METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CUSTOMIZING AND EMBEDDING WIDGETS IN INSTANT MESSAGES

• US 20110289428A1
• Filed: 06/08/2011
• Published: 11/24/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vaka Corporation
• Original Assignee: Vaka Corporation
• Inventors: YUEN, Paul Man-Wing, YUEN, Calvin Man-Lap
• Granted Patent: US 8,413,055 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/752
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]

Abstract

An enhanced instant messaging environment is provided where end user can choose from a list of customizable widgets, personalize and embed the widgets within messages in minimal steps. By allowing the embedment of widgets in messages, the environment empowers users with new means for online communication with new level of widget intelligence that takes into account multi-dimensional criteria, including but not limited to the screen-estate of its presentation and role of viewer for information presentation and operation options.

Claims

1. A system configured to facilitate enhanced instant messaging, wherein the system includes a messaging module that is configured to facilitate:

creation of text for an instant message;

selection of at least one widget from a plurality of customizable widgets;

personalization of the at least one widget selected; and

embedding of the at least one widget within the text message.

2. The messaging module of claim 1 wherein the at least one widget is configured to dynamically select and package content from a set of available information that the at least one widget configured to render, based on the viewing context as well as other multi-dimensional criteria including but not limited to the importance, the relevancy, and the recency of the information to be rendered.

3. The messaging module of claim 2 wherein the viewing context includes data representative of at least one of the role of the viewer and current screen estate allocated to the widget.

4. The messaging module of claim 2 wherein the content selected and packaged is rendered by a widget player.

5. The messaging module of claim 1 wherein at least one widget selected from a plurality of customizable widgets is stored in a widget container.

6. The messaging module of claim 1 wherein the messaging module is operatively configured to dynamically allocate screen real estate through which widgets may be rendered so that widgets may have a viewing context to determine the information that should be contained in the widget and how the widget is presented in the instant message.

7. The messaging module of claim 6 wherein the messaging module is operatively configured to assess the role of the viewer so that widgets may have a viewing context to determine the information that should be contained in the widget and how the widget is presented in the instant message.