Helen J Chemtob

US Patent:

7478129, Jan 13, 2009

Filed:

Sep 12, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/518879

Inventors:

Helen Jeanne Chemtob - Silver Spring MD, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/16
G06F 3/00

US Classification:

709204, 715758

Abstract:

Improvements to a system for enhancing the quality of group interaction, group activities, and group environments over computer networks. New features include the capacity for participants to form subgroups within a larger group, as well as to move about a virtual environment, interacting with other participants they come across in the environment as desired. Unique methods for creating and distributing structured group programs for use on the system, for playing computerized board games or card games on the system, and for building virtual social environments using the system are also disclosed. The system creates improved virtual environments for high-tech business meetings, on-line classrooms, conferences, group counseling sessions, internet trade shows, and private meeting places where family and friends can spend quality time together.

US Patent:

7124164, Oct 17, 2006

Filed:

Apr 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/836512

Inventors:

Helen J. Chemtob - Silver Spring MD, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/00
G06F 9/00
G06F 17/00
G06F 15/16
G09G 5/00

US Classification:

709204, 715716, 715730, 715734, 715758, 715763, 715765

Abstract:

A system for communicating between members of a group is disclosed which includes a communications interface transmitting at least one of voice, video and text communications from an originating member to at least one destination member within a virtual group. The graphical communication flow module graphically depicts to each member of the virtual group the originator and target of different types of communication (text, voice or iconic) occurring simultaneously within the virtual group. The simultaneous access window allows virtual group members to engage in “real-life” group activities (like viewing a video, reviewing a document, or participating in training exercises) while at the same time transmitting, receiving, and viewing communications occurring between computer users connected to the virtual group. This system of providing group interaction over networks has unique and important applications to virtual group counseling, virtual office meetings, and group communications in the form of chat rooms over the Internet.