Patent · US Active

Unlocking emoticons using feature codes

US8788943B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
61References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 14, 2010
Grant dateJul 22, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 8, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04L51/04
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Provided is a method of making a graphic available to be transmitted over a communication network. Access is granted to a graphic that a sender of a first communication can select for inclusion in the first communication to be transmitted over the communication network. Selection by the sender of a restricted graphic for inclusion in the first communication is prevented. Using a computer operatively connected to the communication network, the content of the first communication entered by the sender is received, and includes the graphic available for selection by the sender. The first communication including the graphic is transmitted over the communication network. A code associated with a product is received, and the product is registered based at least in part on the code. In response to successful registration of the product, the sender is granted access to the restricted graphic, allowing the sender to select the restricted graphic for inclusion in a second communication.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.