Patent ID: 8661466
Filing Date: 2014-02-25
Classification: G06F,G06Q,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of representing online discussions in conjunction with primary visual content, the method comprising: transmitting the primary visual content for presentation on a visual display; receiving a first statement as part of an online discussion; in response to receiving the first statement, transmitting a representation of the first statement and an icon representing a source of the first statement in conjunction with the primary visual content for presentation on the visual display; sliding the icon onto the visual display via a periphery of the visual display, wherein the icon and the first statement are coupled graphically on the visual display, and wherein the icon and the first statement are placed near the periphery of the visual display after the sliding of the icon onto the visual display ends; after a period of time while the icon and the first statement are presented on the visual display, during which a second statement by the source of the first statement is not received, removing the icon and the first statement from the visual display while maintaining the primary visual content on the visual display; receiving the second statement of the online discussion from the source of the first statement before expiration of the period of time; in response to receiving the second statement, replacing the first statement with the second statement on the visual display, and after a second period of time while the second statement is presented on the visual display; and during which a third statement by the source of the first statement is not received removing the icon and the second statement from the visual display while maintaining the primary visual content on the visual display, wherein the icon is removed by sliding the icon off of the visual display via the periphery of the visual display, and wherein the second statement is faded as the icon is sliding off of the visual display via the periphery of the visual display.