User Experience For Multiple Simultaneous Connections On An Instant Messaging Program

• US 20080313297A1
• Filed: 06/13/2007
• Published: 12/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Heron, Alexandra K., Holmes, John S., Singh, Geeven, Smuga, Michael A., Steinbok, Nicole D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,244,878 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/207
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/043 using or handling presence information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/224 providing notification on incoming messages, e.g. pushed notifications of received messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/54 Presence management, e.g. monitoring or registration for receipt of user log-on information, or the connection status of the users

Abstract

Exemplary methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems are described for establishing multiple simultaneous connections on an instant messaging program to enhance the user experience. The user receives notifications of request to communicate, an email, or an alert on communication devices. By choosing which communication device to respond on, that particular communication device becomes active, continuing the communication to transmit to and receive from on that communication device. The process also includes mirroring the communication on the other communication devices that are alive (connected) and non-mobile. Furthermore, the other communication devices are kept alive to allow the user to switch from one communication device to another during communication.

Claims

1. A method for multiple simultaneous connections on an instant messaging program, implemented at least in part by a device, the method comprising:

establishing multiple simultaneous connections for communication transmitted to or received from communication devices associated with a user implemented on an instant messaging program, wherein the communication devices comprise a mobile device and a non-mobile device;

issuing a notification to the communication devices;

receiving a response from a communication device, wherein the communication is transmitted to or received from the communication device in an active mode;

mirroring communication transmitted to or received from the communication device that is in the active mode to the other non-mobile devices; and

indicating presence on the communication devices with multiple points of presence, wherein the communication devices are in synchronization with each other.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mirroring communication comprises receiving notifications, transmitting and receiving instant messages, changing presence information, changing contact list, changing group information, and opening and closing a conversation on an active device is mirrored on the other communication devices.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising keeping the multiple simultaneous connections alive or open to receive communication or notifications.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising switching communication on a first communication device to a communication second device of the communication devices, as the connections are kept alive.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising hiding the windows and sounds associated with receiving instant messages and notifications on communication devices that are not actively participating in the communication.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a notification of a list of the communication devices connected to the instant messaging program.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing a connection to an instant messaging program or service implemented on a web browser.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the mobile device retrieving a history of the communication transmitted to or received on the non-mobile device.

9. A computer-readable storage media comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a processor, perform the method as recited in claim 1.

10. A system for establishing multiple simultaneous connections on an instant messaging program, implemented by computer-executable instructions comprising:

memory;

a processor coupled to the memory for establishing multiple simultaneous connections;

wherein the processor is configured to;

establish multiple simultaneous connections for communication devices associated with a user to an instant messaging program, wherein the connections indicate presence on the communication devices with multiple points of presence;

issue a notification to the communication devices;

receive a response from a communication device, wherein communication is further transmitted to or received from the communication device;

wherein the communication is mirrored on the non-mobile devices that are logged on the instant messaging program; and

synchronize information between the communication devices logged on the instant messaging program.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a user interface issuing a notification of a list of the communication devices that are connected to the instant messaging program.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a user interface enabling logging on or off from one endpoint without logging off the other endpoints.

13. The system of claim 10, further comprising maintaining the simultaneous connections by keeping the connections alive for communication or notifications transmitted to or received from the communication devices;

wherein keeping the connections alive enable switching communication on a first device to a second device of the communication devices.

14. The system of claim 10, further comprising the processor to hide the windows and sounds associated with receiving instant messages and notifications on the communication devices that are not actively participating in the communication.

15. The system of claim 10, further comprising the processor in operation with one or more non-mobile communication devices to retrieve information transmitted initially to another communication device.

16. The system of claim 10, further comprising encrypting the communication and information transmitted to or received on the instant messaging program.

17. A computer-readable storage media comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a processor, perform the methods as recited in the system of claim 10.

18. A messenger server configured to mirror communication transmitted to or received from communication devices, the messenger server comprising:

memory;

the messenger server coupled to the memory which includes an instant messaging program;

wherein the messenger server is configured to;

issue a notification to communication devices;

receive a response from a non-mobile device and transmit to and receive communication to the non-mobile device;

receive a response from a mobile device and transmit to and receive communication to the mobile device;

mirror communication transmitted to or received from the communication device actively participating in the instant messaging program to other non-mobile devices;

wherein the communication is not mirrored to the mobile device that is logged in to the instant messaging program;

indicate presence on the one or more devices with multiple points of presence, wherein presence enables synchronization of the communication devices; and

maintain the simultaneous connections by keeping the connections alive or open, wherein the alive or open connection enables switching from a first device to a second device to continue the communication.

19. The messenger server of claim 18, further comprising signing in or signing off from one communication device will not affect the status of the other communication devices.

20. The messenger server of claim 18, further comprising closing communication on one communication device will close communication on the communication devices logged in to the instant messaging program.