Group-oriented communications user interface
First Claim
1. A method of displaying information pertaining to communications between a user and members in a selected group, the method comprising a series of steps of:
- displaying a gallery including a plurality of images, each one of the plurality of images corresponding to a member in the selected group, each one of the plurality of images having a status indicator and an associated message directional icon, the status indicator representing a current status of messages of a type represented by the associated message directional icon;
monitoring communications between the user and a selected member in the selected group to determine a current status of messages of the type represented by the associated message directional icon; and
updating the status indicator displayed in the gallery for the one of the plurality of images corresponding to the selected member in the selected group.
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Abstract
A system and methods are provided for displaying and processing communications via a variety of communications media using a personal computer. Messages received either wirelessly, for example, wireless e-mail, or over telephone wireline, such as voice mail or facsimile, are segregated and presented for review by the subscriber according to whether the originator is within a select group of routinely contacted individuals and also by type of media. The system includes a graphical user interface to provide an intuitive and efficient message processing capability. In alternative embodiments the apparatus and methods are self-documenting and facilitate communication to the system manufacturer.
385 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of displaying information pertaining to communications between a user and members in a selected group, the method comprising a series of steps of:
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displaying a gallery including a plurality of images, each one of the plurality of images corresponding to a member in the selected group, each one of the plurality of images having a status indicator and an associated message directional icon, the status indicator representing a current status of messages of a type represented by the associated message directional icon; monitoring communications between the user and a selected member in the selected group to determine a current status of messages of the type represented by the associated message directional icon; and updating the status indicator displayed in the gallery for the one of the plurality of images corresponding to the selected member in the selected group. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Apparatus for communicating with members in a selected group by a plurality of communications media, the apparatus comprising:
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a processor for receiving incoming messages and monitoring the incoming messages to generate signals indicative of a current status of the incoming messages; data storage means coupled to the processor for storing incoming messages; interface means for selectively coupling the processor to each one of the plurality of communications media; a user interface having display means for displaying a gallery including a plurality of images, each one of the plurality of images corresponding to a member in the selected group, each one of the plurality of images having a status indicator representing a current status of incoming messages, from that member in the selected group, responsive to the signals indicative of the current status of the incoming messages. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification