Instant messenger as a web-based communicator
First Claim
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1. A method for initiating communication over an Internet network between a first type instant messenger utility and a second type instant messenger utility, the method comprising:
- receiving a request from a first user at a first terminal utilizing said first type instant messenger utility to communicate with a second user at a second terminal utilizing said second type instant messenger utility;
accessing a database over said Internet in response to said request to translate a user name associated with said second user into a contact number for said second user, said user name being linked to said first type instant messenger utility; and
utilizing said contact number for said second user to initiate communication over said Internet network with said second user at said second terminal.
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Abstract
A plug-in for use with an instant messenger utility that enables users to make telephone calls through the instant messenger. The plug-in provides users of web-based IM clients, an interface to call contact in their contact list. The plug-in also acts as a connector between users of disparate networks, allowing users of one IM network to communicate with users of another IM network. The plug-in can also call-enable other web-based applications.
87 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for initiating communication over an Internet network between a first type instant messenger utility and a second type instant messenger utility, the method comprising:
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receiving a request from a first user at a first terminal utilizing said first type instant messenger utility to communicate with a second user at a second terminal utilizing said second type instant messenger utility;
accessing a database over said Internet in response to said request to translate a user name associated with said second user into a contact number for said second user, said user name being linked to said first type instant messenger utility; and
utilizing said contact number for said second user to initiate communication over said Internet network with said second user at said second terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system that allows a first user of a first type instant messenger utility on a first computer to communicate with a second user of a second type instant messenger utility, said system comprising:
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said first computer connected to a computer network;
said first computer equipped with a VoIP engine;
said first computer equipped with said first type instant messenger utility;
said first type instant messenger utility including a first plug-in on said first terminal that is compatible with a second plug-in installed on a second computer utilized by said second user to operate said second type instant messenger utility, said first plug-in being integrated with said first type instant messenger utility, said first plug-in being operative to communicate with said VoIP engine when said first user identifies said second user'"'"'s contact name from a list of contact names generated by said first type instant messenger utility; and
said VoIP engine being operative to establish communication with said second user through said second type instant messenger utility in response to said first user'"'"'s identification of said contact name. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for initiating communication over an Internet network between a first software application on a first computer and a second computer, wherein said first software application does not include communication functionality compatible with said second computer, the method comprising:
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integrating a plug-in with said first software application, said plug-in being capable of translating a contact ID selected through said first software application into a contact number; and
initiating communication with said second computer utilizing said contact number to drive a communication engine installed in said first computer.
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Specification