U.S. patent application number 13/616692 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for presenting a recipient of an e-mail with an option to instant message a sender or another recipient based on the sender's or the other recipient's address and online status.
This patent application is currently assigned to FACEBOOK, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Barry Appelman, Alisa Clemmons, Larry L. Lu, Peter Weck. Invention is credited to Barry Appelman, Alisa Clemmons, Larry L. Lu, Peter Weck.
Application Number | 20130073648 13/616692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47881686 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130073648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Appelman; Barry ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
PRESENTING A RECIPIENT OF AN E-MAIL WITH AN OPTION TO INSTANT
MESSAGE A SENDER OR ANOTHER RECIPIENT BASED ON THE SENDER'S OR THE
OTHER RECIPIENT'S ADDRESS AND ONLINE STATUS
Abstract
Systems and techniques for transferring electronic data between
users of a communications system include a host system structured
and arranged to receive and deliver messages of various types
between users of the communications system. The host system
includes an instant messaging network; a mail gateway; and a
configuring network in communication with both the instant
messaging network and the mail gateway. The instant messaging
network enables instant messaging communication between users of
the communications system and has the capability to monitor whether
a certain user is capable of receiving an instant message at a
particular moment. The mail gateway receives and delivers e-mail
messages to users of the communications system. The configuring
network is dedicated to automatically configuring instant messaging
communication between an intended recipient of an e-mail message
and the sender of the e-mail message.
Inventors: |
Appelman; Barry; (McLean,
VA) ; Lu; Larry L.; (Great Falls, VA) ;
Clemmons; Alisa; (Oakland, CA) ; Weck; Peter;
(Menlo Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Appelman; Barry
Lu; Larry L.
Clemmons; Alisa
Weck; Peter |
McLean
Great Falls
Oakland
Menlo Park |
VA
VA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FACEBOOK, INC.
Menlo Park
CA
|
Family ID: |
47881686 |
Appl. No.: |
13/616692 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11150180 |
Jun 13, 2005 |
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13616692 |
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|
09848232 |
May 4, 2001 |
6912564 |
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11150180 |
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60229331 |
Sep 1, 2000 |
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60201738 |
May 4, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 51/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A communications system for transferring electronic data between
users, the system including a host system structured and arranged
to receive and deliver messages of various types between users of
the communications system, the host system comprising: an instant
messaging network enabling instant messaging communication between
users of the communications system, the instant messaging network
having the capability to monitor whether a certain user is capable
of receiving an instant message at a particular moment; a mail
gateway receiving and delivering e-mail messages to users of the
communications system; and a configuring network in communication
with both the instant messaging network and the mail gateway, the
configuring network being dedicated to automatically configure
instant messaging communication between an intended recipient of an
e-mail message and the sender of the e-mail message.
2-34. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/150,180 filed on Jun. 13, 2005, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/848,232 filed on May 4, 2001 and now
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,564, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Nos. 60/229,331 filed on Sep. 1, 2000 and
60/201,738 filed on May 4, 2000. Each of the aforementioned
applications and patents are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a communications
system and more particularly to a system for instant messaging the
sender and recipients of an e-mail message.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Online service providers constantly are offering new
services and upgrading existing services to enhance their
subscribers' online experience. Subscribers have on-demand access
to news, weather, financial, sports, and entertainment services as
well as the ability to transmit electronic messages and to
participate in online discussion groups. For example, subscribers
of online service providers such as America Online or CompuServe
may view and retrieve information on a wide variety of topics from
servers located throughout the world. A server may be maintained by
the service provider or by a third party provider who makes
information and services available through the worldwide network of
computers that make up the online service.
[0004] America Online has provided subscribers with the ability to
send and receive instant messages. Instant messages are private
online conversations between two or more people who have subscribed
to the instant messaging service and have installed the necessary
software. Because such online conversations take place virtually in
real time, instant messaging can provide immediate access to
desired information. Instant messaging is becoming a preferred
means of communicating among online subscribers.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one general aspect, transferring electronic data between
users of a communications system includes using a host system
structured and arranged to receive and deliver messages of various
types between users of the communications system. The host system
includes an instant messaging network, a mail gateway, and a
configuring network in communication with both the instant
messaging network and the mail gateway. The instant messaging
network enables instant messaging communication between users of
the communications system and is capable of monitoring whether a
certain user is capable of receiving an instant message at a
particular moment. The mail gateway receives and delivers e-mail
messages to users of the communications system. The configuring
network is dedicated to automatically configuring instant messaging
communication between an intended recipient of an e-mail message
and the sender of the e-mail message.
[0006] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. For example, the configuring network may send a
redirection command to the recipient based on the capability of the
sender to receive an instant message and/or may send a redirection
command to the recipient based on the capability of another
recipient of the e-mail message to receive an instant message. The
redirection command may include a uniform resource locator.
[0007] The configuring network also may establish a persistent
connection to the instant messaging network, check a control port
to confirm whether the sender is capable of receiving an instant
message, determine whether an e-mail address is associated with a
recognized domain, and/or strip recognized domains from e-mail
addresses.
[0008] The configuring network may have a look-up server for
associating e-mail addresses with instant messaging screen names
and/or a cache. The configuring network may detect whether
information associated with an e-mail message is stored in the
cache.
[0009] The mail gateway may include a send mail server for
delivering electronic data to users, a read mail server for
accessing electronic data, and/or a processing server for
processing electronic data. The mail gateway may be web-based,
online-service-provider based, and/or instant-messaging-host-based.
The instant messaging network may be web-based and/or
online-service-provider-based.
[0010] These and other aspects may be implemented by an apparatus
and/or a computer program stored on a computer readable medium. The
computer readable medium may be a disc, a client device, a host
device, and/or a propagated signal.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system.
[0012] FIGS. 2-6 are expansions of aspects the block diagram of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts of communications method that
may be implemented by the systems of FIGS. 1-6.
[0014] FIGS. 9 and 10 are illustrations of different graphical user
interfaces that may be provided by the systems of FIGS. 1-6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1-6 shows an example of a
communications system for implementing techniques for transferring
electronic data. For brevity, several elements in the figures
described below are represented as monolithic entities. However, as
would be understood by one skilled in the art, these elements each
may include numerous interconnected computers and components
designed to perform a set of specified operations and/or may be
dedicated to a particular geographical region.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a communications system 100 is capable
of delivering and exchanging data between a client system 105 and a
host system 110 through a communications link 115. The client
system 105 typically includes one or more client devices 120 and/or
client controllers 125, and the host system 110 typically includes
one or more host devices 135 and/or host controllers 140. For
example, the client system 105 or the host system 110 may include
one or more general-purpose computers (e.g., personal computers),
one or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devices specifically
programmed to communicate with each other and/or the client system
105 or the host system 110), or a combination of one or more
general-purpose computers and one or more special-purpose
computers. The client system 105 and the host system 110 may be
arranged to operate within or in concert with one or more other
systems, such as, for example, one or more LANs ("Local Area
Networks") and/or one or more WANs ("Wide Area Networks").
[0017] The client device 120 (or the host device 135) is generally
capable of executing instructions under the command of a client
controller 125 (or a host controller 140). The client device 120
(or the host device 135) is connected to the client controller 125
(or the host controller 140) by a wired or wireless data pathway
130 or 145 capable of delivering data.
[0018] The client device 120, the client controller 125, the host
device 135, and the host controller 140 each typically include one
or more hardware components and/or software components. An example
of a client device 120 or a host device 135 is a general-purpose
computer (e.g., a personal computer) capable of responding to and
executing instructions in a defined manner. Other examples include
a special-purpose computer, a workstation, a server, a device, a
component, other physical or virtual equipment or some combination
thereof capable of responding to and executing instructions. The
client device 120 and the host device 135 may include devices that
are capable of peer-to-peer communications.
[0019] An example of client controller 125 or a host controller 140
is a software application loaded on the client device 120 or the
host device 135 for commanding and directing communications enabled
by the client device 120 or the host device 135. Other examples
include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device, a
computer, a computer system, or a combination thereof, for
independently or collectively instructing the client device 120 or
the host device 135 to interact and operate as described. The
client controller 125 and the host controller 140 may be embodied
permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component,
physical or virtual equipment, storage medium, or propagated signal
capable of providing instructions to the client device 120 or the
host device 135.
[0020] The communications link 115 typically includes a delivery
network 160 making a direct or indirect communication between the
client system 105 and the host system 110, irrespective of physical
separation. Examples of a delivery network 160 include the
Internet, the World Wide Web, WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired
and wireless telephone networks (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, and xDSL), radio,
television, cable, satellite, and/ or any other delivery mechanism
for carrying data. The communications link 115 may include
communication pathways 150, 155 that enable communications through
the one or more delivery networks 160 described above. Each of the
communication pathways 150, 155 may include, for example, a wired,
wireless, cable or satellite communication pathway.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a communications system 200 including a
client system 205 communicating with a host system 210 through a
communications link 215. Client system 205 typically includes one
or more client devices 220 and one or more client controllers 225
for controlling the client devices 220. Host system 210 typically
includes one or more host devices 235 and one or more host
controllers 240 for controlling the host devices 235. The
communications link 215 may include communication pathways 250, 255
enabling communications through the one or more delivery networks
260.
[0022] Examples of each element within the communications system of
FIG. 2 are broadly described above with respect to FIG. 1. In
particular, the host system 210 and communications link 215
typically have attributes comparable to those described with
respect to host system 110 and communications link 115 of FIG. 1.
Likewise, the client system 205 of FIG. 2 typically has attributes
comparable to and illustrates one possible implementation of the
client system 105 of FIG. 1.
[0023] The client device 220 typically includes a general-purpose
computer 270 having an internal or external storage 272 for storing
data and programs such as an operating system 274 (e.g., DOS,
Windows.TM., Windows 95.TM., Windows 98.TM., Windows 2000.TM.,
Windows Mc.TM., Windows XP.TM., Windows NT.TM., OS/2, or Linux) and
one or more application programs. Examples of application programs
include authoring applications 276 (e.g., word processing, database
programs, spreadsheet programs, or graphics programs) capable of
generating documents or other electronic content; client
applications 278 (e.g., AOL client, CompuServe client, AIM client,
AOL TV client, or ISP client) capable of communicating with other
computer users, accessing various computer resources, and viewing,
creating, or otherwise manipulating electronic content; and browser
applications 280 (e.g., Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's
Internet Explorer) capable of rendering standard Internet
content.
[0024] The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a central
processing unit 282 (CPU) for executing instructions in response to
commands from the client controller 225. In one implementation, the
client controller 225 includes one or more of the application
programs installed on the internal or external storage 272 of the
general-purpose computer 270. In another implementation, the client
controller 225 includes application programs externally stored in
and performed by one or more device(s) external to the general-
purpose computer 270.
[0025] The general-purpose computer typically will include a
communication device 284 for sending and receiving data. One
example of the communication device 284 is a modem. Other examples
include a transceiver, a set-top box, a communication card, a
satellite dish, an antenna, or another network adapter capable of
transmitting and receiving data over the communications link 215
through a wired or wireless data pathway 250. The general-purpose
computer 270 also may include a TV ("television") tuner 286 for
receiving television programming in the form of broadcast,
satellite, and/or cable TV signals. As a result, the client device
220 can selectively and/or simultaneously display network content
received by communications device 284 and television programming
content received by the TV tuner 286.
[0026] The general-purpose computer 270 typically will include an
input/output interface 288 for wired or wireless connection to
various peripheral devices 290. Examples of peripheral devices 290
include, but are not limited to, a mouse 291, a mobile phone 292, a
personal digital assistant 293 (PDA), an MP3 player (not shown), a
keyboard 294, a display monitor 295 with or without a touch screen
input, a TV remote control 296 for receiving information from and
rendering information to subscribers, and an audiovisual input
device 298.
[0027] Although FIG. 2 illustrates devices such as a mobile
telephone 292, a PDA 293, an MP3 player (not shown), and a TV
remote control 296 as being peripheral with respect to the
general-purpose computer 270, in another implementation, such
devices may themselves include the functionality of the
general-purpose computer 270 and operate as the client device 220.
For example, the mobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include
computing and networking capabilities and function as a client
device 220 by accessing the delivery network 260 and communicating
with the host system 210. Furthermore, the client system 205 may
include one, some or all of the components and devices described
above.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, a communications system 300 is capable
of delivering and exchanging information between a client system
305 and a host system 310 through a communication link 315. Client
system 305 typically includes one or more client devices 320 and
one or more client controllers 325 for controlling the client
devices 320. Host system 310 typically includes one or more host
devices 335 and one or more host controllers 340 for controlling
the host devices 335. The communications link 315 may include
communication pathways 350, 355 enabling communications through the
one or more delivery networks 360.
[0029] Examples of each element within the communications system of
FIG. 3 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.
In particular, the client system 305 and the communications link
315 typically have attributes comparable to those described with
respect to client systems 105 and 205 and communications links 115
and 215 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Likewise, the host system 310 of FIG. 3
may have attributes comparable to and illustrates one possible
implementation of the host systems 110 and 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0030] The host system 310 includes a host device 335 and a host
controller 340. The host controller 340 is generally capable of
transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of the host
device 335. For example, in one implementation, the host controller
340 includes one or more software applications loaded on the host
device 335. In other implementations, as described above, the host
controller 340 may include any of several other programs, machines,
and devices operating independently or collectively to control the
host device 335.
[0031] The host device 335 includes a login server 370 for enabling
access by subscribers and for routing communications between the
client system 305 and other elements of the host device 335. The
host device 335 also includes various host complexes such as the
depicted OSP ("Online Service Provider") host complex 380 and IM
("Instant Messaging") host complex 390. To enable access to these
host complexes by subscribers, the client system 305 includes
communication software, for example, an OSP client application and
an IM client application. The OSP and IM communication software
applications are designed to facilitate the subscriber's
interactions with the respective services and, in particular, may
provide access to all the services available within the respective
host complexes.
[0032] Typically, the OSP host complex 380 supports different
services, such as email, discussion groups, chat, news services,
and Internet access. The OSP host complex 380 is generally designed
with an architecture that enables the machines within the OSP host
complex 380 to communicate with each other and employs certain
protocols (i.e., standards, formats, conventions, rules, and
structures) to transfer data. The OSP host complex 380 ordinarily
employs one or more OSP protocols and custom dialing engines to
enable access by selected client applications. The OSP host complex
380 may define one or more specific protocols for each service
based on a common, underlying proprietary protocol.
[0033] The IM host complex 390 is generally independent of the OSP
host complex 380, and supports instant messaging services
irrespective of a subscriber's network or Internet access. Thus,
the IM host complex 390 allows subscribers to send and receive
instant messages, whether or not they have access to any particular
ISP. The IM host complex 390 may support associated services, such
as administrative matters, advertising, directory services, chat,
and interest groups related to the instant messaging. The IM host
complex 390 has an architecture that enables all of the machines
within the IM host complex to communicate with each other. To
transfer data, the IM host complex 390 employs one or more standard
or exclusive IM protocols.
[0034] The host device 335 may include one or more gateways that
connect and therefore link complexes, such as the OSP host complex
gateway 385 and the IM host complex gateway 395. The OSP host
complex gateway 385 and the IM host complex gateway 395 may
directly or indirectly link the OSP host complex 380 with the IM
host complex 390 through a wired or wireless pathway. Ordinarily,
when used to facilitate a link between complexes, the OSP host
complex gateway 385 and the IM host complex gateway 395 are privy
to information regarding the protocol type anticipated by a
destination complex, which enables any necessary protocol
conversion to be performed incident to the transfer of data from
one complex to another. For instance, the OSP host complex 380 and
IM host complex 390 generally use different protocols such that
transferring data between the complexes requires protocol
conversion by or at the request of the OSP host complex gateway 385
and/or the IM host complex gateway 395.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, a communications system 400 is capable
of delivering and exchanging information between a client system
405 and a host system 410 through a communication link 415. Client
system 405 typically includes one or more client devices 420 and
one or more client controllers 425 for controlling the client
devices 420. Host system 410 typically includes one or more host
devices 435 and one or more host controllers 440 for controlling
the host devices 435. The communications link 415 may include
communication pathways 450, 455 enabling communications through the
one or more delivery networks 460. As shown, the client system 405
may access the Internet 465 through the host system 410.
[0036] Examples of each element within the communications system of
FIG. 4 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. In
particular, the client system 405 and the communications link 415
typically have attributes comparable to those described with
respect to client systems 105, 205, and 305 and communications
links 115, 215, and 315 of FIGS. 1-3. Likewise, the host system 410
of FIG. 4 may have attributes comparable to and illustrates one
possible implementation of the host systems 110, 210, and 310 shown
in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 describes an aspect of the host system 410,
focusing primarily on one particular implementation of OSP host
complex 480.
[0037] The client system 405 includes a client device 420 and a
client controller 425. The client controller 425 is generally
capable of establishing a connection to the host system 410,
including the OSP host complex 480, the IM host complex 490 and/or
the Internet 465. In one implementation, the client controller 425
includes an OSP application for communicating with servers in the
OSP host complex 480 using exclusive OSP protocols. The client
controller 425 also may include applications, such as an IM client
application, and/or an Internet browser application, for
communicating with the IM host complex 490 and the Internet
465.
[0038] The host system 410 includes a host device 435 and a host
controller 440. The host controller 440 is generally capable of
transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of the host
device 435. For example, in one implementation, the host controller
440 includes one or more software applications loaded on one or
more elements of the host device 435. In other implementations, as
described above, the host controller 440 may include any of several
other programs, machines, and devices operating independently or
collectively to control the host device 435.
[0039] The host system 410 includes a login server 470 capable of
enabling communications with and authorizing access by client
systems 405 to various elements of the host system 410, including
an OSP host complex 480 and an IM host complex 490. The login
server 470 may implement one or more authorization procedures to
enable simultaneous access to the OSP host complex 480 and the IM
host complex 490. The OSP host complex 480 and the IM host complex
490 are connected through one or more OSP host complex gateways 485
and one or more IM host complex gateways 495. Each OSP host complex
gateway 485 and IM host complex gateway 495 may perform any
protocol conversions necessary to enable communications between the
OSP host complex 480, the IM host complex 490, and the Internet
465.
[0040] The OSP host complex 480 supports a set of services from one
or more servers located internal to and external from the OSP host
complex 480. Servers external to the OSP host complex 480 generally
may be viewed as existing on the Internet 465. Servers internal to
the OSP complex 480 may be arranged in one or more configurations.
For example, servers may be arranged in centralized or localized
clusters in order to distribute servers and subscribers within the
OSP host complex 480.
[0041] In one implementation of FIG. 4, the OSP host complex 480
includes a routing processor 4802. In general, the routing
processor 4802 will examine an address field of a data request, use
a mapping table to determine the appropriate destination for the
data request, and direct the data request to the appropriate
destination. In a packet-based implementation, the client system
405 may generate information requests, convert the requests into
data packets, sequence the data packets, perform error checking and
other packet-switching techniques, and transmit the data packets to
the routing processor 4802. Upon receiving data packets from the
client system 405, the routing processor 4802 may directly or
indirectly route the data packets to a specified destination within
or outside of the OSP host complex 480. For example, in the event
that a data request from the client system 405 can be satisfied
locally, the routing processor 4802 may direct the data request to
a local server 4804. In the event that the data request cannot be
satisfied locally, the routing processor 4802 may direct the data
request externally to the Internet 465 or the IM host complex 490
through the gateway 485.
[0042] The OSP host complex 480 also includes a proxy server 4806
for directing data requests and/or otherwise facilitating
communication between the client system 405 and the Internet 465.
The proxy server 4806 may include an IP ("Internet Protocol")
tunnel for converting data from OSP protocol into standard Internet
protocol and transmitting the data to the Internet 465. The IP
tunnel also converts data received from the Internet 465 in the
standard Internet protocol back into the OSP protocol and sends the
converted data to the routing processor 4802 for delivery back to
the client system 405.
[0043] The proxy server 4806 also may allow the client system 405
to use standard Internet protocols and formatting to access the OSP
host complex 480 and the Internet 465. For example, the subscriber
may use an OSP TV client application having an embedded browser
application installed on the client system 405 to generate a
request in standard Internet protocol, such as HTTP ("HyperText
Transport Protocol"). In a packet-based implementation, data
packets may be encapsulated inside a standard Internet tunneling
protocol, such as, for example, UDP ("User Datagram Protocol") and
routed to the proxy server 4806. The proxy server 4806 may include
an L2TP ("Layer Two Tunneling Protocol") tunnel capable of
establishing a point-to-point protocol (PPP) session with the
client system 405.
[0044] The proxy server 4806 also may act as a buffer between the
client system 405 and the Internet 465, and may implement content
filtering and time saving techniques. For example, the proxy server
4806 can check parental controls settings of the client system 405
and request and transmit content from the Internet 465 according to
the parental control settings. In addition, the proxy server 4806
may include one or more caches for storing frequently accessed
information. If requested data is determined to be stored in the
caches, the proxy server 4806 may send the information to the
client system 405 from the caches and avoid the need to access the
Internet 465.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, a communications system 500 is capable
of delivering and exchanging information between a client system
505 and a host system 510 through a communication link 515. Client
system 505 typically includes one or more client devices 520 and
one or more client controllers 525 for controlling the client
devices 520. Host system 510 typically includes one or more host
devices 535 and one or more host controllers 540 for controlling
the host devices 535. The communications link 515 may include
communication pathways 550, 555 enabling communications through the
one or more delivery networks 560. As shown, the client system 505
may access the Internet 565 through the host system 510.
[0046] Examples of each element within the communications system of
FIG. 5 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. In
particular, the client system 505 and the communications link 515
typically have attributes comparable to those described with
respect to client systems 105, 205, 305, and 405 and communications
links 115, 215, 315, and 415 of FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, the host
system 510 of FIG. 5 may have attributes comparable to and
illustrates one possible implementation of the host systems 110,
210, 310, and 410 shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5 describes an aspect of
the host system 510, focusing primarily on one particular
implementation of IM host complex 590.
[0047] The client system 505 includes a client device 520 and a
client controller 525. The client controller 525 is generally
capable of establishing a connection to the host system 510,
including the OSP host complex 580, the IM host complex 590 and/or
the Internet 565. In one implementation, the client controller 525
includes an IM application for communicating with servers in the IM
host complex 590 utilizing exclusive IM protocols. The client
controller 525 also may include applications, such as an OSP client
application, and/or an Internet browser application for
communicating with the OSP host complex 580 and the Internet 565,
respectively.
[0048] The host system 510 includes a host device 535 and a host
controller 540. The host controller 540 is generally capable of
transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of the host
device 535. For example, in one implementation, the host controller
540 includes one or more software applications loaded on one or
more elements of the host device 535. However, in other
implementations, as described above, the host controller 540 may
include any of several other programs, machines, and devices
operating independently or collectively to control the host device
535.
[0049] The host system 510 includes a login server 570 capable of
enabling communications with and authorizing access by client
systems 505 to various elements of the host system 510, including
an OSP host complex 580 and an IM host complex 590. The login
server 570 may implement one or more authorization procedures to
enable simultaneous access to the OSP host complex 580 and the IM
host complex 590. The OSP host complex 580 and the IM host complex
590 are connected through one or more OSP host complex gateways 585
and one or more IM host complex gateways 595. Each OSP host complex
gateway 585 and IM host complex gateway 595 may perform any
protocol conversions necessary to enable communication between the
OSP host complex 580, the IM host complex 590, and the Internet
565.
[0050] To access the IM host complex 590 to begin an instant
messaging session, the client system 505 establishes a connection
to the login server 570. The login server 570 typically determines
whether the particular subscriber is authorized to access the IM
host complex 590 by verifying a subscriber identification and
password. If the subscriber is authorized to access the IM host
complex 590, the login server 570 employs a hashing technique on
the subscriber's screen name to identify a particular IM server
5902 for use during the subscriber's session. The login server 570
provides the client system 505 with the IF address of the
particular IM server 5902, gives the client system 505 an encrypted
key (i.e., a cookie), and breaks the connection. The client system
505 then uses the IP address to establish a connection to the
particular IM server 5902 through the communications link 515, and
obtains access to that IM server 5902 using the encrypted key.
Typically, the client system 505 will be equipped with a Winsock
API ("Application Programming Interface") that enables the client
system 505 to establish an open TCP connection to the IM server
5902.
[0051] Once a connection to the IM server 5902 has been
established, the client system 505 may directly or indirectly
transmit data to and access content from the IM server 5902 and one
or more associated domain servers 5904. The IM server 5902 supports
the fundamental instant messaging services and the domain servers
5904 may support associated services, such as, for example,
administrative matters, directory services, chat and interest
groups. In general, the purpose of the domain servers 5904 is to
lighten the load placed on the IM server 5902 by assuming
responsibility for some of the services within the IM host complex
590. By accessing the IM server 5902 and/or the domain server 5904,
a subscriber can use the IM client application to view whether
particular subscribers ("buddies") are online, exchange instant
messages with particular subscribers, participate in group chat
rooms, trade files such as pictures, invitations or documents, find
other subscribers with similar interests, get customized news and
stock quotes, and search the World Wide Web.
[0052] In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM server 5902 is
directly or indirectly connected to a routing gateway 5906. The
routing gateway 5906 facilitates the connection between the IM
server 5902 and one or more alert multiplexors 5908, for example,
by serving as a link minimization tool or hub to connect several IM
servers 5902 to several alert multiplexors 5908. In general, an
alert multiplexor 5908 maintains a record of alerts and subscribers
registered to receive the alerts.
[0053] Once the client system 505 is connected to the alert
multiplexor 5908, a subscriber can register for and/or receive one
or more types of alerts. The connection pathway between the client
system 505 and the alert multiplexor 5908 is determined by
employing another hashing technique at the IM server 5902 to
identify the particular alert multiplexor 5908 to be used for the
subscriber's session. Once the particular multiplexor 5908 has been
identified, the IM server 5902 provides the client system 505 with
the IP address of the particular alert multiplexor 5908 and gives
the client system 505 an encrypted key (i.e., a cookie). The client
system 505 then uses the IP address to connect to the particular
alert multiplexor 5908 through the communication link 515 and
obtains access to the alert multiplexor 5908 using the encrypted
key.
[0054] The alert multiplexor 5908 is connected to an alert gate
5910 that, like the IM host complex gateway 595, is capable of
performing the necessary protocol conversions to form a bridge to
the OSP host complex 580. The alert gate 5910 is the interface
between the IM host complex 590 and the physical servers, such as
servers in the OSP host complex 580, where state changes are
occurring. In general, the information regarding state changes will
be gathered and used by the IM host complex 590. However, the alert
multiplexor 5908 also may communicate with the OSP host complex 580
through the IM host complex gateway 595, for example, to provide
the servers and subscribers of the OSP host complex 580 with
certain information gathered from the alert gate 5910.
[0055] The alert gate 5910 can detect an alert feed corresponding
to a particular type of alert. The alert gate 5910 may include a
piece of code (alert receive code) capable of interacting with
another piece of code (alert broadcast code) on the physical server
where a state change occurs. In general, the alert receive code
installed on the alert gate 5910 instructs the alert broadcast code
installed on the physical server to send an alert feed to the alert
gate 5910 upon the occurrence of a particular state change. Upon
detecting an alert feed, the alert gate 5910 contacts the alert
multiplexor 5908, which in turn, informs the client system 505 of
the detected alert feed.
[0056] In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM host complex 590
also includes a subscriber profile server 5912 connected to a
database 5914 for storing large amounts of subscriber profile data.
The subscriber profile server 5912 may be used to enter, retrieve,
edit, manipulate, or otherwise process subscriber profile data. In
one implementation, a subscriber's profile data includes, for
example, the subscriber's buddy list, alert preferences, designated
stocks, identified interests, and geographic location. The
subscriber may enter, edit and/or delete profile data using an
installed IM client application on the client system 505 to
interact with the subscriber profile server 5912.
[0057] Because the subscriber's data is stored in the IM host
complex 590, the subscriber does not have to reenter or update such
information in the event that the subscriber accesses the IM host
complex 590 using a new or a different client system 505.
Accordingly, when a subscriber accesses the IM host complex 590,
the IM server 5902 can instruct the subscriber profile server 5912
to retrieve the subscriber's profile data from the database 5914
and to provide, for example, the subscriber's buddy list to the IM
server 5902 and the subscriber's alert preferences to the alert
multiplexor 5908. The subscriber profile server 5912 also may
communicate with other servers in the OSP host complex 580 to share
subscriber profile data with other services. Alternatively, user
profile data may be saved locally on the client device 505.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, a communications system 600 is capable
of delivering and exchanging information between a client system
605 and a host system 610 through a communication link 615. Client
system 605 typically includes one or more client devices 620 and
one or more client controllers 625 for controlling the client
devices 620. Host system 610 typically includes one or more host
devices 635 and one or more host controllers 640 for controlling
the host devices 635. The communication link may include
communication pathways 650, 655 enabling communications through the
one or more delivery networks 660. The network 660 may be any known
or described delivery network including, but not limited, to a
telephone network and/or the Internet.
[0059] Examples of each element within the communication system of
FIG. 6 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In
particular, the client system 605 and the communications link 615
typically have attributes comparable to those described with
respect to client systems 105, 205, 305, 405, and 505 and
communications links 115, 215, 315, 415, and 515 of FIGS. 1-5.
Likewise, the host system 610 of FIG. 6 may have attributes
comparable to the host systems 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 shown in
FIGS. 1-5, and may illustrate one possible implementation of those
systems. However, FIG. 6 describes an aspect of the host system
610, focusing primarily on one particular implementation of the
host device 635.
[0060] The client system 605 includes a client device 620 and a
client controller 625. The client controller 625 is capable of
establishing a connection to the host system 610 through the
delivery network 615. In one implementation, the client controller
625 includes one or more applications, such as an IM application,
an OSP application, and/or an Internet browser application.
[0061] The host system 610 includes a host device 635 and a host
controller 640. The host controller 640 is capable of transmitting
instructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 635.
For example, in one implementation, the host controller 640
includes one or more software applications loaded on one or more
elements of the host device 635. However, in other implementations,
as described above, the host controller 640 may include any of
several other programs, machines, and devices operating
independently or collectively to control the host device 635.
[0062] The host device 635 includes a mail gateway 6350 having a
send mail server 6352 and a read mail server 6354. The send mail
server 6352 is configured to perform functions relating to
transmitting electronic data. The read mail server 6354 is
configured to perform functions relating to receiving and accessing
electronic data. The mail gateway 6350 is in communication with one
or more processing servers 6360.
[0063] The mail gateway 6350 also is in communication with the
storage area 6370 and a tandem database 6380. The storage area 6370
includes electronic content databases 6372, 6374 and attachment
database 6376. The tandem database 6380 includes a system of
folders that store electronic data for subscribers of the host
system 610.
[0064] The host device 635 also includes an IM host complex 6390.
The IM host complex server 6390 typically has attributes comparable
to some or all elements of IM host complexes 390, 490, and 590. The
IM host complex 6390 includes an e-buddy server 6392 in
communication with the client system 605, the read mail server
6352, a look-up server 6394, and an IM server 6396. The IM server
6396 is capable of supporting instant messaging services, the
look-up server 6394 is capable of finding subscriber account
information (e.g., screen name) from a given e-mail address, and
the e-buddy server is 6392 is capable of configuring IM
communication between the intended recipient of an e-mail message
and the sender and/or other recipients of the e-mail message.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, a sender 702 and a host 704 interact
according to a procedure 700 to transmit electronic data. The
procedure 700 may be implemented by any type of hardware, software,
device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program,
application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal.
[0066] Examples of each element of FIGS. 7 and 8 are broadly
described above with respects to FIGS. 1-6. In particular, the
sender 702 typically has attributes comparable to those described
with respect to client devices 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, and 620
and/or client controllers 125, 225, 325, 425, 525, and 625. The
host 704 typically has attributes comparable to those described
above with respect to host devices 135, 235, 335, 435, 535, and 635
and/or host controllers 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, and 640. The
sender 702 and/or the host 704 may be directly or indirectly
interconnected through a known or described delivery network.
[0067] Initially, the sender 702 transmits electronic data to the
host 704 (step 705). In one implementation, the sender 702 is a
client system 605 associated with an end user of the communication
system 600. In another implementation, the sender 702 aids the
client system 605 in transmitting electronic data through a
communications link 615 to the host system 610. In yet another
implementation, the sender 702 is a processing server 6360 within
the host system 610. For example, the processing server 6360 may be
a web mail server arranged to store and forward electronic data
transmitted between end users of the communication system 600.
[0068] The host 704 receives the electronic data from the sender
702 (step 710). In one implementation, the mail gateway 6350
receives the electronic data from the client system 605 and/or the
processing server 6360. Typically, the mail gateway 6350 will
receive electronic content from subscribers through a dial-up
telephone network or DSL (digital subscriber line) and will receive
electronic content from non-subscribers indirectly through the
Internet. The mail gateway 6350 may perform protocol conversions if
necessary to receive electronic content from non-subscribers.
[0069] After receiving the electronic data from the sender 702
(step 710), the host 704 determines one or more attributes of the
electronic data (step 715). Attributes of the electronic data may
include, but are not limited to, an identification token, the
author of the electronic data, the recipient(s) of the electronic
data, the subject of the electronic data, the date and time of the
transmission, and/or whether the electronic data contains
attachments or embedded images. The host 704 typically stores the
contents and attributes of the electronic data. For example, in one
implementation, contents of the electronic data are stored in the
storage area 6370 and the attributes of the electronic data are
cached locally in the e-buddy server 6392 and also are stored in
the tandem database 6380. The body of the electronic data is stored
in electronic content databases 6372, 6374 and any attachments are
stored in the attachment database 6376. In this example, the body
of the electronic data is stored twice to assure its availability.
Due to the typically large sizes of attachments, however, such
objects are only stored once to conserve memory space.
[0070] The tandem database 6380 includes a system of folders
corresponding to the subscribers of the host system 610. Each
folder may have properties assigned by the subscriber including,
for example, properties for filtering electronic content from
certain sources. When electronic data are received, the folder
stores the attributes of the electronic data including the
location(s) of the electronic data content (i.e., body and
attachments) in the storage area 6370.
[0071] The host 704 then configures an alternate communication
scheme between the intended recipient and the sender 702 and/or
configures an alternate communication scheme between the intended
recipient and other recipients based on the detected attributes of
the electronic data (step 720).
[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates one implementation of a procedure 800 for
configuring an alternate communications scheme. Initially, the
e-buddy server 6392 detects an identification token associated with
incoming electronic data (e.g., an e-mail message) (step 805). The
identification token may be intercepted by the e-buddy server 6392
and/or presented to the e-buddy server 6392 by the client system
605, the processing server 6360, and/or the read mail server 6352.
By referencing the token, the e-buddy server 6392 accesses a cache
(step 810) and determines whether attributes of the electronic data
are stored locally (step 815). Such attributes may include, but are
not limited to, a listing of the sender and all recipients
associated with the electronic data.
[0073] If attributes of the electronic data are stored locally, the
e-buddy server 6392 retrieves the attributes from the local cache
(step 820). If, on the other hand, attributes of the electronic
data are not stored locally, the e-buddy server 6392 determines the
attributes of the electronic data (step 825) and then stores the
attributes in a local cache (step 830). The e-buddy server 6392 may
determine the attributes of the electronic data itself and/or
access another server to determine the attributes. In one
implementation, the e-buddy server 6392 accesses the read mail
server 6354. The read mail server 6354 then determines attributes
of the electronic data, including a listing of the sender and the
recipients associated with the electronic data, and presents the
attributes to the e-buddy server 6392. The e-buddy server 6392
receives the listing from the read mail server 6354 and stores the
listing in a local cache.
[0074] The sender and the recipients listed may or may not be
subscribers of the communication system 600. In one implementation,
the listing includes e-mail addresses of subscribers and
non-subscribers. The e-buddy server 6392 strips the domain (e.g.,
@aol.com) from the e-mail address of a subscriber with a recognized
domain to obtain the subscriber's screen name (step 835). This step
facilitates the reverse look-up process.
[0075] The e-buddy server 6392 sends the listing of e-mail
addresses to the look-up server 6394. The look-up server determines
the instant messaging capability of each of the e-mail addresses
and/or screen names (step 840). In one implementation, the look-up
server 6394 determines whether each e-mail address is associated
with a subscriber of the communication system 600 and/or the 1M
host complex 6390. In another implementation, the look-up server
6394 checks to see whether a screen name is associated with an
active account having IM capability.
[0076] The look-up server 6394 reports back to the e-buddy server
6392 and identifies to the e-buddy server 6392 which of the sender
and the recipients have the capability to communicate using instant
messaging.
[0077] Based on this information, the e-buddy server 6392 interacts
with the IM server 6396. In one implementation, the e-buddy server
6392 instructs the 1M server 6396 to send an invitation to those
without instant messaging capability (step 845). The invitation may
invite the sender and/or recipient to subscribe to the IM host
complex 6390 and/or the host system 610. For those with instant
messaging capability, the e-buddy server 6392 requests the IM
server 6396 to identify the IM state of the particular user (e.g.,
online, offline, away, busy). As described above, the IM server
6396 may be a network of interconnected servers capable of
determining the status or online presence of subscribers. The
online presence of a particular subscriber can be detected, for
example, from a persistent connection to an IM server and/or the
activity of a specific control port.
[0078] In response to the request(s) from e-buddy server 6392, the
IM server 6396 identifies the IM state of each of the sender and
the recipients (e.g., online, offline, not a member) (step 850). In
one implementation the 1M state is given by whether each of the
sender and recipients is online, offline, or does not have instant
messaging capability. The IM server 6396 and/or the e-buddy server
6392 reports the IM state of each of the sender and recipients to
the intended recipient (step 855). In one implementation, a
particular graphical user interface is displayed to the recipient
based on the IM state. For example, upon opening an e-mail message,
the recipient may receive one or more redirection commands based on
the IM state of the sender and any other addressees of the e-mail
message. The redirection command may include a URL for navigating
the recipient's browser to a particular URL associated with a
graphical user interface and/or an icon corresponding to one of the
IM states.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, a UI 900 illustrates an example of how
the IM state of each of the sender and to recipients may be
reported to the intended recipient. The UI 900 includes a buddy
list window. In this example, the people on an e-mail message who
are able to receive instant messages will appear in the buddy list
window in a new group called Mail Contacts.
[0080] A user may send an instant message to a person in the Mail
Contacts list by clicking that person's screen name.
[0081] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of how the IM state of
each of the sender and the recipients may be represented. An icon
next to a person's address in an e-mail message may indicate to the
recipient that the person has IM capability. By clicking on the
person's address, the recipient may launch an instant message.
Where an icon does not appear next to a person's address, the
person does not presently have IM capability. By clicking on the
person's address, the recipient may send an e-mail message to the
person. If the person is not a member of any IM service, the
recipient can send the person an invitation.
[0082] Other implementations are within the scope of the following
claims. For example. The general aspects described above relate to
instant messaging and e-mail as well as other forms of
communication such as, for example, telephonic communication (e.g.,
mobile phones, pagers).
* * * * *