Technique for enabling messaging systems to use alternative message delivery mechanisms
US6430604B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/58
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product for enabling messaging systems to use alternative message delivery mechanisms. In existing instant messaging systems, messages cannot be delivered to an intended recipient unless the recipient is currently logged on to an instant messaging system. According to the present invention, users may register one or more alternative message delivery mechanisms (such as pagers, cell phones, etc.) through which they are available as an alternative to an instant messaging system. Constraints may optionally be added to these registered alternatives, such as specifying a limitation on days of the week and/or hours of the day when a particular alternative may be used. Providing that an alternative messaging mechanism is registered, and any constraints for this alternative are satisfied, in the first preferred embodiment the extended IMS will select a suitable alternative and deliver the message. In a second and third preferred embodiment, the sender of the “instant” message will be informed of the available alternative(s). The sender may then choose to have his message delivered even though the intended receiver is not currently logged o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.