US6038543A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cooperative work supporting method and system therefor
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1996-06-04
•
Granted: 2000-03-14
•
Expires: 2016-06-04
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a cooperative work supporting method and a system therefor, for smooth progress of a cooperative work by evaluating the participation rate, of the level of participation of each participant to the cooperative work, and utilizing such participation rate in the cooperative work. The cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a work by cooperation of plural participants, comprises determining a participation rate, indicating the level of participation to the cooperative work, for each participant; and informing each participant of such participation rate in an identifiable manner. Also the participation of the participant to the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate. Also there is provided a prompt requesting the adjustment of the participation rate of each participant. The participation rate is determined by the data read-out frequency and/or the data write-in frequency of each participant in the cooperative work. In informing, the participation rate is made identifiable by a change in the number of colors of the image of each participant.
Inventors
- 👤 Takahiro Kurosawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 06:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/10; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0631; G06Q10/06311; G06Q10/0639
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 81
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, wherein the computer terminals communicate to the plurality of participants a status of the plurality of participants in connection with their participation in the cooperative work in order to affect their participation in the cooperative work, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work cooperated on by all the participants who participate in the cooperative work by transmitting information among the computer terminals via the computer network; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, wherein the computer terminals communicate to the plurality of participants a status of the plurality of participants in connection with their participation in the cooperative work in order to affect their participation in the cooperative work, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work cooperated on by all the participants who participate in the cooperative work by transmitting information among the computer terminals via the computer network; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the level of participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data read-out of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data read-out and data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a ratio of a frequency of data read-out and a frequency of data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a cumulative participation time of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a timing of participation of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
124 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation of a participant in the cooperative work and that in other cooperative works.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
124 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation of a participant in the cooperative work and that in other cooperative works.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 3, wherein the participation rate is determined from a value within a time frame.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 3, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a ratio of a participation status of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work and a participation status of all the participants.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 3, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation rate of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work with a predetermined reference value.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
150 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying an image specifying a participant, and one of color or size of a display frame, zooming level, number of colors in display, frame rate of a moving image, pixel density, delay in voice synchronization, and sound loudness is distinguishably selected according to the participation rate.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
150 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying an image specifying a participant, and one of color or size of a display frame, zooming level, number of colors in display, frame rate of a moving image, pixel density, delay in voice synchronization, and sound loudness is distinguishably selected according to the participation rate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying the participation rate in a numeric presentation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying a color spectrum corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying a bar graph corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
114 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing is conducted by changing a voice sampling rate corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
114 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing is conducted by changing a voice sampling rate corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
143 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work varies the participation rate of the participant himself, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
143 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work varies the participation rate of the participant himself, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
144 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work is to vary the participation rate of another participant, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
144 words
A cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said method comprising the steps of: determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work is to vary the participation rate of another participant, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 18, wherein the adjustment of the level of participation in the cooperative work is to inhibit or force write-in in a first level and to inhibit or force read-out in a second level.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cooperative work supporting method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of presenting, to each participant of the plurality of participants, a prompt requesting adjustment of a respective participation rate thereof.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, wherein the computer terminals communicate to the plurality of participants a status of the plurality of participants in connection with their participation in the cooperative work in order to affect their participation in the cooperative work, the system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work cooperated on by all the participants who participate in the cooperative work by transmitting information among the computer terminals via the computer network; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, wherein the computer terminals communicate to the plurality of participants a status of the plurality of participants in connection with their participation in the cooperative work in order to affect their participation in the cooperative work, the system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work cooperated on by all the participants who participate in the cooperative work by transmitting information among the computer terminals via the computer network; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 22, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting the level participation of a participant in the cooperative work according to the participation rate.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data read-out of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data read-out and a frequency of data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a ratio of a frequency of data read-out and a frequency of data write-in of each participant of a plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a cumulative participant time of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a timing of participation of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
121 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation of a participant in the cooperative work and that in other cooperative works.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
121 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation of a participant in the cooperative work and that in other cooperative works.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 24, wherein the participation rate is determined from a value within a time frame.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 24, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a ratio of participation of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work and a participation status of all the participants.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system according to claim 24, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation rate of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work with a predetermined reference value.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing means is adapted to display an image specifying a participant, and one of color or size of a display frame, zooming level, number of colors in display, frame rate of a moving image, pixel density, delay in voice synchronization, and sound loudness is distinguishably selected according to the participation rate.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
148 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing means is adapted to display an image specifying a participant, and one of color or size of a display frame, zooming level, number of colors in display, frame rate of a moving image, pixel density, delay in voice synchronization, and sound loudness is distinguishably selected according to the participation rate.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein said informing means is adapted to display the participation rate in a numeric presentation.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein said informing means is adapted to display a color spectrum corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 22, wherein said informing means is adapted to display a bar graph corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing includes means for changing a voice sampling rate corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing includes means for changing a voice sampling rate corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
138 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner; and adjusting means for adjusting the participation of a participant in the cooperative work according to the participation rate, wherein said adjusting means is adapted to vary the participation rate of the participant himself, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
138 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner; and adjusting means for adjusting the participation of a participant in the cooperative work according to the participation rate, wherein said adjusting means is adapted to vary the participation rate of the participant himself, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
137 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner; and adjusting means for adjusting the participation of a participant in the cooperative work according to the participation rate, wherein said adjusting means is adapted to vary the participation rate of another participant, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
137 words
A system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said system comprising: participation rate calculating means for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of a plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; informing means for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals of the participation rate in an identifiable manner; and adjusting means for adjusting the participation of a participant in the cooperative work according to the participation rate, wherein said adjusting means is adapted to vary the participation rate of another participant, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 39, wherein said adjusting means is adapted to inhibit or force write-in in a first level and to inhibit or force read-out in a second level.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 22, further comprising adjustment designation means for presenting, to each participant of the plurality of participants, a prompt requesting adjustment of a respective participation rate thereof.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
168 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, wherein the computer terminals communicate to the plurality of participants a status of the plurality of participants in connection with their participation in the cooperative work in order to affect their participation in the cooperative work, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work cooperated on by all the participants who participate in the cooperative work by transmitting information among the computer terminals via the computer network; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
168 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, wherein the computer terminals communicate to the plurality of participants a status of the plurality of participants in connection with their participation in the cooperative work in order to affect their participation in the cooperative work, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work cooperated on by all the participants who participate in the cooperative work by transmitting information among the computer terminals via the computer network; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the level of participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
34 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data read-out of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
34 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
37 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a frequency of data read-out and data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
43 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a ratio of a frequency of data read-out and a frequency of data write-in of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a cumulative participation time of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
33 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a timing of participation of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation of a participant in the cooperative work and that in other cooperative works.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation of a participant in the cooperative work and that in other cooperative works.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 45, wherein the participation rate is determined from a value within a time frame.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
43 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 45, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a ratio of a participation status of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work and a participation status of all the participants.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
40 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 45, wherein the participation rate is determined based on a comparison of a participation rate of each participant of the plurality of participants in the cooperative work with a predetermined reference value.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
165 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying an image specifying a participant, and one of color or size of a display frame, zooming level, number of colors in display, frame rate of a moving image, pixel density, delay in voice synchronization, and sound loudness is distinguishably selected according to the participation rate.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
165 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying an image specifying a participant, and one of color or size of a display frame, zooming level, number of colors in display, frame rate of a moving image, pixel density, delay in voice synchronization, and sound loudness is distinguishably selected according to the participation rate.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying the participation rate in a numeric presentation.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying a color spectrum corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein said informing is conducted by displaying a bar graph corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
129 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the informing is conducted by changing a voice sampling rate corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
129 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the informing is conducted by changing a voice sampling rate corresponding to the participation rate.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work varies the participation rate of the participant himself, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work varies the participation rate of the participant himself, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work is to vary the participation rate of another participant, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program for implementing a cooperative work supporting method for use in a system for effecting a cooperative work by cooperation of a plurality of participants at respective computer terminals connected to a computer network, said program comprising: code for determining a participation rate, indicating a level of participation in the cooperative work, for each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminals, wherein the cooperative work is a common, single work for all the participants; and code for informing each participant of the plurality of participants at their respective computer terminal of the participation rate in an identifiable manner, wherein the participation of a participant in the cooperative work is adjusted according to the participation rate, and the adjustment of the participation in the cooperative work is to vary the participation rate of another participant, thereby inhibiting or forcing access to a predetermined cooperative work.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
41 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 60, wherein the adjustment of the level of participation in the cooperative work is to inhibit or force write-in in a first level and to inhibit or force read-out in a second level.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
A computer readable recording medium according to claim 43, wherein said program further comprises code for presenting, to each participant of the plurality of participants, a prompt requesting adjustment of a respective participation rate thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4956783A
Cited
US4609779A
Cited
US5220657A
Cited
US5257306A
Cited
US5337407A
Cited
US5346306A
Cited
US5346306C1
Cited
US5546324A
Cited
US5511187A
Cited
US5374952A
Cited
US5675374A
Cited
US5974173A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-03-14 | 2003-09-13 | 2004-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-14 | 2007-09-13 | 2008-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-14 | 2011-09-13 | 2012-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |