17836586. FORK AND RETURN POINT SELECTION FOR SIDEBAR COMMUNICATION THREADS simplified abstract (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)

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FORK AND RETURN POINT SELECTION FOR SIDEBAR COMMUNICATION THREADS

Organization Name

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Inventor(s)

Amer Aref Hassan of Kirkland WA (US)

Wei-Chen Chen of Redmond WA (US)

FORK AND RETURN POINT SELECTION FOR SIDEBAR COMMUNICATION THREADS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17836586 titled 'FORK AND RETURN POINT SELECTION FOR SIDEBAR COMMUNICATION THREADS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes methods and systems for creating sidebar communication threads related to a main thread. These sidebar threads include messages from the main thread and discussions about a proposed message for the main thread. Once the sidebar thread reaches a termination condition, the proposed message may become an accepted message for the main thread or be rejected. Users can select a fork point and a return point from the main thread.

  • Sidebar communication threads can be created from a main thread.
  • Messages in the sidebar thread include a history of the main thread and discussions about a proposed message.
  • Once the sidebar thread ends, the proposed message may become an accepted message for the main thread or be rejected.
  • Users can select a fork point and a return point from the main thread.

Potential Applications

  • Collaborative discussions and decision-making in online forums or messaging platforms.
  • Enhancing communication and organization in project management tools.
  • Facilitating group discussions and brainstorming sessions in virtual meetings.

Problems Solved

  • Streamlining and organizing discussions related to a main thread.
  • Allowing for parallel conversations and discussions without cluttering the main thread.
  • Providing a structured way to propose and discuss potential messages for the main thread.

Benefits

  • Improved organization and clarity in threaded discussions.
  • Increased efficiency in decision-making processes.
  • Enhanced collaboration and engagement in online communication platforms.


Original Abstract Submitted

Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, devices, and machine-readable mediums which provide for sidebar communication threads forked from, or related to, a principal thread. Messages in the sidebar communication thread may include a history of the principal thread, including one or more messages from the principal thread, and may include a proposed principal thread message that is the subject of the sidebar thread discussion. The sidebar thread may also include sidebar thread messages that carries the conversation of the sidebar thread participants. Once a termination condition is reached for the sidebar thread, the sidebar thread terminates and either the proposed principal thread message (as potentially modified by participants of the sidebar thread) becomes an accepted principal thread message and it is posted to the principal thread as if it was sent by the sidebar initiator or no message is posted (e.g., the proposed principal thread message is rejected). In some examples, users may select a fork point and a return point from the principal thread.