Instant messaging system

• US 20030131064A1
• Filed: 12/27/2002
• Published: 07/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Simdesk Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Internet Access Technologies, Inc. (Simdesk Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Bell, John Francis III, Meservy, David Albert
• Application Number:
  US10/330,786
• Publication Number:
  US 20030131064A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/224 providing notification on incoming messages, e.g. pushed notifications of received messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/226 Delivery according to priorities

Abstract

An instant messaging system is disclosed that provides a means for presenting information to a user about current conversants and for managing the handling of multiple messages from different parties. A priority hierarchy is established and set by a user with respect to each conversant. Messages from high priority conversants are delivered and displayed prior to messages from lower priority conversants. In a business setting, messages may be routed to particular individuals or with a particular priority based on characteristics or attributes of the message sender.

Claims

1. An instant messaging system comprising:

means associated with a first party for sending a message to a second party;

means responsive to the identification of said second party for accessing information related to said second party; and

a display associated with said first party for displaying said information concerning said second party.

2. An instant messaging system comprising:

means associated with a first party for sending messages to a plurality of recipients;

means responsive to the identification of said recipients for accessing information related to said recipients; and

a display associated with said first party for displaying information concerning a particular one of said recipients whenever a message is sent to said recipient.

3. An instant messaging system comprising:

first means for receiving a message from a plurality of second means;

prioritization means associated with said first means for assigning a priority level to each of said second means; and

means for organizing messages received from each of said second means in accordance with said priority levels.

4. An instant messaging system comprising:

means for determining at least one attribute associated with the sender of a received message;

means for assigning a priority level to said received message based on said attribute; and

means for directing said message to a recipient in response to said priority level.