[0001] The disclosure generally relates to shared experience between various users.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and a system for generating an
in-context link to a shared experience in a chat session in a virtual communication
environment, to enrich user experience.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Smart mobile devices are becoming more common and sophisticated
allowing users to establish and maintain social connection to the Internet virtually from
anywhere. One of the way to achieve this is being able to share an experience that may
include allowing a group of users to view, hear, comment or be involved in the experience
that one user is going through. This forms shared experience.
[0003] Sharing approach needs to be casual and quick such that a first user can share
the experience with a second user without requiring the second user to create explicit
information, groups, sign-on, etc. Much like the real world, if a user happens to be at a
location, then an experience or an event that is happening at that location can be shared
quickly if the user wants to join. However, existing sharing approaches requires the users
with whom an experience is shared, to search for it on the virtual environment or a
communication platform. This is because, the shared experience may not be readily
available in the virtual communication/chat session itself, between two or more users. Due
to this, few users may lose the interest and may drop the idea of viewing the shared
experience together, departing the user away from the real social experience. Moreover, the
currently existing approaches while recommending shared experience do not take into
account of context or common interest of all the users who are involved in the virtual chat
session, due to which the users may not be interested in that shared experience and thus,
user experience may get lost.
3
[0004] Therefore, there is need for technique which can generate an in-context link
to a shared experience while taking the context/common interest of all users into account
who are involved in the virtual chat session or conversation.
[0005] It may be noted that, this Background is provided to introduce a brief context
for the Summary and Detailed Description that follow. This Background is not intended to
be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter nor be viewed as limiting
the described subject matter to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages or
problems presented by existing art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One or more shortcomings discussed above are overcome, and additional
advantages are provided by the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are
realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects
of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure.
[0007] According to an aspect of present disclosure, a system and a method to
generate an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat session on a virtual
communication platform, is disclosed.
[0008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is
disclosed to generate an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat session on a virtual
communication platform. The method comprising detecting a conversation between at least
two users on the virtual communication platform. The method further comprises
determining actions and/or activities performed by the at least two users during the
conversation. The method comprising identifying a common interest between the at least
two users from the actions and/or activities. The method further comprising generating an
in-context link to a shared experience based on the common interest between the at least
two users.
4
[0009] In yet another embodiment, wherein determining actions and activities
performed by the users during the conversation, comprising monitoring and determining
various online activities of each user or user data during the conversation, text involved in
conversation, historical chat communication.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, wherein identifying a common interest between
both users from the actions/activities, comprising matching the actions and activities
performed by at least one user to the actions and activities performed by at least one user;
and identifying the common interest between both users based on the matched actions and
activities.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, wherein generating an in-context link to a shared
experience based on the common interest between the users, further comprising sharing the
in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the at least two users.
[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is
disclosed that is configured to generate an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat
session on a virtual communication platform. The system comprises at least two user
terminals and a server communicably coupled to the at least two user terminals through a
network. The server is configured to detect a conversation between two users on the virtual
communication platform. The server is further configured to determine actions and/or
activities performed by the users during the conversation. The server is further configured
to identify a common interest between both users from the actions and/or activities. The
server is further configured to generate an in-context link to a shared experience based on
the common interest between the at least two users.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, while determining actions and activities
performed by the users during the conversation, the server is configured to monitor and
5
determine various online activities of each user or user data during the conversation, text
involved in conversation, historical chat communication.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, wherein while identifying a common interest
between both users from the actions/activities, the server is configured to match the actions
and activities performed by at least one user to the actions and activities performed by at
least one user; and identify the common interest between both users based on the matched
actions and activities.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, wherein while generating an in-context link to a
shared experience based on the common interest between the users, the server is further
configured to share the in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the at least
two users.
[0016] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the
drawings and the following detailed description.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to enrich user experience by generating
an in-context link to a shared experience based on a common interest between two or more
users in the chat session.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to generate an in-context link to a
shared experience in the chat session/ conversation itself to get an instant access to the
shared experience without any delay.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
6
[0019] Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily
understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying
drawings. Reference numerals have been used to refer to identical or functionally similar
elements. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and
form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain
various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present disclosure wherein:
[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary diagram of a system to generate an in-context
link to a shared experience in a chat session on a virtual communication platform, according
to an aspect of the present disclosure.
[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the server to generate an in-context link
to a shared experience in a chat session on a virtual communication platform, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] Fig. 3 is a flow chart representing an exemplary method for generating an incontext link to a shared experience in a chat session on a virtual communication platform,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams
herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the
present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams,
state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may
be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or
processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown an illustrative embodiment of
the disclosure “A system to generate an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat
session on a virtual communication platform and a method thereof”. It is understood that
7
the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms; specific
embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail below. It will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the
disclosure may be realized in different embodiments.
[0025] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of
the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed
as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0026] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and
will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to
limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the
disclosure.
[0027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a setup, device that comprises a list
of components that does not include only those components but may include other
components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or
more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without
more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the
system or apparatus or device. It could be noted with respect to the present disclosure that
the termslike “a system to generate an in-context link to a shared experience”, “The system”
refers to the same system which is used for implementation of the present disclosure. Also,
the terms like “virtual communication environment” are interchangeably used with the
terms “virtual world”, “virtual communication platform” or “virtual environment” which is
used in present disclosure. Similarly, terms like “action” or “activity” may be used
8
interchangeably throughout the description. Also, the terms like “chat session” or
“conversation” are interchangeably used in the present description.
[0028] Term virtual world in context of the present application may refer to a computer
simulated environment, wherein said environment may represent a real or fictitious world
governed by rules of interaction. In other words, virtual world may refer to simulated
environment where a user may be able to make changes in the virtual environment as per
his/her choice and is allowed to interact within such environment via his/her avatar. As
already indicated above, in an exemplary embodiment, the term “virtual world”, “virtual
communication platform” or “virtual environment” or “virtual communication
environment”, may be used to interchangeably without departing from the scope of the
present application.
[0029] The term “shared experience” in context of the present application may refer to
an experience that two or more users may go through when performing an activity of
common interest on the shared platform. In an illustrative example, the activities that may
be performed on shared platform may include but are not limited do reading a book together,
watching a movie, playing a game, singing a song, chatting, gardening together, cooking
together etc.
[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure provides a technique to
generate an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat session on a virtual
communication platform. In the disclosed technique, a conversation between at least two
users on the virtual communication platform is detected. Further, the technique involves
detection of various actions and/or activities performed by the at least two users during the
conversation. Para [0029] provides non-limiting examples of such activities. Based on the
detected activities and/or actions, a common interest between at least two users is identified.
Thereafter, an in-context link to a shared experience is generated and shared with the users
based on the identified common interest. Each of these actions are performed by the server
in communication with the user terminals/device involved in the virtual communication
9
environment. The users may click the in-context link on the respective user devices to get
into a shared experience together.
[0031] Precisely, based on matched interest and/or context of both the users, the
technique generates an in-context link to a shared experience in the chat session to instantly
start the generated shared experience. The users may enjoy social experience together upon
clicking the link. Since, the in-context link to the shared experience is readily available in
the conversation itself, the technique is quite quick such that the users can share their
experiences with each other without requiring to create explicit information, groups, etc.
[0032] In another scenario, the technique also generates customized shared
experience based on context of users involved in the chat or communication. Such context
of users, for example, but not limited thereto, are various online activities of user or user
data, text involved in communication or conversation, historical chat communication, day
of the week and time of the day. Thus, shared experiences can be tailored and are made
accessible instantly to the users in the chat via context link, so as to minimize user efforts to
access them. This acts as a tool to deepen social connections between users. The technique
thus enhances user experience and simultaneously improve user behavior. The present
disclosure achieves these advantage(s) in a manner as described below.
[0033] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
10
[0034] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary system 100 to generate an in-context link to a
shared experience in a chat session on a virtual environment. The system 100 comprises two
or more user terminals 102a…..102n and a server 108 which are communicably coupled to
each other via a network 106. The server 108 further comprises of a processor 110 and a
memory 112.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes two user terminals
102a and 102b connected to a server 108 through a communication network 106. In
alternative embodiment, the system 100 may include a plurality of user terminals 102a,
102b…. 102m, 102n. Each of the plurality of said user terminals 102a….102n may include
one or more processing units and one or more memories communicably coupled to each
other (not shown in figure), to implement one or more functionalities of the user terminals
respectively. Example of user terminals 102a…..102n may include, but not limited to, a
personal computer, a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet and so forth. Further, each of the user
terminals 102a,…..,102n may include any number of other components as required for their
operation. However, description of such components has been avoided for sake of brevity.
[0036] The user terminals 102a, …..102n may be configured to view the shared
experience provided by the server 108 through the communication network 106. The shared
experience may include any action, that can be performed by two or more users
simultaneously over a common platform, and is not limited to watching a movie, a serial,
any web series, any video clip, audio clip. The user terminals 102a, .… 102n may enable a
user to record and transmit one or more contents (either video or audio or both) to one or
more other user terminals from the server 108 via communication network.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, user terminals 102a and 102b are in a chat
session or conversation with each other, on a common virtual communication
environment/platform or a web platform maintained by server 108. The user terminals
102a, .… 102n may be configured to enable a user to record and transmit one or more
11
contents (either video or audio or text or any combination of these) to one or more other
user terminals from the server 108 via communication network. In non-limiting example,
the web platform or the virtual communication platform may refer to hike land or any other
instant messaging service platform.
[0038] The server 108 may be configured to detect the conversation between two users
on respective user terminals 102a and 102b and determines actions and/or activities
performed by the users during the conversation. From said actions and/or activities, the
server 108 may be configured to identify a common interest between both the users. The
server 108 may be further configured to generate an in-context link to a shared experience
based on the common interest identified in the conversation. In this manner, the server 108
may be configured to control what can be shared within the context of users in a chat session.
[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, to determine actions and activities
performed by the users during the conversation, the server 108 may be configured to monitor
and determine various online activities of each user or user data during the conversation,
text involved in conversation, historical chat communication.
[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, while identifying a common interest
between both users from the actions/activities, the server 108 is configured to match the
actions and activities performed by at least one user to the actions and activities performed
by at least one user. Further, the server 108 may be configured to identify the common
interest between both users based on the matched actions and activities.
[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, while generating an in-context link to a
shared experience based on the common interest between the users, the server 108 may be
configured to share the in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the at least
two users.
12
[0042] To understand the embodiments of present disclosure, let us consider User A
and User B are chatting with each other on a web platform at respective user devices. While
chatting with each other, the Users A and B are performing activities, which in a nonlimiting example is visiting web pages which provide a list and/or details about horror
movies and/or documentaries. The other activities which the Users A and B may perform
are chatting and sharing their thoughts and expressions/emotions about their favorite horror
movie and/or documentary. Since the server 108 maintains and monitors the web platform
on the respective user devices, it may detect the chatting between the two users A and B.
The server 108 may match each activity of the User A with User B to identify a common
interest between them. While matching, the server 108 may identify that both of the Users
A and B share common interest in watching horror movies and/or documentary. The server
108 may be configured to generate and share an in-context link to content relating to horror
movies and/or documentaries for both the users based on said common interest. Each of
Users A and B may click the link and may enjoy horror movies or documentaries together
on the web platform.
[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, the server 108 may be configured to
generate a customized/tailored shared experience based on context of users involved in the
virtual chat session. For example, if a movie is scheduled at 8pm, Sunday for everyone, the
server may recreate/customize this movie for User A and User B only.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram 200 illustrating the server 108 of
system 100 in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
According to an embodiment of present disclosure, the server 108 comprises an I/O interface
202, a processing unit 204, a transceiver 206. In one exemplary embodiment, the processing
unit 204 may comprise a processor 210 and a memory 208. In another exemplary
embodiment, the processing unit 204 may comprise at least one processor 210. The memory
208 may reside outside the processing unit 204 and is in electronic communication with the
processing unit 204. Further, the memory 210 may store information not limited to,
13
encrypted images of various users, etc. The I/O interface 202 and the transceiver 206 may
be electronically coupled to the memory 210 and/or the processing unit 204. The I/O
interface 202 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web
interface, a graphical user interface, input device, output device and the like. The I/O
interface 202 may allow the server 108 to interact with the user terminal or device directly
or through other devices. The memory 208 is communicatively coupled to the processing
unit 204.
[0045] In an embodiment, the memory 208 may be a computer-readable medium
known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access
memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile
memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories,
hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.
[0046] In an embodiment, the information may be stored within the memory 208 in the
form of various data structures. Additionally, the information stored in memory may be
organized using data models, such as relational or hierarchical data models or lookup tables.
The memory may also store other data such as temporary data and temporary files, generated
by the various units 204, 206 for performing the various functions of the server 108.
[0047] In an embodiment, the information may be processed by one or more processing
units 204 of the server 108. As used herein, the term ‘unit’ refers to an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), a
combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described
functionality. In an embodiment, the other units may be used to perform various
miscellaneous functionalities of the server 108. It will be appreciated that such units may be
represented as a single unit or a combination of different units.
14
[0048] In an embodiment, as previously described, the processing unit 204 may be
configured to detect the conversation between two users on their respective user terminals
102a and 102b and determines actions and/or activities performed by the users during the
conversation. From said actions and/or activities, the processing unit 204 may be configured
to identify a common interest between both the users. The processing unit 204 may be
further configured to generate an in-context link to a shared experience based on the
common interest identified in the conversation. In this manner, the processing unit 204 may
be configured to control what can be shared within the context of users in a chat session.
[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, to determine actions and activities
performed by the users during the conversation, processing unit 204 may be configured to
monitor and determine various online activities of each user or user data during the
conversation, text involved in conversation, historical chat communication.
[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, to identify a common interest between both
users from the actions/activities, processing unit 204 is configured to match the actions and
activities performed by at least one user to the actions and activities performed by at least
one user. Further, the processing unit 204 may be configured to identify the common interest
between both users based on the matched actions and activities.
[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, while generating an in-context link to a
shared experience based on the common interest between the users, the processing unit 204
may be configured to share the in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the
at least two users.
[0052] Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for generating an incontext link to a shared experience in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
15
[0053] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the method 300 includes one or more blocks
illustrating a method to generate an in-context link to a generated shared experience.
[0054] The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined
in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from
the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware,
or combination thereof.
[0055] At step 302, the method may describe detecting a conversation between at
least two users on the virtual communication platform. At step 204, the method may describe
determining actions and/or activities performed by the at least two users during the
conversation. At step 206, the method may describe identifying a common interest between
the at least two users from the actions and/or activities. At step 208, the method may describe
generating an in-context link to a shared experience based on the common interest between
the at least two users. In another exemplary embodiment, the method may describe
generating a customized/tailored shared experience based on context of users involved in
the virtual chat session.
[0056] In yet another embodiment, to determine actions and activities performed by
the users during the conversation, the method may describe comprising monitoring and
determining various online activities of each user or user data during the conversation, text
involved in conversation, historical chat communication.
[0057] In yet another embodiment, to identify a common interest between both users
from the actions/activities, the method may describe matching the actions and activities
performed by at least one user to the actions and activities performed by at least one user;
16
and identifying the common interest between both users based on the matched actions and
activities.
[0058] In yet another embodiment, while generating an in-context link to a shared
experience based on the common interest between the users, the method may describe
sharing the in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the at least two users.
[0059] It may be worth noted that the above-mentioned steps provide various
technical effects such as providing an instant access to a shared experience by providing an
in-context link and also provides a link to custom generated shared experience based on the
common context of users in a chat communication.
[0060] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown,
and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner
in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for
purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building
blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description.
Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed.
[0061] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical
blocks, units, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein
may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both.
To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative
components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in
terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or
software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the
overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways
for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted
as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.
17
[0062] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance,
or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.
[0063] Various aspects will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number
of units/components, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various
systems may include additional components/units, modules, etc. and/or may not include all
of the components, modules, means etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A
combination of these approaches may also be used.
[0064] In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks, units, described in connection
with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate
or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to
perform the functions described herein. A general- purpose processor may be a
microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a
combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a
plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core,
or any other such configuration.
[0065] While the present disclosure has been described by way of example and in terms
of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and
similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope
of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass
all such modifications and similar arrangements.
18
[0066] Reference Numerals:
100 System
102a … 102n User terminals
106 Network
108 Server
110, 210 Processor
112, 208 Memory
202 Input/output interface
204 processing unit
206 Transceiver
300 Method
302-308 Method steps

We claim:

1. A method for generating an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat session
on a virtual communication platform, the method comprising:
detecting a conversation between at least two users on the virtual
communication platform;
determining actions and/or activities performed by the at least two users
during the conversation;
identifying a common interest between the at least two users from the actions
and/or activities; and
generating an in-context link to a shared experience based on the common
interest between the at least two users.
2. The method as clamed in claim 1, wherein determining actions and activities
performed by the users during the conversation, comprising:
monitoring and determining various online activities of each user or user data
during the conversation, text involved in conversation, historical chat
communication.
3. The method as clamed in claim 1, wherein identifying a common interest between
both users from the actions/activities, comprising:
matching the actions and activities performed by at least one user to the
actions and activities performed by at least one user; and
identifying the common interest between both users based on the matched
actions and activities.
4. The method as clamed in claim 1, wherein generating an in-context link to a shared
experience based on the common interest between the users, further comprising:
20
sharing the in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the at least
two users.
5. A system to generate an in-context link to a shared experience in a chat session on a
virtual communication platform, the system comprises:
at least two user terminals; and
a server communicably coupled to the at least two or more user terminals
through a network, wherein the server is configured to:
detect a conversation between at least two users on the virtual
communication platform;
determine actions and/or activities performed by the at least two users during
the conversation;
identify a common interest between the at least two users from the actions
and/or activities; and
generate an in-context link to a shared experience based on the common
interest between the at least two users.
6. The system as clamed in claim 5, wherein while determining actions and activities
performed by the users during the conversation, the server is configured to:
monitor and determine various online activities of each user or user data
during the conversation, text involved in conversation, historical chat
communication.
7. The system as clamed in claim 5, wherein while identifying a common interest
between both users from the actions/activities, the server is configured to:
match the actions and activities performed by at least one user to the actions
and activities performed by at least one user; and
identify the common interest between both users based on the matched
actions and activities.
21
8. The system as clamed in claim 5, wherein while generating an in-context link to a
shared experience based on the common interest between the users, the server is
further configured to:
share the in-context link to the shared experience to each user of the at least
two users.