Abstract: A user interface is provided for conducting online conversations that span asynchronous and synchronous modes of communications. Users can initiate a new conversation or find existing conversations by choosing images of friends from a drop down list based on text input of friends' names. Conversations are represented in a tree-branch configuration such that new comments added to a conversation are associated directly to the existing comments to which they respond. Branches can be opened or collapsed automatically or at the users' option, allowing the user focus his attention on part(s) of the conversation. Content from the web can be searched and found content can be included into the body of a comment. All participants in a conversation see the same representation of the conversation and links to referenced Web content are maintained in tact regardless of the length and complexity of the conversation.

Abstract: This invention is a system for maintaining eye contact during videoconferencing. Unlike prior art, it involves no special materials or software and can work with common and pre-existing person computer cameras and monitors. If this system is used by participants on both sides of the videoconference, the result is a natural conversation between the participants, with eye contact as if they are sitting across from each other. Unlike prior art, which are full-screen, dedicated systems, the present invention accommodates common ‘windows’ based applications.