Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing a request for a resource in a communication

• US 9,998,410 B1
• Filed: 11/03/2017
• Issued: 06/12/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gummarus, LLC (Oso IP, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Sitting Man LLC
• Inventors: Morris, Robert Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Miah, Razu A
• Application Number:
  US15/803,733
• Time in Patent Office: 221 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2423 Interactive query statement specification based on a database schema
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/90332 Natural language query formulation or dialogue systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/046 Interoperability with other network applications or services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/08 Annexed information, e.g. attachments
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4143 embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4396 by muting the audio signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4438 Window management, e.g. event handling following interaction with the user interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4852 for modifying audio parameters, e.g. switching between mono and stereo
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4854 for modifying image parameters, e.g. image brightness, contrast

Abstract

A computer-implemented method (and non-transitory media) are provided, comprising at least a portion of an instant messaging application that is configured to cooperate with an apparatus, the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to: display an instant messaging interface including: a text entry user interface element for receiving entered text, a plurality of user interface elements for generating attachment requests that are valid according to a criterion schema defining at least one of a format or a vocabulary, the plurality of user interface elements including: a first button with corresponding first text, and a second button with corresponding second text.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

creating at least a portion of an instant messaging application that is configured to cooperate with an apparatus, the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to;

display an instant messaging interface including;

a text entry user interface element for receiving entered text,

a plurality of user interface elements for generating attachment requests that are valid according to a criterion schema defining at least one of a format or a vocabulary, the plurality of user interface elements including;

a first button with corresponding first text, and

a second button with corresponding second text,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the first button with corresponding first text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the first button with corresponding first text;

generate a first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to the apparatus and utilizing a communications agent on the device configured to send outgoing messages addressed from a communicant identifier associated with a user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a first response including at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request,

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the second button with corresponding second text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the second button with corresponding second text;

generate a second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a second response including at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the second response including the at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one second image; and

causing storage of the at least portion of the instant messaging application.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the criterion schema is preconfigured by the apparatus.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the criterion schema is configured by the apparatus based on one or more capabilities of the instant messaging application.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the criterion schema is configured by the apparatus, and the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the attachment requests are generated based on an instant message received previously at the device from the apparatus.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first image is automatically located based on the first attachment request, utilizing a service that is separate from the apparatus and that is in communication with the apparatus via at least one network.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the text entry user interface element for receiving entered text is displayed simultaneously with the first button with corresponding first text, and is further displayed simultaneously with the second button with corresponding second text.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first attachment request and the second attachment request are of a first attachment request type, and the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to:

receive, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, the entered text,

based on the receipt, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, of the entered text;

generate a third attachment request of a second attachment request type, the third attachment request including the entered text,

after the generation of the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type;

send, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text,

after sending, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text;

receive, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a third response including at least one third image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the third response including the at least one third image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one third image.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the at least one third image is automatically located based on the third attachment request by performing a matching operation with the entered text, where the entered text is part of a query entered by the user.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first attachment request and the second attachment request are of a first attachment request type, and the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to:

receive, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, the entered text,

based on the receipt, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, of the entered text;

generate a third attachment request of a second attachment request type, the third attachment request including the entered text,

after the generation of the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text;

send, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text,

after sending, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type;

receive, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the at least one first image is automatically located based on the third attachment request by performing a matching operation with the entered text, where the entered text is part of a query entered by the user.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:

the instant messaging application is configured to utilize the communications agent on the device to communicate the incoming messages when the user is a contactee and the outgoing messages when the user is a contactor, utilizing a communications protocol, such that the incoming messages and the outgoing messages are addressed using the communicant identifier which takes the form of a communication address associated with a communicant alias corresponding to the user; and

the instant messaging interface is configured to simultaneously display at least a portion of at least one of the incoming messages and at least a portion of at least one of the outgoing messages in a form of a conversation which is simultaneously displayed with at least a portion of at least one of;

the at least one first image or the at least one second image, where at least one of the at least one first image or the at least one second image is displayed to be part of the conversation.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the communications protocol includes a publish-subscribe protocol on top of a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at least one of:

the at least portion of the instant messaging application includes an entirety of the instant messaging application;

the device includes at least one of a personal computer or a mobile device;

the at least portion of the instant messaging application is created by a development thereof;

the instant messaging application is configured to cooperate with the apparatus by communicating with the apparatus;

the instant messaging application is configured such that interaction therewith is capable of invoking a network browser application;

the apparatus includes at least one of one or more servers, or one or more relays;

the apparatus is equipped with another communications agent;

the communicant identifier includes at least one of a contactor identifier or a contactee identifier;

in each instance of the displaying in response to the receiving, the displaying occurs in immediate response to the receiving;

in each instance of the displaying in response to the receiving, the displaying occurs after at least one intermediate operation that occurs in immediate response to the receiving;

each instance of receiving includes receiving, from the apparatus, that which was received by the apparatus from a web service;

each instance of sending includes sending, to the apparatus, that which is sent by the apparatus to a web service;

at least one of the first button or the second button includes a button control that initiates a command in response to a user selection thereon;

at least one of the first button or the second button includes a hyperlink;

selection on at least one of the first button or the second button results in a call;

at least one of the first button or the second button is constructed using a mark-up language;

at least one of the first button or the second button is received as a message attachment;

at least one of the first button or the second button is associated with a uniform resource locator;

the first button includes the corresponding first text;

the second button includes the corresponding second text;

the indication of the selection on at least one of the first button or the second button does not invoke a network browser application;

the indication of the selection on at least one of the first button or the second button is received via the instant messaging interface in response to a detection of a user touch on a touchscreen of the device;

the indication of the selection on at least one of the first button or the second button includes a signal;

the indication of the selection includes selection information;

the indication of the selection on at least one of the first button or the second button is received from code associated with the instant messaging interface;

the communications agent is separate from the instant messaging application;

the communications agent is integrated with the instant messaging application;

the communications agent receives the incoming messages and sends the outgoing messages;

the incoming messages include automatically generated messages and the outgoing messages include messages edited by the user;

the incoming messages include automatically generated messages and the outgoing messages include messages prompted by the user;

the outgoing messages include the first attachment request and the second attachment request;

the incoming messages include the first response and the second response;

the addressing is automatic;

the addressing is manual;

the vocabulary defines one or more valid values;

the format includes at least one of one or more image format types, one or more video format types, one or more markup languages, one or more scripting languages, one or more byte code, or one or more machine code;

the criterion schema defines at least one of a format or a vocabulary;

the entered text includes tag text;

the entered text is entered by the user of the instant messaging application;

or

the at least portion of the instant messaging application is part of a system, where the system further comprises the apparatus and the device.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer instructions of an instant messaging application, that when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the one or more processors to:

display an instant messaging interface, the instant messaging interface including;

a text entry user interface element for receiving entered text,

a plurality of user interface elements for generating attachment requests that are valid according to a criterion schema defining at least one of a format or a vocabulary, the plurality of user interface elements including;

a first button with corresponding first text, and

a second button with corresponding second text,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the first button with corresponding first text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the first button with corresponding first text;

generate a first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to an apparatus and utilizing a communications agent on the device configured to send outgoing messages addressed from a communicant identifier associated with a user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a first response including at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request,

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the second button with corresponding second text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the second button with corresponding second text;

generate a second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to send the outgoing messages addressed from the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a second response including at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and utilizing the communications agent on the device configured to receive the incoming messages addressed to the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the second response including the at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one second image.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein:

the instructions are configured such that, when executed, the text entry user interface element for receiving entered text is displayed simultaneously with the first button with corresponding first text, and is further displayed simultaneously with the second button with corresponding second text;

the instant messaging application is configured to utilize the communications agent on the device to communicate the incoming messages when the user is a contactee and the outgoing messages when the user is a contactor, utilizing a communications protocol, such that the incoming messages and the outgoing messages are addressed using the communicant identifier which takes the form of a communication address associated with a communicant alias corresponding to the user;

the instant messaging interface is configured to simultaneously display at least a portion of at least one of the incoming messages and at least a portion of at least one of the outgoing messages in a form of a conversation which is simultaneously displayed with at least a portion of at least one of;

the at least one first image or the at least one second image.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein at least one of:

the at least one first image or the at least one second image is accompanied by content that is displayed and includes a link for invoking a network browser application for accessing additional content.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein:

the criterion schema is configured by the apparatus, and the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the attachment requests are generated based on an instant message received previously at the device from the apparatus;

the at least one first image is automatically located based on the first attachment request, utilizing a service that is separate from the apparatus and that is in communication with the apparatus via at least one network; and

the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the text entry user interface element for receiving entered text is displayed simultaneously with the first button with corresponding first text, and is further displayed simultaneously with the second button with corresponding second text.

18. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

creating at least a portion of an instant messaging application that is configured to cooperate with an apparatus, the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to;

display an instant messaging interface including;

a text entry user interface element for receiving entered text,

a plurality of user interface elements for generating attachment requests that are valid according to a criterion schema defining at least one of a format or a vocabulary, the plurality of user interface elements including;

a first menu item with corresponding first text, and

a second menu item with corresponding second text,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the first menu item with corresponding first text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the first menu item with corresponding first text;

generate a first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to the apparatus and with a communicant identifier associated with a user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a first response including at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request,

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the second menu item with corresponding second text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the second menu item with corresponding second text;

generate a second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a second response including at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the second response including the at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one second image; and

causing storage of the at least portion of the instant messaging application.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein:

the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the text entry user interface element for receiving entered text is displayed simultaneously with the first menu item with corresponding first text, and is further displayed simultaneously with the second menu item with corresponding second text;

the instant messaging application is configured to communicate the incoming messages when the user is a contactee and the outgoing messages when the user is a contactor, utilizing a communications protocol, such that the incoming messages and the outgoing messages are addressed using the communicant identifier which takes the form of a communication address associated with a communicant alias corresponding to the user; and

the instant messaging interface is configured to simultaneously display at least a portion of at least one of the incoming messages and at least a portion of at least one of the outgoing messages in a form of a conversation which is simultaneously displayed with at least a portion of at least one of;

the at least one first image or the at least one second image.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the at least one first image or the at least one second image is displayed to be part of the conversation, and the communications protocol includes a real-time, store and forward, instant messaging, request/reply protocol on top of a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

21. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein:

the criterion schema is configured by the apparatus and the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the attachment requests are generated based on an instant message received previously at the device from the apparatus;

the at least one first image is automatically located based on the first attachment request, utilizing a service that is separate from the apparatus and that is in communication with the apparatus via at least one network; and

the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the text entry user interface element for receiving entered text is displayed simultaneously with the first menu item with corresponding first text, and is further displayed simultaneously with the second menu item with corresponding second text.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the first attachment request and the second attachment request are of a first attachment request type, and the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to:

receive, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, the entered text,

based on the receipt, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, of the entered text;

generate a third attachment request of a second attachment request type, the third attachment request including the entered text,

after the generation of the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type;

send, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a third response including at least one third image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the third response including the at least one third image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one third image.

23. The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein the at least one third image is automatically located based on the third attachment request by performing a matching operation with the entered text, where the entered text is part of a query entered by the user.

24. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the first attachment request and the second attachment request are of a first attachment request type, and the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to:

receive, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, the entered text,

based on the receipt, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, of the entered text;

generate a third attachment request of a second attachment request type, the third attachment request including the entered text,

after the generation of the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text;

send, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image.

25. The computer-implemented method of claim 24, wherein the at least one first image is automatically located based on the third attachment request by performing a matching operation with the entered text, where the entered text is part of a query entered by the user.

26. A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer instructions of an instant messaging application, that when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the one or more processors to:

display an instant messaging interface including;

a text entry user interface element for receiving entered text,

a plurality of user interface elements for generating attachment requests that are valid according to a criterion schema defining at least one of a format or a vocabulary, the plurality of user interface elements including;

a first menu item with corresponding first text, and

a second menu item with corresponding second text,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the first menu item with corresponding first text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the first menu item with corresponding first text;

generate a first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to an apparatus and with a communicant identifier associated with a user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the first attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a first response including at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request,

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the first response including the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image,

receive, via the instant messaging interface, an indication of a selection on the second menu item with corresponding second text,

based on the receipt, via the instant messaging interface, of the indication of the selection on the second menu item with corresponding second text;

generate a second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after the generation of the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

send, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a second response including at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request that is valid according to the criterion schema defining at least one of the format or the vocabulary, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the second response including the at least one second image that is automatically located based on the second attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one second image; and

causing storage of the at least portion of the instant messaging application.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, wherein:

the instant messaging application is configured to communicate the incoming messages when the user is a contactee and the outgoing messages when the user is a contactor, utilizing a communications protocol, such that the incoming messages and the outgoing messages are addressed using the communicant identifier which takes the form of a communication address associated with a communicant alias corresponding to the user;

the instant messaging interface is configured to simultaneously display at least a portion of at least one of the incoming messages and at least a portion of at least one of the outgoing messages in a form of a conversation which is simultaneously displayed with at least a portion of at least one of;

the at least one first image or the at least one second image, where at least one of the at least one first image or the at least one second image is displayed to be part of the conversation; and

the communications protocol includes a real-time, store and forward, instant messaging, request/reply protocol on top of a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

28. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein:

the criterion schema is configured by the apparatus and the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the attachment requests are generated based on an instant message received previously at the device from the apparatus;

the at least one first image is automatically located based on the first attachment request, utilizing a service that is separate from the apparatus and that is in communication with the apparatus via at least one network; and

the instant messaging application is configured such that, when executed, the text entry user interface element for receiving entered text is displayed simultaneously with the first menu item with corresponding first text, and is further displayed simultaneously with the second menu item with corresponding second text.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 28, wherein the first attachment request and the second attachment request are of a first attachment request type, and the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to:

receive, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, the entered text,

based on the receipt, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, of the entered text;

generate a third attachment request of a second attachment request type, the third attachment request including the entered text,

after the generation of the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type;

send, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, a third response including at least one third image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the third response including the at least one third image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one third image;

wherein the at least one third image is automatically located based on the third attachment request by performing a matching operation with the entered text, where the entered text is part of a query entered by the user.

30. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 28, wherein the first attachment request and the second attachment request are of a first attachment request type, and the instant messaging application, when executed, configured to cause a device to:

receive, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, the entered text,

based on the receipt, via the text entry user interface element of the instant messaging interface, of the entered text;

generate a third attachment request of a second attachment request type, the third attachment request including the entered text,

after the generation of the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text;

send, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type and includes the entered text,

after sending, to the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the third attachment request that is of the second attachment request type;

receive, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the third attachment request, and

in response to the receipt, from the apparatus and with the communicant identifier associated with the user of the instant messaging application, of the at least one first image that is automatically located based on the first attachment request;

display, via the instant messaging interface, the at least one first image;

wherein the at least one first image is automatically located based on the third attachment request by performing a matching operation with the entered text, where the entered text is part of a query entered by the user.