SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENGAGING AN ONLINE GROUP DURING AN ENTIRE GROUP LIFECYCLE

There is provided a method for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle using a group activity server that is communicatively connected with user devices associated with users. The method includes (i) obtaining a first input associated with a group activity for a group from a first user device associated with a first user, (ii) obtaining a group activity tool template from a group activity tool template repository, and (iii) generating a GAT based on obtained GAT template and the first input, (iv) creating a first notification badge, and a second notification badge on the generated GAT, and (v) incorporating the generated GAT in user interfaces of the user devices associated with the members of the group to enable members of the group to participate in the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the group during the entire group lifecycle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR-FILED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from the Indian provisional application no. 202141032729 filed on Jul. 21, 2021, which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments herein generally relate to an online group management during an entire group lifecycle using a group activity server, and in particular, creating a group activity tool for effective online group engagement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The world wide web has become an important medium for electronic communication. Further, participation in online groups constitutes a significant part of online communication. In addition to facilitating discussions and comments, online groups are increasingly being used in a variety of settings like psychotherapy, education, e-commerce, etc. While the current group engagements are enabled through a simple browser and mobile interfaces, there is a high probability that they will incorporate emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the near future.

One of the major problems with online messaging is the management of online groups. The usability of an online group, especially the management aspect has become a tedious task because of the inefficiency of the interface. An existing interface presents only a single stream of posts or comments.

Additionally, due to a lack of an effective method to control and manage group communication, the messages sent by group administrators are usually buried under a heap of messages/comments posted by users or members of the group.

Further existing technology requires the users of the group to visit an external website or application to complete any required action, such as completing a questionnaire or voting in a poll. The online chat interface simply provides a place to post a link for the required action. Calendar, messaging, participating in polls, answering a questionnaire, and other web-based services as such are considered to be separate and distinct. The aforementioned web services, therefore, are not designed to efficiently work in an integrated manner. The need to access different web-based services, typically not in a user-friendly manner, hampers the overall communication between the group of participants.

Therefore, there arises a need to address the aforementioned technical drawbacks in a better way for effective online group engagement.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a processor-implemented method for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle using a group activity server that is communicatively connected with user devices associated with users. The method includes (i) obtaining a first input associated with at least one group activity for at least one group from a first user device associated with a first user, the first input includes at least one parameter related to the at least one group activity, (ii) obtaining a group activity tool (GAT) template from a group activity tool template repository for the at least one group based on obtained first input, the group activity tool template repository includes one or more GAT templates, (iii) generating a GAT based on obtained GAT template and the first input, (iv) creating a first notification badge, and a second notification badge on the generated GAT for the at least one group, and (v) incorporating the generated GAT in user interfaces of the user devices associated with members of the at least one group to enable the members of the at least one group to participate in the at least one group activity via the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the at least one group during the entire group lifecycle. The first notification badge indicates when at least one action related to the at least one group activity is pending from the at least one group of the first user. The second notification badge indicates when at least one information is sent by at least one group member of the at least one group.

In some embodiments, the method further includes (i) obtaining the first input from the first user through a first interface of the first user device, the first input includes information to create a group, to close a group, to create a GAT, or to create broadcast messages, and (ii) creating the at least one group based on the first input that includes a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters may include at least one of a group title, a group description, a group template identity, or a unique group identity.

In some embodiments, the method includes providing a separate interface for the first user to communicate with the at least one group by creating messages and broadcasting the messages in the separate interface, thereby separating the messages of the first user from other members of the at least one group to improve communication within the at least one group.

In some embodiments, the generated GAT includes at least one of group rules for the members, a link for an upcoming meeting, at least one of a poll for participation, instructions to upload a media content, or a questionnaire for participation.

In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are color-coded for easy identification. The first notification badge and the second notification badge may comprise a count of items in the generated GAT.

In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are displayed simultaneously with respective due dates for completing the at least one group activity. The color-coding of the first notification badge and the second notification badge may change based on the respective due dates.

In one aspect, there is provided one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums storing the one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, causes to perform a method for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle using a group activity server that is communicatively connected with user devices associated with users group lifecycle. The method includes (i) obtaining a first input associated with at least one group activity for at least one group from a first user device associated with a first user, the first input includes at least one parameter related to the at least one group activity, (ii) obtaining a group activity tool (GAT) template from a group activity tool template repository for the at least one group based on obtained first input, the group activity tool template repository includes one or more GAT templates, (iii) generating a GAT based on obtained GAT template and the first input, (iv) creating a first notification badge, and a second notification badge on the generated GAT for the at least one group, and (v) incorporating the generated GAT in user interfaces of the user devices associated with members of the at least one group to enable the members of the at least one group to participate in the at least one group activity via the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the at least one group during the entire group lifecycle. The first notification badge indicates when at least one action related to the at least one group activity is pending from the at least one group of the first user. The second notification badge indicates when at least one information is sent by at least one group member of the at least one group.

In another aspect, there is provided a system for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle using a group activity server that is communicatively connected with user devices associated with users. The system includes one or more user devices and a group activity server that is communicatively connected with the one or more user devices. The group activity server includes a memory that stores a database and a set of modules, a processor in communication with the memory. The processor retrieves executing machine-readable program instructions from the memory which, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to (i) obtain a first input associated with at least one group activity for at least one group from a first user device associated with a first user, the first input includes at least one parameter related to the at least one group activity, (ii) obtain a group activity tool (GAT) template from a group activity tool template repository for the at least one group based on obtained first input, the group activity tool template repository includes one or more GAT templates, (iii) generate a group activity tool (GAT) based on obtained GAT template and the first input, (iv) create a first notification badge, and a second notification badge on the generated GAT for the at least one group, and (iv) incorporate the generated GAT in user interfaces of the user devices associated with members of the at least one group to enable the members of the at least one group to participate in the at least one group activity via the at least one of the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the at least one group during the entire group lifecycle. The first notification badge indicates when at least one action related to the at least one group activity is pending from the at least one group of the first user. The second notification badge indicates when at least one information is sent by at least one group member of the at least one group.

In some embodiments, the processor is configured to (i) obtain the first input from the first user through a first interface of the first user device the first input includes information to create a group, to close a group, to create a GAT, or to create broadcast messages, and (ii) creating the at least one group from the group template repository based on the first input that includes a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters may include at least one of a group title, a group description, a group template identity, or a unique group identity.

In some embodiments, the processor is configured to provide a separate interface for the first user to communicate with the at least one group by creating messages and broadcasting the messages in the separate interface, thereby separating the messages of the first user from other members of the at least one group to improve communication within the at least one group.

In some embodiments, the generated GAT includes at least one of group rules for the members, a link for an upcoming meeting, at least one of a poll for participation, instructions to upload a media content, or questionnaire for participation.

In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are color-coded for easy identification. The first notification badge and the second notification badge may comprise a count of items in the generated GAT.

In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are displayed simultaneously with respective due dates for completing the at least one group activity. The color-coding of the first notification badge and the second notification badge may change based on the respective due dates.

The system and/or method is used for decluttering group interface to streamline the group interactions. Additionally, a separate interface is available to the first users (e.g., group administrator) to create and send broadcast messages, improving the communication within the group. The system or method may expedite the process of polling and reach out to group members without any unwanted message posting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As mentioned, there remains a need for a system and a method for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle using a group activity server that is communicatively connected with user devices associated with users, that can overcome the existing drawbacks. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS.1through6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are shown.

FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of a system100for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle, according to some embodiments herein. The system100effectively engages an online group in a group activity during an entire group lifecycle. The system100includes one or more user devices104A-N associated with one or more users102A-N, and a group activity server106. The group activity server106interactively communicates with the one or more user devices104A-N via a network108. The network108includes, but is not limited to, a wireless network, a wired network, a combination of the wired network and the wireless network or Internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, cloud, or any other communication network. The group activity server106includes a memory110that stores a set of instructions/modules and a database and a processor112that is configured to execute the set of instructions to perform one or more actions associated with the group activity server106.

A first user102A may be a group administrator. The group administrator may have a privilege to create a group or an appropriate group activity tool (GAT) during the entire group lifecycle to achieve intended outcomes. The one or more users102A-N may perform one or more actions in the group-based user privileges that are defined for the one or more users102A-N. The one or more users102A-N may use one of, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch pad, a touch pen, a smart device, voice input, voice recorder, a video, hand, or digital device gesture, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and so on to perform one or more actions associated the one or more user devices104A-N. The one or more actions may include, but are not limited to, providing input to the group activity server106, sending messages to the group, participating in the group activity, and the like. The first user device104A includes a first interface to interact with the group. In some embodiments, the one or more user devices104A-N includes, but is not limited to, a handheld device, a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a tablet, a laptop, a computer, an electronic notebook, or a smartphone and the like.

The group activity server106obtains a first input from a first user device104A associated with a first user102A. The group activity server106obtains the first input from the first user through a first interface of the first user device104A. The first input may comprise information to create a group, to close a group, to create a group activity tool (GAT), or to broadcast messages. The group activity server106creates the group based on the first input that comprises information to create the group. The information to create the group may include one or more parameters. The one or more parameters may include at least one of a group title, a group description, a group template identity, or a unique group identity. The group activity server106obtains a group activity tool (GAT) template from a group activity tool template repository for the at least one group based on obtained first input that includes the information to create the GAT. The information to create the GAT comprises at least one parameter related to the at least one group activity. In some embodiments, the group activity tool template repository includes one or more GAT templates. The group activity server106generates a group activity tool (GAT) based on obtained GAT template and the first input that includes the information to create the GAT. For example, the GAT may be generated using android studio. In some embodiments, the generated GAT includes group rules for the one or more users102A-N, a link for an upcoming meeting, a poll for participation, uploading a video, or a questionnaire for participation. The group activity server106creates a first notification badge and a second notification badge on the generated GAT for the group. The first notification badge indicates when at least one action related to the at least one group activity is pending from at least one group of the first user102A. The second notification badge indicates when at least one information is sent by at least one group or at least one group member of the group. The first notification badge and the second notification badge are color-coded for easy identification. The first notification badge and the second notification badge may include a count of items in the generated GAT. In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are displayed simultaneously with respective due dates for completing the at least one group activity. The color-coding of the first notification badge and the second notification badge may change based on the respective due dates.

The group activity server106incorporates the generated GAT in user interfaces of the one or more user devices104A-N associated with the one or more users102A-N of the group to enable members of the group to participate in at least one of the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the group during the entire group lifecycle. The one or more users102A-N may be one or more members of the group. The system100according to the present disclosure is of advantage in that the system100organizes group activities in separate group activity tools, thereby enabling effective group engagement. The group activity server106isolates or separates information items (such as messages) from the group activity in the GAT, thus clearly separating chat and comments from the group activity that needs to be performed by the group members. This helps in decluttering the group interface. Further, the group activity server106enables to capture of different action responses like gestures, video, audio, etc. The group activity server106enables members of the group to identify and respond to the group activity by providing separate GAT for each group activity.

In some embodiments, the members of the group respond to at least one group activity or send messages in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) by capturing different action responses. The different action responses may be gestures, video, or audio.

FIG.2illustrates a block diagram of a group activity server106ofFIG.1, according to an embodiment herein. The group activity server106includes an input obtaining module202, a group creating module204, a group activity tool (GAT) template obtaining module206, a group activity tool (GAT) creating module208, a notification badges creating module210, a color-code assigning module212, a GAT incorporating module214, and a database200. The database200may be communicatively connected to one or more modules of the group activity server106. The database200may include one or more GAT templates.

The input obtaining module202obtains a first input from a first user device104A associated with a first user102A. The first input may comprise information to create a group, to close a group, to create a group activity tool (GAT), or to broadcast messages. The information to create the GAT comprises at least one parameter related to the at least one group activity.

The group creating module204creates the group based on the first input that comprises information to create the group providing the information to create the group may include one or more parameters. The one or more parameters may include at least one of a group title, a group description, a group template identity, or a unique group identity. The first user102A may define a purpose of the group, a number of users in the group, and the group activity. For example, the first user102A creates a group for a depression treatment that relates to a healthcare domain.

The group activity tool (GAT) template obtaining module206obtains a GAT template based on the first input from the GAT template repository or the database200. For example, the group activity tool (GAT) template obtaining module206obtains a GAT template that is related to the healthcare domain if the first input comprises group activity information related to the depression treatment. The group that is created by the first user102A is managed by at least one activity that takes place in the group. For example, the group activities in the created group by the first user102A may be managing the number of users in a group, polling activity for the users, meeting schedules, uploading or downloading any multimedia file, and so on. Upon completion of the purpose for the group, the first user102A may close the group. In an embodiment, the application programming interface (API) is used for all modules in creating the group, managing the group, and closing the group based on the selected group template. In an embodiment, for management purposes, the first user102A is allowed to add or remove any user at any given time from the group and or close the group completely. The GAT creating module208generates a group activity tool (GAT) based on selected the group activity tool template and the first input. In some embodiments, the GAT includes the application programming interface (API) is used for all actions of the group activity tool creating module208.

Upon instantiation of one or more group activity tools, the notification badges creating module210creates a first notification badge and a second notification badge for the generated GAT of the group. The first notification badge indicates when at least one action is pending from at least one group of the first user102A and the second notification badge indicates when at least one information is sent by at least one group or at least one group member from the first user102A. The first notification badge and the second notification badge are color-coded for easy identification. The count of notification items in the group activity tool may be recorded in the database200. In an embodiment, at any given time, both the first notification badge and the second notification badge on the generated group activity tools may be displayed simultaneously. The color-code assigning module212assigns color-codes for the first notification badge and the second notification badge for easy identification. The first notification badge and the second notification badge may comprise a count of items in the generated GAT. The GAT incorporating module214incorporates the generated GAT in user interfaces of the one or more user devices104A-N associated with the one or more users102A-N of the group to enable members of the group to participate in at least one of the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the group during the entire group lifecycle.

FIG.3illustrates a block diagram of a group activity tool creating module208ofFIG.2, according to some embodiments herein. The block diagram of the group activity tool creating module208includes a GAT (group activity tool) generating module302, a GAT managing module304, and a GAT closing module306. The GAT generating module302generates a group activity tool (GAT) based on a requirement of the first user102A. The GAT is generated based on the selected a GAT template from the group activity template repository and the requirement of the first user102A. In an embodiment, the application programming interface (API) is used for all modules in group activity tool creating module208such as the GAT generating module302, the GAT managing module304, and the GAT closing module306. To create one or more group activity tools in the GAT generating module302, the first input parameters include unique group ID, GAT template ID, and unique GAT ID. In an embodiment, the API call used by the GAT generating module302is a representational state transfer (REST) API. Optionally, the REST API is particularly beneficial for cloud-based services and for users seeking to perform a certain set of actions and requiring a list of results in return. In an embodiment, the first user102A may create a request in the form of an URL to perform an action and the REST API may provide data for it as a response. For example, the first user102A may request user information on a webpage, and the response from the other users is obtained as data through the REST API processed on the webpage. The REST API may be used to extract the data from the webpage where the responses of the users are captured. The request may be modified by key-value pairs by modifying query parameters. The REST API may provide security by performing authorization checks to ensure the identity of the first user102A and second user102B. The authorization checks enable the first user102A actions only to be limited to the first user102A, thereby avoiding the risk of first user actions being performed by other users. The one or more GATs may be an active group activity tool or closed group activity tool depending on the action required to be performed by the group activity server106. The GAT managing module304manages one or more group activity tools. In some embodiments, the GATs show information or enable an action. For example, in the case of poll GATs, the GAT enables the user to perform the action like participating in the poll. In an embodiment, the group activity tools that show information include, but are not limited to, group rules for users, a link for an upcoming meeting, and so on. In an embodiment, the group activity tools that enable action include, but are not limited to creating and completing a poll, uploading a video, creating and completing a questionnaire, and so on. The group activity server106on receiving a request from the first user102A, the GAT closing module308closes the group for all the users. In some embodiments, the group remains active even if the GAT is closed.

FIG.4illustrates an exemplary user interface view400of a user device for a group, according to some embodiments herein. The exemplary user interface view400displays active GATs400A, a broadcast message field400C, and closed GATs400B. The broadcast messages400C may display the messages sent by the first user102A, thereby highlighting the first user's messages over the second user's messages. The active GATs include a poll GAT408, messages GAT412, phobia simulation using augmented reality (AR) GAT406, and a survey GAT410. The active group activity tool continues to remain active as long as the first user102A does not close the group. In an embodiment, the first user102A and the second user102B may participate in the activities even after a due date has passed. A first notification badge402and a second notification badge404on a poll GAT408are color-coded based on due dates of the active GATs400A. In some embodiments, the color-coded notification badges also showcase the number of notifications. The closed GATs400B includes the GATs that are closed by the first user102A, for example, poll, and survey. In some embodiments, the system100may also leverage a framework for immersive experience interfaces, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, and so on for enhanced group engagement.

In an exemplary embodiment, for depression treatment, a group is created by providing parameters like a group title, a group description, a group template identity, or a unique group identity. The group title may be “depression treatment—with Dr. John Doe”. The group description may be “the depression treatment therapy is focused on how to control depression in practical ways that can be used now and, in the future.” A GAT template is chosen from a GAT repository based on the first input. The GAT template repository includes one or more GAT templates. Based on the selected GAT template, a GAT is instantiated.

The generated GAT includes a question-and-answer model, for example, the question may be, “what is wrong with the following statements?”, for which the member of the group may pick one or more options as the answers. The options may be (1) I should be loved and approved by everyone (2) I should always be able to do things well and work hard all the time to feel good about myself (3) some people are bad and should be punished (4) I will feel awful if things don't go the way that I want to them to go (5) other people and things I cannot change make me unhappy (6) I should worry about bad things that could happen (7) I can never be happy if I don't want to have someone to love me (8) I can't change the way I am; I was raised this way (9) I just feel sad when people I care about are having bad times and (10) it will be awful if I don't do the right thing, The generated GAT may be converted as action GAT until the member of the group completes the action of choosing the option as answer for the provided question.

The following table 1 illustrates an exemplary GAT for a back depression inventory that requires action from the member of the group.

TABLE 1Check thoughts you had todayDay 11. It will be fun doing suchand such this weekend2. The weather is great today3. I can do better than that4. Life is interesting5. I really feel great6. This is fun7. I am a good person

The following table 2 illustrates for ABCD method is another exemplary GAT that requires action from the member of the group.

TABLE 2A. Activating event (WhatC. Consequence (How did youhappened?)react?)B. Belief about what happenedD. Disputing the belief(What did you tell yourself(alternative thoughts thatabout what happened thatwould help you in a healthierinfluenced your reaction?)manner)

In some embodiments, the members of the group respond using the augmented reality (AR) interface or the virtual reality (VR) interface by capturing different action responses. For example, using VR the users are allowed to join sessions using a VR headset. The generated GATS in table 1 and table 2 are made interactive using VR. The questionnaire in generated GATs (table 1, table2) is shown in a real-time scenario using VR.

The AR sessions may be also used for a new level of interaction and engagement with the user. The real-time scenario for the questionnaire in generated GATs (table 1, table2) is created using AR by three-dimensional models on immediate surroundings viewed from all angles through the user device104A.

FIG.5illustrates a method for engaging an online group during an entire group lifecycle, according to some embodiments herein. At step502, the method includes obtaining a first input associated with at least one group activity for at least one group from a first user device associated with a first user. In some embodiments, the first input includes at least one parameter related to the at least one group activity. At step504, obtaining a group activity tool (GAT) template from a group activity tool template repository for the at least one group based on obtained first input. In some embodiments, the group activity tool template repository includes one or more GAT templates. At step506, the method includes generating a GAT based on obtained GAT template and the first input. At step508, the method includes creating a first notification badge, and a second notification badge on the generated GAT for the at least one group, the first notification badge indicates when at least one action related to the at least one group activity is pending from at least one group of the first user and the second notification badge is created when at least one information is sent by at least one group member of the at least one group. At step510, the method includes incorporating the generated GAT in user interfaces of the user devices associated with members of the at least one group to enable the members of the at least one group to participate in the at least one group activity via the generated GAT, thereby engaging the members of the at least one group during the entire group lifecycle.

In some embodiments, the method further includes (i) obtaining the first input from the first user through a first interface of the first user device, the first input includes information to create a group, to close a group, to create a GAT, or to create broadcast messages, (ii) creating the at least one group based on the first input that includes a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters may include at least one of a group title, a group description, a group template identity, or a unique group identity.

In some embodiments, the method includes providing a separate interface for the first user to communicate with the at least one group by creating messages and broadcasting the messages in the separate, thereby separating the messages of the first user from other members of the at least one group to improve communication within the at least one group.

In some embodiments, the generated GAT includes at least one of group rules for the members, a link for an upcoming meeting, at least one of a poll for participation, instructions to upload a media content, or a questionnaire for participation.

In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are color-coded for easy identification. The first notification badge and the second notification badge may comprise a count of items in the generated GAT.

In some embodiments, the first notification badge and the second notification badge are displayed simultaneously with respective due dates for completing the at least one group activity. The color-coding of the first notification badge and the second notification badge may change based on the respective due dates.

A representative hardware environment for practicing the embodiments herein is depicted inFIG.6, with reference toFIGS.1through5. This schematic drawing illustrates a hardware configuration of a system100/a group activity server106/user devices104A-N/any computing device in accordance with the embodiments herein. The system includes at least one processing device (CPU)10that may be interconnected via system bus14to various devices such as a random-access memory (RAM)12, read-only memory (ROM)17, and an input/output (I/O) adapter18. The I/O adapter18can connect to peripheral devices, such as disk units38and program storage devices40that are readable by the system. The system can read the inventive instructions on the program storage devices40and follow these instructions to execute the methodology of the embodiments herein. The system further includes a user interface adapter22that connects a keyboard28, mouse30, speaker32, microphone34, and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen device (not shown) to the bus14to gather user input. Additionally, a communication adapter20connects the bus14to a data processing network42, and a display adapter24connects the bus to a display device27, which provides a graphical user interface (GUI)37of the output data in accordance with the embodiments herein, or which may be embodied as an output device such as a monitor, printer, or transmitter, for example.