Method and system for providing collaborative moderation and correction of message history in an instant mesaging session

Abstract

A system for providing collaborative moderation and correction of instant messaging session transcripts in an instant messaging session that includes an improved instant messaging client user interface that allows collaborative editing and moderation of an instant messaging session transcript in order to correct for errors. An instant messaging client operates to seek approval of changes to the session transcript during the session, and stores transcript changes such that the modifications are conveniently viewable by all session participants. The instant messaging client can be configured to automatically accept requests to modify the session transcript. Alternatively, the instant messaging client can be configured to explicitly notify and seek approval from all other participants when a participant attempts to make a modification to the session history. The time of each modification, and the identity of the participant making each modification, are stored within the session history.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to computer based communication and collaboration applications, and more specifically to a method and system for providing collaborative moderation and correction of message history in an instant messaging session.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]As it is generally known, instant messaging (IM) systems have become increasingly popular for both business and personal use. Existing instant messaging systems provide real-time communication between two or more people by conveying text and / or other content between client devices connected over a network such as the Internet. Typical existing instant messaging systems operate using an instant messaging client program or the like that connects to an instant messaging service provided through one or more remote server systems. Instant messaging is sometimes referred to as “chatting” on-line, and an instant messaging session is sometime referred to as a “chat” session. Exampl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Using the disclosed system, participants can quickly modify the instant messaging session transcript as it is displayed during the session, in order to avoid confusion and misunderstanding potentially resulting from uncorrected mistakes. When the session transcript is saved or copied, the instant messaging client allows the user to select the modified session transcript, or the original, unmodified transcript including uncorrected mistakes.

Problems solved by technology

Aside from connectivity issues, one of the most significant problems users have when engaging in instant messaging sessions is mistakes in the actual text content.

While tools exist such as “spell checkers”, acronym expanders, and dictionary / thesaurus links integrated into the message window to help the user with content before it is entered into the session, existing systems provide little help in solving text problems once an instant message has been sent by the user.

The resulting mistakes commonly include spelling problems, but a potentially more harmful type of mistake relates to grammar errors or word omissions in sentences, which may result in an entirely different meaning being conveyed than was intended by the message author.

While spelling mistakes are often trivial and expected since messages are typed quickly in this type of communication, the more significant types of errors can be very destructive.

For example, when words such as “not” or “if”, or “when” are omitted, and similarly when any specific important, attitude-conveying word or proposition is left out, the session participants can be significantly misled, or might be forced to continue the conversation for much longer than necessary to resolve a simple misunderstanding, or with little time available, may even leave the session with an inaccurate understanding of what was discussed.

Even worse situations may arise when participants accidentally aggravate each other because of an improperly worded sentence in a high-pressure situation.

Since session transcripts are frequently copied and sent around in electronic mail messages as proof of a discussion, this may cause further confusion and unnecessary aggravation.

This is cumbersome because it a) interferes with the current conversation thread, b) pollutes the overall session transcript, and c) detracts from the overall effectiveness of the collaboration.

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