System and method for establishing a parallel conversation thread during a remote collaboration

US7480259B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. · US

Inventors

• Michele Covell · Palo Alto, US
• Nina Bhatti · Los Altos, US
• Henry Harlyn Baker · Los Altos, US
• W. Bruce Culbertson · Palo Alto, US
• Michael Harville · Palo Alto, US
• Thomas Malzbender · Sunnyvale, US
• Susie Wee · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2003
• Grant date: Jan 20, 2009
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L12/1886
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Methods and systems for utilizing a parallel conversational thread during a remote collaboration are described. In one embodiment, a managing entity is utilized to establish a first communications path for a remote collaboration of at least two parties. Then, a request for a parallel conversation is received from at least one of the at least two parties during the remote collaboration. The managing entity then establishes a second communications path for the parallel conversation between the at least two parties. Wherein, the enabling of the parallel conversation on the second communications path is performed without inhibiting the first communications path, such that a portion of a first party can have a parallel conversation with a portion of a second party on the second communications path while the first communications path for the remote collaboration remains active.