Private Message Overlays on Video Thumbnails for Multi-User Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collaboration systems do not efficiently organize messages, requiring users to manually switch between interfaces to view private chat sessions, leading to inefficiencies and missed information during large group meetings.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that overlays private messages on participant thumbnails, allowing eye-gaze controls for message organization and emphasis, reducing the need for manual interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional separate user interfaces are used for private chat sessions, then users can view chat messages, but users must manually switch between interfaces which reduces productivity and causes loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines private chat message viewing with the group meeting interface by displaying chat messages as overlays on participant video feeds. This merging eliminates the need to switch between separate chat and meeting interfaces, allowing users to view both simultaneously and improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the meeting interface by superimposing chat messages directly onto the video feed dimension. Instead of requiring users to navigate to a separate chat window, messages appear as an additional layer on top of the existing video content, enabling simultaneous viewing without interface switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate interfaces are used for different chat sessions, then users can access all chat messages, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple manual steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chat session views into a single unified interface by displaying messages from different participants as overlays on their respective video feeds within the same meeting window. This eliminates the need to open separate interfaces for each chat session while maintaining full accessibility to all messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The meeting interface is enhanced to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it continues to display video feeds while also displaying private chat messages from multiple participants. This multi-functionality allows users to access all chat sessions through the single universal meeting interface without needing separate dedicated chat windows.
3Loss of information
If traditional interfaces require manual steps to view chat messages, then users can access private messages, but ease of operation worsens due to required user inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically displays private chat messages without requiring users to manually open chat windows or perform navigation steps. Messages are proactively pushed to the appropriate location on the interface (overlaying the sender's video feed), and the system self-manages the display based on which participant sent the message, eliminating manual input requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and positions chat messages in advance by automatically placing them on the appropriate video feed overlay before the user needs to view them. This preliminary positioning based on the sender's identity ensures messages are immediately visible and readable without requiring any user actions to locate or open them.
4Loss of information
If separate interfaces are used for each chat session, then users can view individual messages, but productivity and loss of time are affected due to inability to gain broader context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the view of multiple chat sessions with the group meeting context into a single integrated display. Users can see all private messages alongside the video feeds of participants, providing immediate context about who sent each message and maintaining visibility of the overall meeting dynamics while monitoring all chat activity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The techniques disclosed herein provide a system that can generate targeted positioning of message content for multi-user communication interfaces. In some configurations a system may generate a user interface that displays a number of video stream renderings, wherein individual video stream renderings, e.g., thumbnail views, show a participant of a communication session. When one of the participants sends the user a private message, the system renders at least a portion of the private message in a semi-transparent format as an overlay on the video rendering of the sender. This allows a traditional video stream interface to also function as an organizer for private messages sent to a particular user. This user interface format allows a user to readily identify a broader perspective of chat activity without requiring a user to enter specific chat user interfaces or provide a number of manual input entries to view the private chat content.