Limiting access to instant messaging content on a display screen
US8856223B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/84
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A technique that reduces the possibility that a message received at a computer terminal during an instant messaging conversation will become accessible to unintended viewers. One embodiment is directed to an arrangement wherein a computer terminal at a first client work station is disposed to receive chat messages from a second client work station during an instant messaging conversation. An apparatus associated with the computer terminal for limiting access to the received chat messages includes a device for attaching a security identifier to each received chat message. A display device at the computer terminal generates a window that selectively provides a specified one of the chat messages in viewable form. A concealment device coupled to the display device is operable to make the specified chat message unviewable on the display device. A component connected to the concealment device activates the concealment device when a prespecified event occurs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.