Virtual Area Interface for Real-Time Presence and Interaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual communication systems lack effective methods for enhancing user interaction and navigation within virtual environments, particularly in managing interactions and presence in real-time communications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining interaction options based on interaction records, managing virtual area interactions through user-selectable controls, and establishing presence in virtual communication environments, with features like immersion control, real-time differential motion streams, and data file sharing, supported by a network infrastructure service environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional telephony and instant messaging systems are used, then basic communication functionality is provided, but user interaction and navigation in virtual environments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments virtual communication into distinct virtual areas (e.g., conference rooms, break rooms) that can be independently managed and accessed. Each virtual area has its own set of interaction rules and characteristics, allowing users to navigate and interact differently in each space without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality to communication by placing users and communicants within three-dimensional virtual environments. Interaction is no longer limited to two-dimensional screens but extends into virtual space, enabling presence, movement, and spatial relationships to enhance communication capabilities.
2Productivity
If real-time communications are enabled in virtual environments, then communication effectiveness is improved, but managing interactions and presence becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages presence and interaction state changes without requiring explicit user commands. When a user enters a virtual area or communicates with another user, the system automatically updates presence records, establishes appropriate interaction modes, and configures communication parameters, reducing the manual overhead of managing real-time interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors interaction state changes and provides feedback to adjust communication parameters in real-time. When users interact in specific ways within virtual areas, the system detects these interactions and automatically modifies communication settings, such as enabling audio only in conference rooms or adjusting visibility based on spatial proximity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interaction modes are provided in virtual areas, then user flexibility is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interaction interface dynamically adapts to the current virtual environment and user context. The set of available interaction modes changes based on the virtual area being accessed, the users present, and the current interaction state. This dynamic adaptation provides flexibility when needed while maintaining simplicity by hiding irrelevant options.
Solution Approach 2:
Different interaction modes and characteristics are applied to different virtual areas based on their specific purposes. Conference rooms enable audio-only interaction, while break rooms support full multimedia interaction. The interface presents relevant interaction options locally for each area rather than requiring users to manage all possible modes globally.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved systems and methods for navigating and interacting in virtual communication environments. At least some of these systems and methods provide a framework that includes one or more virtual areas and supports realtime communications between the communicants. At least some of these systems and methods provide an interface that includes navigation controls that enable a user to navigate virtual areas and interaction controls that enable the user to interact with other communicants in the one or more virtual areas.