Real-time, text-based messaging between devices in plural communities
US6941345B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/14
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communications system includes a plurality of communities each associated with a service provider. Text-based messaging sessions, such as chat sessions, may be established between users in the communities. A request is received from a user in a first community, the request indicating a desired text-based messaging session with a user in a second community. The user in the second community is notified of a request, and it is determined if the user has accepted the request to establish a text-based messaging session. If so, the text-based messaging session is established between users in the first and second communities. If the user is not available, predetermined information stored in a server may be accessed to determine a plurality of devices that may be employed for communicating with the user. A message is sent to at least a selected one of the plurality of devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.