AUTOMATIC CATEGORIZATION OF ENTRIES IN A CONTACT LIST

• US 20130073556A1
• Filed: 09/15/2012
• Published: 03/21/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc. (f/k/a Facebook, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc. (f/k/a Facebook, Inc.)
• Inventors: Valeski, Judson
• Granted Patent: US 8,775,950 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/740
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24575 using context
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/285 Clustering or classification
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]

Abstract

Entries within a participant list of an electronic communications system may be categorized automatically into one or more groups based on attributes of users represented in the participant list. Categorizing users includes maintaining a list of identifiers that are selected by a first user and for which online presence information is made perceivable through the list. The list includes one or more categories into which the identifiers are categorized. At least one attribute associated with an identifier for which online presence information is to be made perceivable through the list and attributes stored relative to at least one of the categories are accessed. The attributes associated with the identifier are compared to the stored attributes. Based on results of the comparison, at least one category within the list that corresponds to the identifier is identified, and the identifier is categorized into the identified category.

Claims

1. A method for categorizing users, the method comprising:

maintaining a list of identifiers that are selected by a first user and for which online presence information is made perceivable through the list, the list including one or more categories into which the identifiers are categorized;

accessing at least one attribute associated with an identifier for which online presence information is to be made perceivable through the list;

accessing attributes stored relative to at least one of the categories;

comparing the attributes associated with the identifier to the stored attributes;

based on results of the comparison, identifying at least one category within the list that corresponds to the identifier; and

categorizing the identifier into the identified category.

2-32. -32. (canceled)