Interval Research Corporation

Vulcan Patents LLC

Interval Licensing LLC

Colin Burns

Debby Hindus

Scott D Mainwaring

Jesse Lee Dorogusker

Sigrid G Moeslinger

Oliver Thomas Bayley

Sean Michael White

Donald C Jackson

Elaine Brechin

Brian J Fogg

Anna E Hagstrom

Steve Guilhamet

Christian Mogensen

An intentional presence system in accordance with the present invention includes a transmitting device at a first physical location that is responsive to a command intentionally initiated by a first individual at the first physical location to develop a presence signal intended for a second individual at a second physical location. The intentional presence system further includes a receiving device located at the second physical location which is receptive to the presence signal and which is operative to generate an indication to the second individual of the first individual's presence with respect to the transmitting device.

Method and apparatus for sending presence messages

The present invention teaches methods and apparatus for social interaction allowing users to communicate at their leisure (asynchronously or &ldquo;semi-synchronously&rdquo;) by providing simple, flexible access to a persistent, shared space. For example, an electronic communication system according to one embodiment provides a shared persistent data space to a plurality of clients. This system comprises a server and at least two input/display units (IDUS) which clients use to access shared persistent data in the form of group boards. The group boards store discrete notes in a group database made accessible to all members of the group. In order to allow clients to select a desired group, each IDU includes an input detection space operable to receive user input indicative of a request to access a specific group. The input detection space can take on many forms such as electromechanical buttons, touch or pressure sensitive devices, a digital inking device, a token input device (tokens each have some identification in the form of circuitry or such), or a voice command device. In order to allow clients to enter data into the board group database, each IDU includes a note data input device. Like the input detection space, a wide variety of note data input devices are contemplated. For example, a touch, stylus or pressure sensitive device would be suitable. A scanning device also works well, creating a unique persistent space wherein users can exchange discrete note messages of a variety of forms such as handwritten notes and photographs.

Method and apparatus for sending and receiving lightweight messages

Growing community of inventors

Aylesbury, United Kingdom

Colin Burns