Apparatus and method for controlling use of instant messaging content
First Claim
1. In a configuration of client work stations interconnected to enable instant messaging between participants at respective stations, apparatus for controlling use of chat content exchanged between participants during said instant messaging, wherein said apparatus comprises:
- a content control device located at least at a first one of said stations, said control device connected to regulate use by said first station of specified chat content received from at least a second one of said stations;
a content use request device operable by the participant of said first station to send a message at least to said second station requesting permission to use said specified chat content; and
a request response device at said second station for sending a request response message to said content control device, said response message selectively operating said content control device to either prevent said first station from retaining or otherwise propagating said specified chat content, or to allow selective use by said first station of at least a portion of said specified chat content.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method is provided for use in instant messaging or chat conversations between participants at client computer terminals or work stations. When a participant wants to save some or all of the chat transcript, the participant actively requests consent from all other participants. The consent request includes the specific content to be saved, and provides a variety of options for responding to the request, such as to approve, disapprove, or delete selected text. In a useful embodiment, apparatus for controlling use of chat content includes a content control device located at least at a first one of the client stations, the control device connected to regulate use by a first station of specified chat content received from at least a second station. A content request device operable at the first station sends a message requesting permission to selectively use the specified chat content, and a request response device at the second station sends a response request message to either prevent the first station from propagating the specified chat content, or else approving selective use by the first station of at least a portion of the specified content.
40 Citations
20 Claims
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1. In a configuration of client work stations interconnected to enable instant messaging between participants at respective stations, apparatus for controlling use of chat content exchanged between participants during said instant messaging, wherein said apparatus comprises:
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a content control device located at least at a first one of said stations, said control device connected to regulate use by said first station of specified chat content received from at least a second one of said stations;
a content use request device operable by the participant of said first station to send a message at least to said second station requesting permission to use said specified chat content; and
a request response device at said second station for sending a request response message to said content control device, said response message selectively operating said content control device to either prevent said first station from retaining or otherwise propagating said specified chat content, or to allow selective use by said first station of at least a portion of said specified chat content. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. In a configuration of client work stations interconnected to enable instant messaging between participants at respective stations, a method for controlling use of chat content exchanged between participants during said instant messaging events, said method comprising the steps of:
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sending a content use request message from a first station to at least a second station, said content use message requesting permission to use specified chat content;
sending a request response message from said second station to said first station as a reply to said content use request, said request response message containing an instruction to either prevent said first station from propagating said specified chat content, or to enable selective use by said first station of at least a portion of said specified chat content; and
operating said first station in accordance with said instruction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. In a configuration of client work stations interconnected to enable instant messaging between participants at respective stations, a computer program product in a computer readable medium for controlling use of chat content exchanged between participants during said instant messaging events, said computer program product comprising:
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a first instruction for sending a content use request message from a first station to at least a second station, said content use message requesting permission to use specified chat content;
a second instruction for receiving a request response message sent from said second station to said first station as a reply to said content use request, said request response message containing an instruction to either prevent said first station from propagating said specified chat content, or to enable selective use by said first station of at least a portion of said specified chat content; and
a third instruction for operating said first station in accordance with said instruction. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification