Method and apparatus for facilitating communication between collaborators in a networked environment

US6230185A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• eRoom Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Pito Salas · Arlington, US
• Jeffrey Beir · Winchester, US
• Melissa Leffler · Concord, US
• Glenn McDonald · Alexandria, US
• Paul Kleppner · Cambridge, US
• Neal Finnegan · Arlington, US
• Craig Morrisey · Wellesley, US
• Patrick J. Crowley

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 15, 1998
• Grant date: May 8, 2001
• Expiry date: Jul 15, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F16/958
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method for facilitating communication between collaborators in a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) environment which includes the steps of: receiving data via a network connection; storing the received data in a database; retrieving an HTML file from a memory element; and using the stored data in conjunction with the HTML file to generate an HTML page for display. The data received via the network connection includes an indication that an HTML page includes discussions among collaborators. The HTML page rendered for display includes at least one discussion among collaborators. A corresponding system is also disclosed. At least one vote/poll item can be embedded within a discussion group.