Method and apparatus for automatic e-mail response interruption based on user activity
US7603420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/212
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer instructions for automatic e-mail response interruption based on user activity. An e-mail message having an “interrupt” type designation is sent from an originator, and directed to one or more recipients. The receiving e-mail client filters incoming messages and determines whether an e-mail contains an interrupt designation. If an interrupt designation is found, the e-mail client automatically displays content of the interrupt e-mail and any pending actions required of the recipient in a forefront position in the user interface, such as through a popup window. This content display may be valid until the recipient has responded to or completes the pending action specified in the e-mail. The present invention also analyzes the sender-recipient relationship to determine if the sender has the authority to issue an interrupt e-mail to the particular recipient. This authority may be predicated on user settings or an external list, such as a corporate directory.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.