User interface for integrating diverse methods of communication
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method of providing a messaging interface, comprising the steps of:
- causing the display of a list of communication methods;
enabling selection of a first communication method and a second communication method from the list, wherein input content created for use with the first communication method is duplicated as input content for use with the second communication method, and wherein the duplicated input content is editable; and
initiating transmission of input content to at least one recipient based upon the selected communication method.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated communication interface is provided for composing and sending messages. The interface is multi-configurable to seamlessly switch between different communication methods, e.g., electronic mail, instant messaging, SMS, chat, voice, and the like, without loss of message content. The interface allows a user to begin composing a message to be sent using one communication method, such as electronic mail, and subsequently change the communication method and send the message via a second communication method, such as instant messaging. When the communication method is changed, the user interface may also change to include elements specific to a particular communication method. The integrated communication interface may display information about participants in the communication, such as the participants'"'"' presence, i.e., whether they are online and available for communication, and may automatically choose the best method of communication based on the preferences and online presence of the participants.
56 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method of providing a messaging interface, comprising the steps of:
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causing the display of a list of communication methods; enabling selection of a first communication method and a second communication method from the list, wherein input content created for use with the first communication method is duplicated as input content for use with the second communication method, and wherein the duplicated input content is editable; and initiating transmission of input content to at least one recipient based upon the selected communication method. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer-implemented method of providing a list of at least one participant, comprising the steps of:
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causing the display of the list of at least one participant, wherein the at least one participant is associated with a list of at least one selectable communication method; enabling selection of a selected communication method from the list of at least one selectable communication method; invoking a messaging interface in response to selection of the selected communication method, wherein the messaging interface is configured for sending a message to the at least one participant using the selected communication method; enabling selection of a selected participant from the list of at least one participant; and invoking a messaging interface in response to selection of the selected participant, wherein the messaging interface is configured for sending a message to the selected participant using a default communication method associated with the selected participant. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable instructions for providing a messaging interface, the instructions for:
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causing a list of communication methods to be displayed; enabling selection of a first communication method and a second communication method from the list, wherein input content created for use with the first communication method is duplicated as input content for use with the second communication method, and wherein the duplicated input content is editable; and initiating transmission of input content to at least one recipient based upon the selected communication method. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable instructions for providing a list of at least one participant, the instructions for:
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causing the display of the list of at least one participant, wherein the at least one participant is associated with a list of at least one selectable communication method; enabling selection of a selected communication method from the list of at least one selectable communication method; and invoking a messaging interface in response to selection of the selected communication method, wherein the messaging interface is configured for sending a message to the at least one participant using the selected communication method; enabling selection of a selected participant from the list of at least one participant; and invoking a messaging interface in response to selection of the selected participant, wherein the messaging interface is configured for sending a message to the selected participant using a default communication method associated with the selected participant. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
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Specification