[0001] The present disclosure relates to an interactive multi-user platform. More
specifically, present invention relates to an interactive multi-user platform that allows multiple
user to come on shared virtual place to do any activity together remotely and simultaneously
interact with each other, by means of their avatars, in real time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] In today’s world it is difficult to get to a place and do activity with your near and
dear ones and spend time with them having great fun time. For instance, if one wishes to watch a
movie or a live match along with their friends they need to gather at one place. This not only gives
them a pleasure of watching it together but also allows them to have real time interactions with
each other. However, to gain such experience and pleasure all the participants need to leave the
comfort of their personal spaces and need to gather at one particular spot, which is not be feasible
at all times and for many people in a group.
[0003] Thus, there exist a need for the technology that not only allows multiple users to
come on shared virtual place/ to do any activity together common platform, remotely, but also
allows them to simultaneously interact/chat/call/VC each other and share their experiences while
performing different activities in real time as if they are sitting next to each other, by means of
their avatars.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0004] The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and
provides additional advantages discussed throughout 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 claimed
disclosure.
[0005] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for allowing
multiple users to perform an activity together, is disclosed. Said method includes the steps of
selecting, via a multi-user platform on a first user device, an activity to be performed. Once the
selection of activity is done, the method discloses sending request to one or more other user devices
3
to participate in said activity via the multi-user platform. Said method further discloses allowing
the one or more other user devices to participate in said activity, in response to the one or more
user devices accepting said request and simultaneously allowing graphical representation of users
of the participating user devices to interact with each other while performing said activity together
over the multi-user platform.
[0006] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method discloses that the
functioning of said activity is controlled by the first user device.
[0007] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further discloses the steps
of presenting, user of the first user device, with a list of activities to select from and broadcasting
the selected activity to the one or more user devices for participation, upon acceptance of said
request. Said method further discloses displaying the graphical representation of the users of the
first user device and the one or more other user devices on the multi-user platform, wherein the
graphical representation of said users being configured to interact with each other in real-time,
while simultaneously performing said activity.
[0008] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the list of activities may include at
least one of reading a book, writing a content, listening a song, playing game, watching multimedia content and taking tour of a location and similar other activities.
[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a device that allows multiple
users to perform an activity together is disclosed. The device comprises a multi-user platform
configured to a allow users to perform plurality of activities, an input/output unit configured to
allow the user of first user device to select at least one activity, among plurality of activities and a
transceiver configured to send request to one or more other user devices to participate in said
activity via the multi-user platform. The device further discloses having a processor operatively
coupled to the multi-user platform, the input/output unit and the transceiver, wherein the processor
is configured to allow the one or more other user devices to participate in said activity, in response
to the one or more user devices accepting said request. Further, the processor is further configured
to allow graphical representation of users of the participating user devices to interact with each
other while performing said activity together over the multi-user platform.
4
[0010] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, functioning of said activity is
controlled by the first user device.
[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, said device further discloses having
a display unit configured to present, the user of the first user device, with a list of activities to
select from, a broadcasting unit configured to broadcast the selected activity to the one or more
user devices for participation, upon acceptance of said request. In an embodiment, the display unit
is further configured to display the graphical representation of the users of the first user device and
the one or more other user devices on multi-user platform, wherein the graphical representation of
said users being configured to interact with each other in real-time, while simultaneously
performing said activity.
[0012] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the list of activities may include at
least one of reading a book, writing a content, listening a song, playing game, watching multimedia content and taking tour of a location and similar other activities.
[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-user platform
resident on a first user device, is disclosed. The multi-user platform includes an interactive user
interface operatively coupled to processor of the first user device, wherein the interactive user
interface is configured to allow user of the first user device to select an activity to be performed
and send a request to one or more other user devices to participate in said activity through multiuser platform resident on the one or more user devices. The interactive user interface is further
configured to allow the one or more other user devices to participate in said activity, via the multiuser platform, in response to the one or more user devices accepting said request and allow
graphical representation of users of the participating user devices to interact with each other while
performing said activity together over the multi-user platform.
[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the interactive user interface is further
configured to present, user of the first user device, with a list of activities to select from and
broadcast the selected activity to the one or more user devices for participation, upon acceptance
of said request. The interactive user interface is further configured to display the graphical
representation of the users of the first user device and the one or more other user devices on multi-
5
user platform, wherein the graphical representation of said users being configured to interact with
each other in real-time, while simultaneously performing said activity.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0015] The main object of the present invention is to allow multiple users to come on a
common platform to interact while doing a common activity.
[0016] Further object of the present invention is to provide platform to view a common
content together, while staying at the ease of their places.
[0017] Another main object of the present invention is to allow the multiple users, those
are doing a common activity on a virtual platform, to chat with each other through text, emoji,
sticker and like means, while viewing doing the activity.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to allow the multiple users, those are
doing the activity, to talk to each other through audio or video call, while doing the activity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain
the disclosed embodiments. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies
the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the
figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods
in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of
example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0020] Fig. 1A shows an environment in which the functionalities of present application
may be implemented, by way of block diagram, according to an aspect of the present invention.
[0021] Fig. 1B shows an exemplary user device, by way of block diagram, according to an
aspect of the present invention.
[0022] Fig. 2A-2D disclose the functioning of said device by way of an example, according
to an aspect of the present invention.
6
[0024] Figure 3 discloses a method, by way of flowchart, according to an aspect of the
present invention.
[0025] 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 DRAWINGS:
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof,
are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises
a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include
other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. 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.
[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for
7
allowing a user to share any activity (like for instance- playing content, live or downloaded,
playing game etc. on a platform that can be viewed by multiple users simultaneously). In
particular, present disclosure describes techniques that allow a first user device to share an activity
with a plurality of other user devices connected to the first user device remotely through said
platform. Present disclosure further discloses allowing the users of these connected user devices
to chat, call/video call or share their experience with each other, in real time while doing the
activity to make the user experience more interactive and real.
[0030] In the present document some of the terms may be used repeatedly throughout the
disclosure. For clarity said terms are illustrated below:
[0031] Emoji in context of the present application may be defined as a set of graphical
symbols or a simple pictorial representation that represents an idea or concept, independent of any
language and specific words or phrases. In particular, emoji may be used to convey one’s thoughts
and emotions through a messaging platform without any bar of language. Further, the term emoji
or emoticon may mean more or less same in the context of the present application and may be used
interchangeably throughout the disclosure, without departing from the scope of the present
application.
[0032] Sticker in context of the present application may relate to an illustration which is
available or may be designed (using various application) to be placed on or added to a message. In
simple words sticker is an elaborate emoticon, developed to allow more depth and breadth of
expression than what is possible by means of ‘emojis’ or ‘emoticons’. Stickers are generally used,
on digital media platforms, to quickly and simply convey an emotion or thought. In some
embodiments, the stickers may be animated, derived from cartoon-like characters or real-life
peoples etc. and are often intended to be witty, cute, irreverent or creative, but in a canned kind of
way. In some embodiments, stickers may also be designed to represent real-world events in more
interactive and fascinating form to be shared between users on various multimedia messaging
platforms.
[0033] Avatar in context of the present application relates to graphical representation of a
8
user, user’s image/selfie or the user's character. Thus, it may be said that an avatar may be
configured to represent emotion/expression/feeling of the user by means of an image converted
into avatar capturing such emotion/expression/feelings by various facial expressions or added
objects such as heart, kisses etc. Further, it is to be appreciated that an avatar may take either a
two-dimensional form as an icon on platform such as messaging/chat platforms and or a threedimensional form such as in virtual environment. Further, the term avatar, profile picture, userpic
mean same in context of the present application and may be used interchangeably throughout the
disclosure without departing from the scope of the present application.
[0034] Term virtual world/environment 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. In particular, users
in the virtual world may appear on a platform in the form of representations referred to as avatars.
The degree of interaction between the avatars and the simulated environment may be implemented
by one or more applications that govern such interactions as simulated physics, exchange of
information between users, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the term virtual world,
virtual environment and virtual reality may be used to interchangeably without departing from the
scope of the present application.
[0035] The term shared platform/multi-user platform in context of the present application
may refer to a multimedia communication platform that is common for all the users and can be
accessed by one or more users simultaneously at any given point of time. Said shared platform
may be resident on the user device in the form of an application or widget and may remain
connected to a central server, wherein it is said server that allows multiple users to gain access to
the shared platform at any given point of time. It is to be appreciated that the shared platform may
remain connected to the central server via web presence. In an exemplary embodiment, shared
platform discussed in the present application allows multiple users, from the comfort of their
places, to come on a single platform to perform numerous activities together that may be of interest
to each other. Thus, shared platform is one that allow multiple users to come together on a single
9
platform and have shared experience.
[0036] 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. Further it is to be
appreciated that the term common experience and shared experience may be used interchangeably
throughout the present disclosure.
[0037] Offline location in context of the present application may relate to a real-location
that may facilitate a user to have, in person, immersive experience of the virtual-world created by
him/her or by some other user. To make this possible, the offline location may remain connected
to base virtual world present at the server, via web presence. Further, to make the user experience
more realistic, the offline location may be equipped with various sensors and hardware that create
sensations, such as movements of body parts, heat, water, snow fall, wind, temperature etc., to the
user experiencing the virtual-world.
[0038] 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.
[0039] Figure 1A illustrates an environment 100 that allows a user to share/broadcast an
activity with one or more other users remotely through a multiuser platform. To do so, said
environment 100 discloses having a plurality of user devices 102A, 102B, 102C…102N. Each of
said user device 102A, 102B, 102C…102N has a capability to connect and communicate amongst
each other by at least one of GPS, GSM, WiFi, WAN, LAN and similar type of technologies.
10
Further, it is to be appreciated that each of said user device 102A, 102B, 102C…102N is a device
that has the capabilities of performing at least one of the following functionalities including
downloading the activity/content through one or more third party servers, playing the activity and
broadcasting the activity with one or more other user devices. In an exemplary aspect, the activity
in context of the present disclosure may include at least one of watching a multimedia content,
playing game, watching sports, listing to songs, reading book, writing content, gardening, cooking
or any other similar activity that one or more users may be able to perform together in real-time.
[0040] Further, as shown in Fig. 1A each of said user devices 102A, 102B, 102C…102N
includes a multi-user platform 104A, 104B, 104C….104N respectively. Said multi-user platform
104A, 104B, 104C….104N is not only configured with the capabilities to perform the activity on
their respective user device but is also equipped with the technology that allows to share said
activity with other user device 102B, 102C and 102N connected to the user device 102A remotely.
In other words, the multi-user platforms 104A, 104B, 104C….104N of the user device 102A,
102B, 102C…102N respectively may be configured to allow the users (not shown) of said user
devices to select an activity from plurality of activities and perform the same with one or more
other users.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, it is to be noted that any of the user devices 102A,
102B, 102C…102N may act as a first user device that initiates an activity (like for instance -
streaming of content with the other user device). However, for the sake of simplicity in the present
embodiment user device 102A has been considered as the first user device that initiate the sharing
of activity with other user device 102B, 102C…102N. Thus, the subsequent paragraphs of the
disclosure will explain the invention referring to same embodiment. It is to be noted that the
above embodiment is one illustrative embodiment and is not restrictive by any means.
[0042] Further as illustrated in Fig. 1A, the environment 100 also includes a third-party
server 108A being connected to the user device 102A through a web connection 106A. In another
exemplary embodiment, it is to be appreciated that as discussed in forgoing paragraphs of the
disclosure, the other user device 102B, 102C…102N are also equipped with similar features i.e.
each of the user devices 102B, 102C..102N may remain connected to a third party servers 108B,
11
108C..108N using web presence 106B,106C..106N receptively. Further, it shall be noted that Fig.
1A shows one exemplary embodiment of the invention where each user device 102A, 102B,
102C..102N remain connected to single third-party servers 108A, 108B, 108C..108N. whereas
other embodiments may be possible where the devices102A, 102B, 102C..102N may remain
connected to more than one third party serves, based on the type of service required by the user of
said device.
[0043] Coming back to Fig. 1A, it is to be noted that the multiuser platform 104A of the
user device 102A allows the user (not shown) to select an activity, among plurality of activities,
that the user of said device 102A wishes to perform with the users of the other user device such as
any one of 102B, 102C,…102N. Preferably, the user device 102A includes an input/output unit
110, as shown in Fig, 1B, that allows the user to select an activity of his/her choice. To select an
activity among the plurality of activities, a list of multiple activities may be displayed on a display
unit 116, upon user request. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the user device 102A is
equipped with modern day technology and includes all modern input/output means. It may be
further noted that the user device 102A may be able to download enormous amount of activities
from the third-party server 108A, which may be streamed by the user device 102A on the multiuser platform 104A.
[0044] Upon selection of the activity, the user device 102A may be configured to send
request to one or more other user devices 102B, 102C, ...102N to participate in said activity via
their respective multi-user platforms 104B, 104C,…104N. In an exemplary embodiment, in order
to share the request for joining the selected activity with other users, the user device 102A may be
configured to send a link along with a joining request to the one or more other user devices 102B,
102C, ...102N, wherein the link may direct the other users directly to join selected activity. Those
skilled in the art will agree, if the selected activity includes watching a movie using the third-party
server 108A, then the request may include the link of the selected movie directing to the movie on
said third-party server. Further a person with ordinary skill will also appreciate that if the selected
activity requires presence of a third-party server at device 102A than the other devices 102B, 102C,
...102N must also have access to that third party server to perform that activity.
12
[0045] Preferably, as shown in Fig, 1B the user device 102A may include a transceiver 112
and a broadcasting unit 114 operatively coupled to each other and configured to share request for
joining the selected activity with the other user devices 102B, 102C, ...102N. In a preferred
embodiment, the transceiver 112 may be configured to send request, from device 102A, to one or
more other user devices 102B, 102C, ...102N to participate in said activity via the multi-user
platform 104A….104N.
[0046] Further, as shown in Fig 1B, the user device 102A may further include a processor
118 operatively coupled to the multi-user platform 104A, the input/output unit 110 and the
transceiver 112. Said processor 118 is configured to allow the one or more other user devices
102B, 102C, ...102N, which have received the request for joining the selected activity from user
device 102A, to participate in said activity. Preferably, the users of the user devices 102B, 102C,
...102N may be configured to accept such request by giving their approval through input/output
unit (not shown) of their respective device 102B, 102C, ...102N.
[0047] Upon receiving approval from the one or more other user device 102B, 102C,
...102N, the processor 118 of the first user device 102A allows the user devices, that have accepted
said request, to participate in said activity along with the user of user device 102A. Furthermore,
the processor 118 allows the participating user devices 102A, 102B, 102C, …102N to interact with
each other while performing said activity together over their multi-user platform 104A, 104B,
104C, …104N. Preferably, in accordance with Fig. 1A and 1B, the broadcasting unit 114 may be
configured to broadcast the selected activity to the one or more user devices 102A, 102B, 102C,
…102N for participation. Simultaneously, the display unit 116 is further configured to display the
graphical representation of the users of the first user device 102A and the one or more other
participating user devices 102B, 102C, …102N on multi-user platform 104A…104N, wherein the
graphical representation of said users being configured to interact with each other in real-time,
while simultaneously performing said activity.
[0048] It is to be appreciated that the graphical representation of the participating users
may denote his/her avatar. Further, as discussed above, these avatars may be configured to interact
with the avatars of the other participating users by at least one of the following means i.e. chat,
13
voice call, video call, or any other similar means of communication. Further, it may be noted that
multi-user platforms 104A, 104B, 104C, …104N of all the user devices 102A, 102B, 102C,
…102N participating in common selected activity appear to broadcast similar content and
interface, except for the fact that the control functionalities of the selected task can only be
controlled by the first user device 102A, that initiated the activity, at first instance.
[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure discussed in Fig.
1A and 1B recite the invention keeping device 102A as the first device that initiates the task.
However, the same is just an illustrating embodiment, whereas any of the user devices among
102A, 102B, 102C, …102N may become the first user device. Further it is to be noted that since
any of these user device 102A, 102B, 102C, …102N may act as first user device thus the each of
said user device 102B, 102C, …102N may include similar components/elements/machine
limitations as disclosed in Fig. 1B referring to device 102A and the same are not explained for the
sake of brevity.
[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure discloses having a multiuser platforms 104A…….104N resident on respective first user devices 102A…102N. Said multiuser platform 104A…….104N may define a mobile widget or an application resident on the user
devices 102A…102N and each being connected to a central server (not shown) via a web presence.
Further, said multi-user platforms 104A…….104N may include an interactive user interface (not
shown) working in conjunction with the processor 118 of the user devices 102A…102N. In one
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, said interactive user interface (not shown) in
conjunction with the processor 118 is configured to allow user of the first user device 102A to
select an activity to be performed. In an exemplary embodiment, the interactive user interface may
be configured to provide the user of the first user device 102A, with a list of activities to select
from.
[0051] Once, an activity, from the list of activities, is selected the interactive interface in
conjunction with the processor 118 is further configured to send a request to one or more other
user devices 102B..102N to participate in said activity through multi-user platform 104B…104N
resident on the one or more user devices. Said interface further allows the one or more other user
14
devices 102B..102N to participate in said activity, via the multi-user platform 104B..104N, in
response to the one or more user devices accepting said request. Specifically, in response to
acceptance of such request by other user devices 102B..102N, the interactive user platform is
configured to broadcast the selected activity to the one or more user devices 102B..102N for
participation. Said interface further allows the graphical representation of users of the participating
user devices to interact with each other while performing said activity together over the multi-user
platform. In other words, upon acceptance of joining the selected activity from other user devices
102B..102N, the interactive user interface is configured to display the graphical representation of
the users of the first user device 102A and the one or more other user devices 102B..102N on
multi-user platform 104A..104N, wherein the graphical representation of said users being
configured to interact with each other in real-time, while simultaneously performing said activity.
[0052] To understand the above discussed embodiments in greater detail, reference may
be made to description of Fig. 2A - Fig. 2D, as discussed in below paragraphs.
[0053] It may be appreciated that Fig. 2A - Fig. 2D simply disclose an exemplary
embodiment for the better understanding of the invention and same shall not considered as the
only example as numerous such exemplary embodiments may be possible.
[0054] Coming to Fig. 2A, Fig. 2A shows a multiuser platform 104A of a first user device
102A of a user named “Varsha”. A shown in Fig. 2A, once the “Varsha” switches to the multiuser platform 104A on her device, a virtual environment replicating her house is displayed.
Further, as shown in Fig. 2A, the multi-user platform 104A shows an avatar of “Varsha” sitting on
a couch. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be appreciated that the user of the user device 102A
may be configured to make alterations in the virtual environment based on her preference.
However, the invention does not lie there, hence same is not explained for sake of brevity. Fig.
2A further shows that once the user “Varsha” of the user device 102A turns onto multi-user
platform 104A, the platform 104A provide a list of activities to select from, which she wishes to
perform with other users. Thus, based on the list of activities Varsha may select one activity that
she wishes to perform with one or more friends of her. In said example, Varsha has selected a
movie titled “love aaj kal ” to watch using a third party server 108A (such as Netflix) (not shown)
15
0055] Moving onto Fig. 2B, Fig. 2B shows a list of Varsha’s friends, to select from, with
whom she intends to perform said activity together. In simple words, Varsha may be configured
to select one or more other users/friends from the displayed list. Once, the user i.e. “Varsha”
selects one or more friends, from the list of friends, a request to the selected friend(s) to come on
said platform to participate in selected activity is sent. In the present example, request to join said
activity is sent to one of her friend “shruti” by Varsha. As discussed in forgoing paragraphs, to
participate in said activity, the other user “Shruti” must also have access to same third-party server
108B (i.e. Netflix).
[0056] Further, as shown in Fig. 2C, once, shruti has accepted the request of watching the
movie along with Varsha, the multiuser platform 104A allows both Varsha and Shruti to participate
in said activity i.e. watching the selected movie and interact with each other. To this effect, the
avatars of Varsha and Shruti both sitting on the couch can be seen interacting with each other, via
chat, and participating in said activity i.e. watching the movie “love aaj kal ”. Specifically, Fig.
2D shows both the friends Varsha and Shruti watching movie “ Love aaj kal” together while
simultaneously interacting with each other by means of chat, video call or audio call. It may be
further appreciated that by means of said invention, both the users Shruti and Varsha are able to
not only perform same activity together but may also be able to interact with each other while
performing the activity, in a virtual environment, replicating the real-world environment of any
one of their home, from the comfort of their place, i.e. without one person travelling to the other
person.
[0057] Fig. 3 discloses a method 300 for allowing multiple users to remotely share a single
activity simultaneously and interact with each other simultaneously while performing said activity.
The method 300 at step 302 discloses selecting, via a multi-user platform 104A on a first user
device 102A, an activity to be performed. In particular, said step may be established by the user
device by presenting, user of the first user device 102A, with a list of activities to select from.
[0058] As next step 304, the method 300 discloses sending an invite by the first user to one
or more other user to perform the activity together. In particular, the method in said step discloses
16
sending request to one or more other user devices 102B…102N to participate in said activity via
the multi-user platform 104. Though not exclusively disclose, but sending a request may include
sending a link of the selected activity along with an acceptance request, wherein the link may guide
the user to the selected activity upon accepting such request.
[0059] The method 300 at next step, 306, further discloses allowing the one or more other
user devices 102B..102N to participate in said activity, in response to the one or more user devices
102B..102N accepting said request. Precisely, once the users of the user devices 102B..102N have
accepted said request, the method 300 discloses sharing said activity (like for instance -with other
users, through multi-user platform, upon receiving approval from them. In other words, at step
306, said method 300 discloses enabling all the participants to view said content/perform activity
together. Though not exclusively disclosed, to achieve said step 306, said method 300 is
configured for broadcasting the selected activity to the one or more user devices 102B..102N, those
have accepted the request from user device 102A, for participation in said activity.
[0060] Finally, the method 300, at step 308discloses allowing the users, viewing common
content/performing the activity, to interact with each other either through chat or call and share
their experiences with each other in real time while simultaneously viewing the content/performing
the activity. In other words, this is made possible by displaying the graphical representations i.e.
avatarsof the users of the first user device 102A and the one or more other user devices 102B..102N
on the multi-user platform 104, wherein the graphical representation of said users being configured
to interact with each other in real-time, while simultaneously performing said activity.
[0061] 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.
[0062] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks,
17
units, means, modules, circuits, 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
30 of the present disclosure.
[0063] As used in this disclosure, the terms “means”, “module”, “unit”, and the like are
intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and
software, software, or software in execution. For example, “means” may be, but is not limited to
being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of
execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a
server and the server can be a system. One or more components may reside within a process and/or
thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between
two or more computers.
[0064] Various aspects will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number
of units/components, means, modules, 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.
[0065] In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks, units, modules, and means
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
18
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.
[0066] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with
reference to figures and certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should not be limited to the description of
the preferred versions contained herein.
Reference Numerals
Ref. No. Element
100 Environment for conceiving
said invention
102A, 102B,
102C..102N
User Device
104A, 104B,
104C..104N
Multi-User Platform
106A, 106B,
106C..106N
Web Connection
108A, 108B,
108C..108N
Third-Party Server
110 Input/Output Unit
112 Transceiver Unit
114 Broadcasting Unit
116 Display Unit
118 Processor unit
300 Method
302-308 Method steps

We Claim:

1. A method for allowing multiple users to perform an activity together, the method
comprising:
selecting, via a multi-user platform on a first user device, an activity to be performed;
sending request to one or more other user devices to participate in said activity via the
multi-user platform;
allowing the one or more other user devices to participate in said activity, in response to
the one or more user devices accepting said request;
allowing graphical representation of users of the participating user devices to interact with
each other while performing said activity together over the multi-user platform.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein functioning of said activity is controlled by the
first user device.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
presenting, user of the first user device, with a list of activities to select from;
broadcasting the selected activity to the one or more user devices for participation;
and
displaying the graphical representation of the users of the first user device and
the one or more other user devices on the multi-user platform, wherein the graphical
representation of said users being configured to interact with each other in real-time,
while simultaneously performing said activity.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the list of activities includes:
reading a book;
writing a content;
listening a song;
playing game;
watching multi-media content; and
taking tour of a location.
20
5. A device to allow multiple users to perform an activity together, the device comprising:
a multi-user platform configured to a allow users to perform plurality of activities;
an input/output unit configured to allow the user of first user device to select at least one
activity, among plurality of activities; and
a transceiver configured to send request to one or more other user devices to participate in
said activity via the multi-user platform; and
a processor operatively coupled to the multi-user platform, the input/output unit and the
transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to:
allow the one or more other user devices to participate in said activity, in response
to the one or more user devices accepting said request;
allow graphical representation of users of the participating user devices to interact
with each other while performing said activity together over the multi-user platform.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein functioning of said activity is controlled by the
first user device.
7. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the device further comprises:
a display unit configured to present, the user of the first user device, with a list of
activities to select from;
a broadcasting unit configured to broadcast the selected activity to the one or more
user devices for participation; and
the display unit being further configured to:
display the graphical representation of the users of the first user device and
the one or more other user devices on multi-user platform, wherein the graphical
representation of said users being configured to interact with each other in real-time,
while simultaneously performing said activity.
8. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the list of activities includes:
reading a book;
writing content;
listening song;
21
playing game;
watching multi-media content; and
taking a tour of a location.
9. A multi-user platform resident on a first user device, the multi-user platform comprising:
an interactive user interface operatively coupled to processor of the first user device,
wherein the interactive user interface is configured to:
allow user of the first user device to select an activity to be performed;
send a request to one or more other user devices to participate in said activity
through multi-user platform resident on the one or more user devices;
allow the one or more other user devices to participate in said activity, via the multiuser platform, in response to the one or more user devices accepting said request;
allow graphical representation of users of the participating user devices to interact
with each other while performing said activity together over the multi-user platform.
10. The multi-user platform as claimed in claim 9, wherein the interactive user interface is
further configured to:
present, user of the first user device, with a list of activities to select from;
broadcast the selected activity to the one or more user devices for participation; and
display the graphical representation of the users of the first user device and
the one or more other user devices on multi-user platform, wherein the graphical
representation of said users being configured to interact with each other in real-time,
while simultaneously performing said activity.