U.S. patent application number 11/118552 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for methods and apparatus for managing and distinguishing instant messaging sessions and threads.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Jarir Kamel Chaar, Neal Martin Keller, Clifford Alan Pickover, Robert W. Wisniewski.
Application Number | 20060248150 11/118552 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37195735 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060248150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chaar; Jarir Kamel ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
Methods and apparatus for managing and distinguishing instant
messaging sessions and threads
Abstract
A method of managing instant messaging communication over a
computer network is provided. One or more instant messaging session
windows are organized in an instant messaging session manager. At
least one distinguishing session characteristic is attributed to
each of the one or more instant messaging session windows. The at
least one distinguishing session characteristic is at least one of
a sound clip associated with a user of the session, an instant
messaging session window background associated with a user of the
session, and a change in at least one of a color and an intensity
of the instant messaging session window. The at least one
distinguishing session characteristic increases a likelihood of
identification of each of the one or more instant messaging session
windows.
Inventors: |
Chaar; Jarir Kamel;
(Tarrytown, NY) ; Keller; Neal Martin; (Hawthorne,
NY) ; Pickover; Clifford Alan; (Yorktown Heights,
NY) ; Wisniewski; Robert W.; (Yorktown Heights,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYAN, MASON & LEWIS, LLP
90 FOREST AVENUE
LOCUST VALLEY
NY
11560
US
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
37195735 |
Appl. No.: |
11/118552 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/107 20130101;
H04L 51/04 20130101; G06F 3/0482 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A method of managing instant messaging communication over a
computer network, comprising the steps of: organizing one or more
instant messaging session windows in an instant messaging session
manager; and attributing at least one distinguishing session
characteristic to each of the one or more instant messaging session
windows, wherein the at least one distinguishing session
characteristic comprises at least one of a sound clip associated
with a user of the session, a background of an instant messaging
session window associated with a user of the session, and a change
in at least one of a color and an intensity of the instant
messaging session window; wherein the at least one distinguishing
session characteristic increases a likelihood of identification of
each of the one or more instant messaging session windows.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of organizing one or
more instant messaging session windows comprises the step of
displaying one or more existing instant messaging sessions in the
instant messaging session manager.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of organizing one or
more instant messaging session windows comprises the step of
displaying one or more users in the instant messaging session
manager for initiation of a new instant messaging session
window.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of attributing at least
one distinguishing session characteristic comprises the steps of:
displaying a menu of instant messaging session characteristics; and
selecting at least one of the instant messaging characteristics to
be attributed to an instant messaging session.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of attributing at least
one distinguishing session characteristic comprises the step of
playing a sound clip associated with a user with whom the instant
messaging session provides a communication link.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of attributing at least
one distinguishing session characteristic comprises the step of
attributing a watermark associated with a user with whom the
instant messaging session provides a communication link as the
background of the instant messaging session window.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of attributing at least
one distinguishing session characteristic comprises the step of
changing the intensity of the color displayed for an instant
messaging session window as time increases between instant
messages.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of attributing at least
one distinguishing session characteristic comprises the step of
attributing a unique font, size and color to text of a instant
messaging session.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of organizing one or
more instant messaging sessions comprises displaying a confirmation
that an instant message is being sent to an intended user before an
instant message is sent.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the confirmation comprises at
least one of a picture associated with the user and a sound clip
associated with the user.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
organizing one or more instant messaging threads in each instant
messaging session window; and attributing at least one
distinguishing thread characteristic to each of the one or more
instant messaging threads; wherein the at least one distinguishing
thread characteristic increases a likelihood of identification of
each of the one or more instant messaging threads.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of organizing one or
more instant messaging session threads comprises the step of
displaying one or more instant messaging session threads in an
instant messaging session window.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of attributing at
least one distinguishing thread characteristic comprises the steps
of: displaying a menu of thread characteristics; and selecting at
least one of the thread characteristics to be attributed to an
instant messaging session thread.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the thread characteristics
comprise at least one of name, font, color and size.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of organizing one or
more instant messaging session threads comprises displaying a
thread menu comprising at least one of a new message option, a
modify characteristic option, a confirm active option, a deactivate
thread option, a name thread option, and an autoname thread
option.
16. Apparatus for transmitting managing instant messaging
communication over a computer network, comprising: a memory; and at
least one processor coupled to the memory and operative to:
organize one or more instant messaging session windows in an
instant messaging session manager; and attribute at least one
distinguishing session characteristic to each of the one or more
instant messaging session windows, wherein the at least one
distinguishing session characteristic comprises at least one of a
sound clip associated with a user of the session, an instant
messaging session window background associated with a user of the
session, and a change in at least one of a color and an intensity
of the instant messaging session window; wherein the at least one
distinguishing session characteristic increases a likelihood of
identification of each of the one or more instant messaging session
windows.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the operation of organizing
one or more instant messaging session windows comprises the
operation of displaying one or more existing instant messaging
sessions in the instant messaging session manager.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor
is further operative to: organize one or more instant messaging
threads in each instant messaging session window; and attribute at
least one distinguishing thread characteristic to each of the one
or more instant messaging threads; wherein the at least one
distinguishing thread characteristic increases a likelihood of
identification of each of the one or more instant messaging
threads.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the operation of organizing
one or more instant messaging session threads comprises the
operation of displaying one or more instant messaging session
threads in an instant messaging session window.
20. An article of manufacture for managing instant messaging
communication over a computer network, comprising a machine
readable medium containing one or more programs which when executed
implement the steps of: organizing one or more instant messaging
session windows in an instant messaging session manager; and
attributing at least one distinguishing session characteristic to
each of the one or more instant messaging session windows, wherein
the at least one distinguishing session characteristic comprises at
least one of a sound clip associated with a user of the session, an
instant messaging session window background associated with a user
of the session, and a change in at least one of a color and an
intensity of the instant messaging session window; wherein the at
least one distinguishing session characteristic increases a
likelihood of identification of each of the one or more instant
messaging session windows.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
instant messaging and, more particularly, to improved techniques
for managing and distinguishing instant messaging sessions and
instant messaging session threads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Instant messaging (IM) systems, such as those provided by
America-On-Line Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo Messenger, Lotus
Sametime, etc., are widespread and utilized in personal and
professional environments. Often, while using an IM system, a user
may have multiple IM sessions that are simultaneously active.
Unfortunately, the windows of the different IM sessions may be
easily confused, and messages intended for one user may
accidentally be typed into an IM session window associated with
another user. Further, within a given IM session window, different
threads, or topics, of communication may easily be confused,
particularly in chat sessions having multiple users.
[0003] While some features of IM systems may potentially be
utilized to distinguish IM session windows, these features are not
designed for the specific purpose of inherently distinguishing IM
sessions and threads, and confusion may still result, see, for
example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0225846 to Heikes et al.
Sametime, AIM, and other systems, allow a small bit-mapped user
icon to appear in a portion of an IM session window. While this may
enable unique user customization, it does not provide an implicit
or effortless means by which to distinguish IM session windows.
Regarding IM session threads, a user may choose the color, font,
and font size of messages displayed in an IM session window.
However, while this may allow advanced users to establish settings
that potentially distinguish session messages, such settings and
resulting algorithms are not applied implicitly or
effortlessly.
[0004] A set of customizable mechanisms is needed that allows a
user to effortlessly distinguish IM session windows. Additionally,
a set of customizable mechanisms is also needed that allows a user
to distinguish threads or topics within a given IM session.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention in an illustrative embodiment provides
improved managing techniques for organizing and distinguishing
instant messaging (IM) sessions and IM session threads within a
given IM session. The embodiments of the present invention provide
techniques for managing visual and audio characteristics that
effortlessly distinguish user IM sessions and session threads.
[0006] In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention a
method of managing instant messaging communication over a computer
network is provided. One or more instant messaging session windows
are organized in an instant messaging session manager. At least one
distinguishing session characteristic is attributed to each of the
one or more instant messaging session windows. The at least one
distinguishing session characteristic may be a sound clip
associated with a user of the session, a background of an instant
messaging session window associated with a user of the session, and
a change in at least one of a color and an intensity of the instant
messaging session window. The at least one distinguishing session
characteristic increases a likelihood of identification of each of
the one or more instant messaging session windows.
[0007] In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, one or more instant messaging threads are
organized in each instant messaging session window. At least one
distinguishing characteristic is attributed to each of the one or
more instant messaging threads. The at least one distinguishing
thread characteristic increases a likelihood of identification of
each of the one of more instant messaging threads.
[0008] The present invention provides an improved system for IM
sessions that enables effortless distinguishing of IM session
windows via the use of visual and audio characteristics. The
present invention also provides an organizational mechanism for
ease in locating an intended receiver of an IM, and effortless
distinguishing of topic threads in a given IM session. Finally, the
present invention provides an organization scheme that enables easy
tracking and response to threads, or topics, of communication
within a given session window.
[0009] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a session manager and
associated windows for managing IM sessions, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an individual session
window and associated windows, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an outgoing message
transmission methodology, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an incoming message
acceptance methodology, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an instant messaging
management methodology, according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
implementation of a computing system in accordance with which one
or more components/methodologies of the invention may be
implemented, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] As will be described in detail below, the present invention
in the illustrative embodiment relates generally to the field of
instant messaging (IM) and, more particularly to improved
techniques for distinguishing IM sessions and IM session threads
through visual and audio mechanisms.
[0017] As used herein, the term "session" describes a communication
between at least two users. Typically an IM session involves two
users; however, it is possible, for example, in a chat room, to
communicate with more than one other user in a session. A "session
window," as used herein describes the computer entity into which
messages between the communicating users are placed. The terms
"thread" or "topic," as used herein are interchangeable, and
describe a logical continuation of communication. It is possible,
to have more than one thread of communication in a session window
between two users. In a multiple user or chat session, many threads
of communication are common. Throughout the description of the
present invention, "User U" is a client of a system having an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Referring initially to FIG. 1 a diagram illustrates a
session manager and associated windows for managing active IM
sessions, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Session manager 100 has an existing session window 102 and a new
session window 104. Existing session window 102 displays existing,
or active, IM sessions for a user of the system, for example, User
U. In this embodiment four active sessions are shown, ID1, ID2,
ID3, and ID4. Any number of sessions may be shown in existing
session window 102, and it is also possible that no active sessions
exist. For each session, a minimized icon may be provided along
with or in place of identifying text of active sessions. The icon
may include an image associated with a user with whom the session
forms a communication link.
[0019] New session window 104 displays a list of those IM users
with which User U may wish to establish a new IM session. Three
such users are shown in this embodiment of the present invention,
User K, User L and User M. Any number of users may be shown in new
session window 104, and it is also possible that no users are
displayed. Should User U wish to establish a new IM session with a
user from the list provided in new session window 104, User U may
select a user from new session window 104 of session manager
100.
[0020] The characteristics associated with a given IM session may
be accessed by User U in two possible ways. First, User U may
utilize an options menu 106 in existing session window 102 of
session manager 100. Options menu 106 provides access to a session
characteristics menu 108 that sets default characteristics for
enactment upon the creation of a new session. These characteristics
are able to be edited in session characteristics menu 108 so that
they may be applied to any newly created IM session. Second, each
existing session, for example, ID2, may be selected in order to
provide access to session characteristic menu 108. When session
characteristics menu 108 is reached in this manner it provides
access to the characteristics of an individual session. For
example, the characteristics of ID2 may be edited in this
manner.
[0021] The characteristics provided in session characteristic menu
108 may include, for example, audio, visual, color and intensity
options. When the color option is selected from session
characteristics menu 108, a color menu 110 is provided, listing the
possible colors that may be selected and attributed to an IM
session, for example, red, blue, green, etc. Further, when the
intensity option is selected from session characteristics menu 108,
the intensity of the color of the session window is enabled to
change as time increases since the last message was sent from or
received at the session window. The intensity may change by
increasing or decreasing, or by having the chosen color become
gradually lighter or darker.
[0022] The selection of the audio option enables a sound clip to be
played at specified times during the IM session. The sound clip is
preferably associated with a user with whom the session forms a
communication link. Finally, the selection of the visual option
enables a visual object to appear in the session window, preferably
as a watermark associated with a user with whom the session forms a
communication link. The audio and visual options of the session
windows are described in more detail below with regard to FIG.
2.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrates a session
window 200 and associated windows, according to an embodiment of
the present invention. A message portion 202 of session window 200
includes a background that may include, for example, a watermark
204 of a user associated with the session, for example, User A,
with whom this session forms a communication link. It is this
background, or watermark, that may be selected as a visual option
from session characteristic menu 108 of FIG. 1. Placing a watermark
of the user in a background of the message display area makes it
easily discernable and obvious as to whom messages will be sent to
and received from. Many companies, schools, organizations and
government agencies have photo banks of employees that can be
easily implemented into an IM system.
[0024] Message portion 202 of session window 200, also shows a
sound wave 205 of an audio file of the user associated with the
session. Sound wave 205 may be played at times specified by User U,
for example, when the IM session is opened, when a message is
received, when an outgoing message is initiated, or upon
confirmation of a message (as described below). It is this audio
file that may be selected as an audio option from session
characteristics menu 108 of FIG. 1, and whose configuration will be
described in more detail below. Finally, message portion 202 of
session window 200 includes multiple text lines 206A, 206B, 206C,
etc., of the messages that have occurred between User U and User
A.
[0025] A menu portion 208 of window 200 includes options regarding
IM communication in the IM session. In order to respond to a thread
of a last received message, User U may select a "Re: Last Thread"
option 210. The same action may be accomplished simply by typing
text into message portion 202 of session window 200. "New Thread"
option 212 in menu portion 208 of window 200 provides the ability
to initiate a new thread of communication. The selection of this
option will prompt User U for thread characteristics such as,
color, size, font, etc., via a thread characteristics menu 214.
Alternatively, instead of selecting individual characteristics of
the new thread, a new thread may be created with the current color,
font, and size as shown in the text of "New Thread" option 212. The
characteristics of this text are from a pool of possible thread
characteristics that are unique among the existing threads. In menu
portion 208 of session window 200, a thread may also be deactivated
by selecting "Deactivate Thread" option 216, thereby returning the
color, font, size, etc., to the pool of existing possible thread
characteristics.
[0026] This embodiment of the present invention also allows for
confirmation of outgoing messages during an IM session. A message
confirmation indicator 218 in menu portion 208 of session window
200 indicates whether User U will be prompted for confirmation of
outgoing messages. As shown in FIG. 2, a check indicates that User
U will be prompted for confirmation by a confirmation box 220 prior
to a message being sent. The option may be toggled by selecting
"Message Confirmation" indicator 218. As shown in this embodiment
of the present invention, confirmation box 220 may contain an image
associated with the intended receiver, a user name associated with
the intended receiver, as well as other identifying characteristics
such as, for example, an audio clip associated with the intended
receiver.
[0027] An "Audio Config." option 222 in menu portion 208 of window
200 allows User U to choose when to play an audio clip associated
with a user with whom the session forms a communication link. When
selected, "audio config." option 222 prompts User U with an audio
configuration window 224. Audio configuration options include the
ability to play the audio clip during the message confirmation 226,
each time an outgoing message is initiated 228, or when a new
incoming message is received 230. These options may be toggled in
the same manner as described above.
[0028] Within a given IM session, confusion is common because of
the occurrence and interleaving of concurrent communication
threads. In these situations it can be difficult to discern what
thread a given message as intended for. In the case when multiple
users join a chat session, the multiple thread problem is
exacerbated. The present invention further provides a mechanism to
track ongoing threads or topics of communication. Menu portion 208
of session window 200 contains a list of active threads. User U may
either define a name for each thread or allow an automatic
artificial intelligent agent to create a suitable name based on the
content of the thread. The embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG. 2, illustrates three threads, Thread 1, Thread 2, and
Thread 3, however, any number of threads may be displayed.
[0029] Selecting any of the existing threads from menu portion 208
of session window 200 produces a thread menu 232 that provides
several thread options. A new message may be sent with the selected
thread's characteristics by selecting "New Message" option 234. The
characteristics associated with the selected thread may be
modified, thereby producing a thread characteristics menu 214, by
selecting "Modify Characteristics" option 236. This is the same
menu that may be produced by selecting new thread 212. If the
selected thread is currently active a "Confirm Active" indicator
238 is checked in thread menu 232. The selected thread may be
deactivated by selecting a "Deactivate Thread" option 240. A name
may be assigned to the selected thread by selecting a "Name Thread"
option 242. Finally, an "Autoname" indicator 244 is checked if the
thread's name is determined by the artificial intelligent
agent.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram illustrates an
outgoing message transmission methodology according to an
embodiment of the present invention. An outgoing message may be
initiated by any of three actions. The user may: (i) select "New
Thread" option 212 of FIG. 2, in block 302; (ii) select an existing
thread of FIG. 2, in block 304; or (iii) respond to current thread
in block 306 by typing in message window 202 of FIG. 2, or
selecting "Re: Last Thread" option 210 in FIG. 2. If "New Thread"
option 212 was selected in block 302, the characteristics of the
thread are determined by selected characteristics in thread
characteristic menu 214. If a one of the labeled threads was
selected in block 304 or if the user responds to a current thread
in block 306, the stored characteristics associated with the
existing thread are used.
[0031] A message is input in block 308, and it is determined if the
user has requested an outgoing confirmation in block 310, through
the selection of "Message Confirmation" option 218 in FIG. 2. If
the user has not requested a confirmation, the methodology proceeds
to sending the message to the server in block 312. If the user has
requested a confirmation, the computer displays message
confirmation box 220 of FIG. 2, in block 314. If the message is
confirmed, the methodology proceeds to send the message to the
server in block 312, otherwise the message is cancelled and not
sent in block 316, terminating the methodology. When the server
receives the message, it decodes the intended receiver of the
message and forwards the message to the associated user in block
318, thereby terminating the outgoing message transmission
methodology.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram illustrates an
incoming message acceptance methodology, according to an embodiment
of the present invention. This methodology begins in block 402,
where an incoming message from a server arrives and it is
determined whether there is an existing session window associated
with the incoming message. If such a session window exists, the
session window for the incoming message is identified in block 404.
It is also determined whether this is a new thread for the session
in block 406. If the message is for a new thread in that session
window, the new thread is created with the characteristics
associated with thread characteristics menu 214 of FIG. 2, in block
408. The message is then displayed in the session window in
accordance with the thread characteristics in block 410,
terminating the methodology.
[0033] If there was no existing session window for the incoming
message, the computer adds a session to existing sessions of
session manager 100 of FIG. 1, in block 412. If information
regarding this user is not locally cached, the computer retrieves
(or updates the cached copy of the) information from a central
database in block 414. The user information may include the user's
visual and audio session characteristics. The computer then creates
a new single thread name and associates the default "new thread"
characteristics, creates the message area with watermark image,
plays optional audio, and displays the message, thereby creating
the session window in block 416, and terminating the
methodology.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram illustrates an
instant messaging communication management methodology, according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The methodology begins
in block 502 where users of the IM system are displayed in an IM
session manager. These users may be selected to initiate a new IM
session. In block 504, any existing IM sessions are displayed in
the IM session manager. The name of each IM session is preferably
displayed. This name may have been chosen by the user or
automatically chosen by the system. In block 506, a menu of IM
session characteristics is displayed for an IM session, and IM
characteristics are selected to be attributed to the IM session in
block 508.
[0035] In block 510, IM session threads are displayed in an IM
session window. The names of the IM session threads are preferably
displayed. These names may be chosen by the user or assigned by the
IM system. In block 512, a menu of thread characteristics are
displayed for a thread of the IM session, and thread
characteristics are selected that are to be attributed to the IM
thread in block 514.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram illustrates an
illustrative hardware implementation of a computing system in
accordance with which one or more components/methodologies of the
invention (e.g., components/methodologies described in the context
of FIGS. 1-5) may be implemented, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] As shown, the computer system may be implemented in
accordance with a processor 610, a memory 612, I/O devices 614, and
a network interface 616, coupled via a computer bus 318 or
alternate connection arrangement.
[0038] It is to be appreciated that the term "processor" as used
herein is intended to include any processing device, such as, for
example, one that includes a CPU (central processing unit) and/or
other processing circuitry. It is also to be understood that the
term "processor" may refer to more than one processing device and
that various elements associated with a processing device may be
shared by other processing devices.
[0039] The term "memory" as used herein is intended to include
memory associated with a processor or CPU, such as, for example,
RAM, ROM, a fixed memory device (e.g., hard drive), a removable
memory device (e.g., diskette), flash memory, etc.
[0040] In addition, the phrase "input/output devices" or "I/O
devices" as used herein is intended to include, for example, one or
more input devices for entering, for example audio or text, into
the processing unit, and/or one or more output devices for
outputting, for example audio or visual, associated with the
processing unit.
[0041] Still further, the phrase "network interface" as used herein
is intended to include, for example, one or more transceivers to
permit the computer system to communicate with another computer
system via an appropriate communications protocol. This may provide
access to a central database having a set of mappings that
associate given user names with images, audio clips, colors, etc.
As described above, for example, many companies or organizations
have images they use for employee web pages.
[0042] Software components including instructions or code for
performing the methodologies described herein may be stored in one
or more of the associated memory devices (e.g., ROM, fixed or
removable memory) and, when ready to be utilized, loaded in part or
in whole (e.g., into RAM) and executed by a CPU.
[0043] Therefore, although illustrative embodiments of the present
invention have been described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other
changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *