User status control for a messaging interface
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for controlling an online status of a user in a network, the method comprising:
- providing a messaging interface with which the user may initiate communication with other users in the network, the messaging interface including first status information representing the online status of the user, the messaging interface further including a status control element which is visible in the messaging interface without requiring action by the user;
providing second status information representing the online status of the user to selected ones of the other users; and
in response to selection of the status control element, updating the first and second status information to represent a corresponding change of the online status of the user, wherein the selection of the status control element requires only a single selection action by the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are described for controlling an online status of a user in a network. A messaging interface is provided with which the user may initiate communication with other users in the network. The messaging interface includes first status information representing the online status of the user. The messaging interface further includes a status control element which is visible in the messaging interface without requiring action by the user. Second status information representing the online status of the user is provided to selected ones of the other users. In response to selection of the status control element, the first and second status information are updated to represent a corresponding change of the online status of the user. The selection of the status control element requires only a single selection action by the user.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for controlling an online status of a user in a network, the method comprising:
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providing a messaging interface with which the user may initiate communication with other users in the network, the messaging interface including first status information representing the online status of the user, the messaging interface further including a status control element which is visible in the messaging interface without requiring action by the user;
providing second status information representing the online status of the user to selected ones of the other users; and
in response to selection of the status control element, updating the first and second status information to represent a corresponding change of the online status of the user, wherein the selection of the status control element requires only a single selection action by the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A messaging system operating in a network comprising at least one network device which is operable to:
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provide a messaging interface on a device in the network with which a user may communicate with other users in the network, the messaging interface including first status information representing an online status of the user, the messaging interface further including a status control element which is visible in the messaging interface without requiring action by the user;
provide second status information representing the online status of the user on other devices on the network associated with selected ones of the other users; and
update the first and second status information to represent a corresponding change of the online status of the user in response to selection of the status control element, wherein the selection of the status control element requires only a single selection action by the user. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable medium having computer program instructions stored therein which are operable to cause at least one computer to:
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provide a messaging interface with which a user may communicate with other users in a network, the messaging interface including first status information representing an online status of the user, the messaging interface further including a status control element which is visible in the messaging interface without requiring action by the user;
provide second status information representing the online status of the user to selected ones of the other users; and
update the first and second status information to represent a corresponding change of the online status of the user in response to selection of the status control element, wherein the selection of the status control element requires only a single selection action by the user.
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18. A device with which a user may communicate with other users in a network, the device comprising a display, a processor, memory having computer-program instructions stored therein, an interface to the network, and at least one switch operable to control an online status of the user in the network, the processor being operable in conjunction with the computer program instructions to:
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provide a messaging interface on the display with which the user may initiate communication with other users in the network, the messaging interface including first status information representing the online status of the user, the first status information corresponding to second status information representing the online status of the user to selected ones of the other users on corresponding devices; and
in response to operation of the at least one switch, update the first status information to represent a corresponding change of the online status of the user, and communicate the change of the online status to the network via the interface such that the change is reflected in the second status information.
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Specification