more
interconnected computing platforms that act as a server.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary
architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for selectively
displaying information to an invited participant are implemented.
The exemplary architecture includes a plurality of electronic
devices 202, a server device 210, and a network 201 connecting
electronic devices 202 to server 210 and each electronic device 202
to each other. The plurality of electronic devices 202 are each
configured to include a computer-readable medium 209, such as
random access memory, coupled to an electronic processor 208.
Processor 208 executes program instructions stored in the
computer-readable medium 209. In one embodiment, a unique user
operates each electronic device 202 via an interface 115 as
described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0026] The server device 130 includes a processor 211 coupled to a
computer-readable medium 212. In one embodiment, the server device
130 is coupled to one or more additional external or internal
devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage
element, such as database 240.
[0027] In one instance, processors 208 and 211 are manufactured by
Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other
microprocessors are used.
[0028] In one embodiment, the plurality of client devices 202 and
the server 210 include instructions for a customized application
for selectively displaying information to an invited participant.
In one embodiment, the plurality of computer-readable media 209 and
212 contain, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the
plurality of client devices 202 and the server 210 are configured
to receive and transmit electronic messages for use with the
customized application. Similarly, the network 210 is configured to
transmit electronic messages for use with the customized
application.
[0029] One or more user applications are stored in media 209, in
media 212, or a single user application is stored in part in one
media 209 and in part in media 212. In one instance, a stored user
application, regardless of storage location, is made customizable
based on selectively displaying information to an invited
participant as determined using embodiments described below.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a system 300. In one
embodiment, the system 300 is embodied within the server 130. In
another embodiment, the system 300 is embodied within the
electronic device 110. In yet another embodiment, the system 300 is
embodied within both the electronic device 110 and the server
130.
[0031] In one embodiment, the system 300 includes an invitee
detection module 310, a usage module 320, a storage module 330, an
interface module 340, a control module 350, and a content module
360.
[0032] In one embodiment, the control module 350 communicates with
the invitee detection module 310, the usage module 320, the storage
module 330, the interface module 340, and the content module 360.
In one embodiment, the control module 350 coordinates tasks,
requests, and communications between the invitee detection module
310, the usage module 320, the storage module 330, the interface
module 340, and the content module 360.
[0033] In one embodiment, the invitee detection module 310 detects
a participant that is an invitee to a customized web page. In one
embodiment, each participant logs into the customized web page
prior to gaining access to this web page and is detected by the
invitee detection module 310. In another embodiment, the
participant is recognized without logging onto the customized web
page and is recognized by the invitee detection module 310.
[0034] In one embodiment, the usage module 320 monitors usage by
the invited participant of the customized web page. In one
embodiment, the usage module 320 is capable of detecting the
specific content accessed by the participant.
[0035] In one embodiment, the interface detection module 340
detects input from the participant accessing the customized web
page. In another embodiment, the interface detection module 340
monitors the content provided by a host of the customized web
page.
[0036] In one embodiment, the storage module 330 stores a record
including a profile associated with each participant that accesses
the customized web page. An exemplary profile is shown in a record
400 within FIG. 4.
[0037] In one embodiment, the interface module 340 receives a
signal from one of the electronic devices 110. In one embodiment,
the electronic devices 110 are participating in a collaboration
session. In another embodiment, the interface module 340 delivers a
signal to one of the electronic devices 110.
[0038] In one embodiment, the content module 360 delivers content
to the customized web page for use by the participants. In one
embodiment, the host selects the appropriate content for display on
the customized web page.
[0039] The system 300 in FIG. 3 is shown for exemplary purposes and
is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for
selectively displaying information to an invited participant.
Additional modules may be added to the system 300 without departing
from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for selectively
displaying information to an invited participant. Similarly,
modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope
of the methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying
information to an invited participant.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary record 400 for use with the
methods and apparatuses for selectively displaying information to
an invited participant. In one embodiment, the record 400
illustrates an exemplary record associated with the profile
information of a particular participant while viewing the
customized web page.
[0041] In one embodiment, there are multiple records such that each
record 400 is associated with a particular participant. Further,
each participant corresponds with multiple records wherein each
record 400 for a particular participant corresponds to a particular
customized web page.
[0042] In one embodiment, the record 400 includes a participant
identity field 410, a relationship field 420, and a web page field
430. In one embodiment, the record 400 resides within the storage
module 330. In one embodiment, the record 400 describes attributes
detected through the system 300.
[0043] In one embodiment, the participant identity field 410
includes information related to the unique identity of the
participant. In one embodiment, a unique name of the user of the
participant is utilized within the participant identity field 410.
In another embodiment, a unique number identifier is utilized
within the participant identity field 410.
[0044] In one embodiment, the participant identified within the
participant identity field 410 also has access to the customized
web page. Further, the participant identity field 410 also
identifies a host for the customized web page.
[0045] In one embodiment, the relationship field 420 includes a
reference to another participant that is related to the current
participant associated with the profile 400. For example, the
relationship field 420 may identify another participant as an
invitee of the current participant, a co-worker of the current
participant, a supervisor of the current participant, and the like.
In one embodiment, the participant identified within the
relationship field 420 also has access to the customized web
page.
[0046] In one embodiment, the web page field 430 identifies a
customized web page that is associated with the record 400.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a sample customized web page 500 for use
with the system 300. In one embodiment, the customized web page 500
includes a host section 510, a content section 520, and an invitee
section 530.
[0048] In one embodiment, the host section 510 includes contact
information corresponding to the host of the customized web page
500. In one embodiment, the contact information includes a name, a
phone number, and an email address. In one embodiment, there are
multiple hosts listed in the host section 510.
[0049] In one embodiment, the content section 520 is configured to
display content to the invitees of the customized web page 500. In
one embodiment, the hosts of the customized web page 500 select the
content displayed within the content section 520. In one
embodiment, the content includes textual data, graphical data,
and/or audio data.
[0050] In one embodiment, the invitee section 530 includes contact
information corresponding to the invitees of the customized web
page 500. In one embodiment, the contact information includes a
name, a phone number, and an email address. Further, the presence
status of the particular invitee is also shown in one embodiment.
In one embodiment, the invitee section 530 is visible only the
hosts of the customized web page 500.
[0051] The flow diagrams as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 are one
embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for selectively
displaying information to an invited participant. The blocks within
the flow diagrams can be performed in a different sequence without
departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for
selectively displaying information to an invited participant.
Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without
departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for
selectively displaying information to an invited participant.
[0052] The flow diagram in FIG. 6 illustrates usage of an invited
participant according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0053] In Block 605, the identity of the invited participant is
detected. In one embodiment, the invited participant accesses the
customized web page when the identity is detected. In another
embodiment, the invited participant logs into the customized web
page when the identity is detected.
[0054] In Block 610, usage by the invited participant is detected.
In one embodiment, the customized web page tracks the usage of the
content by the particular invited participant.
[0055] In Block 615, if the invited participant views the content
on the customized web page, then a check is performed based on the
content that is viewed by the invited participant in Block 620. For
example, particular content that is viewed by the invited party may
be programmed to trigger another action in one embodiment.
Accordingly, a check is performed on whether this particular
content is viewed by the invited participant that would trigger
another action.
[0056] In Block 625, if the particular content is viewed as
detected in the Block 620, then the predetermined action is
performed. For example, the invited participant views content #1 on
the customized web page. Based on viewing the content #1, content
#2 is offered for use by the invited participant in this example.
In this example, the predetermined action is supplying the invited
participant with the content #2. In another embodiment, different
predetermined actions include adding content, modifying content,
deleting content, and the like.
[0057] In Block 630, the customized web page is updated to reflect
any changes from the predetermined action performed in the Block
625.
[0058] If the invited participant does not view the content in the
Block 615, invitation of other participants to join the customized
web page is performed in Block 635.
[0059] If the invited participant does not invite other
participants, the usage by the invited participant continues to be
detected in the Block 610.
[0060] If the invited participant invites other participants to
join the customized web page, the identity of the newly invited
participants is checked in Block 640.
[0061] In Block 645, the relationships between the newly invited
participants and the currently invited participant is determined.
In one embodiment, the currently invited participant may identify
the relationship between the currently invited participant and the
newly invited participants, and the relationship between the newly
invited participants. These relationships include a boss, a
co-worker, a subordinate, a friend, a family member, and the
like.
[0062] In Block 650, the host for the customized web page approves
or rejects the inclusion of the newly invited participants. In
another embodiment, the host pre-approves the newly invited
participants based on the relationships as defined in the Block
645. For example, if the host pre-approves all newly invited
participants that are "family" members, then if a family member is
invited by the currently invited participant, then the newly
invited participants are automatically includes as participants of
the customized web page without further approval from the host. In
yet another embodiment, the host may pre-approve all newly invited
participant regardless of identity or relationship.
[0063] In one embodiment, the host is able to publicly communicate
with the invited participants through the customized web page.
Further, each of the invited participants is able to initiate
communication with the host by way of a private channel such as via
email, phone, or instant-messaging chat.
[0064] The flow diagram in FIG. 7 illustrates programming a
customized web page to share content with participants according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0065] In Block 710, a host accesses the customized web page.
[0066] In Block 720, the host programs a sequence of content for
the customized web page. For example, the host can instruct that
content #1 to be displayed on the customized web page. Next, the
host can instruct the display of content #2 to be displayed on the
customized web page once the content #1 is viewed by one of the
invited participants. In another example, the content #2 can be a
modified version of the content #1.
[0067] In Block 730, the host can monitor the usage of the
customized web page by the invited participants. In one embodiment,
the host tracks content that is accessed by the individual invited
participants.
[0068] In Block 740, the host approves delivery of updated content
based on the usage of the invited participants. For example, the
host is able to further customize the content for use by the
invited participants via the customized web page based on
additional usage data that is monitored by the host in the Block
730.
[0069] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. The invention may be applied to a variety of other
applications. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally
many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order
to explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *