SYSTEM FOR NOTIFYING A FIRST USER REGARDING AN ACTIVITY OF A SECOND USER

A system for notifying a first user regarding an activity of a second user comprises of a first data processing system associated with a first user, a second data processing system associated with a second user, and a server. The server comprises one or more processors configured to create a virtual room and a virtual lounge associated with the first user, establish a secured connection between the first data processing system and the second data processing system, provide the second user, access to the virtual lounge of the virtual room. The server is configured to allow the second user to schedule an online meeting with the first user or allow the second user to create a message for the first user when the status of the first user is other than available, and notify the first user of the scheduled online meeting or the created message.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to the field of video conferencing. More particularly, the system relates to notifying a first user regarding an activity initiated by a second user.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART

In this modern world, time saving is considered to be the topmost priority for everyone. In this digital age, it has become much easier for anyone to connect and speak with the other person, and as such the need to schedule meetings without the need for continual conversations has also increased.

However, the current video conference scheduling tools that are available fail to achieve scheduling of video conferences with minimal human intervention. Further, tools to send a message are overly complicated, which discourages the user from choosing to send a message. Current state of the art tools increases the input required from users in order to schedule meeting or to send a message across. Furthermore, none of the video calling tools available in the current market offer users the flexibility of rescheduling a meeting or communicating with another participant of the meeting via message.

Therefore, there is a need for a video conferencing system that is easy to navigate and further eliminates the need for a second user to continually communicate with a first user in order to schedule a meeting or communicate information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a system for notifying a first user regarding an activity of a second user is disclosed. The system comprises a first data processing system associated with a first user, a second data processing system associated with a second user, and a server. The server comprises at least one processor configured to create a virtual room and a virtual lounge associated with the virtual room, wherein the virtual room is uniquely associated with the first user. The server is configured to establish a secured connection between the first data processing system and the second data processing system and provide the second user, access to the virtual lounge of the virtual room upon establishing the secured connection between the first data processing system and the second data processing system. The server is also configured to notify status of the first user to the second user when the second user is in the virtual lounge, wherein when the status of the first user is other than available, the server is configured to allow the second user to schedule an online meeting with the first user, communicate availability of the first user to the second user for scheduling the online meeting, and notify the first user of the scheduled online meeting.

In another embodiment, a server is configured to notify status of the first user to the second user when the second user is in the virtual lounge, wherein when the status of the first user is other than available, the server is configured to allow the second user to create a message and notify the first user regarding the creation of the message.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which may be herein also referred to as “examples” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art, that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.

FIG.1illustrates a system100for notifying a first user104regarding an activity of a second user108, in accordance with an embodiment. The system100may comprise a first data processing system102, a second data processing system106, a server110, and a network112. The first data processing system102may be associated with the first user104. The second data processing system106may be associated with the second user108. The server110may be configured to coordinate a secured connection between the first data processing system102and the second data processing system106. The first data processing system102, the second data processing system106, and the server110may further be connected via the network112, wherein the network112enables communication between them. The network112may be, but not limited to, a local area network, wide area network or a metropolitan area network.

In another embodiment, the system100may comprise a third data processing system, a fourth data processing system, and so on, wherein the third data processing system may be associated with a third user, the fourth data processing system may be associated with a fourth user, and so on.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating the first data processing system102, in accordance with an embodiment. The first data processing system102may comprise a first processor module202, a first memory module204, a first display module206, first input modules208, first output modules210and a first communication module212.

The first processor module202may be implemented in the form of one or more processors and may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the first processor module202may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described.

The first memory module204may include a permanent memory such as hard disk drive, may be configured to store data, and executable program instructions that are implemented by the processor module. The first memory module204may be implemented in the form of a primary and a secondary memory. The first memory module204may store additional data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on the first processor module202, as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. Further, the first memory module204may be a volatile memory, such as random-access memory and/or a disk drive, or a non-volatile memory. The first memory module204may comprise of removable memory such as a Compact Flash card, Memory Stick, Smart Media, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital memory, or any other memory storage that exists currently or may exist in the future.

In an embodiment, the first memory module204may further comprise a first digital client214, a first Application Programming Interface (API)216, a first codec218, a first encryptor220and a first decryptor222. The first digital client214may be a web browser or a software application enables video conferencing, wherein the first digital client214may further comprise a first digital client display interface. The first digital client display interface may enable the interaction of the first user104with the first data processing system102. The first codec218may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to compress outgoing data and decompress incoming data. The first encryptor220may encrypt the data being sent and first decryptor222may decrypt the incoming data.

The first input modules208may provide an interface for input devices such as keypad, touch screen, mouse and stylus among other input devices. In an embodiment, the first first input module208includes a camera and a microphone.

The first output modules210may provide an interface for output devices such as display screen, speakers, printer and haptic feedback devices, among other output devices.

The first communication module212may be used by the first data processing system102to communicate with the server110. The first communication module212, as an example, may be a GPRS module, or other modules that enable wireless communication.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating a second data processing system106, in accordance with an embodiment. The second data processing system106may comprise a second processor module302, a second memory module304, a second display module306, second input modules308, second output modules310and a second communication module312.

It may be noted that the second data processing system106, may have a similar architecture as that of the first data processing system102, and is therefore not described in detail for the sake of brevity.

In an embodiment, the third data processing system, the fourth data processing system, and so on, may have a similar architecture as that of the first data processing system102.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of a server110, in accordance with an embodiment. The server110may comprise a processing unit402, a database404, a communication unit406, a routing unit408, an encrypting/decrypting unit410and an authenticating unit412.

The processing unit402may be implemented in the form of one or more processors and may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the processing unit402may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described.

The database404may include a permanent memory such as hard disk drive, that may be configured to store data, and executable program instructions that are implemented by the processor module.

In one embodiment, the database404may be configured to store information related to the first user104, the second user108, the third user, and so on, which may not be limited to email ID, phone number of the users, information pertaining to the first data processing system102, the second data processing system106, third data processing system and so on.

The communication unit406may be used by the server110to communicate with the first data processing system102and the second data processing system106. The communication unit406, as an example, may be a GPRS module, or other modules that enable wireless communication.

In an embodiment, the communication unit406may be used by the server110to communicate with the first data processing system102and the second data processing system106, third data processing system, fourth data processing system, and so on.

The routing unit408may be configured to enable identification of data processing systems to which the data must be transmitted.

The encrypting/decrypting unit410may be configured to encrypt/decrypt the incoming data from each of the data processing systems and encrypt/decrypt the outgoing data from the server114.

The authenticating unit412may be configured to authenticate each of the users associated with each of the data processing systems before establishing a connection.

Referring toFIGS.5,6A-6B, and7, at step502, the server110may receive an instruction from the first user104, wherein upon receiving the instruction, the server110may create a virtual room702and a virtual lounge602associated with the virtual room702for the first user104.

At step504, the server110may be configured to create a unique virtual address which provides access to the virtual lounge602.

At step506, the second user108may input the unique virtual address of the virtual room702of the first user104using the second input module308that is associated with the second data processing system106for accessing the virtual lounge602of the virtual room702.

At step508, the server110may be configured to receive the unique virtual address from the second user108to access the virtual lounge602of the virtual room702.

At step510, the server110may be configured to establish a secured connection between the first data processing system102and the second data processing system106, when the second user108accesses the virtual lounge602using the unique virtual address.

At step512, the second user108is provided access to the virtual lounge602and thereby enters the virtual lounge602of the virtual room702of the first user104.

At step514, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104that the second user108has entered the virtual lounge602of the virtual room702.

Referring toFIGS.6A,6B and7, once the second user108enters the virtual lounge602, an avatar of the second user108may be displayed in a window612. The avatar displayed may enable the second user108to manage the video that may be displayed to the first user104upon entering the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, keys610may be displayed to enable the second user108to adjust audio and video parameters before entering the virtual room702of the first user104.

In an embodiment, the second digital client314may be configured to display an indicator604indicating the availability of the first user104. The indicator604may present the availability status from among a group of statuses comprising Busy, Away, Available, Offline, and Do Not Disturb, wherein status of the first user104may be retrieved by the server110from the first data processing system102.

In an embodiment, the indicator604may indicate as “Busy”, when the first user104rejects a request of the second user108to access the virtual room702or the first user104is engaged in an online meeting with a third user in the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, the indicator604may be configured to indicate as “Away” when the first user104is not in the virtual room702. The server110may be configured to allow the second user108to schedule the online meeting with the first user104, when the status of the first user104is indicated as “Away”.

In an embodiment, the second digital client314may be configured to display an indicator606indicating the availability of the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to provide the first user104with a list of options to select an appropriate status of the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, a plurality of clickable buttons (610,710) may be provided that enable users to provide inputs such as disconnect the video call, mute the microphone, share screen, leave meeting, internet connection status and so on.

In an embodiment, a clickable icon608may be displayed, wherein the icon608enables the second user108to request entry to the virtual room702associated with the first user104.

In another embodiment, the server110may be configured to provide an option to the second user108to request entry into the virtual room702from the virtual lounge602associated with the first user104. Once the second user108selects the “Request entry” icon608, the server110may be configured to display the first pop-up window704to notify the first user104that the second user108is requesting to enter the virtual room702while the first user104is present in the virtual room702, in accordance with an embodiment.

In case the first user104denies the request, the server110may be configured to change the indicator604to “Busy” and display the “Schedule a meeting” icon614, the “SMS” icon616, and a “Video” icon618, providing the second user108multiple options to select from.

In another embodiment, in case the first user104denies the request, the server110may be configured to change the indicator604to “Busy” and change the “Request entry” icon608to “Schedule a meeting” icon614. An “SMS” icon616and a “Video” icon618may also be displayed below the “Schedule a meeting” icon614providing the second user108multiple options to select from. Upon clicking the “Schedule a meeting” icon614, the second user108may be allowed to schedule an online meeting with the first user104in future.

In an embodiment, the server110may comprise of a calendar, wherein the server110may be configured to retrieve availability of the first user104and the second user108for scheduling the online meeting.

In an embodiment, upon clicking the “Schedule a meeting” icon614, the server110may be configured to display the calendar to the second user108.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display the availability of the first user104and the second user108, to the second user108for scheduling the online meeting.

In an embodiment, the calendar may be configured to display time and date, wherein the calendar may be further configured to record tasks performed and tasks to be performed by the first user104.

In an embodiment, the calendar may be configured to record tasks performed and tasks to be performed by the second user108.

In an embodiment, the calendar may be configured to record tasks performed and tasks to be performed by the first user104, the second user108, the third user, and so on.

In an embodiment, tasks may comprise of online meetings scheduled among the first user104, the second user108, the third user, and so on.

In an embodiment, the calendar may be a pop-up window that is displayed to the second user108on the second data processing system106.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to redirect the second user108to a webpage comprising of a calendar via means of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in cases where a third party calendar may be employed by one or more users for tracking tasks.

In an embodiment, the server110may allow the second user108to select an available time slot within the calendar for scheduling the online meeting with the first user104.

In an embodiment, once the second user108successfully schedules the online meeting, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104about the scheduled meeting.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104of the scheduled online meeting by means of, but not limited to, an e-mail, a text message, and a phone call.

In embodiment, the server110may be configured to allow the second user108to choose a preferred manner to notify the first user104. As an example, the second user108may choose to request the server110to notify the first user108, only by a phone call, a text message or an e-mail.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to allow the first user104to re-schedule the online meeting scheduled by the second user108, and further notify the second user108of the re-scheduled meeting.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to notify the second user108of the re-scheduled online meeting via an Email, text message or call.

In an embodiment, an “SMS” icon616and a “Video” icon618may be displayed. The “SMS” icon616may enable the second user108to send a note (may also be referred to as ‘message’) to the first user104in the form of a text message. The “Video” icon618may enable the second user108to send a note to the first user104in the form of a video message.

In an embodiment, the “Video” icon618may be replaced with an “Audio” icon, wherein the second user108may be allowed to send an audio message to the first user104upon clicking the icon.

In another embodiment, when the first user104denies the entry request, the server110may be configured to change the indicator604to “Busy” and change “Request entry” icon608to “Send a message” icon, wherein upon clicking the “Send a message” icon, the second user108may be allowed to send a message to the first user104.

In an embodiment, the message may comprise of an audio stream and a video stream, a text message, a voice note (audio stream) and a captured screen video recording of display interface associated with a second data processing system106, among others.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104of the message created by the second user108and sent to the first user104.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104via means of, but not limited to, an e-mail, a text message, or a phone call of the message.

Referring toFIG.8, according to an embodiment, when the indicator604indicates as “Away”, the server110may be configured to allow the second user108to schedule the online meeting with the first user104. Further, the server110may be configured to suggest the second user108to wait for the first user104to become available, if the second user108has already scheduled a meeting with the first user104.

According to another embodiment,FIG.9illustrates a second pop-up window900that may be displayed to the second user108when the second user108clicks on the “Send a message” icon. The second pop-up window900may be displayed to the second user108on the second display module306of the second data processing system106to enable the second user108to select type of message to be sent to the first user104and send the message to the first user104in a preferred manner.

In an embodiment, the “SMS” icon616and the “Video” icon618may be replaced with any other icon which when clicked may display the second pop-up window900.

In an embodiment, the second pop-up window900may comprise of icons such as, but not limited to, “Send a Text Message”902, “Send an Email”904, “Send a Video Message”906, “Send an Audio Message”908, and “Send a screen recording”910.

In an alternate embodiment, the server110may be configured to combine one or more icons to enable the second user108to send a message in a preferred manner. As an example, the second pop-up window900may comprise of icons such as, but not limited to, “Send a Text Message and an Email”, “Send an Email and an Audio Message”, “Send a Video Message and a Screen Recording”, “Send an Audio Message and a Screen Recording”, and “Send a Screen Recording along with an Audio and Video Message”.

In an alternate embodiment, the server110may be configured to allow the second user108to choose plurality of options provided in the second pop-up window900to enable the second user108to send the message in a preferred manner.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display the “Schedule a meeting” icon614when the second user108enters the virtual lounge602.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display the “Send a message” icon when the second user108enters the virtual lounge602.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display the “Schedule a meeting” icon614along with the “Request entry” icon608when the second user108enters the virtual lounge602.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display the “Send a message” icon along with the “Request entry” icon608when the second user108enters the virtual lounge602.

FIGS.10A and10Billustrate a flowchart1000for allowing the second user108to schedule a meeting with the first user104, in accordance with an embodiment. At step1002, the second user108may enter the virtual lounge602associated with the virtual room702which is uniquely associated with the first user104.

At step1004, the server110may be configured to check if the status of the first user104is available or otherwise.

In an embodiment, if the first user is unavailable, the server110may be configured to display “Schedule a meeting” icon614along with options to send a message (leave a note) to the second user108, refer to step1012.

In an embodiment, the server110may enable the second user108to send a text message, a video message, or an audio message as a note to the first user104.

At step1006, the server110may be configured to display a “Request entry” icon608if the first user104is present in the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display an indicator604as available when the first user104is present in the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display indicator604as available, and indicator606as busy when the first user104has chosen an indicator706as available while having a third user inside the virtual room702.

At step1008, upon requesting entry into the virtual room702by clicking the “Request entry” icon608by the second user108, the server110may be configured to check if the second user108is allowed or disallowed into the virtual room702by the first user104.

At step1010, if the second user108is allowed by the first user104into the virtual room702, the server110may be configured to establish a video call between the second user108and the first user104in the virtual room702.

At step1012, if the second user108is disallowed into the virtual room702by the first user104, the server110may be configured to display the “Schedule a meeting” icon614along with options to send a message to the second user108present in the virtual lounge602by providing “SMS” icon616and “Video” icon618.

At step1016, the server110may be configured to check whether the second user108intends to schedule a meeting in future with the first user104.

At step1018, the server110may be configured to check whether the second user108intends to send a message to the first user104.

At step1020, the second user108may decide to wait for the first user104to become available in the virtual lounge602or may leave the virtual lounge602by clicking one of the icons from the plurality of icons610.

At step1022, if the second user108chose to schedule a meeting with the first user104by clicking the “Schedule a meeting” icon614, the server110may be configured to display a calendar to the second user108, wherein the calendar may show available dates and time of the first user104and the second user108for an online meeting.

At step1024, the server110may be configured to receive confirmation from the second user108regarding the date and time for the online meeting.

At step1026, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104that the online meeting has been scheduled by the second user108.

At step1028, is the second user108chose to send a message to the first user104by clicking the “SMS” icon616or the “Video” icon618, the server110may be configured to allow the second user108to create a message in a manner preferred by the second user108.

At step1030, the server110may be configured to notify the first user104that a message has been left by the second user108for the first user104.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, according to another embodiment, the first user104may choose to turn “ON” the “Do not disturb” option displayed by sliding an indicator1102, when the first user104is in the virtual room702.

In an embodiment, the server110may be configured to display the status of the first user104via an indicator1202to the second user108upon entering the virtual lounge602.

In an embodiment, when the indicator1202indicates as “Do not disturb”, the server110may be configured to not display the “Request entry” icon608to the second user108upon entering the virtual lounge602.

In an embodiment, when the indicator1202indicates as “Do not disturb”, the server110may be configured to not display the “Schedule a meeting” icon614, the “SMS” icon616, and a “Video” icon618to the second user108upon entering the virtual lounge602. Further, the server110may be configured to suggest the second user108to wait for the first user104to become available, if the second user108has already scheduled a meeting with the first user104.

In another embodiment, when the indicator1202indicates as “Do not disturb”, the server110may be configured to display the “Schedule a meeting” icon614, the “SMS” icon616, and the “Video” icon618. The server110may be further configured to notify the first user104once the indicator1102is turned “OFF” by the first user104.

The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and process or method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.