Meta Platforms, Inc.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INITIATING A COORDINATED EFFECT

Abstract:

Exemplary embodiments relate to the application of media effects to visual data such as a video. A coordinated activity protocol is provided for synchronizing interactive effects and experiences across multiple devices. The protocol allows effects to be initiated and coordinated on multiple devices via a real-time communications (RTC) channel. Messages may be exchanged to cooperatively initiate the effect, and (once initiated) generic data may be exchanged via application programming interface (API) calls. Accordingly, the system is both data-type and platform agnostic, allowing effects developers to define how data will be interpreted. In some embodiments, higher-level services may be provided to exchange data of predefined types (e.g., for common activities such as turn negotiations, turn yielding, scorekeeping, leadership elections, etc.).