Method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging
US7725538B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L51/04
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing multi-threaded conversations in an instant messaging system. The present invention provides a menu option to allow the start of a new topic of discussion within the current instant messaging session. When a new topic is selected, a new thread of conversation is created within the messaging window that is segregated from previous topics of discussion. This new thread of conversation may be created at all other locations for all of the parties involved in the instant messaging session. In this manner, each party to a messaging session containing multiple conversations may be able to understand which response is related to which thread of conversation. In addition, a menu option may be provided by the instant messaging application to allow a user to merge one or more of the threaded conversations into a single conversation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.