GB2479757A

GB2479757A - First and second users communicate across a network by alternately selecting questions and answers from a network based repository of questions and answers

Info

Publication number: GB2479757A
Application number: GB1006653A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Harris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-21
Filing date: 2010-04-21
Publication date: 2011-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-21
Also published as: GB2479757B; GB201006653D0

Abstract

A network 10 comprises first and second user access terminals 11 and a repository 12 accessible by the user access terminals, and which comprises a plurality of predetermined questions and answers, preferably in a plurality of languages, which are selectable by first and second users via the first and second user access terminals respectively. The first user may select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the second user to answer and the second user may answer the question by selecting one of the plurality of answers. The communications network further enables the second user, after responding to the preceding question of the first user, to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the first user to answer. User access terminals may comprise display means to display a conversation of questions and answers which may be displayed to the first user in a first language and a second user in a second language. The questions and answers may be categorized into topics. The first user may select a particular category followed by a question. The second user then selects an answer from the category of answers associated with the question. Prior to communication the first user may be required to send an invitation to the second user who is required to accept the invitation.

Description

A Communication Network and a Communication Process for Enabling a First and Second User to Communicate over a Communications Network The present invention relates to a communications network and a communication process for enabling a first and second user to communicate over a communications network.

Young children and people with learning difficulties often find it difficult to communicate with other people over a communications network. This may be because of a disability which affect the persons' ability to manipulate a keyboard for example, or because of a disability to socially interact and hold a conversation with another person. Alternatively, a person may simply lack the required knowledge or experience in computer technology.

Similar problems exist when communicating with a person who has little or no working knowledge of the language of the person with whom they are communicating.

When children and young people communicate over a social networking site it is also a concern that one of the parties to the conversation may abuse the networking site, for example by divulging material which is not suitable for the other party to the conversation.

We have now devised a communications network and a process for enabling a first and second user to communicate over a communication network, which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a communications network, the network comprising a first user access terminal and a second user access terminal which enable a first and second user to communicate over the network, the network further comprising a repository which is accessible via the first and second user access terminals, and which comprises a plurality of predetermined questions and answers, which are selectable by the first and second user via the first and second user access terminals, such that the communication network enables the first user to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the second user to answer, and enables the second user to answer the question by selecting one of the plurality of present answers, wherein, the communications network further enables the second user to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the first user to answer after responding to the preceding question of the first user.

The network thus encourages both parties to the conversation to communicate and submit enquires and questions, since a second user can only ask a question after having responded to a previous question from a first user. Accordingly, the network enables persons who may otherwise lack social interaction skills to develop their confidence by asking and answering questions.

The communications network preferably further enables the second user to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the first user to answer only after responding to the preceding question of the first user.

Preferably, the repository comprises a plurality of predetermined questions and answers in at least two languages.

The first and second user access terminals further comprise display means which is arranged to display the questions and answers, and which is preferably further arranged to display a conversation of the questions and answers between the first and second user.

The repository further comprises processing means which enables the question selected by the first user to be presented to the first user in a first language and to the second user in a second language.

Preferably, each user access terminal further comprises a user interface device to enable the first and second user to select questions and answers from the plurality of predetermined questions and answers.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a communication process for enabling a first and second user to communicate over a communications network, the process comprising: -enabling the first user to select a predetermined question from a plurality of predetermined questions for sending to the second user; -sending the predetermined question from the first user to the second user; -enabling the second user to select a present answer to the question, from a plurality of present answers, for sending to the first user in response to the question; -enabling the second user to select a predetermined question from a plurality of predetermined questions for sending to the first user after having responded to the preceding question from the first user.

Since all of the communication is completely predetermined and vetted prior to becoming available on the repository, then the process prevents members from being subjected to online bullying, abuse, harassment or fraud. Furthermore, since a second user can only ask a question after responding to a previous question from a first user, then this prevents the conversation from becoming one-sided and thus encourages both parties to the conversation to communicate and submit enquires and questions, and thus interact.

Preferably, the first and second users are arranged to communicate over the communications network via a respective user access terminal, which is arranged to display the communicated conversation.

Preferably, the process comprises an initial step of sending an invitation from the first user to the second user to communicate over the network. The second user is preferably required to accept the invitation from the first user to enable communication between the first and second user.

Preferably, the user who sends the invitation to communicate over the network has priority over the first question. In this respect, the first user must send the first question.

Preferably, each question and answer is selected from a plurality of groups of questions and answers, which have been categorised into conversation topics, such as sport, films, current affairs etc. Preferably, the first user selects a particular topic and subsequently selects a question to be communicated to the second user from the particular topic. The first user subsequently sends the question over the network to the second user.

Preferably, the second user selects an answer to the question from the topic of answers relating to the question. The second user subsequently sends the answer to the question over the network to the first user.

The groups of questions and answers are preferably further categorised into separate languages, such that each group of questions and answers comprises the same questions and answers in a plurality of languages.

The first user access terminal is preferably arranged to display the questions and answers in a first language selected by the first user and the second user access terminal is arranged to display the questions and answers in a second language selected by the second user. The first and second user access terminals are preferably further arranged to display a conversation of questions and answers which are communicated between the first and second user. In situations where the first and second users communicate in different languages, the first and second user access terminal is preferably arranged to display the questions and answers in the language selected by the first and second user, so that the first/second user can develop an understanding of the language of the second/first user, respectively.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is schematic illustration of a communications network according to any embodiment of the present invention; and, Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a communications process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a communications network 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network 10 comprises a plurality of user access terminals 11 which are arranged for accessing a repository 12 of conversation questions and answers via the World Wide Web 13 for example, which have been categorised into various conversation topics. The repository 12 is amendable such that further conversation topics, questions and answers can be added to the repository 12 and existing conversation topics, questions and answers may be modified or removed. Each access terminal 11 comprises a display unit 14, such as a display screen or monitor, which is arranged to display a conversation of questions and answers communicated over the network, and a user input device 15, such as a mouse, trackerball, joystick and the like, for selecting questions and answers from the repository 12.

The conversation topics may include categories relating to sport, current affairs, films, hobbies and the like. Each category is further categorised into a plurality of languages such that each conversation topic comprises the conversation questions and answers in a plurality of languages.

Referring to figure 2 of the drawings there is illustrated a communication process 20 for enabling a first and second user to communicate over a communications network 10. In order for a user to access the various conversation topics and establish a communication link with one or more other users on the network 10, it is requirement that the user must register at step 21, with the party hosting the repository 12 to become a member. The user may comprise a single user or a group of users, such as a school or charity, such that the registration process may be for an individual membership or a group membership.

The registration process 21 for an individual user requires the user to establish a unique username and password at step 22 for accessing the network 10 and to select a default language at step 23, from the plurality of languages, for all the questions and answers which are to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the users' access terminal 11. The user further optionally creates a so-called "scrap book" at step 24, which provides a short description and profile of the user, such as the users hobbies, nationality etc. Following an approval at step 25 from the hosting party, the scrap book may be viewed by other users of the communications network 10 so that users of the network 10 can select who they wish to communicate with.

The registration process 21 for a group membership requires a nominated user, such as a head teacher or coordinator from the group of users to establish a unique username and password at step 22 for accessing the repository 12, and also to name the users of the group. The nominated user of the group of users further establishes a default language at step 23 from the plurality of languages for all the questions and answers which are to be displayed on the display unit 14 for the users of the group. The nominated user further optionally creates a "scrap book" at step 24 which provides a short description of the group and profile of the group of users. Following an approval at step 25 from the hosting party, the scrap book of the group of users may be viewed by other users of the communications network 10 so that users of the network 10 can select who they wish to communicate with.

In order for a first user to communicate over the network 10 with one or more second users, each user is first required to log into the network at step 26 using the username and password established during the registration process 21. In the situation whereby a user of a registered group of users would like to communicate over the network 10, then the nominated user, for example the head teacher, of the group is required to first log into the network using the username and password established during the registration process 21. After logging in, the nominated user will then be presented with a unique access code which is provided to the user of the group of users, in order that the user may access the network 10.

Once logged in, a first user may decide to communicate in a preferred language which may be different to the default language, so that they can practice and develop their proficiency in the preferred language. The first user then sends an invitation at step 27 to any other registered second user of the network 10, inviting the second user to communicate with them. The second user may be remote to the first user, for example in a different country, or may be a user within a registered group of users comprising the first user, for example students within the same classroom. The users who are currently logged into the network 10 may be indicated in a "meeting room" window (not shown) displayed on the display unit 14. For those users who are not logged in, then the invitation may be an invitation for a scheduled conversation at a particular time.

Upon receiving an acceptance to an invitation at step 28, the first user may then select a question at step 29 which is to be communicated to the second user at step 30. The process according to the embodiment of the present invention prioritises the first question to the user who sends the invitation. Accordingly, the first user selects a predetermined question using the input device 15 from the plurality of categorised conversation topics which are displayed to the first user in the preferred language. Each conversation topic is selectable by selecting an icon (not shown) displayed on the display unit 14, which is representative of the topic.

Upon selecting the icon (not shown), a list of predetermined questions relating to the topic will be presented to the first user in their preferred language, as selected at the login stage 26. The first user then selects the question 29 to be presented to the second user and sends the question over the network 10 to the second user at step 30.

The repository 12 further comprises a processor 16 which is arranged to cause the question to be displayed to the second user in their preferred language, as selected during the login process 26. In addition, the processor 16 is further arranged to display to the second user a list of predetermined answers to the question from the first user, in the preferred language of the second user.

If the preferred language of the first and second users is different, then the processor 16 is arranged to relate the question of the first user in the preferred language of the first user, to the corresponding question in the preferred language of the second user. In addition, the processor 16 is further arranged to present the predetermined list of selectable answers to the first question to the second user, in the preferred language of the second user.

Upon receiving the question from the first user, the second user subsequently selects an answer from the plurality of predetermined answers at step 31 in responding to the first users' question. In this respect, the first and second user may communicate in different languages. Moreover, since each user is only permitted to ask questions from a predetermined list of questions, then this minimises the potential for any misuse of the network. In addition, since the network comprises a repository of a plurality of predetermined questions and answers, which have been vetted by the hosting party and which have been translated into various languages, then there is no requirement for a real time translation tool which may otherwise introduce errors into the dialogue between users, nor for a user to manually type in the required questions and answers.

The network 10 is arranged to only allow the second user to subsequently ask a question to the first user, after the second user has answered the preceding question of the first user. This establishes a social interaction between the first and second user and thus serves to encourage and develop social interaction skills. The sequence of conversation questions and answers communicated between the first and second users is displayed to each user on their respective display unit 14, so that each user can maintain a record of what has been asked and answered. The sequence of questions and answers communicated between the first and second users is also displayed in the preferred language of the first and second user to both users, so that the first and second user can develop their understanding of the language of the second and first user, respectively.

After answering the question from the first user at step 31, the second user may then select and send a question to the first user at step 32, who must then answer the question from the second user at step 33 before the first user can select a further question at step 29 for sending to the second user.

The communication network and process thus provides for an efficient and safe communication between users of the network 10.

Claims

Claims 1. A communications network, the network comprising a first user access terminal and a second user access terminal which enable a first and second user to communicate over the network, the network further comprising a repository which is accessible via the first and second user access terminals, and which comprises a plurality of predetermined questions and answers, which are selectable by the first and second user via the first and second user access terminals, such that the communication network enables the first user to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the second user to answer, and enables the second user to answer the question by selecting one of the plurality of present answers, wherein, the communications network further enables the second user to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the first user to answer after responding to the preceding question of the first user.
2. A network according to claim 1, wherein the communications network enables the second user to select a question from the plurality of predetermined questions for the first user to answer only after responding to the preceding question of the first user.
3. A network according to claim I or 2, wherein the repository comprises a plurality of predetermined questions and answers in at least two languages.
4. A network according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second user access terminals further comprise display means which is arranged to display the questions and answers.
5. A network according to claim 4, wherein the display means is further arranged to display a conversation of the questions and answers between the first and second user.
6. A network according to any preceding claim, wherein the repository further comprises processing means which enables the question selected by the first user to be presented to the first user in a first language and to the second user in a second language.
7. A network according to any preceding claim wherein each user access terminal further comprises a user interface device to enable the first and second user to select questions and answers from the plurality of predetermined questions and answers.
8. A communication process for enabling a first and second user to communicate over a communications network, the process comprising: -enabling the first user to select a predetermined question from a plurality of predetermined questions for sending to the second user; -sending the predetermined question from the first user to the second user; -enabling the second user to select a present answer to the question, from a plurality of present answers, for sending to the first user in response to the question; -enabling the second user to select a predetermined question from a plurality of predetermined questions for sending to the first user after having responded to the preceding question from the first user.
9. A process according to claim 8, wherein the first and second users are arranged to communicate over the communications network via a respective user access terminal, which is arranged to display the communicated conversation.
10. A process according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an initial step of sending an invitation from the first user to the second user to communicate over the network.
11. A process according to claim 10, wherein the second user is required to accept the invitation from the first user to enable communication between the first and second user.
12. A process according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the user who sends the invitation to communicate over the network has priority over the first question.
13. A process according to any of claim 8 to 12, wherein each question and answer is selected from a plurality of groups of questions and answers, which have been categorised into conversation topics.
14. A process according to claim 12 wherein the first user selects a particular topic and subsequently selects a question to be communicated to the second user from the particular topic.
15. A process according to claim 14, wherein the second user selects an answer to the question from the topic of answers relating to the question.
16. A process according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the groups of questions and answers are further categorised into separate languages, such that each group of questions and answers comprises the same questions and answers in a plurality of languages.
17. A process according to any of claims 8 to 16, wherein the first user access terminal is arranged to display the questions and answers in a first language selected by the first user and the second user access terminal is arranged to display the questions and answers in a second language selected by the second user.
18. A process according to any of claims 8 to 17, wherein the first and second user access terminals are further arranged to display a conversation of questions and answers which are communicated between the first and second user.