System for using gender analysis of names to assign avatars in instant messaging applications

US7447996B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Susan M. Cox · Rochester, US
• Janani Janakiraman · Austin, US
• Fang Lu · Billerica, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 2008
• Grant date: Nov 4, 2008
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/107
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A software module for displaying gender-based avatar representations of users in instant messaging communications comprises a username analysis component and an interface component. The username analysis component is configured to be implemented within an instant messaging system providing for communication between a first user and a second user each having a user account registered with the instant messaging system. The username analysis component is configured to perform an anthroponomastic analysis of a username of the first user to assign a probable gender for the first user. The probable gender is selected from male, female, and neutral. The interface component is configured to display a gender-based avatar representation indicative of the probable gender for the first user to the second user when the first user and the second user are participating in a communication session with one another via the instant messaging system.