Method and Apparatus for Interfacing an IM Network from a Network IM Client to a Remote Interface Device
First Claim
1. A communications apparatus, comprising:
- a single, network-based IM client situated on a server, said IM client comprising an interface from multiple endpoints of presence to an IM network;
each of said multiple endpoints of presence comprising a user device that is in communication with a single, separate remote interface device that is, in turn, in communication with said server;
wherein state of said remote interface device, and that of any IM sessions associated with said users devices, is maintained by said IM client on said server independently of said remote interface device; and
means associated with said IM client for using event notification for IM session synchronization amongst said user devices that are in communication with said remote interface device;
wherein multiple, independent endpoints of presence are in communication with said IM network via said IM client; and
wherein multiple users can simultaneously access a same IM network with a separate user device from a single, network-based IM client via a single, separate remote interface device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus turns a typical home telephone system into a platform for delivery of web based content and services. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a broadband enabled telephone system for the home and a series of web servers that collect, package, and deliver personalized content and services to all of the telephone handsets throughout the home. With this end-to-end solution, any information or services available via the web can be delivered through a broadband enabled telephone system. Through the web, each member of a family can build a profile which defines what information and services they want available through the handset. In addition, each handset can be dynamically personalized for any family member. The color screens on the handsets become windows through which an individual can view and interact with a broad range of content and services. The audio channels thus become an extension of the voice based services, such as messaging and voice chat.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A communications apparatus, comprising:
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a single, network-based IM client situated on a server, said IM client comprising an interface from multiple endpoints of presence to an IM network;
each of said multiple endpoints of presence comprising a user device that is in communication with a single, separate remote interface device that is, in turn, in communication with said server;
wherein state of said remote interface device, and that of any IM sessions associated with said users devices, is maintained by said IM client on said server independently of said remote interface device; and
means associated with said IM client for using event notification for IM session synchronization amongst said user devices that are in communication with said remote interface device;
wherein multiple, independent endpoints of presence are in communication with said IM network via said IM client; and
wherein multiple users can simultaneously access a same IM network with a separate user device from a single, network-based IM client via a single, separate remote interface device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communications method, comprising the steps of:
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providing a single, network-based IM client situated on a server, said IM client comprising an interface from multiple endpoints of presence to an IM network;
each of said multiple endpoints of presence comprising a user device that is in communication with a single, separate remote interface device that is, in turn, in communication with said server;
wherein state of said remote interface device, and that of any IM sessions associated with said users devices, is maintained by said IM client on said server independently of said remote interface device; and
providing means associated with said IM client for using event notification for IM session synchronization amongst said user devices that are in communication with said remote interface device;
wherein multiple, independent endpoints of presence are in communication with said IM network via said IM client; and
wherein multiple users can simultaneously access a same IM network with a separate user device from a single, network-based IM client via a single, separate remote interface device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification