Contact alerts for unconnected users
DCFirst Claim
1. A method for connecting users to a first communication network, comprising:
- providing an address service connected to the first communication network on which a user may register a name and an associated address on a second communication network;
using the first communication network to access the address service;
designating a name registered on the address service;
in response to the designation of said registered name, automatically broadcasting a message over the second communication network to the registered address associated with the selected name, said message identifying an interactive activity to be conducted over the first communication network;
using a receiving device not connected to the first communication network to receive said message;
in response to the reception of said message by said receiving device, automatically generating a user prompt to commence the identified interactive activity; and
in response to a positive acknowledgment of said user prompt, automatically connecting an interactive device to the first communication network and commencing the identified interactive activity.
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Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
Users access an on-line address service to register their name (which may be a pseudonym or other fictitious or imaginary identity) and a unique contact address that may be used directly or indirectly to address a message over another communication network to an associated listening device. Once a potential user has registered his on-line identity and contact information, other users accessing the address service can then designate one of the listed names, either by selecting the name from a display list of registered names (if all registered names are displayed) or by entering the designated name onto an appropriate form, whereupon the computer hosting the address service will broadcast a message addressed to the identified person'"'"'s associated listening device. Once the message is received, the listening device notifies the associated user by causing the user'"'"'s computer to initiate an appropriate visual and/or audio alert display concerning the contact attempt. The user is then given an opportunity to connect to the on-line network and access a designated site to obtain further information about the attempted contact and/or to establish a direct connection with the interactive on-line activity from which the contact attempt originated, at the same time automatically launching any required browser or application software.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for connecting users to a first communication network, comprising:
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providing an address service connected to the first communication network on which a user may register a name and an associated address on a second communication network; using the first communication network to access the address service; designating a name registered on the address service; in response to the designation of said registered name, automatically broadcasting a message over the second communication network to the registered address associated with the selected name, said message identifying an interactive activity to be conducted over the first communication network; using a receiving device not connected to the first communication network to receive said message; in response to the reception of said message by said receiving device, automatically generating a user prompt to commence the identified interactive activity; and in response to a positive acknowledgment of said user prompt, automatically connecting an interactive device to the first communication network and commencing the identified interactive activity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification