APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AFFECTING CORRESPONDENT-CENTRIC ELECTRONIC MAIL
First Claim
1. A system for managing a plurality of messages, said system comprising:
- a first data structure that stores a plurality of information items, wherein the information items are each independent of the plurality of messages; and
one or more modules that are operable to link an instance of a first message to a first set of two or more information items in the plurality of information items stored in the first data structure.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques to make e-mail correspondent-centric rather than message-centric, and reduce junk e-mail. Tabulates, maintains, and updates useful information about the user'"'"'s chosen correspondents, and the history and status of each correspondence series. Filters incoming messages from an unrecognized sender, asking user whether to add sender to correspondent list, and if so prompts user for needed information. Eliminates the need to search for e-mail addresses. Facilitates viewing sequential messages to and from a correspondent. Provides an effective tool to eliminate junk-mail by making it simpler and more practical to screen messages or change one'"'"'s e-mail address. When user changes his e-mail address, automates notification of user'"'"'s chosen correspondents, and in some cases can automatically update such correspondents'"'"' e-mail address lists. Eliminates need to manually create and maintain mailboxes or folders. Allows automated organization of e-mail by correspondent. Is easier to learn and use than previous forms of e-mail.
26 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A system for managing a plurality of messages, said system comprising:
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a first data structure that stores a plurality of information items, wherein the information items are each independent of the plurality of messages; and one or more modules that are operable to link an instance of a first message to a first set of two or more information items in the plurality of information items stored in the first data structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification