FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
A COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING VIRTUAL, INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD.,
an Indian Company
of Nirmal Building, 9th floor, Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400021, Maharashtra, India
Inventor Vijayarangan Natarajan
The following specification describes the nature of the disclosure and the manner in
which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the field of initiating and managing virtual communication sessions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to providing opportunities to users to interact with one another using virtual communication sessions.
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION
The term "handheld device/s" used hereinafter in this disclosure refers to, but is not limited to, wired or wireless computing devices including mobile handsets, smart phones, tablets, laptops, thin clients, netbooks, iPads, PDAs, notebooks and the like.
BACKGROUND
In today's world, online, interactive sessions are increasingly utilized to impart learning sessions to users. Online learning, also known as e-learning, relates to computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. Internet and other forms of information and communication systems serve as specific media to implement learning processes. Online learning is getting more popular as lives, in general, have become hectic and people need convenience and flexibility of time and place in order to pursue any learning endeavor. A growing number of people are attending online training courses around the world because of accessibility, flexibility and the chance to interact with other people in different places. Furthermore, online learning allows an individual to revisit the course content, documents, and discussion forums.
E-learning includes all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. E-learning methods include web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual education opportunities, and the like. Content is delivered via internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM and the like. E-learning can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.

E-learning involves the use of computers and/or network as key components of the learning environment. A drawback of E-learning is the utilization of resource intensive multimedia applications leading to requirement of higher bandwidth networks. Typically most interactive E-learning processes are hyperlinked and collaborated via online forums, chat rooms, discussion groups and the like, resulting in unsecured communication. Furthermore e-learning involves hyper learning through simulated situations and is more formal.
Typically, online learning methods use Learning Management System (LMS) for delivering, tracking and managing training/education. LMS range from systems for managing training/educational records to systems for distributing courses over the internet and offering features for online collaboration. A major part of the mainstream LMS interaction is asynchronous, wherein users fetch assignments at a convenient time and complete them accordingly. All the users (user delivering and user receiving information) do not need to be online at the same time.
A major part of online learning is targeted to post-secondary programs but online lessons and exercises are also becoming more popular for school and college students. The concept of online learning until now has not focused on corporate entities and other sectors.
Hence there is a need for a system that can deliver learning processes across all networks and can enable learning across electronic devices. Further there is a need for a system that provides object oriented, situational learning in an informal environment.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that provides a trusted network connection for users.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that builds confidentiality, authorization, authentication and accounting (CAAA) among users.
Still a further object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that satisfies a non-repudiation set up.
One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that does not warrant a password based negotiation between users and the system.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that has a robust, tamper-proof and light weight authentication mechanism.
Still a further objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system that transmits data packets through secured communication protocols based on Double base number systems/multi base number systems (DBNS/MBNS).
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that transmits and receives data and information without any delay.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that enables recording of interactive sessions and provides the facility of replaying them at a convenient time.
One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that enhances group collaboration amongst users.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a computer implemented system for implementing virtual, interactive sessions. The system in accordance with the present disclosure includes:

• a plurality of handheld devices, each of the plurality of handheld devices communicating with one another using a pre-determined communication protocol;
• a web server cooperating with each of the plurality of handheld devices, the web server configured to initiate and manage the virtual, interactive sessions between the plurality of handheld devices, the web server comprising:
an establishment module configured to establish port network
connections with each of handheld devices;
an invitation module configured to invite users of the plurality of
handheld devices to connect to the web server via their respective
handheld devices;
an authentication module configured to authenticate the users
through certificateless authentication, prior to the users connecting to
the virtual, interactive sessions;
a session assignment module configured to assign virtual, interactive
sessions to each of the users;
a router module configured to route information and data to said
users in an error free manner during said virtual, interactive sessions;
and
a communication protocol based on double base number
system/multi base number system, said communication protocol
configured to enable said error free routing of said information and
data.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the virtual, interactive sessions are conducted online.
In accordance with the present disclosure, each of the plurality of handheld devices include an audio recording module configured to record real time audio conversations between users.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the information and data is selected from the group consisting of data and information in audio format, text format and video format.
In accordance with the present disclosure, each of the plurality of handheld devices include a video module configured to enable the users to initiate video conferences with other users in real time.
In accordance with the present disclosure, each of the plurality of handheld devices communicate with one another through a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of HSDPA, EDGE class 10 and GPRS class 12.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the video module is further configured to record videos at 15 frames per second.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the video module employs video standards selected from the group consisting of H.263, H.264 and MPEG 4.
The present disclosure envisages a method for implementing virtual, interactive sessions. The method, in accordance with the present disclosure includes the following steps:
establishing port network connections with a plurality of handheld devices and a web server;
inviting users of the plurality of handheld devices to connect to a web server via their respective handheld devices for accessing the virtual, interactive sessions;
authenticating the users through certificateless authentication, prior to the users connecting to the virtual, interactive sessions; assigning virtual, interactive sessions to each of the users; and routing information and data to the users during the virtual, interactive sessions via a communication protocol, wherein the communication protocol is based upon double base number/multi base number mechanism.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the method further includes the step of recording the audio conversations between users for later reproduction.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the method further includes the step of enabling users to initiate video conferences with one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The computer implemented system and method for conducting virtual, interactive sessions will now be described with reference to the accompanying, non-limiting drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic of a system for conducting virtual, interactive sessions; and
FIGURE 2 illustrates a flowchart corresponding to the method of conducting virtual, interactive sessions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The system and method for implementing virtual, interactive sessions will now be explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description relates purely to the examples and preferred embodiments of the disclosed system and its suggested applications.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The system for providing virtual, interactive sessions provides a trusted mobile based communication platform that can be incorporated in mobile handsets and other types of handheld devices. The system includes a web server cooperating with a plurality of hand held devices to provide the users of handheld devices with the opportunity of taking a part in the virtual, interactive sessions. The system enables users to connect in real time to the web based server thereby offering real time collaboration to the users.
In accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, the system can be utilized to provide online, interactive learning sessions to users, users can schedule and launch chat sessions, review budget allocations, edit the agendas, schedule classes, training sessions, view recordings, address attendance related issues within an organization. The system of the present disclosure can also be utilized to impart interactive learning sessions to users located across the globe. The system can accommodate any number of users concurrently. The system benefits users by making online learning environment a virtual interactive setup, thereby increasing the value proposition available to users.
The system envisaged by the present disclosure envisages a trusted mobile education based virtual class room environment that can be provided through mobile handsets and other types of handheld devices such as ipads, laptops, notebook PCs and the like. The system includes a web server that communicates with a plurality of handheld devices to provide the handheld devices with access to virtual, interactive learning sessions.
Typically, in prior art systems, information is exchanged via communication means such as emails and phones. However, such communication means are not effective since they do not encourage live (face-to-face) interactions. The online interactive learning system of the present disclosure invites all users through a certificateless authentication method for accessing interactive sessions. Each user is assigned a session to enable live connection with other users. In accordance with one embodiment, one user from the plurality of users is responsible to act as an administrator for generating sessions.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a system 100 for implementing virtual, interactive sessions. The system, in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plurality of hand held devices communicating with one another using a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) class 10 and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) class 12. The handheld devices collectively represented by the reference numeral 10 communicate with one another using UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) (900/1200MHz) and GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) bands. The plurality of handheld devices also cooperate with a web server 20 using the aforementioned communication bands and communication protocols.
The web server 20 is configured to initiate and manage the virtual, interactive sessions between the handheld devices 10 associated with users. The web server 20 includes an establishing module 20A configured to establish port network connections between the handheld devices 10 of the users. Each of the handheld devices 10 associated with the user include a request generation module (not shown in figures) configured to generate a request to take part in the virtual interactive session initiated by the web server 20. The web server, in response to the received request establishes a network port connection with the requesting handheld device 10. Similarly, the handheld devices 10 communicate with one another using the network port connection established through the web server 20.
Further, the web server 20 includes an invitation module 20B configured to invite users of the plurality of handheld devices to connect to the webserver 20. The invitation module makes use of the network port connection established between the web server and the requesting handheld device 10 to send out an invite to the requesting handheld device 10, to join the online interactive virtual session.
The web server 20, in accordance with the present disclosure includes an authentication module 20C configured to authenticate the users using certificateless authentication mechanisms including certificateless public key cryptography mechanism. The users are authenticated by the authentication module 20C using well

known authentication mechanisms such as elliptic curve cryptography methods including but not restricted to elliptic curve diffie-hellman key agreement protocol, elliptical curve integrated encryption scheme, elliptical curve digital signature algorithm and the like. The authentication of the user takes place after a network port connection has been established with the user's handheld device 10, and before the user is provided with access to the virtual, interactive session. In accordance with the present disclosure, the web server 20 further includes a session assignment module 20D configured to assign virtual sessions to the user for the purpose of real time online interaction subsequent to the user being authenticated by the authentication module 20C. The virtual sessions are assigned to users on their respective handheld devices, and using the allotted online virtual sessions, users can interact with the web server 20 as well as other handheld devices which are connected to the web server 20.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the web server 20 further includes a router module 20E configured to route information and data to users during the virtual sessions using a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of double base number protocol and multi base number protocol. In accordance with the present disclosure, the data and the information to be routed during the virtual sessions is represented in terms of the double base number system or multi base number system,
In accordance with the present disclosure, Double Base Number System (DBNS) is a representation scheme in which every positive integer (n) is represented as the sum or difference between two integers, wherein the two integers are in the form 2a3b. According to double base number system, an s-integer is a positive integer whose largest prime factor does not exceed the sth prime number. For example, an integer 314158 can be expressed using DBNS as 215 32+ 211 32+ 28 31 + 24 31-21 30' wherein all the exponents of 2 and 3 are in a decreasing order without repetition of summands.
In accordance with the present disclosure, Multi Base Number System (MBNS) is a representation scheme in which every positive integer (n) is represented as the sum or difference of s-integers and 2-integers wherein s>2, that is, in the form 2a3b5c7d. For example, 66 can be represented using MBNS as 22 31 51 + 21 31 5o, wherein all exponents of 2, 3 and 5 are in a decreasing order without a repetition of summands.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a positive integer denoted by K is used as the input and a sequence of exponents (bm, tm) is extracted using the input K. The sequence of exponents extracted out of the input K using DBNS are termed as DBNS sum, wherein there are no repeated exponents for the summands corresponding to the input integer k. The DBNS sum is further utilized to compute elliptic curve (EC) scalar multiplication. The output of elliptic curve scalar multiplication is a point on the elliptical curve termed as 'Z'. The term Z is represented as Z=np, where n is the given integer (integer which was expressed in DBNS/MBNS) and p is any arbitrary point on the elliptic curve.
In accordance with the present disclosure the output of elliptic curve scalar multiplication, i.e., Z is utilized, at first by the authentication module 20C to authenticate the handheld devices 10 willing to connect to the web server 20. During the process of authentication an SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) is established between the web server 20 and the requesting handheld device (the device that requests access to virtual sessions) using elliptical curve cryptography. Subsequent to establishing an SSL between the web server 20 and the requesting handheld device, the requesting handheld device will be provided with access to virtual sessions initiated and managed by the web server 20.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the DBNS sum is further utilized by the router module 20E to generate a symmetric key through session key generation protocols including elliptic curve diffie-hellman key exchange, and the symmetric key is utilized to encrypt the data and information that is being shared with the requesting handheld devices 10. The same symmetric key is utilized by the requesting handheld devices to decipher (decrypt) the data and information sent from the web server 20. . The advantage of using DBNS/MBNS is that the data and information can be sent in data packets of relatively shorter lengths. Further, usage of DBNS/MBNS minimizes the chances of occurrences of data errors.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handheld device 10 of the present disclosure typically comprises a 3.2 inch, 262K TFT full touch display having a resolution of at least 240X400 pixels, a 3.0 mega-pixel camera, a

communication module (not shown in figures) communicating on UMTS (900/1200 MHz) and GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) bands by using a communication method selected from the group consisting of HSDPA 3.6 Mbps, EDGE Class 10 and GPRS class 12 data speed. The handheld devices 10 run on operating systems selected from the group consisting of Android, Symbian, Apple iOS, Mac OS and the like.
In accordance with the present disclosure, each of the handheld devices 10 include an audio recording module (not shown in figures) capable of recording interactive sessions and initiating playback of recorded interactive sessions at a convenient time. Each of the handheld devices 10 also include a video module (not shown in figures) capable of recording videos at a frame rate of 15 frames per second and capable of playing videos having standards selected from the group consisting of H.263, H.264 and MPEG 4. The video recording capabilities of the video recording module enable users of handheld devices to initiate video conferences with other users in real time. In accordance with the present disclosure each of the handheld devices further include an internal memory of 90 MB, Random Access Memory of the size of at least 512 MB, and a microprocessor having speed of at least 832 MHz. It is also possible that other configurations/types of handheld devices can be used to implement the system of the present disclosure and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGURE 2, there is shown a computer implemented method for conducting virtual, interactive sessions. The method, in accordance with the present disclosure includes the following steps:
establishing port network connections with a plurality of handheld
devices and a web server 100;
inviting users of the plurality of handheld devices to connect to a
web server via their respective handheld devices for accessing the
virtual, interactive sessions 102;
authenticating the users through certificateless authentication, prior
to the users connecting to the virtual, interactive sessions 104;
assigning virtual, interactive sessions to each of the users 106; and

routing information and data to the users during the virtual, interactive sessions via a communication protocol, wherein the communication protocol is based upon double base number/multi base number mechanism 108.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the method further includes the step of recording the audio conversations between users for later reproduction.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the method further includes the step of enabling users to initiate video conferences with one another.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
The technical advantages of the system envisaged by the present disclosure include the following:
• providing a system that creates a trusted network connection for the purpose communication amongst users;
• providing a system that builds confidentiality, authorization, authentication and accounting (CAAA) among users;
• providing a system that satisfies a non-repudiation set up;
• providing a system that does not warrant a password based negotiation between users and the system;
• providing a system that has a robust, tamper-proof and light weight authentication mechanism;
• providing a system that transmits data packets through secured communication protocols based on Double base number systems/multi base number systems (DBNS/MBNS);
• providing a system that transmits and receives data and information without any delay;
• providing a system that enables recording of interactive sessions and provides the facility of replaying them at a convenient time; and
• providing a system that enhances group collaboration amongst users.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the invention, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We Claim:
1. A computer implemented system for implementing virtual, interactive sessions, said system comprising:
• a plurality of handheld devices, each of said plurality of handheld devices communicating with one another using a pre-determined communication protocol;
• a web server cooperating with each of said plurality of handheld devices, said web server configured to initiate and manage said virtual, interactive sessions between said plurality of handheld devices, said web server comprising:
an establishment module configured to establish port network
connections with each of handheld devices;
an invitation module configured to invite users of said plurality of
handheld devices to connect to said web server via their respective
handheld devices;
an authentication module configured to authenticate said users
through certificateless authentication, prior to said users connecting
to said virtual, interactive sessions;
a session assignment module configured to assign virtual, interactive
sessions to each of said users;
a router module configured to route information and data to said
users in an error free manner during said virtual, interactive sessions;
and
a communication protocol based on double base number
system/multi base number system, said communication protocol
configured to enable said error free routing of said information and
data.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said virtual, interactive sessions are conducted online.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of handheld devices include an audio recording module configured to record real time audio conversations between users.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said information and data is selected from the group consisting of data and information in audio format, text format and video format.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of handheld devices include a video module configured to enable said users to initiate video conferences with other users in real time.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of handheld devices communicate with one another through a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of HSDPA, EDGE class 10 and GPRS class 12.
7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said video module is further configured to record videos at 15 frames per second.
8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said video module employs video standards selected from the group consisting of H.263, H.264 and MPEG 4.
9. A method for implementing virtual, interactive sessions, said method comprising the following steps:
establishing port network connections with a plurality of handheld devices and a web server;
inviting users of said plurality of handheld devices to connect to a web server via their respective handheld devices for accessing said virtual, interactive sessions;

authenticating said users through certificateless authentication, prior to said users connecting to said virtual, interactive sessions; assigning virtual, interactive sessions to each of said users; and routing information and data to said users during said virtual, interactive sessions via a communication protocol, wherein said communication protocol is based upon double base number/multi base number mechanism.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method further includes the step of recording the audio conversations between users for later reproduction.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method further includes the step of enabling users to initiate video conferences with one another.