US20030065778A1 - Methods and Systems For Providing Marketing Information - Google Patents

Methods and Systems For Providing Marketing Information Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030065778A1
US20030065778A1 US10/184,670 US18467002A US2003065778A1 US 20030065778 A1 US20030065778 A1 US 20030065778A1 US 18467002 A US18467002 A US 18467002A US 2003065778 A1 US2003065778 A1 US 2003065778A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
user
contextual information
communication device
information
query
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/184,670
Inventor
Dale Malik
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meta Platforms Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/184,670 priority Critical patent/US20030065778A1/en
Assigned to BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION reassignment BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MALIK, DALE W.
Assigned to BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION reassignment BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ANDERSON, RICHARD A.
Publication of US20030065778A1 publication Critical patent/US20030065778A1/en
Assigned to BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION reassignment BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MALIK, DALE, HILL, PETER, KOCH, ROBERT A., ANDERSON, RICHARD A.
Assigned to AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. reassignment AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
Assigned to AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC. reassignment AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
Assigned to AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC. reassignment AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
Assigned to AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC. reassignment AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION
Assigned to FACEBOOK, INC. reassignment FACEBOOK, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
Priority to US14/323,969 priority patent/US20140324586A1/en
Priority to US14/328,509 priority patent/US11195206B2/en
Priority to US14/328,516 priority patent/US20150046261A1/en
Assigned to META PLATFORMS, INC. reassignment META PLATFORMS, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FACEBOOK, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0257User requested
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95Retrieval from the web
    • G06F16/958Organisation or management of web site content, e.g. publishing, maintaining pages or automatic linking
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/60Protecting data
    • G06F21/62Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0481Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
    • G06F3/0482Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10Office automation; Time management
    • G06Q10/107Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10Office automation; Time management
    • G06Q10/109Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0267Wireless devices
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0269Targeted advertisements based on user profile or attribute
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/22Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/04Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/21Monitoring or handling of messages
    • H04L51/224Monitoring or handling of messages providing notification on incoming messages, e.g. pushed notifications of received messages
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L51/00User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
    • H04L51/56Unified messaging, e.g. interactions between e-mail, instant messaging or converged IP messaging [CPM]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/45Network directories; Name-to-address mapping
    • H04L61/4552Lookup mechanisms between a plurality of directories; Synchronisation of directories, e.g. metadirectories
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/40Support for services or applications
    • H04L65/403Arrangements for multi-party communication, e.g. for conferences
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/60Scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests, e.g. requests for application data transmissions using the analysis and optimisation of the required network resources
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/22Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing
    • H04M3/2218Call detail recording
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/436Arrangements for screening incoming calls, i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/5307Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems for recording messages comprising any combination of audio and non-audio components
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/56Provisioning of proxy services
    • H04L67/561Adding application-functional data or data for application control, e.g. adding metadata
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/30Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
    • H04L69/32Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
    • H04L69/322Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
    • H04L69/329Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2203/00Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M2203/20Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to features of supplementary services
    • H04M2203/2066Call type detection of indication, e.g. voice or fax, mobile of fixed, PSTN or IP
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2242/00Special services or facilities
    • H04M2242/22Automatic class or number identification arrangements
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42034Calling party identification service
    • H04M3/42059Making use of the calling party identifier
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/42025Calling or Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42085Called party identification service
    • H04M3/42102Making use of the called party identifier
    • H04M3/4211Making use of the called party identifier where the identifier is used to access a profile
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/537Arrangements for indicating the presence of a recorded message, whereby the presence information might include a preview or summary of the message
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/0024Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services
    • H04M7/0036Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services where the data service is an information service
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/0024Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services
    • H04M7/0042Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services where the data service is a text-based messaging service
    • H04M7/0045Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services where the data service is a text-based messaging service where the text-based messaging service is an instant messaging service
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/0024Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services
    • H04M7/0054Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services where the data service is an electronic mail service
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/12Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
    • H04M7/1205Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal where the types of switching equipement comprises PSTN/ISDN equipment and switching equipment of networks other than PSTN/ISDN, e.g. Internet Protocol networks
    • H04M7/1225Details of core network interconnection arrangements
    • H04M7/1235Details of core network interconnection arrangements where one of the core networks is a wireless network
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/12Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
    • H04M7/1205Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal where the types of switching equipement comprises PSTN/ISDN equipment and switching equipment of networks other than PSTN/ISDN, e.g. Internet Protocol networks
    • H04M7/128Details of addressing, directories or routing tables
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04QSELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13175Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04QSELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13338Do-not-disturb
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04QSELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13377Recorded announcement

Definitions

  • the inventions relate to methods and systems of providing contextual information relating to communication devices and/or communication services to a user.
  • a consumer may pay attention to advertising if the products or services being advertised have some relevance to the consumer. For example, a consumer may pay attention to advertising presented at a time when the consumer's interest is heightened with respect to the products or services being advertised. A consumer's interest generally is heightened when he or she is using or thinking about a product or service. Thus, advertising presented when the consumer is using or thinking about a product or service may be more successful in grabbing the consumer's attention than when the same advertising is presented at other times. Advertising presented when the consumer is using or thinking about a product or service is referred to as “contextual advertising”.
  • contextual advertising is advertising that is relevant to the consumer when presented.
  • Contextual advertising of communication devices or services could be presented when a consumer is using a communication device and/or service. But when a consumer is using a communication device and/or service, generally most of the consumer's attention is given to the communication in progress. The consumer talking on a telephone or wireless unit typically is fully engaged in a conversation, and advertising presented during the conversation, even though it is contextual advertising, goes largely unnoticed.
  • the inventions provide a user with contextual information such as contextual advertising of communication devices and/or services.
  • the contextual information is presented to a user at a time when the user's interest in the communication devices and/or services is heightened. As a result, the user may pay more attention to the information than otherwise, and it is more likely the user may act on the information.
  • the inventions take advantage of a user's heightened interest in communication devices and services demonstrated at various times in the use of features of a communications manager.
  • a user's interest is interpreted as a heightened interest when the user accesses his or her profile information or message log in the communications manager.
  • the user's interest is interpreted as heightened when the user makes an effort or otherwise initiates a communication with a communicating partner.
  • the user is provided with the option of being presented with contextual information. The user is presented with the option so as not to cause the contextual information to be considered as annoying or bothersome. If the user responds positively, then the contextual information presented.
  • the inventions may be implemented through the use of a communications (“com”) manager operating in a personal computer (PC) of a user.
  • the com manager may store profile information relating to the user.
  • the profile information may indicate the communication devices and/or communication services of the user.
  • the profile information may indicate the type, brand, features, functionalities, specifications, configurations, etc. of the communication device or service.
  • the user may cause the com manager to display the profile information on the screen of the computer. If the user activates an entry in the profile information, such activation is noted, and a determination is made as to whether the activated entry identifies a communication device and/or communication service.
  • the identification may include the type, brand, features, functions, specifications, configurations, etc. of the communication device and/or communication service.
  • the user's interest in identified communication devices and/or communication services is heightened because the user has activated an entry including the identified communication devices and/or communication services in his or her profile information. With the user's interest heightened, it is a good time to present contextual advertising to the user.
  • the user may find it annoying or bothersome to be presented with contextual advertising when the user activates an entry in his or her profile information. If the user finds the contextual information to be annoying or bothersome, then the presentation of the contextual information may have an undesirable negative impact on the user.
  • the inventions include a mechanism with respect to the presentation of the contextual information so that any annoyance or bother is minimized.
  • a query appears on the computer screen inquiring whether the user would like contextual information about the communication device and/or communication service.
  • a user may avoid the presentation of the contextual information or select such presentation.
  • the query presented to the user may inquire whether the user would like to see contextual information about the type, brand, features, functions, specifications, etc. of the communication device and/or communication service. If the user responds positively, then the contextual information may be presented to the user. The user's positive response to the query also may be interpreted as a demonstration of a particularly heightened interest in the contextual information. Thus, the presentation of the contextual information may be particularly effective.
  • the com manager may store profile information about the user, and the user may be presented with contextual information through the use of his or her profile information. But the user may be presented with contextual information in other ways.
  • the user may be presented with contextual information through the use of a message log provided by the com manager.
  • the com manager may provide the message log including, respectively, entries for communications of the user. Each entry may include types of data relating to a communication.
  • the user can display the message log on a computer screen.
  • the user may activate a type of data in an entry of the message log relating to a communication.
  • the user's interest in the data in the entry in the message log is heightened because the user has activated the data in the entry in his or her message log. With the user's interest heightened, it is a good time to present contextual advertising to the user.
  • the type of data in an entry that may be activated may include an identification of a communicator, a communication device, a communication service, a subject, and/or a date.
  • the activation is noted and a query is displayed.
  • the user is provided with an opportunity to accept or decline the presentation of the contextual information through the mechanism of the query.
  • the query inquires whether the user would like to be presented with contextual information based on the activated type of data in the entry. If the user responds positively to the query, then the contextual information is presented to the user.
  • Another instance of a user's heightened interest in communication devices and/or services is the user's effort at communication with a communicating partner.
  • the inventions provide mechanisms for presenting contextual information to the user.
  • the com manager may store profile information relating to a communicating partner of the user.
  • the profile information may indicate a preferred communication device and/or communication service of the communicating partner.
  • the com manager notes an effort by the user to communicate with the communicating partner.
  • the identification of the communicating partner is used to check the profile information of the communicating partner for the preferred communication device and/or communication service of the communicating partner.
  • the preferred communication device and/or service of the communicating partner is compared with the communication devices and/or services of the user.
  • the user is not automatically presented with contextual information when a comparison yields a difference between the user's devices/services and the communicating partner's preferred device/service. Instead, so as not to annoy the user with unwanted contextual information, the user is presented with a query. The user is asked whether the user would like contextual information on the preferred communication device and/or service of the communicating partner. If a positive response is received, then the contextual information is presented to the user.
  • the com manager may be in direct or functional control of the contextual information to be presented to the user.
  • the com manager may take action to obtain the contextual information.
  • the com manager may obtain the contextual information from a gateway in a data network or from a telecommunications manager in a communications network.
  • the com manager may be provided with particular contextual information to present to the user as the opportunity arises.
  • a service provider of wireless service may provide an updated service program advertisement to the com manager.
  • the service provider may post the contextual information with a telecom manager in the PSTN or a server in a data network for retrieval by the com manager.
  • the inventions allow for the delivery of contextual information such as advertising of communication devices and/or services in such a manner as to gain the attention of a user.
  • the inventions take advantage of instances of a user's heightened interest in the subject matter.
  • the contextual information may be delivered in connection with a user's activation of an entry in profile information or message log relating to the user's communications.
  • the contextual information may be presented in connection with a communication initiated by the user to a communicating partner.
  • the contextual information is presented at the direction of the user in response to a query to avoid being annoying or burdensome to the user.
  • the contextual information is presented to a user at a time when the user's interest in the communication devices and/or services is heightened, and the user is more likely to act on the presented information.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for operation of the inventions.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message log as may be used with the inventions.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of profile information as may be used with the inventions.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example of profile information including contextual information as may be used with the inventions.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary message log including contextual information as may be used with the inventions.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the presentation of contextual information.
  • the inventions provide contextual information regarding communication devices and/or services. For example, a user may review his or her communication devices and/or services by reviewing his or her profile information stored by a communications (“com”) manager. The user may activate an entry in the profile information such as an entry relating to wireless units. As a result, a query appears inquiring whether the user would like information about wireless units. If the response is positive, then information about wireless units is presented.
  • a communications (“com”) manager may activate an entry in the profile information such as an entry relating to wireless units.
  • a query appears inquiring whether the user would like information about wireless units. If the response is positive, then information about wireless units is presented.
  • the information regarding wireless units is provided at a time when the user's interest in wireless units is heightened as a result of the user's check of the profile information.
  • the likelihood of the user's paying attention to, and acting on, the information presented about wireless units is heightened.
  • the inventions may be implemented through the use of a communications (“com”) manager.
  • a communications and information resource (CIR) manager is described. See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for a Communications and Information Resource Manager,” filed Sep. 28, 2001, which is incorporated herein by this reference.
  • the CIR manager may be used to implement the inventions described in this application. Prior to describing the inventions, some background about the CIR manager is provided.
  • a CIR manager may function as a “super” manager with respect to the communications devices, services, and systems of a user.
  • the CIR manager may be used to centralize communications activities and information such that the user does not have to (but may) use multiple communications devices.
  • the CIR manager may be used to keep a log of all types of communications related to the user—whatever the device, whatever the service, whatever the network.
  • An advantage of the CIR manager is the user does not have to check or use each type of device for its own type of messages. Another advantage is the CIR manager may obtain information from resources including third party resources so as to facilitate communications and information gathering activities of the user. With the CIR manager, the user is provided with a centralized, efficient, and user-friendly way to handle communications activities including ways to receive, view, listen to, play, respond to, store, log, monitor, delete, copy, forward, obtain, create, and to take other actions. Moreover, the CIR manager provides the user with personalized management of communications and information resources.
  • the CIR manager may provide the user with one or more of the following features and advantages:
  • Unified messaging including notice to the user relating to communications and/or other actions;
  • the CIR manager may integrate the features described above pursuant to a user's preferences so as to provide efficient, organized, and user-friendly communications and information resource management.
  • Exemplary functions of a CIR manager 10 are described above. To provide these functions and others, the CIR manager 10 may interact with a variety of systems, networks, and elements that may be directly connected to the CIR manager 10 , may be hosted by the same host(s) as the CIR manager 10 , may be functionally connected to the CIR manager 10 , and/or may be accessible to the CIR manager 10 either directly and/or through other systems, networks, and/or elements.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment of a CIR manager 10 implemented on a personal computer (PC) 24 .
  • PC personal computer
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment of a CIR manager 10 implemented on a personal computer (PC) 24 .
  • PC personal computer
  • the operating environment of FIG. 1 illustrates the CIR manager 10 may communicate through the PC 24 with another computer(s) 25 connected or otherwise networked with the PC 24 .
  • the CIR manager 10 also may communicate through the Internet 26 with one or more of the following or other devices:
  • An information resource 30 such as a database
  • a messaging system 32 [0054]
  • a voicemail system 34 [0055]
  • An administrative center 36 An administrative center 36 ;
  • PSTN public switched telephone network
  • the CIR manager 10 may communicate through the PSTN 38 with one or more of the following or other devices:
  • a telecommunications manager 40 [0059] A telecommunications manager 40 ;
  • a telephone (wireline unit) 42 ;
  • a wireless unit 44
  • a fax device (not illustrated).
  • the CIR manager 10 may have access to other computers 25 through local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, and other networks.
  • LANs local area networks
  • WANs wide area networks
  • direct connections and other networks.
  • the CIR manager 10 also may have access through the PC 24 to a global communications network such as the Internet 26 , and through the Internet 26 to other units, networks, and systems. Particularly, the CIR manager 10 may communicate with a gateway 28 connected to or operating on the Internet.
  • the gateway 28 may be a service platform, server, or other device.
  • the gateway 28 may be provided by the service provider of the CIR manager 10 , and may serve the CIR manager 10 .
  • Communications activities to and from the CIR manager 10 on the PC 24 may be directed to the gateway 28 and/or may pass through the gateway 28 to other systems, networks, and/or elements. In passing through the gateway 28 , the communications activities may be facilitated by the gateway 28 .
  • the CIR manager 10 may send a communication to the gateway 28 for routing to the appropriate element to handle such set-up activities.
  • Administrative Center 36 may handle administrative matters including set-up activities for the service provider.
  • the gateway 28 delivers or otherwise routes the communication to the Administrative Center 36 for the set-up activity.
  • the Administrative Center 36 may respond to the gateway 28 with questions, information, and instructions for the CIR manager 10 .
  • the gateway 28 may facilitate communications activities of the CIR manager 10 is to function as a router or director of communications and messages.
  • the CIR manager 10 may forward a request for data to the gateway 28 .
  • the gateway 28 may determine the data may be obtained from the information resource 30 .
  • the gateway 28 then forwards the request for data or the appropriate message to the information resource 30 .
  • the information resource 30 may respond to the CIR manager 10 or to the gateway 28 , which then communicates with the CIR manager 10 .
  • the gateway 28 may facilitate communications activities between the CIR manager 10 and the PSTN 38 , and other elements reached through the PSTN 38 such as the telecom manager 40 , and the communications devices including the wireline unit 42 , the wireless unit 44 , the pager 46 , and the fax device 48 .
  • the telecom manager 40 provides general functions and features related to communications of a user.
  • the telecom manager 40 may be implemented in a computer, on a service platform, in a network node, or other device.
  • the telecom manager 40 may include connections to devices and networks through integrated services digital network (ISDN) lines and signaling system 7 (SS 7 ) data links.
  • ISDN integrated services digital network
  • SS 7 signaling system 7
  • the telecom manager 40 may be capable of functions similar to those of a service switching point (SSP) or service node (SN) of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN).
  • SSP service switching point
  • SN service node
  • AIN Advanced Intelligent Network
  • the telecom manager 40 may have the following capabilities: signaling, call set-up, routing, and access to databases.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message log 50 such as may be provided by the CIR manager 10 and used in connection with the inventions described herein.
  • Message log 50 includes entries relating to the exemplary user's communications using the CIR manager 10 .
  • message log 50 includes eight entries 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 , and 66 .
  • Each entry includes data 68 , and in this example, each entry includes four types of data: “from” 70 ; “type” 72 ; “subject” 74 ; and “date” 76 .
  • the from data 70 refers to the source or origin of the communication.
  • the type data 72 refers to the type or kind of communication.
  • the subject data 74 refers to the content, the substance, or other feature of the communication.
  • the date data 76 refers to the date of receipt (or transmittal if from the user) of the communication.
  • the CIR manager may store profile information 102 about a user.
  • Profile information about the user's communicating partners also may be stored as is described below in connection with FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram form the profile information 102 that may be stored about a user.
  • the profile information 102 for the user may include, among other things, a list of the communication devices and services used by the user.
  • the user has three communication devices: a telephone 104 ; a wireless unit 106 ; and a computer (PC) 108 .
  • Each of the entries for the respective devices may include a description of the respective device.
  • the telephone 104 is described as Brand X.
  • the wireless unit 106 is described as a Motorola unit.
  • the computer 108 is described as a Dell unit.
  • the descriptions of the devices provided herein are minimal as they are examples only. Generally, the description of a device includes as much information as necessary to be useful in the comparison process described below.
  • the description of a wireless unit may include its brand, trademark, type, operating specifications, functions, and features.
  • the user makes use of four communication services.
  • Each service is included in the profile information relating to the user and associated with the appropriate device. Further, each of the services is described in the profile information.
  • the telephone 104 is associated with local (communication) service 110 from BellSouth and long distance service 112 from AT&T.
  • the wireless unit 106 is associated with service 114 from Cingular.
  • the computer 108 is associated with e-mail service 116 from Microsoft.
  • the description of a communication service in the profile information includes as much information as necessary to be useful in the comparison process described below. For example, the description of a long distance service may identify the service provider and operating specifications, functions and features.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions in presenting contextual information to a user. The actions described in connection with FIG. 4 are further referenced through the description of examples provided below in connection with FIGS. 5 - 6 .
  • an opportunity to present contextual information is noted in action 122 .
  • Such an opportunity may be presented by the user's access to his or her profile information or message log, by the user's initiation of a communication, or other event.
  • preliminary information is presented to the user in action 124 .
  • the preliminary information may be a query inquiring of the user whether he or she desires to be presented with contextual information.
  • the query also may be referred to as a “trial balloon” when the query is presented on a computer screen such as text in the form of a circumscribed question.
  • decision action 126 if the user provides a negative response to the query, then the process ends in end action 128 .
  • a failure to respond to the query may be set as a default negative response to the query. But if the user provides a positive response to the query, then the contextual information is presented in action 130 . Thereafter, the process ends in end action 128 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the profile information 102 of the user as illustrated in FIG. 3, but FIG. 5 also illustrates three trial balloons 150 , 152 , 154 that may be presented to the user with regard to the presentation of contextual information.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the profile information 102 of the user as illustrated in FIG. 3, but FIG. 5 also illustrates three trial balloons 150 , 152 , 154 that may be presented to the user with regard to the presentation of contextual information.
  • the user is checking his or her profile information 102 .
  • the user activates the entry 112 corresponding to long distance service in the profile information 102 .
  • the activation of the entry may indicate an opportunity to present the user with contextual information.
  • the user is presented with a query as to whether the user would like contextual information on the activated entry.
  • trial balloon 150 includes text that asks the user: “Would you like to see information on long distance service?” This particular trial balloon 150 is presented to the user because the user activated the entry 112 corresponding to long distance service in the profile information. If the user had activated a different entry, then a different query may be presented in the trial balloon.
  • the user may decline or accept through use of yes/no options (not illustrated) or otherwise. If the user declines, then the trial balloon 150 disappears. If the user accepts, then the trial balloon 150 disappears and is replaced with a presentation of contextual information. Alternatively, the trial balloon 150 remains on the screen, for example, until the user finishes with the contextual information or the trial balloon 150 is otherwise is caused to disappear from the screen.
  • the contextual information relates to long distance service such as advertising for a particular long distance carrier.
  • the contextual information may be stored by or readily obtainable by the com manager.
  • the contextual information may be obtained by or provided to the com manager through a telecommunications manager 40 in the PSTN 38 , or through a gateway 28 in a data network 26 (see FIG. 1).
  • the com manager may present the contextual information on long distance service by linking to a web site of a particular long distance carrier.
  • the user is interested in acquiring a new or different wireless unit.
  • the user activates the entry 106 corresponding to wireless units in the profile information 102 .
  • the user's activation of the entry 106 corresponding to wireless units is interpreted as showing a heightened interest in wireless units. If the user's interest is understood to be heightened, then an opportunity to present contextual information exists.
  • trial balloon 152 that includes the following text: “Would you like to see information on wireless units?”
  • presentation (or non-presentation) of contextual information proceeds as described above in connection with the previous example of a user's activation of the entry 112 relating to long distance service in the profile information 102 .
  • the inventions allow the user to “drill down” and obtain contextual information on particular elements in an entry of the profile information.
  • the entry 102 for “telephone” in the profile information 102 identifies the user's telephone as “Brand X”.
  • the user may activate a particular element of an entry, such as the “Brand X” element, and obtain contextual information on that element.
  • trial balloon 154 that includes the following text: “Would you like to see information on Brand X?” If the user answers positively, then more drill-down possibilities may exist.
  • Another trial balloon (not illustrated) may be presented to the user that presents the user with models of Brand X and asks whether the user would like to have information on any of the models. The drill-down trial balloons may continue until the appropriate level of details is reached.
  • the presentation (or non-presentation) of contextual information proceeds as described above in connection with the previous examples of a user's activation of the entry 112 relating to long distance service or the entry 106 relating to wireless units in the profile information 102 .
  • Contextual information generally is any type of information that may be associated with or related to a term or element identified by the user. Contextual information may include advertising, marketing, education, consumer, technical, sales, service, safety, quantity, cost, or quality information, etc.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a message log 50 of the user as illustrated in FIG. 2, but FIG. 6 also illustrates seven trial balloons 160 , 162 , 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 , and 172 that may be presented to the user with regard to the presentation of contextual information.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a message log 50 of the user as illustrated in FIG. 2, but FIG. 6 also illustrates seven trial balloons 160 , 162 , 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 , and 172 that may be presented to the user with regard to the presentation of contextual information.
  • trial balloon 160 includes text that asks the user: “Would you like to see information on e-mail service providers?”
  • the query or trial balloon presented to the user relates to the contextual information to be provided.
  • the query or trial balloon may include a general question about the activated term, i.e., “Would you like information about e-mail?”
  • the query or trial balloon may include a more particular or directed question about the activated term, i.e., “Would you like information about e-mail service?” or “service providers?” or “technical description of e-mail?”
  • the query or trial balloon may include more than one question.
  • the query may provide a set of questions that “drill down” from the general to the specific so as to determine with greater particularity the type of contextual information sought by the user.
  • the trial balloon 160 may substitute a specific question such as: “Which e-mail service providers would you like information on?” or “Which of the following three e-mail service providers (A, B, C) would you like information on?”.
  • the inventions provide the contextual information based on the responses of the user.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions in presenting contextual information to a user. The actions described in connection with FIG. 7 are further referenced through the description of examples provided below in connection with FIG. 8.
  • the inventions take advantage of the user's heightened interest in certain subject matter to ask the user whether he or she would like information, and if the answer is yes, then to present the information.
  • An instance of a user's heightened interest in communication devices and/or services may be the user's effort at communication with a communicating partner. For example, a user's effort to send an e-mail to a customer may be a good opportunity to present information to the user on the customer's favorite method of communication, especially if the customer's favorite is not e-mail.
  • the inventions may present the user with a template or otherwise facilitate the user's communications with the customer. If the user does not have facility to communicate using the customer's preference, then the user may be presented with information on how to gain such facility.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions in seizing the opportunity of a user's effort at communication to present the user with contextual information.
  • the user's effort at communication with a communicating partner is detected. For example, if a user is using the com manager, the user may click on or otherwise activate a “new communication” feature of the com manager. The user supplies the identity of the communicating partner.
  • the profile information is checked to determined whether the communicating partner has a profile, and if so, whether the communicating partner has a preference for communicating.
  • a preference may relate to communication devices and/or communication services, and may include details about such preference(s). For example, the communicating partner may prefer to communicate by e-mail, and by e-mail as provided by Service Provider X. If the communicating partner has no preference, the lack of preference may be presented to the user and the user may continue the communication effort without the presentation of additional information.
  • the communicating partner's preference(s) is/are compared to the information in the user's profile. Specifically, the comparison is made to determine whether the user has available the preference(s) of the communicating partner for the user's own use. For example, the user may have an e-mail system provided by Service Provider X. If the user has the preference or can make use of it, then in action 188 the user's communication with the communicating partner is facilitated. Facilitation may include any action taken to help the user with the communication. As an example, if the communicating partner's preference is for e-mail, then an e-mail template may be presented to the user for the user's use. Information in the template regarding the communicating partner, the user, etc. may be supplied so as to further facilitate the user's communication. The process then ends in action 190 .
  • the user is not automatically presented with contextual information when a comparison yields a difference between the user's devices/services and the communicating partner's preferred device(s)/service(s).
  • the user is presented with a query in the form of the trial balloon in action 192 .
  • the user is asked whether the user would like contextual information on the preferred communication devices and/or services of the communicating partner.
  • the user may be asked whether he or she would like information on the preferred e-mail system or service provider of the communicating partner.
  • action 194 a determination is made as to whether the user responded positively or negatively to the query of action 192 . If a positive response is received, then the contextual information is presented to the user in action 196 and the process progresses to action 198 . But if a negative response is received to the query of action 192 , then the process does not present the contextual information, but proceeds to action 198 .
  • action 198 a check whether the user desires to continue with the communication may be made in action 198 . If the check is negative, then the process ends in action 190 . On the other hand, if the check in action 198 is positive, then in action 200 the communication of the user is facilitated.
  • the user desires to communicate with a communicating partner—Dale Malik and makes an effort at such communication as illustrated by the new communication 202 .
  • the user's com manager includes profile information on Dale Malik 204 .
  • a preference for fax communication 206 is indicated in Dale Malik's profile information 205 .
  • the preference for fax communication 206 is compared to the user's profile information 208 . The result of the comparison is that the user does not have a facility for fax communication.
  • the user is presented with a query 210 as follows: “Would you like information about fax machines? fax service?” If the user responds positively, then contextual information is presented to the user.
  • the inventions allow a fax service provider to present Dale Malik with information on their fax machines or service at a time Dale Malik's interest in faxing is heightened. Thus, Dale Malik is more likely to act on the advertising.
  • the inventions allow for the delivery of contextual information such as advertising of communication devices and/or services in such a manner as to gain the attention of a user.
  • the inventions take advantage of instances of a user's heightened interest in the subject matter.
  • the contextual information may be delivered in connection with a user's activation of an entry in profile information or message log relating to the user's communications.
  • the contextual information may be presented in connection with a communication initiated by the user to a communicating partner.
  • the contextual information is presented at the direction of the user in response to a query to avoid being annoying or burdensome to the user.
  • the contextual information is presented to a user at a time when the user's interest in the communication devices and/or services is heightened, and the user is more likely to act on the presented information.

Abstract

Methods for providing contextual information about communication devices and/or services. Profile information indicating a user's communication devices and/or services is stored. When profile information or a message log is displayed, the user may identify a communication device and/or service. A query inquires whether the user would like contextual information. The contextual information may be obtained from a gateway in a data network or a telecommunications manager in a telecommunication network. The contextual information is displayed. Profile information about a user's communicating partner may be stored. When the user makes an effort to communicate with the partner, a check may be made of the partner's profile information for a preferred communication device and/or service. If the user does not have a communication device and/or service corresponding to that of the communicating partner, a query may inquire whether the user would like contextual information. If so, the contextual information is presented.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and the benefit of the prior filed co-pending and commonly owned patent application, which has been assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for a Communications and Information Resource Manager,” filed on Sep. 28, 2001, and which is incorporated herein by this reference.[0001]
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS
  • The inventions relate to methods and systems of providing contextual information relating to communication devices and/or communication services to a user. [0002]
  • BACKGROUND
  • Consumers are inundated with marketing and the advertising of new products and services. A lot of this advertising is wasted because consumers do not always pay attention to the advertising. The trick then, as marketing executives have known for a long time, is to get the consumers to pay attention. [0003]
  • When would a consumer pay attention to advertising? A consumer may pay attention to advertising if the products or services being advertised have some relevance to the consumer. For example, a consumer may pay attention to advertising presented at a time when the consumer's interest is heightened with respect to the products or services being advertised. A consumer's interest generally is heightened when he or she is using or thinking about a product or service. Thus, advertising presented when the consumer is using or thinking about a product or service may be more successful in grabbing the consumer's attention than when the same advertising is presented at other times. Advertising presented when the consumer is using or thinking about a product or service is referred to as “contextual advertising”. [0004]
  • With respect to communication devices and services, it has been difficult to present contextual advertising to a consumer. As noted, contextual advertising is advertising that is relevant to the consumer when presented. Contextual advertising of communication devices or services could be presented when a consumer is using a communication device and/or service. But when a consumer is using a communication device and/or service, generally most of the consumer's attention is given to the communication in progress. The consumer talking on a telephone or wireless unit typically is fully engaged in a conversation, and advertising presented during the conversation, even though it is contextual advertising, goes largely unnoticed. [0005]
  • Accordingly, there is a need for a method or system to deliver contextual advertising of communication devices and/or services in such a manner as to gain the attention of consumers. [0006]
  • SUMMARY
  • Stated generally, the inventions provide a user with contextual information such as contextual advertising of communication devices and/or services. Advantageously, the contextual information is presented to a user at a time when the user's interest in the communication devices and/or services is heightened. As a result, the user may pay more attention to the information than otherwise, and it is more likely the user may act on the information. [0007]
  • The inventions take advantage of a user's heightened interest in communication devices and services demonstrated at various times in the use of features of a communications manager. For example, a user's interest is interpreted as a heightened interest when the user accesses his or her profile information or message log in the communications manager. As another example, the user's interest is interpreted as heightened when the user makes an effort or otherwise initiates a communication with a communicating partner. During the user's heightened interest, the user is provided with the option of being presented with contextual information. The user is presented with the option so as not to cause the contextual information to be considered as annoying or bothersome. If the user responds positively, then the contextual information presented. [0008]
  • More particularly, the inventions may be implemented through the use of a communications (“com”) manager operating in a personal computer (PC) of a user. The com manager may store profile information relating to the user. The profile information may indicate the communication devices and/or communication services of the user. In particular, the profile information may indicate the type, brand, features, functionalities, specifications, configurations, etc. of the communication device or service. [0009]
  • The user may cause the com manager to display the profile information on the screen of the computer. If the user activates an entry in the profile information, such activation is noted, and a determination is made as to whether the activated entry identifies a communication device and/or communication service. The identification may include the type, brand, features, functions, specifications, configurations, etc. of the communication device and/or communication service. At this point, the user's interest in identified communication devices and/or communication services is heightened because the user has activated an entry including the identified communication devices and/or communication services in his or her profile information. With the user's interest heightened, it is a good time to present contextual advertising to the user. [0010]
  • The user, however, may find it annoying or bothersome to be presented with contextual advertising when the user activates an entry in his or her profile information. If the user finds the contextual information to be annoying or bothersome, then the presentation of the contextual information may have an undesirable negative impact on the user. [0011]
  • Advantageously, the inventions include a mechanism with respect to the presentation of the contextual information so that any annoyance or bother is minimized. As a convenience to the user, a query appears on the computer screen inquiring whether the user would like contextual information about the communication device and/or communication service. Thus, a user may avoid the presentation of the contextual information or select such presentation. [0012]
  • The query presented to the user may inquire whether the user would like to see contextual information about the type, brand, features, functions, specifications, etc. of the communication device and/or communication service. If the user responds positively, then the contextual information may be presented to the user. The user's positive response to the query also may be interpreted as a demonstration of a particularly heightened interest in the contextual information. Thus, the presentation of the contextual information may be particularly effective. [0013]
  • As explained above, the com manager may store profile information about the user, and the user may be presented with contextual information through the use of his or her profile information. But the user may be presented with contextual information in other ways. For example, the user may be presented with contextual information through the use of a message log provided by the com manager. The com manager may provide the message log including, respectively, entries for communications of the user. Each entry may include types of data relating to a communication. The user can display the message log on a computer screen. The user may activate a type of data in an entry of the message log relating to a communication. At this point, the user's interest in the data in the entry in the message log is heightened because the user has activated the data in the entry in his or her message log. With the user's interest heightened, it is a good time to present contextual advertising to the user. [0014]
  • With respect to the message log, the type of data in an entry that may be activated may include an identification of a communicator, a communication device, a communication service, a subject, and/or a date. The activation is noted and a query is displayed. Advantageously, as with the profile information, the user is provided with an opportunity to accept or decline the presentation of the contextual information through the mechanism of the query. The query inquires whether the user would like to be presented with contextual information based on the activated type of data in the entry. If the user responds positively to the query, then the contextual information is presented to the user. [0015]
  • Another instance of a user's heightened interest in communication devices and/or services is the user's effort at communication with a communicating partner. To take advantage of this instance of heightened interest, the inventions provide mechanisms for presenting contextual information to the user. [0016]
  • The com manager may store profile information relating to a communicating partner of the user. The profile information may indicate a preferred communication device and/or communication service of the communicating partner. The com manager notes an effort by the user to communicate with the communicating partner. The identification of the communicating partner is used to check the profile information of the communicating partner for the preferred communication device and/or communication service of the communicating partner. The preferred communication device and/or service of the communicating partner is compared with the communication devices and/or services of the user. [0017]
  • Based on the comparison, a determination may be made that the user has or does not have a communication device and/or a communication service corresponding to the preferred communication device of the communicating partner. If the user does not have such a communication device and/or communication service, the inventions take advantage of the situation to ask whether the user would like to see contextual information. If the response is positive, then the contextual information is presented. [0018]
  • As with the profile information and the message log, the user is not automatically presented with contextual information when a comparison yields a difference between the user's devices/services and the communicating partner's preferred device/service. Instead, so as not to annoy the user with unwanted contextual information, the user is presented with a query. The user is asked whether the user would like contextual information on the preferred communication device and/or service of the communicating partner. If a positive response is received, then the contextual information is presented to the user. [0019]
  • Generally, with respect to contextual information, the com manager may be in direct or functional control of the contextual information to be presented to the user. Alternatively, the com manager may take action to obtain the contextual information. For example, the com manager may obtain the contextual information from a gateway in a data network or from a telecommunications manager in a communications network. As yet another alternative, the com manager may be provided with particular contextual information to present to the user as the opportunity arises. For example, a service provider of wireless service may provide an updated service program advertisement to the com manager. Of course, the service provider may post the contextual information with a telecom manager in the PSTN or a server in a data network for retrieval by the com manager. [0020]
  • In sum, the inventions allow for the delivery of contextual information such as advertising of communication devices and/or services in such a manner as to gain the attention of a user. The inventions take advantage of instances of a user's heightened interest in the subject matter. For example, the contextual information may be delivered in connection with a user's activation of an entry in profile information or message log relating to the user's communications. Further, the contextual information may be presented in connection with a communication initiated by the user to a communicating partner. Moreover, the contextual information is presented at the direction of the user in response to a query to avoid being annoying or burdensome to the user. Thus, the contextual information is presented to a user at a time when the user's interest in the communication devices and/or services is heightened, and the user is more likely to act on the presented information.[0021]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for operation of the inventions. [0022]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message log as may be used with the inventions. [0023]
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of profile information as may be used with the inventions. [0024]
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions. [0025]
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example of profile information including contextual information as may be used with the inventions. [0026]
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary message log including contextual information as may be used with the inventions. [0027]
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions. [0028]
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the presentation of contextual information.[0029]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The inventions provide contextual information regarding communication devices and/or services. For example, a user may review his or her communication devices and/or services by reviewing his or her profile information stored by a communications (“com”) manager. The user may activate an entry in the profile information such as an entry relating to wireless units. As a result, a query appears inquiring whether the user would like information about wireless units. If the response is positive, then information about wireless units is presented. [0030]
  • Advantageously, the information regarding wireless units is provided at a time when the user's interest in wireless units is heightened as a result of the user's check of the profile information. Thus, the likelihood of the user's paying attention to, and acting on, the information presented about wireless units is heightened. [0031]
  • In addition to the inventions described herein, additional inventions relating to the presentation of contextual information are described in the commonly owned and assigned patent application entitled Methods and Systems for Providing Contextual Information on Communication Devices and Services, filed concurrently with this application in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and which is incorporated herein by reference. [0032]
  • As noted, the inventions may be implemented through the use of a communications (“com”) manager. In a related patent application, a communications and information resource (CIR) manager is described. See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for a Communications and Information Resource Manager,” filed Sep. 28, 2001, which is incorporated herein by this reference. The CIR manager may be used to implement the inventions described in this application. Prior to describing the inventions, some background about the CIR manager is provided. [0033]
  • The CIR Manager [0034]
  • A CIR manager may function as a “super” manager with respect to the communications devices, services, and systems of a user. In particular, the CIR manager may be used to centralize communications activities and information such that the user does not have to (but may) use multiple communications devices. For example, the CIR manager may be used to keep a log of all types of communications related to the user—whatever the device, whatever the service, whatever the network. [0035]
  • An advantage of the CIR manager is the user does not have to check or use each type of device for its own type of messages. Another advantage is the CIR manager may obtain information from resources including third party resources so as to facilitate communications and information gathering activities of the user. With the CIR manager, the user is provided with a centralized, efficient, and user-friendly way to handle communications activities including ways to receive, view, listen to, play, respond to, store, log, monitor, delete, copy, forward, obtain, create, and to take other actions. Moreover, the CIR manager provides the user with personalized management of communications and information resources. [0036]
  • In addition, in managing the communications and information resources of the user, the CIR manager may provide the user with one or more of the following features and advantages: [0037]
  • Recognition of the user and of others as authorized by the user; [0038]
  • Remembrance and implementation of authorized users' preferences; [0039]
  • Aid in finding information and resources; [0040]
  • Information related to an authorized users' activities and communications including call management and detail; [0041]
  • Service set-ups, configurations, changes, deletions, additions, updates, and synchronizations; [0042]
  • Maintenance of user account and preference information, logs, activity logs, schedules, calendars, general directories, personal directories, and the like; [0043]
  • Unified messaging including notice to the user relating to communications and/or other actions; and [0044]
  • Suggestions, help, updates, reminders, warnings, alerts, and other comments. The CIR manager may integrate the features described above pursuant to a user's preferences so as to provide efficient, organized, and user-friendly communications and information resource management. [0045]
  • Even though the inventions are described herein by reference to a CIR manager installed in a personal computer (PC), the inventions may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor based or programmable consumer electronics, mini-computers, mainframe computers, etc. [0046]
  • Exemplary Operating Environment of a CIR Manager—FIG. 1 [0047]
  • Exemplary functions of a [0048] CIR manager 10 are described above. To provide these functions and others, the CIR manager 10 may interact with a variety of systems, networks, and elements that may be directly connected to the CIR manager 10, may be hosted by the same host(s) as the CIR manager 10, may be functionally connected to the CIR manager 10, and/or may be accessible to the CIR manager 10 either directly and/or through other systems, networks, and/or elements.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment of a [0049] CIR manager 10 implemented on a personal computer (PC) 24. For details of an exemplary PC 24 as may be used with the CIR manager 10, see the previously referenced related application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/966,703, entitled “Methods and Systems for a Communications and Information Resource Manager,” filed Sep. 28, 2001.
  • The operating environment of FIG. 1 illustrates the [0050] CIR manager 10 may communicate through the PC 24 with another computer(s) 25 connected or otherwise networked with the PC 24. The CIR manager 10 also may communicate through the Internet 26 with one or more of the following or other devices:
  • Other computer(s) [0051] 27;
  • A [0052] gateway 28 serving the CIR manager 10;
  • An [0053] information resource 30 such as a database;
  • A [0054] messaging system 32;
  • A [0055] voicemail system 34;
  • An [0056] administrative center 36; and
  • The public switched telephone network (PSTN) [0057] 38.
  • In addition, the [0058] CIR manager 10 may communicate through the PSTN 38 with one or more of the following or other devices:
  • A telecommunications manager [0059] 40;
  • A telephone (wireline unit) [0060] 42;
  • A [0061] wireless unit 44;
  • A [0062] pager 46; and
  • A fax device (not illustrated). [0063]
  • The [0064] CIR manager 10 may have access to other computers 25 through local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, and other networks.
  • The [0065] CIR manager 10 also may have access through the PC 24 to a global communications network such as the Internet 26, and through the Internet 26 to other units, networks, and systems. Particularly, the CIR manager 10 may communicate with a gateway 28 connected to or operating on the Internet. The gateway 28 may be a service platform, server, or other device. The gateway 28 may be provided by the service provider of the CIR manager 10, and may serve the CIR manager 10. Communications activities to and from the CIR manager 10 on the PC 24 may be directed to the gateway 28 and/or may pass through the gateway 28 to other systems, networks, and/or elements. In passing through the gateway 28, the communications activities may be facilitated by the gateway 28.
  • For example, assume a user is a new subscriber to the [0066] CIR manager 10. In setting up the user for services available through the CIR manager 10, the CIR manager 10 may send a communication to the gateway 28 for routing to the appropriate element to handle such set-up activities. In an exemplary embodiment, Administrative Center 36 may handle administrative matters including set-up activities for the service provider. The gateway 28 delivers or otherwise routes the communication to the Administrative Center 36 for the set-up activity. The Administrative Center 36 may respond to the gateway 28 with questions, information, and instructions for the CIR manager 10.
  • Another way in which the [0067] gateway 28 may facilitate communications activities of the CIR manager 10 is to function as a router or director of communications and messages. For example, the CIR manager 10 may forward a request for data to the gateway 28. The gateway 28 may determine the data may be obtained from the information resource 30. The gateway 28 then forwards the request for data or the appropriate message to the information resource 30. The information resource 30 may respond to the CIR manager 10 or to the gateway 28, which then communicates with the CIR manager 10.
  • Further, the [0068] gateway 28 may facilitate communications activities between the CIR manager 10 and the PSTN 38, and other elements reached through the PSTN 38 such as the telecom manager 40, and the communications devices including the wireline unit 42, the wireless unit 44, the pager 46, and the fax device 48. Generally, the telecom manager 40 provides general functions and features related to communications of a user. Specifically, the telecom manager 40 may be implemented in a computer, on a service platform, in a network node, or other device. The telecom manager 40 may include connections to devices and networks through integrated services digital network (ISDN) lines and signaling system 7 (SS7) data links. The telecom manager 40 may be capable of functions similar to those of a service switching point (SSP) or service node (SN) of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). For example, the telecom manager 40 may have the following capabilities: signaling, call set-up, routing, and access to databases.
  • Exemplary Message Log—FIG. 2 [0069]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message log [0070] 50 such as may be provided by the CIR manager 10 and used in connection with the inventions described herein. Message log 50 includes entries relating to the exemplary user's communications using the CIR manager 10. Specifically, message log 50 includes eight entries 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66. Each entry includes data 68, and in this example, each entry includes four types of data: “from” 70; “type” 72; “subject” 74; and “date” 76. The from data 70 refers to the source or origin of the communication. The type data 72 refers to the type or kind of communication. The subject data 74 refers to the content, the substance, or other feature of the communication. The date data 76 refers to the date of receipt (or transmittal if from the user) of the communication.
  • Exemplary Profile Information—FIG. 3 [0071]
  • The CIR manager may store [0072] profile information 102 about a user. Profile information about the user's communicating partners also may be stored as is described below in connection with FIG. 8. FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram form the profile information 102 that may be stored about a user.
  • The [0073] profile information 102 for the user may include, among other things, a list of the communication devices and services used by the user. In this example, the user has three communication devices: a telephone 104; a wireless unit 106; and a computer (PC) 108. Each of the entries for the respective devices may include a description of the respective device. For example, the telephone 104 is described as Brand X. The wireless unit 106 is described as a Motorola unit. The computer 108 is described as a Dell unit. The descriptions of the devices provided herein are minimal as they are examples only. Generally, the description of a device includes as much information as necessary to be useful in the comparison process described below. For example, the description of a wireless unit may include its brand, trademark, type, operating specifications, functions, and features.
  • Also in this example, the user makes use of four communication services. Each service is included in the profile information relating to the user and associated with the appropriate device. Further, each of the services is described in the profile information. As FIG. 2 illustrates, the [0074] telephone 104 is associated with local (communication) service 110 from BellSouth and long distance service 112 from AT&T. The wireless unit 106 is associated with service 114 from Cingular. The computer 108 is associated with e-mail service 116 from Microsoft. As with the communication devices, the description of a communication service in the profile information includes as much information as necessary to be useful in the comparison process described below. For example, the description of a long distance service may identify the service provider and operating specifications, functions and features.
  • An Exemplary Process of the Presentation of Contextual Information—FIG. 4 [0075]
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions in presenting contextual information to a user. The actions described in connection with FIG. 4 are further referenced through the description of examples provided below in connection with FIGS. [0076] 5-6.
  • After [0077] start action 120, an opportunity to present contextual information is noted in action 122. Such an opportunity may be presented by the user's access to his or her profile information or message log, by the user's initiation of a communication, or other event. In response to noting the opportunity, preliminary information is presented to the user in action 124. The preliminary information may be a query inquiring of the user whether he or she desires to be presented with contextual information. The query also may be referred to as a “trial balloon” when the query is presented on a computer screen such as text in the form of a circumscribed question.
  • In [0078] decision action 126, if the user provides a negative response to the query, then the process ends in end action 128. A failure to respond to the query may be set as a default negative response to the query. But if the user provides a positive response to the query, then the contextual information is presented in action 130. Thereafter, the process ends in end action 128.
  • Exemplary Presentation of Contextual Information with Profile Information—FIG. 5 [0079]
  • The above-described exemplary process of the presentation of contextual information is now described in further detail by reference to an example including the profile information of the user originally described above in connection with FIG. 3. [0080]
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the [0081] profile information 102 of the user as illustrated in FIG. 3, but FIG. 5 also illustrates three trial balloons 150, 152, 154 that may be presented to the user with regard to the presentation of contextual information. As a first example, assume the user is checking his or her profile information 102. The user activates the entry 112 corresponding to long distance service in the profile information 102. The activation of the entry may indicate an opportunity to present the user with contextual information. As a result of the activation, the user is presented with a query as to whether the user would like contextual information on the activated entry. In this example, trial balloon 150 includes text that asks the user: “Would you like to see information on long distance service?” This particular trial balloon 150 is presented to the user because the user activated the entry 112 corresponding to long distance service in the profile information. If the user had activated a different entry, then a different query may be presented in the trial balloon.
  • The user may decline or accept through use of yes/no options (not illustrated) or otherwise. If the user declines, then the [0082] trial balloon 150 disappears. If the user accepts, then the trial balloon 150 disappears and is replaced with a presentation of contextual information. Alternatively, the trial balloon 150 remains on the screen, for example, until the user finishes with the contextual information or the trial balloon 150 is otherwise is caused to disappear from the screen.
  • In this example, the contextual information relates to long distance service such as advertising for a particular long distance carrier. The contextual information may be stored by or readily obtainable by the com manager. Alternatively, the contextual information may be obtained by or provided to the com manager through a telecommunications manager [0083] 40 in the PSTN 38, or through a gateway 28 in a data network 26 (see FIG. 1). For example, the com manager may present the contextual information on long distance service by linking to a web site of a particular long distance carrier.
  • As another example, assume the user is interested in acquiring a new or different wireless unit. The user activates the [0084] entry 106 corresponding to wireless units in the profile information 102. The user's activation of the entry 106 corresponding to wireless units is interpreted as showing a heightened interest in wireless units. If the user's interest is understood to be heightened, then an opportunity to present contextual information exists.
  • In this example, the user is presented with [0085] trial balloon 152 that includes the following text: “Would you like to see information on wireless units?” The presentation (or non-presentation) of contextual information proceeds as described above in connection with the previous example of a user's activation of the entry 112 relating to long distance service in the profile information 102.
  • As yet another example, assume the user is interested in a particular manufacturer, provider or brand of telephone. Advantageously, the inventions allow the user to “drill down” and obtain contextual information on particular elements in an entry of the profile information. In this example, the [0086] entry 102 for “telephone” in the profile information 102 identifies the user's telephone as “Brand X”. The user may activate a particular element of an entry, such as the “Brand X” element, and obtain contextual information on that element.
  • In this example, the user is presented with trial balloon [0087] 154 that includes the following text: “Would you like to see information on Brand X?” If the user answers positively, then more drill-down possibilities may exist. Another trial balloon (not illustrated) may be presented to the user that presents the user with models of Brand X and asks whether the user would like to have information on any of the models. The drill-down trial balloons may continue until the appropriate level of details is reached. The presentation (or non-presentation) of contextual information proceeds as described above in connection with the previous examples of a user's activation of the entry 112 relating to long distance service or the entry 106 relating to wireless units in the profile information 102.
  • In the three examples described in connection with FIG. 5, three different kinds of contextual information are made available to the user, to-wit: long distance service information; wireless unit information; and information about Brand X. By these three examples, the generality of the definition of contextual information is made apparent. Contextual information generally is any type of information that may be associated with or related to a term or element identified by the user. Contextual information may include advertising, marketing, education, consumer, technical, sales, service, safety, quantity, cost, or quality information, etc. [0088]
  • Exemplary Presentation of Contextual Information with a Message Log—FIG. 6 [0089]
  • The general process of the presentation of contextual information in connection with a message log is the same as with the [0090] profile information 102 described above. Thus, the seven examples presented in association with a message log are set forth in abbreviated form below.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a [0091] message log 50 of the user as illustrated in FIG. 2, but FIG. 6 also illustrates seven trial balloons 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, and 172 that may be presented to the user with regard to the presentation of contextual information. As a first example, assume the user is checking his or her message log and notes the entry 52 regarding Maude Davis' e-mail. The user activates the part of entry 52 corresponding to the identification of the type of communication from Maude Davis, i.e., e-mail. In this example, trial balloon 160 includes text that asks the user: “Would you like to see information on e-mail service providers?”
  • Typically, the query or trial balloon presented to the user relates to the contextual information to be provided. The query or trial balloon may include a general question about the activated term, i.e., “Would you like information about e-mail?” The query or trial balloon may include a more particular or directed question about the activated term, i.e., “Would you like information about e-mail service?” or “service providers?” or “technical description of e-mail?” Of course, the query or trial balloon may include more than one question. In fact, as noted above, the query may provide a set of questions that “drill down” from the general to the specific so as to determine with greater particularity the type of contextual information sought by the user. For example, if the user responds positively to trial balloon [0092] 160 (“Would you like information on e-mail service providers?”), the trial balloon 160 may substitute a specific question such as: “Which e-mail service providers would you like information on?” or “Which of the following three e-mail service providers (A, B, C) would you like information on?”. Advantageously, the inventions provide the contextual information based on the responses of the user.
  • Referring again to FIG. 6, an additional six examples of queries/contextual information are described that may be presented to the user as follows: [0093]
  • User activates the “subject” in [0094] entry 52 corresponding to Maude Davis' e-mail. The “subject” is “Chef Jean-Louis Restaurant”. The following query 162 is presented: “Would you like to see a menu?” If the answer is “yes”, then the inventions may link to the restaurant's website so as to present a menu.
  • User activates the “subject” in [0095] entry 54 corresponding to Bill Jones' voice message. The “subject” is a wireless number: “(703) 345-6789”. The following query 164 is presented: “Would you like information on wireless units?”
  • User activates the “date” in [0096] entry 62 corresponding to the user's chat room message. The “date” is “5-13-99”. The following query 166 is presented: “Would you like to know what happened on May 13th in history?”
  • User activates the “subject” in [0097] entry 66 corresponding to Nancy Woodard's i-page. The “subject” is “status report”. The following query 168 is presented: “Would you like to see the status reports?” If the answer is “yes”, then the user may be presented with the status reports. For example, the user may keep electronic versions of the status reports in his or her word processing program stored in the PC. The com manager may have a path set up so as to be able to retrieve the status reports for presentation to the user in response to an affirmative answer to the query 168.
  • User activates the “type” in [0098] entry 60 corresponding to Emily Guida's instant message. The “type” is “instant message”. The following query is presented to the user: “Would you like to upgrade your service?” If the answer is “yes”, then the com manager may compare the version of the user's service (as detailed in the user's profile information in the com manager) to upgraded versions. The com manager may offer the user various options. With the user's selection, the com manager may contact the appropriate service provider and cause the user's service to be upgraded.
  • User activates the “from” in [0099] entry 58 corresponding to Dale Malik's wireless call. The “from” is “Dale Malik”. The following query is presented to the user: “Would you like to see Dale Malik's information?” The com manager may store profile information on communicating partners of the user. If the user responds positively to the query, then the com manager may present the user with Dale Malik's profile information as the contextual information.
  • An Exemplary Process of the Presentation of Contextual Information—FIG. 7 [0100]
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions in presenting contextual information to a user. The actions described in connection with FIG. 7 are further referenced through the description of examples provided below in connection with FIG. 8. [0101]
  • As noted, the inventions take advantage of the user's heightened interest in certain subject matter to ask the user whether he or she would like information, and if the answer is yes, then to present the information. An instance of a user's heightened interest in communication devices and/or services may be the user's effort at communication with a communicating partner. For example, a user's effort to send an e-mail to a customer may be a good opportunity to present information to the user on the customer's favorite method of communication, especially if the customer's favorite is not e-mail. If the user chooses to communicate via the customer's preference, then the inventions may present the user with a template or otherwise facilitate the user's communications with the customer. If the user does not have facility to communicate using the customer's preference, then the user may be presented with information on how to gain such facility. [0102]
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary actions of the inventions in seizing the opportunity of a user's effort at communication to present the user with contextual information. After [0103] start action 180, in action 182 the user's effort at communication with a communicating partner is detected. For example, if a user is using the com manager, the user may click on or otherwise activate a “new communication” feature of the com manager. The user supplies the identity of the communicating partner.
  • In [0104] action 184, the profile information is checked to determined whether the communicating partner has a profile, and if so, whether the communicating partner has a preference for communicating. A preference may relate to communication devices and/or communication services, and may include details about such preference(s). For example, the communicating partner may prefer to communicate by e-mail, and by e-mail as provided by Service Provider X. If the communicating partner has no preference, the lack of preference may be presented to the user and the user may continue the communication effort without the presentation of additional information.
  • In [0105] action 186, the communicating partner's preference(s) is/are compared to the information in the user's profile. Specifically, the comparison is made to determine whether the user has available the preference(s) of the communicating partner for the user's own use. For example, the user may have an e-mail system provided by Service Provider X. If the user has the preference or can make use of it, then in action 188 the user's communication with the communicating partner is facilitated. Facilitation may include any action taken to help the user with the communication. As an example, if the communicating partner's preference is for e-mail, then an e-mail template may be presented to the user for the user's use. Information in the template regarding the communicating partner, the user, etc. may be supplied so as to further facilitate the user's communication. The process then ends in action 190.
  • Referring again to [0106] action 186 wherein a comparison is carried out to determine whether the user uses the communicating partner's preference(s). If the user does not use one or more of the preference(s), then the inventions take advantage of the situation to ask whether the user would like to see contextual information. In action 192 the user is presented with a trial balloon.
  • Advantageously, the user is not automatically presented with contextual information when a comparison yields a difference between the user's devices/services and the communicating partner's preferred device(s)/service(s). Instead, so as not to annoy the user with unwanted contextual information, the user is presented with a query in the form of the trial balloon in [0107] action 192. The user is asked whether the user would like contextual information on the preferred communication devices and/or services of the communicating partner. In this example, the user may be asked whether he or she would like information on the preferred e-mail system or service provider of the communicating partner.
  • In action [0108] 194 a determination is made as to whether the user responded positively or negatively to the query of action 192. If a positive response is received, then the contextual information is presented to the user in action 196 and the process progresses to action 198. But if a negative response is received to the query of action 192, then the process does not present the contextual information, but proceeds to action 198.
  • In [0109] action 198, a check whether the user desires to continue with the communication may be made in action 198. If the check is negative, then the process ends in action 190. On the other hand, if the check in action 198 is positive, then in action 200 the communication of the user is facilitated.
  • An Exemplary Presentation of Contextual Information—FIG. 8 [0110]
  • The exemplary process of the presentation of contextual information described in connection with FIG. 7 is now further illustrated with an example discussed in connection with FIG. 8. [0111]
  • Assume the user desires to communicate with a communicating partner—Dale Malik and makes an effort at such communication as illustrated by the [0112] new communication 202. The user's com manager includes profile information on Dale Malik 204. A preference for fax communication 206 is indicated in Dale Malik's profile information 205. The preference for fax communication 206 is compared to the user's profile information 208. The result of the comparison is that the user does not have a facility for fax communication. Thus, the user is presented with a query 210 as follows: “Would you like information about fax machines? fax service?” If the user responds positively, then contextual information is presented to the user. Advantageously, the inventions allow a fax service provider to present Dale Malik with information on their fax machines or service at a time Dale Malik's interest in faxing is heightened. Thus, Dale Malik is more likely to act on the advertising.
  • Conclusion [0113]
  • In sum, the inventions allow for the delivery of contextual information such as advertising of communication devices and/or services in such a manner as to gain the attention of a user. The inventions take advantage of instances of a user's heightened interest in the subject matter. For example, the contextual information may be delivered in connection with a user's activation of an entry in profile information or message log relating to the user's communications. Further, the contextual information may be presented in connection with a communication initiated by the user to a communicating partner. Moreover, the contextual information is presented at the direction of the user in response to a query to avoid being annoying or burdensome to the user. Thus, the contextual information is presented to a user at a time when the user's interest in the communication devices and/or services is heightened, and the user is more likely to act on the presented information. [0114]
  • The exemplary embodiments of the inventions described herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the inventions and their practical applications so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions including various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated. The examples provided herein in the written description or in the drawings are not intended as limitations of the inventions. Other embodiments will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the inventions is to be limited only by the claims below. [0115]

Claims (20)

We claim:
1. With respect to a communications manager that stores profile information about a user, a method to provide the user with information when interest of the user is heightened in the information, the method comprising:
causing the profile information to indicate communication devices of the user;
displaying the profile information about the user on a computer screen;
noting heightened interest of the user in an entry in the profile information;
determining the entry identifies a communication device;
displaying a query on the computer screen with the query inquiring whether the user would like contextual information about the communication device;
receiving a positive response to the query; and
presenting the contextual information to the user.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the profile information indicates communication services of the user;
wherein the entry identifies a communication service of the user; and
wherein the query inquiries whether the user would like contextual information about the communication service.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting the contextual information comprises obtaining the contextual information from a gateway in a data network.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting the contextual information comprises obtaining the contextual information from a telecommunications manager in a communications network.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of the communication device comprises a type of the communication device; and
wherein determining the entry identifies the communication device comprises determining the entry identifies the type of the communication device; and
wherein displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like contextual information about the type of the communication device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of the communication device comprises a brand of the communication device; and
wherein determining the entry identifies the communication device comprises determining the entry identifies the brand of the communication device; and
wherein displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information about the brand of the communication device.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of the communication device comprises a feature of the communication device; and
wherein determining the entry identifies the communication device comprises determining the entry identifies the feature of the communication device; and
wherein determining the entry displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information about the feature of the communication device.
8. With respect to a communications manager that provides a message log of communications of a user, the message log including entries, respectively, for the communications of the user, and with each entry including types of data relating to a communication, a method to provide the user with contextual information, the method comprising:
displaying the message log of the user on a computer screen;
noting activation of a type of data in an entry relating to a communication;
displaying a query on the computer screen with the query inquiring whether the user would like contextual information based on the activated type of data in the entry;
receiving a positive response to the query; and
presenting the contextual information to the user.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein presenting the contextual information comprises obtaining the contextual information from a gateway in a data network.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein presenting the contextual information comprises obtaining the contextual information from a telecommunications manager in a communications network.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the activated type of data in the entry comprises an identification of a communicator; and
wherein displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information based on the identification of the communicator.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the activated type of data in the entry comprises an identification of a communication device or a communication service; and
wherein displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information based on the identification of the communication device or the communication service.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the activated type of data in the entry comprises an identification of a subject; and
wherein displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information based on the identification of the subject.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the activated type of data in the entry comprises an identification of a date; and
wherein displaying the query comprises displaying the query inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information based on the identification of the date.
15. With respect to a communications manager that stores profile information about a user and about communicating partners of the user, a method to provide the user with contextual information, the method comprising:
causing the profile information of the user to identify communication devices of the user;
causing the profile information of a communicating partner to indicate a preferred communication device of the communicating partner;
noting an effort by the user to communicate with the communicating partner with the effort including an identification of the communicating partner;
using the identification of the communicating partner to check the profile information of the communicating partner for the preferred communication device of the communicating partner;
comparing the preferred communication device of the communicating partner with the communicating devices of the user;
based on the comparison, determining the user has a communication device corresponding to the preferred communication device of the communicating partner;
inquiring whether the user would like contextual information on the preferred communication device of the communicating partner;
receiving a positive response to the query; and
presenting the contextual information to the user.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the profile information of the user identifies communication services of the user;
wherein the profile information of the communicating partner indicates a preferred communication service of the communicating partner;
wherein the identification of the communicating partner is used to check the profile information of the communicating partner for the preferred communication service of the communicating partner;
wherein the preferred communication service of the communicating partner is compared with the communication services of the user;
wherein the comparison determines the user does not have a communication service corresponding to the preferred communication service of the communicating partner; and
wherein the inquiry inquires whether the user would like the contextual information on the preferred communication service of the communicating partner.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein presenting the contextual information comprises obtaining the contextual information from a gateway in a data network.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein presenting the contextual information comprises obtaining the contextual information from a telecommunications manager in a communications network.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the profile information of the user indicates, respectively, configurations of the communication devices of the user;
wherein the profile information of the communicating partner indicates a configuration of the preferred communication of the communicating partner;
wherein comparing the preferred communication device of the communicating partner with the communication devices of the user comprises comparing the configuration of the preferred communication device of the communicating partner with the configurations of the communication devices of the user;
wherein, based on the comparison, determining the user does not have the communication device corresponding to the preferred communication device of the communicating partner comprises determining the user does not have the communication device corresponding to the configuration of the preferred communication device of the communicating partner; and
wherein inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information on the preferred communication device of the communicating partner comprises inquiring whether the user would like the contextual information on the configuration of the preferred communication device of the communicating partner.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein noting the effort by the user to communicate with the communicating partner comprises noting a heightened interest in the user.
US10/184,670 2001-09-28 2002-06-28 Methods and Systems For Providing Marketing Information Abandoned US20030065778A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/184,670 US20030065778A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-06-28 Methods and Systems For Providing Marketing Information
US14/323,969 US20140324586A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/328,516 US20150046261A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-10 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/328,509 US11195206B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-10 Methods and systems for providing contextual information

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/966,703 US7313617B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2001-09-28 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US10/184,670 US20030065778A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-06-28 Methods and Systems For Providing Marketing Information

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/966,703 Continuation-In-Part US7313617B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2001-09-28 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/323,969 Continuation US20140324586A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Methods and systems for providing contextual information

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030065778A1 true US20030065778A1 (en) 2003-04-03

Family

ID=25511766

Family Applications (17)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/966,703 Active 2024-04-07 US7313617B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2001-09-28 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US10/184,588 Active 2025-10-02 US8341018B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-06-28 Methods and systems for providing contextual information on communication devices and services
US10/184,670 Abandoned US20030065778A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-06-28 Methods and Systems For Providing Marketing Information
US10/251,025 Expired - Lifetime US7272633B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-09-20 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US11/638,546 Abandoned US20070130338A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2006-12-13 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US11/900,153 Active 2025-01-05 US8271591B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2007-09-10 Methods, systems, and products for managing communications
US13/687,068 Abandoned US20130138513A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2012-11-28 Contextual Information
US14/323,472 Abandoned US20140351060A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Contextual information
US14/323,464 Expired - Lifetime US10438238B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Contextual information
US14/323,969 Abandoned US20140324586A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/323,447 Abandoned US20140351055A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Contextual information
US14/323,973 Abandoned US20140325050A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US14/325,053 Abandoned US20140325002A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-07 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US14/325,039 Abandoned US20140325001A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-07 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US14/328,516 Abandoned US20150046261A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-10 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/328,509 Active 2024-12-03 US11195206B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-10 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/448,725 Active 2024-11-02 US10902466B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-31 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/966,703 Active 2024-04-07 US7313617B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2001-09-28 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US10/184,588 Active 2025-10-02 US8341018B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-06-28 Methods and systems for providing contextual information on communication devices and services

Family Applications After (14)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/251,025 Expired - Lifetime US7272633B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2002-09-20 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US11/638,546 Abandoned US20070130338A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2006-12-13 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US11/900,153 Active 2025-01-05 US8271591B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2007-09-10 Methods, systems, and products for managing communications
US13/687,068 Abandoned US20130138513A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2012-11-28 Contextual Information
US14/323,472 Abandoned US20140351060A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Contextual information
US14/323,464 Expired - Lifetime US10438238B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Contextual information
US14/323,969 Abandoned US20140324586A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/323,447 Abandoned US20140351055A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Contextual information
US14/323,973 Abandoned US20140325050A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-03 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US14/325,053 Abandoned US20140325002A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-07 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US14/325,039 Abandoned US20140325001A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-07 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US14/328,516 Abandoned US20150046261A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-10 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/328,509 Active 2024-12-03 US11195206B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-10 Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US14/448,725 Active 2024-11-02 US10902466B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2014-07-31 Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (17) US7313617B2 (en)
WO (4) WO2003027887A1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060288086A1 (en) * 2005-06-20 2006-12-21 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing service profile upgrades with minimal downtime
US20070130338A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2007-06-07 Dale Malik Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
EP1848151A1 (en) * 2006-04-20 2007-10-24 NTT DoCoMo, Inc. Method and apparatus for configuring service equipment elements in a network
US20090089855A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-02 Echostar Technologies Systems and Methods for Communications Between Client Devices of a Broadcast System
US20090167839A1 (en) * 2007-12-27 2009-07-02 Desmond Ottmar Methods and apparatus for providing communication between multiple television viewers
US20120150948A1 (en) * 2010-12-09 2012-06-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing a content based on preferences
US8896654B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2014-11-25 Dish Network L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for providing chat data and video content between multiple viewers
US20150106687A1 (en) * 2013-10-10 2015-04-16 Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC System and method for website personalization from survey data
US9684918B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2017-06-20 Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC System and method for candidate domain name generation
US20190130442A1 (en) * 2015-05-04 2019-05-02 Onepin, Inc. Automatic after call application download platform

Families Citing this family (265)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9603582D0 (en) 1996-02-20 1996-04-17 Hewlett Packard Co Method of accessing service resource items that are for use in a telecommunications system
US20020055351A1 (en) * 1999-11-12 2002-05-09 Elsey Nicholas J. Technique for providing personalized information and communications services
US8751571B2 (en) 2001-02-27 2014-06-10 Verizon Data Services Llc Methods and systems for CPN triggered collaboration
US8761363B2 (en) 2001-02-27 2014-06-24 Verizon Data Services Llc Methods and systems for automatic forwarding of communications to a preferred device
US8873730B2 (en) 2001-02-27 2014-10-28 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. Method and apparatus for calendared communications flow control
US8750482B2 (en) 2001-02-27 2014-06-10 Verizon Data Services Llc Methods and systems for preemptive rejection of calls
US8467502B2 (en) * 2001-02-27 2013-06-18 Verizon Data Services Llc Interactive assistant for managing telephone communications
US8798251B2 (en) 2001-02-27 2014-08-05 Verizon Data Services Llc Methods and systems for computer enhanced conference calling
US8774380B2 (en) * 2001-02-27 2014-07-08 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. Methods and systems for call management with user intervention
US7418090B2 (en) 2002-11-25 2008-08-26 Telesector Resources Group Inc. Methods and systems for conference call buffering
US7085358B2 (en) * 2001-06-25 2006-08-01 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Visual caller identification
US7315614B2 (en) * 2001-08-14 2008-01-01 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Remote notification of communications
US7269249B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2007-09-11 At&T Bls Intellectual Property, Inc. Systems and methods for providing user profile information in conjunction with an enhanced caller information system
US7472187B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2008-12-30 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Communications and information resource manager
US7287057B2 (en) * 2001-11-15 2007-10-23 International Business Machines Corporation Accessing information using an instant messaging system
US7315618B1 (en) 2001-12-27 2008-01-01 At&T Bls Intellectual Property, Inc. Voice caller ID
JP2005518114A (en) 2002-02-14 2005-06-16 アバイア テクノロジー コーポレーション Presence tracking and namespace interconnect technology
US9392120B2 (en) 2002-02-27 2016-07-12 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. Methods and systems for call management with user intervention
US7395329B1 (en) 2002-05-13 2008-07-01 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property., Inc. Real-time notification of presence availability changes
US7353455B2 (en) * 2002-05-21 2008-04-01 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Caller initiated distinctive presence alerting and auto-response messaging
US7139374B1 (en) * 2002-07-23 2006-11-21 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corp. System and method for gathering information related to a geographical location of a callee in a public switched telephone network
US7623645B1 (en) 2002-07-23 2009-11-24 At&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P. System and method for gathering information related to a geographical location of a caller in a public switched telephone network
AU2002950435A0 (en) * 2002-07-29 2002-09-12 Trade Wind Communications Ltd A Bulk Communications Process Using Multiple Delivery Media
US7715857B2 (en) 2003-07-30 2010-05-11 Local.Com Corporation Methods and systems for enhanced directory assistance using wireless messaging protocols
US7370278B2 (en) 2002-08-19 2008-05-06 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Redirection of user-initiated distinctive presence alert messages
US7412481B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2008-08-12 Oracle International Corporation Method and apparatus for distributed rule evaluation in a near real-time business intelligence system
US7912899B2 (en) * 2002-09-06 2011-03-22 Oracle International Corporation Method for selectively sending a notification to an instant messaging device
US7941542B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2011-05-10 Oracle International Corporation Methods and apparatus for maintaining application execution over an intermittent network connection
US7945846B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2011-05-17 Oracle International Corporation Application-specific personalization for data display
US8255454B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2012-08-28 Oracle International Corporation Method and apparatus for a multiplexed active data window in a near real-time business intelligence system
US8165993B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2012-04-24 Oracle International Corporation Business intelligence system with interface that provides for immediate user action
US7899879B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2011-03-01 Oracle International Corporation Method and apparatus for a report cache in a near real-time business intelligence system
US7668917B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2010-02-23 Oracle International Corporation Method and apparatus for ensuring accountability in the examination of a set of data elements by a user
US7401158B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2008-07-15 Oracle International Corporation Apparatus and method for instant messaging collaboration
US7933957B2 (en) * 2002-09-17 2011-04-26 At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P. Tracking email and instant messaging (IM) thread history
US7921160B2 (en) 2002-09-17 2011-04-05 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Initiating instant messaging (IM) chat sessions from email messages
US20040064363A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-01 Mostad Matthew A. Technique for effectively promoting goods for service through an information assistance service
US7010565B2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2006-03-07 Sampson Scott E Communication management using a token action log
US7023980B2 (en) 2002-12-04 2006-04-04 Avaya Technology Corp. Outbound dialing decision criteria based
GB0228367D0 (en) * 2002-12-05 2003-01-08 Bts Holdings Ltd System and method for management of communications resources
US7474741B2 (en) 2003-01-20 2009-01-06 Avaya Inc. Messaging advise in presence-aware networks
US7191231B2 (en) * 2003-02-12 2007-03-13 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for consistent forwarding of packets across wireless and wireline networks
US7904823B2 (en) 2003-03-17 2011-03-08 Oracle International Corporation Transparent windows methods and apparatus therefor
US7116976B2 (en) 2003-12-08 2006-10-03 Thomas C Douglass Adaptable communication techniques for electronic devices
US7978833B2 (en) 2003-04-18 2011-07-12 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Private caller ID messaging
US7443964B2 (en) 2003-04-18 2008-10-28 At&T Intellectual Property, I,L.P. Caller ID messaging
US7242925B2 (en) * 2003-05-08 2007-07-10 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Wireless market place for multiple access internet portal
US7454615B2 (en) * 2003-05-08 2008-11-18 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Centralized authentication system
US7366795B2 (en) * 2003-05-08 2008-04-29 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Seamless multiple access internet portal
US7127232B2 (en) 2003-05-08 2006-10-24 Bell South Intellectual Property Corporation Multiple access internet portal revenue sharing
US7558828B1 (en) * 2003-05-29 2009-07-07 Aol Llc, A Delaware Limited Liability Company Enabling electronic logging using an instant message system
US8161531B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2012-04-17 Microsoft Corporation System and method for managing electronic communications
US20050076095A1 (en) * 2003-07-11 2005-04-07 Boban Mathew Virtual contextual file system and method
US20050076076A1 (en) * 2003-08-08 2005-04-07 Liberty Logistics Inc. Collaborative logistics information exchange method and apparatus
US9208498B2 (en) * 2003-10-06 2015-12-08 Yellowpages.Com Llc Methods and apparatuses to track keywords for establishing communication links
US8837698B2 (en) 2003-10-06 2014-09-16 Yp Interactive Llc Systems and methods to collect information just in time for connecting people for real time communications
US9087336B2 (en) 2003-10-06 2015-07-21 Yellowpages.Com Llc Methods and apparatuses to select communication tracking mechanisms
US7433920B2 (en) 2003-10-10 2008-10-07 Microsoft Corporation Contact sidebar tile
US7623849B2 (en) 2003-11-13 2009-11-24 At&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P. Method, system, and storage medium for providing comprehensive originator identification services
ES2767875T3 (en) 2003-12-01 2020-06-18 Blackberry Ltd Method to provide notifications of new events on a small screen device
ITPI20030101A1 (en) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-06 Cdc Srl METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF GLOBALITY
US7729688B2 (en) 2003-12-08 2010-06-01 Ipventure, Inc. Systems and processes to manage multiple modes of communication
US20050138129A1 (en) * 2003-12-23 2005-06-23 Maria Adamczyk Methods and systems of responsive messaging
US8443092B2 (en) * 2003-12-23 2013-05-14 Alcatel Lucent Presentity filtering for user preferences
US7672444B2 (en) 2003-12-24 2010-03-02 At&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P. Client survey systems and methods using caller identification information
US7903637B2 (en) * 2004-01-22 2011-03-08 Verizon Business Global Llc Universal communications identifier
US7522712B2 (en) * 2004-01-29 2009-04-21 Comverse Ltd. Method for initiating a session in a store and forward messaging system
US9398152B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-07-19 Avaya Inc. Using business rules for determining presence
US8654815B1 (en) 2004-04-02 2014-02-18 Rearden, Llc System and method for distributed antenna wireless communications
US10425134B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2019-09-24 Rearden, Llc System and methods for planned evolution and obsolescence of multiuser spectrum
US10277290B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2019-04-30 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods to exploit areas of coherence in wireless systems
US10886979B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2021-01-05 Rearden, Llc System and method for link adaptation in DIDO multicarrier systems
US11451275B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2022-09-20 Rearden, Llc System and method for distributed antenna wireless communications
US11394436B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2022-07-19 Rearden, Llc System and method for distributed antenna wireless communications
US10187133B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2019-01-22 Rearden, Llc System and method for power control and antenna grouping in a distributed-input-distributed-output (DIDO) network
US11309943B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2022-04-19 Rearden, Llc System and methods for planned evolution and obsolescence of multiuser spectrum
US10985811B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2021-04-20 Rearden, Llc System and method for distributed antenna wireless communications
US10200094B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2019-02-05 Rearden, Llc Interference management, handoff, power control and link adaptation in distributed-input distributed-output (DIDO) communication systems
US10749582B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2020-08-18 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods to coordinate transmissions in distributed wireless systems via user clustering
US8542763B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-09-24 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods to coordinate transmissions in distributed wireless systems via user clustering
US7693268B2 (en) * 2004-04-02 2010-04-06 Computer Associates Think, Inc. Methods and apparatus for processing and display of voice data
US9312929B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2016-04-12 Rearden, Llc System and methods to compensate for Doppler effects in multi-user (MU) multiple antenna systems (MAS)
US7085558B2 (en) * 2004-04-15 2006-08-01 International Business Machines Corporation Conference call reconnect system
GB0415447D0 (en) * 2004-07-09 2004-08-11 Tiger Telematics Inc Portable electronic device
US20060031340A1 (en) * 2004-07-12 2006-02-09 Boban Mathew Apparatus and method for advanced attachment filtering within an integrated messaging platform
US7321921B2 (en) * 2004-07-13 2008-01-22 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Messaging system in a hybrid network and mobile communication environment
US8195136B2 (en) 2004-07-15 2012-06-05 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods of providing caller identification information and related registries and radiotelephone networks
US9685997B2 (en) 2007-08-20 2017-06-20 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods to enhance spatial diversity in distributed-input distributed-output wireless systems
US20060036703A1 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-16 Microsoft Corporation System and method for integrating instant messaging in a multimedia environment
KR100735328B1 (en) * 2005-02-04 2007-07-04 삼성전자주식회사 Method for updating user data in ptt system and system therefor
US20060176831A1 (en) * 2005-02-07 2006-08-10 Greenberg Joel K Methods and apparatuses for selecting users to join a dynamic network conversation
US20060230117A1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for message prioritization
US9572189B2 (en) 2005-04-20 2017-02-14 Contact At Once!, Llc. System and method for analyzing messages and initiating communication sessions
US20140012661A1 (en) * 2006-04-20 2014-01-09 Contact At Once!, Llc System and method for initiating a text message communication session between a merchant and a consumer
US7965825B1 (en) 2005-05-02 2011-06-21 Callwave, Inc. Methods and systems for transferring voice messages and faxes over a network
US7639383B2 (en) * 2005-05-10 2009-12-29 Oliszewski Michael A Systems and methods for enhanced electronic facsimile communication network and preference selection
US8832561B2 (en) * 2005-05-26 2014-09-09 Nokia Corporation Automatic initiation of communications
US7623643B2 (en) * 2005-07-26 2009-11-24 Microsoft Corporation Augmenting a call with context
ATE525843T1 (en) * 2005-08-04 2011-10-15 T mobile int ag METHOD FOR CONNECTING INTERNET-BASED FORUMS AND WEBLOGS TO A PUSH TO TALK PLATFORM
US8599832B2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2013-12-03 Ingenio Llc Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications via voice over internet protocol (VOIP)
US8761154B2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2014-06-24 Ebbe Altberg Methods and apparatuses to access advertisements through voice over internet protocol (VoIP) applications
US9083564B2 (en) * 2005-10-13 2015-07-14 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method of delivering notifications
US7991721B2 (en) * 2005-11-07 2011-08-02 International Business Machines Corporation Differential availability determination and notification
US7831915B2 (en) * 2005-11-10 2010-11-09 Microsoft Corporation Dynamically protecting against web resources associated with undesirable activities
US7624152B2 (en) * 2005-12-08 2009-11-24 At&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P. Methods, computer programs, and apparatus for performing format conversion of files attached to electronic messages
US20070143415A1 (en) * 2005-12-15 2007-06-21 Daigle Brian K Customizable presence icons for instant messaging
EP1798632A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-20 Research In Motion Limited Computing device and method of indicating status of application program
US7509388B2 (en) * 2006-02-23 2009-03-24 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for displaying IM session history as time-based calendar events
US20070220111A1 (en) * 2006-03-15 2007-09-20 Andrew Lin Personal communications browser client for remote use in enterprise communications
US20070217579A1 (en) * 2006-03-20 2007-09-20 Arun Sobti System and method for enhanced voice mail
US7643820B2 (en) * 2006-04-07 2010-01-05 Motorola, Inc. Method and device for restricted access contact information datum
US20070299919A1 (en) * 2006-06-27 2007-12-27 International Business Machines Corporation Method of initiating automatic actions by an instant messenger service in response to identified incoming messages
US20080002711A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2008-01-03 Bugenhagen Michael K System and method for access state based service options
WO2008008408A2 (en) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-17 Spectrarep System and method for managing emergency notifications over a network
US7769144B2 (en) * 2006-07-21 2010-08-03 Google Inc. Method and system for generating and presenting conversation threads having email, voicemail and chat messages
US8121263B2 (en) 2006-07-21 2012-02-21 Google Inc. Method and system for integrating voicemail and electronic messaging
US20080028070A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Vikas Gupta Method and system for remote management of online activities
US8688523B1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2014-04-01 Amdocs Software Systems Limited System, method and computer program product for providing multiple modes of communication between an advertiser and a user
US8526580B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2013-09-03 Broadcom Corporation System and method for voicemail organization
US7561041B2 (en) * 2006-09-13 2009-07-14 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Monitoring and entry system presence service
US20080077685A1 (en) * 2006-09-21 2008-03-27 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Dynamically configurable presence service
US8316117B2 (en) 2006-09-21 2012-11-20 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Personal presentity presence subsystem
US8588394B2 (en) * 2006-09-22 2013-11-19 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Content switch for enhancing directory assistance
US20080095333A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-24 Voicebutton, Llc System and method of communicating internet user information to service providers
US9317855B2 (en) 2006-10-24 2016-04-19 Yellowpages.Com Llc Systems and methods to provide voice connections via local telephone numbers
WO2008061096A2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-22 C-Mail Corp. System and method of dynamically prioritized electronic mail graphical user interface, and measuring email productivity and collaboration trends
US8108763B2 (en) 2007-01-19 2012-01-31 Constant Contact, Inc. Visual editor for electronic mail
US8150003B1 (en) 2007-01-23 2012-04-03 Avaya Inc. Caller initiated undivert from voicemail
US20080182621A1 (en) * 2007-01-31 2008-07-31 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Sim application toolkit application to track phone usage and location
US9209984B2 (en) * 2007-02-08 2015-12-08 Yellowpages.Com Llc Systems and methods to facilitate communications
US8650265B2 (en) * 2007-02-20 2014-02-11 Yahoo! Inc. Methods of dynamically creating personalized Internet advertisements based on advertiser input
US20080273678A1 (en) 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Igor Balk Systems and methods for phone call management
US7286661B1 (en) 2007-05-01 2007-10-23 Unison Technologies Llc Systems and methods for scalable hunt-group management
US8396054B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2013-03-12 Utbk, Llc Systems and methods to facilitate searches of communication references
US8572203B1 (en) * 2007-05-10 2013-10-29 United Services Automobile Association (Usaa) Systems and methods for personalized customer messages
US20080285587A1 (en) * 2007-05-16 2008-11-20 Unison Technologies Llc Systems and methods for providing unified collaboration systems with user selectable reply format
US20080285736A1 (en) * 2007-05-16 2008-11-20 Unison Technolgies Llc Systems and methods for providing unified collaboration systems with conditional communication handling
US20080285588A1 (en) 2007-05-16 2008-11-20 Unison Technologies Llc Systems and methods for providing unified collaboration systems with combined communication log
US7895246B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2011-02-22 Microsoft Corporation Collection bin for data management and transformation
WO2009008782A1 (en) 2007-07-10 2009-01-15 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ). A method of discovering operator-provided network-services using ims.
US20090024623A1 (en) * 2007-07-20 2009-01-22 Andrei Zary Broder System and Method to Facilitate Mapping and Storage of Data Within One or More Data Taxonomies
US7991806B2 (en) * 2007-07-20 2011-08-02 Yahoo! Inc. System and method to facilitate importation of data taxonomies within a network
US9596308B2 (en) * 2007-07-25 2017-03-14 Yahoo! Inc. Display of person based information including person notes
US8160226B2 (en) * 2007-08-22 2012-04-17 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Key word programmable caller ID
US8243909B2 (en) 2007-08-22 2012-08-14 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Programmable caller ID
US8180396B2 (en) 2007-10-18 2012-05-15 Yahoo! Inc. User augmented reality for camera-enabled mobile devices
US8725490B2 (en) * 2007-10-18 2014-05-13 Yahoo! Inc. Virtual universal translator for a mobile device with a camera
US8406424B2 (en) 2007-10-25 2013-03-26 Yahoo! Inc. Visual universal decryption apparatus and methods
CN101918940A (en) * 2007-11-07 2010-12-15 戴尔帕拉斯股份公司 The smart web pages provisioning system and the method that are used for mobile device
US20090172114A1 (en) * 2007-12-31 2009-07-02 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for server-side interruption management
US8260863B2 (en) * 2007-12-31 2012-09-04 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for client-side interruption management
US8713440B2 (en) * 2008-02-13 2014-04-29 Microsoft Corporation Techniques to manage communications resources for a multimedia conference event
US8438228B1 (en) * 2008-02-29 2013-05-07 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Computing device to broadcast mobile messages received by a mobile device
US20090289955A1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2009-11-26 Yahoo! Inc. Reality overlay device
US8711176B2 (en) * 2008-05-22 2014-04-29 Yahoo! Inc. Virtual billboards
US9256882B2 (en) * 2008-05-27 2016-02-09 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp. Methods, communications devices, and computer program products for selecting an advertisement to initiate device-to-device communications
US20090319624A1 (en) * 2008-06-20 2009-12-24 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for the optimization of electronic mail delivery
US20100082751A1 (en) 2008-09-29 2010-04-01 Microsoft Corporation User perception of electronic messaging
US8463669B2 (en) 2009-01-09 2013-06-11 Ganart Technologies, Inc. System for providing goods and services based on accrued but unpaid earnings
US9076125B2 (en) * 2009-02-27 2015-07-07 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Visualization of participant relationships and sentiment for electronic messaging
US8238538B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2012-08-07 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Stateful home phone service
US8095119B2 (en) * 2009-06-02 2012-01-10 Microsoft Corporation In-call contact information display
US8620710B2 (en) * 2009-07-02 2013-12-31 International Business Machines Corporation Managing calendar events while preparing for time out-of-office
US8656273B1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2014-02-18 Intuit Inc. Unified data entry for generating multiple forms
US9258376B2 (en) 2009-08-04 2016-02-09 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Aggregated presence over user federated devices
US9135277B2 (en) 2009-08-07 2015-09-15 Google Inc. Architecture for responding to a visual query
US8670597B2 (en) 2009-08-07 2014-03-11 Google Inc. Facial recognition with social network aiding
US9087059B2 (en) * 2009-08-07 2015-07-21 Google Inc. User interface for presenting search results for multiple regions of a visual query
US8190499B1 (en) 2009-08-21 2012-05-29 Intuit Inc. Methods systems and articles of manufacture for collecting data for future electronic tax return
US8418079B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2013-04-09 James J. Nicholas, III System and method for cursor-based application management
US8301581B2 (en) 2009-09-24 2012-10-30 Avaya Inc. Group compositing algorithms for presence
US9405772B2 (en) * 2009-12-02 2016-08-02 Google Inc. Actionable search results for street view visual queries
US9176986B2 (en) 2009-12-02 2015-11-03 Google Inc. Generating a combination of a visual query and matching canonical document
US8977639B2 (en) * 2009-12-02 2015-03-10 Google Inc. Actionable search results for visual queries
US8805079B2 (en) 2009-12-02 2014-08-12 Google Inc. Identifying matching canonical documents in response to a visual query and in accordance with geographic information
US9183224B2 (en) * 2009-12-02 2015-11-10 Google Inc. Identifying matching canonical documents in response to a visual query
US8811742B2 (en) 2009-12-02 2014-08-19 Google Inc. Identifying matching canonical documents consistent with visual query structural information
US9852156B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2017-12-26 Google Inc. Hybrid use of location sensor data and visual query to return local listings for visual query
EP2348447B1 (en) 2009-12-18 2014-07-16 CompuGroup Medical AG A computer implemented method for generating a set of identifiers from a private key, computer implemented method and computing device
EP2348452B1 (en) 2009-12-18 2014-07-02 CompuGroup Medical AG A computer implemented method for sending a message to a recipient user, receiving a message by a recipient user, a computer readable storage medium and a computer system
EP2348450B1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2013-11-06 CompuGroup Medical AG Database system, computer system, and computer-readable storage medium for decrypting a data record
US20120303439A1 (en) * 2010-01-13 2012-11-29 Sotxtme Ltd User-defined access controls for accessing user via an electronic communication device
US9258143B2 (en) * 2010-02-19 2016-02-09 Avaya Inc. Contextual summary of recent communications method and apparatus
EP2365456B1 (en) * 2010-03-11 2016-07-20 CompuGroup Medical SE Data structure, method and system for predicting medical conditions
US9124692B2 (en) * 2010-04-14 2015-09-01 Adesh Bhargava System and method for optimizing communication
US8583517B1 (en) 2010-04-30 2013-11-12 Intuit Inc. Systems and methods for generating and sending electronic messages related to a tax return
US9501802B2 (en) 2010-05-04 2016-11-22 Qwest Communications International Inc. Conversation capture
US9356790B2 (en) * 2010-05-04 2016-05-31 Qwest Communications International Inc. Multi-user integrated task list
US9003306B2 (en) 2010-05-04 2015-04-07 Qwest Communications International Inc. Doodle-in-chat-context
US9559869B2 (en) 2010-05-04 2017-01-31 Qwest Communications International Inc. Video call handling
US8819566B2 (en) 2010-05-04 2014-08-26 Qwest Communications International Inc. Integrated multi-modal chat
WO2011149558A2 (en) 2010-05-28 2011-12-01 Abelow Daniel H Reality alternate
US9189770B2 (en) * 2010-09-16 2015-11-17 Bullhorn, Inc. Automatic tracking of contact interactions
US9979755B2 (en) * 2011-06-20 2018-05-22 Dell Products, Lp System and method for routing customer support softphone call
US9419821B2 (en) 2011-06-20 2016-08-16 Dell Products, Lp Customer support system and method therefor
US9819753B2 (en) * 2011-12-02 2017-11-14 Location Labs, Inc. System and method for logging and reporting mobile device activity information
US9154901B2 (en) 2011-12-03 2015-10-06 Location Labs, Inc. System and method for disabling and enabling mobile device functional components
US8954571B2 (en) 2012-01-13 2015-02-10 Wavemarket, Inc. System and method for implementing histogram controlled mobile devices
US10304347B2 (en) 2012-05-09 2019-05-28 Apple Inc. Exercised-based watch face and complications
US10990270B2 (en) 2012-05-09 2021-04-27 Apple Inc. Context-specific user interfaces
US9804759B2 (en) 2012-05-09 2017-10-31 Apple Inc. Context-specific user interfaces
US9582165B2 (en) 2012-05-09 2017-02-28 Apple Inc. Context-specific user interfaces
US9489531B2 (en) 2012-05-13 2016-11-08 Location Labs, Inc. System and method for controlling access to electronic devices
US8935246B2 (en) 2012-08-08 2015-01-13 Google Inc. Identifying textual terms in response to a visual query
US11190947B2 (en) 2014-04-16 2021-11-30 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for concurrent spectrum usage within actively used spectrum
US11189917B2 (en) 2014-04-16 2021-11-30 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for distributing radioheads
US10194346B2 (en) 2012-11-26 2019-01-29 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for exploiting inter-cell multiplexing gain in wireless cellular systems via distributed input distributed output technology
US11050468B2 (en) 2014-04-16 2021-06-29 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for mitigating interference within actively used spectrum
US9265458B2 (en) 2012-12-04 2016-02-23 Sync-Think, Inc. Application of smooth pursuit cognitive testing paradigms to clinical drug development
US9380976B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2016-07-05 Sync-Think, Inc. Optical neuroinformatics
US10164698B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-12-25 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for exploiting inter-cell multiplexing gain in wireless cellular systems via distributed input distributed output technology
US10560324B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-02-11 Location Labs, Inc. System and method for enabling user device control
US10547358B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-01-28 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for radio frequency calibration exploiting channel reciprocity in distributed input distributed output wireless communications
US10033860B2 (en) 2013-05-13 2018-07-24 Pooran Prasad Rajanna System and method for providing contextual information about the caller to make the conversation meaningful
US10270898B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2019-04-23 Apple Inc. Wellness aggregator
US10425366B2 (en) * 2014-01-08 2019-09-24 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Reminder service for email selected for follow-up actions
WO2015137619A1 (en) * 2014-03-11 2015-09-17 에스케이플래닛 주식회사 Messenger service system, and messenger service method and apparatus using useful phrase in system
US10447838B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2019-10-15 Location Labs, Inc. Telephone fraud management system and method
US10185719B2 (en) * 2014-04-15 2019-01-22 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System for providing life log service and method of providing the service
US11290162B2 (en) 2014-04-16 2022-03-29 Rearden, Llc Systems and methods for mitigating interference within actively used spectrum
US10148805B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2018-12-04 Location Labs, Inc. System and method for mobile device control delegation
CN105338158B (en) 2014-06-09 2019-11-19 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 A kind of method and device of information processing
USD785016S1 (en) * 2014-06-23 2017-04-25 Deutsche Bank Ag Display screen with graphical user interface
US10452253B2 (en) 2014-08-15 2019-10-22 Apple Inc. Weather user interface
JP6526700B2 (en) 2014-09-02 2019-06-05 アップル インコーポレイテッドApple Inc. Physical activity and training monitor
US10958778B1 (en) * 2014-09-17 2021-03-23 Peggy S. Miller Contact system for a computing platform
US10776739B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2020-09-15 Apple Inc. Fitness challenge E-awards
WO2016144385A1 (en) 2015-03-08 2016-09-15 Apple Inc. Sharing user-configurable graphical constructs
US10122660B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2018-11-06 MINDBODY, Inc. Contextual mobile communication platform
US9916075B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-03-13 Apple Inc. Formatting content for a reduced-size user interface
CN107921317B (en) 2015-08-20 2021-07-06 苹果公司 Motion-based dial and complex function block
US10469436B2 (en) * 2015-11-20 2019-11-05 Accenture Global Solutions Limited Managing messaging services
JP6828741B2 (en) * 2016-05-16 2021-02-10 ソニー株式会社 Information processing device
DK201770423A1 (en) 2016-06-11 2018-01-15 Apple Inc Activity and workout updates
US11216119B2 (en) 2016-06-12 2022-01-04 Apple Inc. Displaying a predetermined view of an application
US10736543B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2020-08-11 Apple Inc. Workout monitor interface
CN108075959B (en) * 2016-11-14 2021-03-12 腾讯科技(深圳)有限公司 Session message processing method and device
US10171391B2 (en) 2017-01-25 2019-01-01 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic and dynamic management of instant messenger do not disturb state via enterprise application
US10674476B1 (en) 2017-03-10 2020-06-02 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Contextual aware electronic alert system
US10367776B2 (en) 2017-04-07 2019-07-30 International Business Machines Corporation Response status management in a social networking environment
DK179412B1 (en) 2017-05-12 2018-06-06 Apple Inc Context-Specific User Interfaces
US10845955B2 (en) 2017-05-15 2020-11-24 Apple Inc. Displaying a scrollable list of affordances associated with physical activities
US10685049B2 (en) * 2017-09-15 2020-06-16 Oath Inc. Conversation summary
US10951558B2 (en) 2017-09-27 2021-03-16 Slack Technologies, Inc. Validating application dialog associated with a triggering event identification within user interaction data received via a group-based communication interface
US10810277B1 (en) * 2017-10-30 2020-10-20 Facebook, Inc. System and method for determination of a digital destination based on a multi-part identifier
US10491962B2 (en) 2018-03-14 2019-11-26 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for presenting event notifications, based on active applications in a social group, on devices notwithstanding a user instruction to disable event notifications
US10749828B2 (en) 2018-03-14 2020-08-18 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for presenting event notifications, based on trending communications, on devices notwithstanding a user instruction to disable event notifications
DK179992B1 (en) 2018-05-07 2020-01-14 Apple Inc. Visning af brugergrænseflader associeret med fysiske aktiviteter
US11317833B2 (en) 2018-05-07 2022-05-03 Apple Inc. Displaying user interfaces associated with physical activities
US11327650B2 (en) 2018-05-07 2022-05-10 Apple Inc. User interfaces having a collection of complications
US10953307B2 (en) 2018-09-28 2021-03-23 Apple Inc. Swim tracking and notifications for wearable devices
CN109783754A (en) * 2018-12-17 2019-05-21 杭州玳数科技有限公司 A kind of log methods of exhibiting and system based on the realization of WEB technology
US11131967B2 (en) 2019-05-06 2021-09-28 Apple Inc. Clock faces for an electronic device
DK201970532A1 (en) 2019-05-06 2021-05-03 Apple Inc Activity trends and workouts
CN113157190A (en) 2019-05-06 2021-07-23 苹果公司 Limited operation of electronic devices
US11277485B2 (en) 2019-06-01 2022-03-15 Apple Inc. Multi-modal activity tracking user interface
DK201970599A1 (en) 2019-09-09 2021-05-17 Apple Inc Techniques for managing display usage
DK202070613A1 (en) 2020-02-14 2021-10-15 Apple Inc User interfaces for workout content
CN111641546B (en) * 2020-04-27 2022-09-30 完美世界控股集团有限公司 Method, device and system for displaying mail reading state in mailbox
EP4133371A1 (en) 2020-05-11 2023-02-15 Apple Inc. User interfaces for managing user interface sharing
DK202070624A1 (en) 2020-05-11 2022-01-04 Apple Inc User interfaces related to time
US11372659B2 (en) 2020-05-11 2022-06-28 Apple Inc. User interfaces for managing user interface sharing
US11694590B2 (en) 2020-12-21 2023-07-04 Apple Inc. Dynamic user interface with time indicator
US11720239B2 (en) 2021-01-07 2023-08-08 Apple Inc. Techniques for user interfaces related to an event
US11896871B2 (en) 2022-06-05 2024-02-13 Apple Inc. User interfaces for physical activity information

Citations (98)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4266098A (en) * 1978-11-03 1981-05-05 Novak Albert P Device to automatically screen incoming telephone calls, determine the identity of the caller and process the call accordingly
US4935954A (en) * 1988-12-28 1990-06-19 At&T Company Automated message retrieval system
US5311583A (en) * 1992-08-05 1994-05-10 At&T Bell Laboratories International priority calling system with callback features
US5404505A (en) * 1991-11-01 1995-04-04 Finisar Corporation System for scheduling transmission of indexed and requested database tiers on demand at varying repetition rates
US5592470A (en) * 1994-12-21 1997-01-07 At&T Broadband wireless system and network architecture providing broadband/narrowband service with optimal static and dynamic bandwidth/channel allocation
US5604492A (en) * 1994-08-15 1997-02-18 Motorola, Inc. Apparatus and method for directory-linked canned pager messages
US5608786A (en) * 1994-12-23 1997-03-04 Alphanet Telecom Inc. Unified messaging system and method
US5621790A (en) * 1993-11-16 1997-04-15 Aspi Software Development Company , Llc Method and system for optimization of telephone contact campaigns
US5703571A (en) * 1996-02-05 1997-12-30 Motorola, Inc. Selective call transceiver with customized canned messages
US5708775A (en) * 1995-04-19 1998-01-13 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Fault information notification system localized at each network server
US5872841A (en) * 1996-11-14 1999-02-16 Siemens Information And Comunication Newtworks, Inc. Apparatus and method for scheduling a telephone call
US5892508A (en) * 1995-04-25 1999-04-06 Bellsouth Corporation System and method for providing television services
US5909589A (en) * 1996-11-12 1999-06-01 Lance T. Parker Internet based training
US6014135A (en) * 1997-04-04 2000-01-11 Netscape Communications Corp. Collaboration centric document processing environment using an information centric visual user interface and information presentation method
US6023700A (en) * 1997-06-17 2000-02-08 Cranberry Properties, Llc Electronic mail distribution system for integrated electronic communication
US6052730A (en) * 1997-01-10 2000-04-18 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Method for monitoring and/or modifying web browsing sessions
US6055512A (en) * 1997-07-08 2000-04-25 Nortel Networks Corporation Networked personal customized information and facility services
US6065047A (en) * 1996-01-24 2000-05-16 America Online, Inc. System for providing subscriber with access to a content area customized for the combination of subscriber's responses to topic prompt, subtopic prompt, and action prompt
US6075850A (en) * 1998-10-07 2000-06-13 Lucent Technologies Inc. Flash-hook Caller ID
US6205211B1 (en) * 1998-08-04 2001-03-20 Transnexus, Llc Internet telephony call pricing center
US6208721B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2001-03-27 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying telephone callers who have been unsuccessful in reaching a called destination
US6216104B1 (en) * 1998-02-20 2001-04-10 Philips Electronics North America Corporation Computer-based patient record and message delivery system
US6233317B1 (en) * 1997-12-11 2001-05-15 Unisys Corporation Multiple language electronic mail notification of received voice and/or fax messages
US6236768B1 (en) * 1997-10-14 2001-05-22 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method and apparatus for automated, context-dependent retrieval of information
US6237027B1 (en) * 1996-06-20 2001-05-22 Sony Corporation Electronic mail system, computer device, and remote notification method
US6247043B1 (en) * 1998-06-11 2001-06-12 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus, program products and methods utilizing intelligent contact management
US6253188B1 (en) * 1996-09-20 2001-06-26 Thomson Newspapers, Inc. Automated interactive classified ad system for the internet
US6252672B1 (en) * 1996-10-18 2001-06-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image communication apparatus
US6338066B1 (en) * 1998-09-25 2002-01-08 International Business Machines Corporation Surfaid predictor: web-based system for predicting surfer behavior
US6345239B1 (en) * 1999-08-31 2002-02-05 Accenture Llp Remote demonstration of business capabilities in an e-commerce environment
US6351771B1 (en) * 1997-11-10 2002-02-26 Nortel Networks Limited Distributed service network system capable of transparently converting data formats and selectively connecting to an appropriate bridge in accordance with clients characteristics identified during preliminary connections
US6353659B1 (en) * 1998-04-30 2002-03-05 Sony Corporation Answering machine apparatus adapted for use with a telephone coupled to a telephone line having a telephone number associated therewith
US6353852B1 (en) * 1999-01-27 2002-03-05 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Enhanced telephone service system with secure system and method for E-mail address registration
US20020029163A1 (en) * 2000-09-02 2002-03-07 Joao Raymond Anthony Apparatus and method for providing campaign information, campaign-related information and/or election information
US6360254B1 (en) * 1998-09-15 2002-03-19 Amazon.Com Holdings, Inc. System and method for providing secure URL-based access to private resources
US6385311B1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2002-05-07 At&T Corp. Real-time usage-based spontaneous subscription service
US20020059117A1 (en) * 2000-11-10 2002-05-16 Aranet, Inc Methods of generating revenue using streaming video with associated links
US6400810B1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2002-06-04 Ameritech Corporation Method and system for selective notification of E-mail messages
US20020069048A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2002-06-06 Sadhwani Deepak Kishinchand Communication system
US6404762B1 (en) * 1998-06-09 2002-06-11 Unisys Corporation Universal messaging system providing integrated voice, data and fax messaging services to pc/web-based clients, including a session manager for maintaining a session between a messaging platform and the web-based clients
US20020073142A1 (en) * 2000-12-11 2002-06-13 Thomas Moran Messaging
US20020078151A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Wickam Bryce C. System for communicating messages of various formats between diverse communication devices
US20020076015A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Norwitz Grant N. Comprehensive message communication system
US6411685B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-06-25 Microsoft Corporation System and method for providing unified messaging to a user with a thin web browser
US20030009530A1 (en) * 2000-11-08 2003-01-09 Laurent Philonenko Instant message presence protocol for facilitating communication center activity
US20030014553A1 (en) * 2001-06-27 2003-01-16 Rui Zhao General purpose host simulator
US20030023757A1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-01-30 Fujitsu Limited Contents distribution method, contents information processing device, and computer product
US6515968B1 (en) * 1995-03-17 2003-02-04 Worldcom, Inc. Integrated interface for real time web based viewing of telecommunications network call traffic
US6518984B1 (en) * 1998-08-26 2003-02-11 Apple Computer, Inc. Record range control for browsing published databases
US6526044B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2003-02-25 Wandel & Goltermann Technologies, Inc. Real-time analysis through capture buffer with real-time historical data correlation
US6529954B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2003-03-04 Wandell & Goltermann Technologies, Inc. Knowledge based expert analysis system
US6535585B1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2003-03-18 Worldcom, Inc. System and method for notification upon successful message delivery
US6538688B1 (en) * 1998-07-02 2003-03-25 Terran Interactive Method and apparatus for performing an automated inverse telecine process
US6560633B1 (en) * 1999-06-10 2003-05-06 Bow Street Software, Inc. Method for creating network services by transforming an XML runtime model in response to an iterative input process
US6564261B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2003-05-13 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Distributed system to intelligently establish sessions between anonymous users over various networks
US6570855B1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2003-05-27 At&T Corp. Automatic call manager traffic gate feature
US6574678B1 (en) * 1998-02-27 2003-06-03 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Method for installing services
US6584281B2 (en) * 2000-09-22 2003-06-24 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Lens-fitted photo film unit and method of producing photographic print
US6699007B2 (en) * 1996-11-26 2004-03-02 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Method and apparatus for palletizing packages of random size and weight
US6701348B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2004-03-02 Goodcontacts.Com Method and system for automatically updating contact information within a contact database
US6708202B1 (en) * 1996-10-16 2004-03-16 Microsoft Corporation Method for highlighting information contained in an electronic message
US6711154B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2004-03-23 Microsoft Corporation Apparatus and method for device independent messaging notification
US6717513B1 (en) * 1999-01-09 2004-04-06 Heat-Timer Corporation Electronic message delivery system utilizable in the monitoring of remote equipment and method of same
US6721748B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2004-04-13 Maquis Techtrix, Llc. Online content provider system and method
US6731927B1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2004-05-04 Context Connect, Inc. System and method for context association
US6735266B1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2004-05-11 Hitachi, Ltd. Control rod for boiling water reactor and method for manufacturing the same
US20040091091A1 (en) * 2000-11-20 2004-05-13 Mikio Maruyama Charging server, charging method, recorded medium where charging program is stored, and recorded medium where connection program is stored
US6738462B1 (en) * 2000-07-19 2004-05-18 Avaya Technology Corp. Unified communications automated personal name addressing
US6741697B2 (en) * 1998-03-31 2004-05-25 International Business Machines Corporation Telephone call centre performance evaluation
US6745229B1 (en) * 1997-09-26 2004-06-01 Worldcom, Inc. Web based integrated customer interface for invoice reporting
US6747970B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2004-06-08 Christopher H. Lamb Methods and apparatus for providing communications services between connectionless and connection-oriented networks
US6748056B1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2004-06-08 Unisys Corporation Coordination of a telephony handset session with an e-mail session in a universal messaging system
US6754181B1 (en) * 1996-11-18 2004-06-22 Mci Communications Corporation System and method for a directory service supporting a hybrid communication system architecture
US6757732B1 (en) * 2000-03-16 2004-06-29 Nortel Networks Limited Text-based communications over a data network
US6839414B1 (en) * 2002-01-10 2005-01-04 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Call prevention device and method
US6842767B1 (en) * 1999-10-22 2005-01-11 Tellme Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for content personalization over a telephone interface with adaptive personalization
US6853711B2 (en) * 1997-12-17 2005-02-08 Nortel Networks Limited Method for adding context to communications
US6857024B1 (en) * 1999-10-22 2005-02-15 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing on-line advertising and information
US20050038863A1 (en) * 2003-07-21 2005-02-17 Richard Onyon Device message management system
US6879995B1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2005-04-12 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Application server message logging
US6882709B1 (en) * 1999-04-14 2005-04-19 General Instrument Corporation Enhanced broadband telephony services
US6892083B2 (en) * 2001-09-05 2005-05-10 Vocera Communications Inc. Voice-controlled wireless communications system and method
US6895426B1 (en) * 2000-10-17 2005-05-17 Microsoft Corporation Addresses as objects for email messages
US6895559B2 (en) * 2000-12-12 2005-05-17 Matsushita Mobile Communications Development Corporation Of U.S.A. Auto-completion algorithm for dialing telephone numbers
US6988128B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2006-01-17 International Business Machines Corporation Calendar events and calendar-driven application technique
US7007085B1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2006-02-28 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Message log for wireline, voice mail, email, fax, pager, instant messages and chat
US20060062205A1 (en) * 2004-09-23 2006-03-23 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Method and apparatus for an integrated call log and protocol mapping
US7031961B2 (en) * 1999-05-05 2006-04-18 Google, Inc. System and method for searching and recommending objects from a categorically organized information repository
US7171448B1 (en) * 2000-04-17 2007-01-30 Accenture Ans Conducting activities in a collaborative work tool architecture
US7213005B2 (en) * 1999-12-09 2007-05-01 International Business Machines Corporation Digital content distribution using web broadcasting services
US20070100967A1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2007-05-03 Microsoft Corporation Application Program Interface for Network Software Platform
US7325032B2 (en) * 2001-02-16 2008-01-29 Microsoft Corporation System and method for passing context-sensitive information from a first application to a second application on a mobile device
US7496189B2 (en) * 2002-06-10 2009-02-24 Alcatel-Lucent Usa Inc. Caller information display methods and systems
US7525955B2 (en) * 2004-03-19 2009-04-28 Commuca, Inc. Internet protocol (IP) phone with search and advertising capability
US7929951B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2011-04-19 Stevens Lawrence A Systems and methods for storage of user information and for verifying user identity
US20120078725A1 (en) * 2010-09-27 2012-03-29 Infosys Technologies Limited Method and system for contextual advertisement recommendation across multiple devices of content delivery
US8423412B2 (en) * 2008-01-22 2013-04-16 Braintexter, Inc. Systems and methods of contextual advertising
US20130138513A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2013-05-30 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Contextual Information

Family Cites Families (179)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US174188A (en) * 1876-02-29 Improvement in bobbin-winders for sewing-machines
US180776A (en) * 1876-08-08 Improvement in photographic camera-lenses
US5147975A (en) * 1981-04-20 1992-09-15 The United State Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Remotely settable, multi-output, electronic time fuze and method of operation
US4703423A (en) * 1984-07-10 1987-10-27 Recipe Terminal Corporation Apparatus and method for generation of brand name specific advertising media
GB2173070B (en) 1985-03-28 1988-09-21 Stc Plc Digital telecommunication system
US4975896A (en) 1986-08-08 1990-12-04 Agosto Iii Nicholas A D Communications network and method
US4969136A (en) 1986-08-08 1990-11-06 Chamberlin David B Communications network and method with appointment information communication capabilities
US4850007A (en) * 1987-06-25 1989-07-18 American Telephone And Telegraph Company Telephone toll service with advertising
US5812654A (en) 1992-01-27 1998-09-22 Sprint Communications Co. L.P. Telecommunications network routing
US5873032A (en) 1994-04-28 1999-02-16 Metro One Telecommunications, Inc. Method and system for providing directory assistance services during attempt to complete customer or after call termination via an alphanumeric page
US5644624A (en) * 1994-05-23 1997-07-01 Caldwell Communications Development, Inc. Automatic telephone call origination and retry system and method of operation
US6380264B1 (en) * 1994-06-23 2002-04-30 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Apparatus and method for emulsifying a pressurized multi-component liquid
EP0717549B1 (en) * 1994-12-14 2001-11-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus
US5937047A (en) * 1995-01-02 1999-08-10 Stabler; Jerry Remote voice mail messaging and management system
US5570417A (en) 1995-03-28 1996-10-29 Lucent Technologies Inc. System for automatically providing customer access to alternative telephony service providers
US6002394A (en) * 1995-10-02 1999-12-14 Starsight Telecast, Inc. Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters
AU7606696A (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-05-29 Seiko Communications Systems, Inc. Selective advertisement presentation
US5802510A (en) * 1995-12-29 1998-09-01 At&T Corp Universal directory service
US5822410A (en) 1996-01-11 1998-10-13 Gte Telecom Services Inc Churn amelioration system and method therefor
US5946386A (en) * 1996-03-11 1999-08-31 Xantel Corporation Call management system with call control from user workstation computers
AUPN980896A0 (en) * 1996-05-14 1996-06-06 Kingfisher International Pty. Ltd. An optical fibre device
US5974388A (en) 1996-05-17 1999-10-26 American Standox, Inc. Paint customer service information method and apparatus
US5661783A (en) * 1996-05-22 1997-08-26 Assis; Offer Electronic secretary
US5818447A (en) 1996-06-06 1998-10-06 Microsoft Corporation System and method for in-place editing of an electronic mail message using a separate program
AU725370C (en) 1996-06-18 2003-01-02 Cranberry Properties, Llc Integrated voice, facsimile and electronic mail messaging system
US6717613B1 (en) * 1996-08-02 2004-04-06 United Module Corporation Block deformation removing filter
EP0825787A1 (en) 1996-08-12 1998-02-25 BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company Negotiation process for connection management
US5909680A (en) * 1996-09-09 1999-06-01 Ricoh Company Limited Document categorization by word length distribution analysis
US5852775A (en) * 1996-09-12 1998-12-22 Earthweb, Inc. Cellular telephone advertising system
US7020652B2 (en) 2001-12-21 2006-03-28 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corp. System and method for customizing content-access lists
US6308328B1 (en) * 1997-01-17 2001-10-23 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Usage statistics collection for a cable data delivery system
US6272150B1 (en) * 1997-01-17 2001-08-07 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Cable modem map display for network management of a cable data delivery system
SE9700334L (en) * 1997-02-03 1998-08-04 Gratistelefon Svenska Ab Procedure for telecommunications including advertising messages
US6785266B2 (en) * 1998-03-02 2004-08-31 Robert Swartz Internet controlled telephone system
US6088588A (en) 1997-03-25 2000-07-11 Nortel Networks Corporation Method and wireless terminal for monitoring communications and providing network with terminal operation information
US6167119A (en) 1997-03-28 2000-12-26 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Providing enhanced services through SIV and personal dial tone
US6339639B1 (en) 1997-04-04 2002-01-15 Daniel A. Henderson Enhanced call-waiting with caller identification method and apparatus
FR2762465A1 (en) 1997-04-22 1998-10-23 Philips Electronics Nv TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH MEANS FOR MANAGING SUBSCRIBER RECALL LIST
US5987100A (en) 1997-04-23 1999-11-16 Northern Telecom Limited Universal mailbox
US6608637B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2003-08-19 Nortel Networks Limited Multitasking graphical user interface
EP1013034A2 (en) 1997-05-21 2000-06-28 Telcordia Technologies, Inc. System and method for implementing call waiting functions over a network
US6133853A (en) 1998-07-30 2000-10-17 American Calcar, Inc. Personal communication and positioning system
US6148261A (en) 1997-06-20 2000-11-14 American Calcar, Inc. Personal communication system to send and receive voice data positioning information
US5978475A (en) 1997-07-18 1999-11-02 Counterpane Internet Security, Inc. Event auditing system
AU8496398A (en) * 1997-07-18 1999-02-10 Net Exchange, Inc. Apparatus and method for effecting correspondent-centric electronic mail
JPH1169016A (en) 1997-08-26 1999-03-09 Fujitsu Ltd Call control management system
JPH1174861A (en) * 1997-08-27 1999-03-16 Sony Corp Radio communication system
US6330079B1 (en) 1997-09-08 2001-12-11 Mci Communications Corporation Integrated voicemail and faxmail platform for a communications system
US6097942A (en) * 1997-09-18 2000-08-01 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Method and apparatus for defining and updating mobile services based on subscriber groups
US6490620B1 (en) 1997-09-26 2002-12-03 Worldcom, Inc. Integrated proxy interface for web based broadband telecommunications management
US6134235A (en) 1997-10-08 2000-10-17 At&T Corp. Pots/packet bridge
US6128624A (en) 1997-11-12 2000-10-03 Ncr Corporation Collection and integration of internet and electronic commerce data in a database during web browsing
US6272537B1 (en) * 1997-11-17 2001-08-07 Fujitsu Limited Method for building element manager for a computer network element using a visual element manager builder process
US6151584A (en) * 1997-11-20 2000-11-21 Ncr Corporation Computer architecture and method for validating and collecting and metadata and data about the internet and electronic commerce environments (data discoverer)
US6157709A (en) 1997-12-11 2000-12-05 At&T Corp. Method and apparatus for branding delivered calls
US6272160B1 (en) * 1998-02-03 2001-08-07 Applied Micro Circuits Corporation High-speed CMOS driver for vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
US6766369B1 (en) * 1998-03-09 2004-07-20 Net Zero, Inc. Internet service error tracking
US6125108A (en) * 1998-04-02 2000-09-26 Siemens Information And Communication Networks, Inc. Method and system for enhanced client identification
JP3252825B2 (en) 1998-04-17 2002-02-04 日本電気株式会社 Automatic radio wave output restriction system for mobile phones
US6169997B1 (en) 1998-04-29 2001-01-02 Ncr Corporation Method and apparatus for forming subject (context) map and presenting Internet data according to the subject map
US6556666B1 (en) * 1998-05-05 2003-04-29 Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc. Notification system for multimedia messaging systems
US6735286B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2004-05-11 Nortel Networks Limited Telephone system integrated text based communication processes, apparatus and systems
US6301245B1 (en) * 1998-06-09 2001-10-09 Unisys Corporation Universal Messaging system providing integrated voice, data and fax messaging services to PC/web-based clients, including a large object server for efficiently distributing voice/fax messages to web-based clients
US6317485B1 (en) * 1998-06-09 2001-11-13 Unisys Corporation System and method for integrating notification functions of two messaging systems in a universal messaging system
US6430177B1 (en) * 1998-06-09 2002-08-06 Unisys Corporation Universal messaging system providing integrated voice, data and fax messaging services to pc/web-based clients, including a content manager for receiving information from content providers and formatting the same into multimedia containers for distribution to web-based clients
US6185433B1 (en) * 1998-06-29 2001-02-06 Motorola, Inc. Communication device and method for determining a busy status thereof in a dispatch system
US6424966B1 (en) 1998-06-30 2002-07-23 Microsoft Corporation Synchronizing crawler with notification source
US6430188B1 (en) * 1998-07-08 2002-08-06 Broadcom Corporation Unified table for L2, L3, L4, switching and filtering
US6453353B1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2002-09-17 Entrust, Inc. Role-based navigation of information resources
US6182142B1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2001-01-30 Encommerce, Inc. Distributed access management of information resources
US6148329A (en) * 1998-07-20 2000-11-14 Unisys Corporation Method and system for maintaining the format of messages in a messaging system database
DE29813788U1 (en) * 1998-08-01 1998-10-15 Master Cheng Enterprise Co Measuring stick to determine the stick size of pets
US6282275B1 (en) * 1998-08-07 2001-08-28 Lucent Technologies Inc. Telephone caller identification log with internet access
US7225409B1 (en) 1998-08-26 2007-05-29 Microsoft Corporation Graphical user interface for a screen telephone
WO2000016568A1 (en) 1998-09-15 2000-03-23 In Touch Technologies Limited Communication services
US7349907B2 (en) 1998-10-01 2008-03-25 Onepin, Inc. Method and apparatus for storing and retrieving business contact information in a computer system
US6445682B1 (en) * 1998-10-06 2002-09-03 Vertical Networks, Inc. Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged TDM and packet buses and methods for performing telephony and data functions using the same
US6798868B1 (en) 1998-11-02 2004-09-28 Verizon Services Corp. Call notification service for use with call waiting
US6091802A (en) 1998-11-03 2000-07-18 Teradyne, Inc. Telecommunication system tester with integrated voice and data
US6084628A (en) * 1998-12-18 2000-07-04 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) System and method of providing targeted advertising during video telephone calls
US6118856A (en) 1998-12-28 2000-09-12 Nortel Networks Corporation Method and apparatus for automatically forwarding an email message or portion thereof to a remote device
US6806977B1 (en) 1998-12-31 2004-10-19 Automated Business Companies Multiple integrated machine system
US20010013050A1 (en) * 1999-01-11 2001-08-09 Shah Niraj A. Buddy list aggregation
US20010013069A1 (en) * 1999-01-11 2001-08-09 Infospace, Inc. Data messaging aggregation
US6266690B1 (en) * 1999-01-27 2001-07-24 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Enhanced service platform with secure system and method for subscriber profile customization
US6594255B1 (en) * 1999-02-09 2003-07-15 Tadiran Telecom Business Systems Ltd. PBX with short messaging service on a telephone display
US6272687B1 (en) * 2000-02-11 2001-08-14 Frank W. Cunningham Puncture proof surgical gloves
JP3835945B2 (en) * 1999-02-19 2006-10-18 富士通株式会社 System clock recovery method and apparatus in digital data transmission network
US6928154B1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2005-08-09 Nortel Networks Limited Remote caller identification telephone system and method with internet retrieval
US6981023B1 (en) * 1999-03-09 2005-12-27 Michael Hamilton Message routing
US6516189B1 (en) * 1999-03-17 2003-02-04 Telephia, Inc. System and method for gathering data from wireless communications networks
US6820204B1 (en) 1999-03-31 2004-11-16 Nimesh Desai System and method for selective information exchange
US6631186B1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2003-10-07 Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. System and method for implementing and accessing call forwarding services
US6147975A (en) 1999-06-02 2000-11-14 Ac Properties B.V. System, method and article of manufacture of a proactive threhold manager in a hybrid communication system architecture
US6449617B1 (en) 1999-06-15 2002-09-10 Microsoft Corporation Edit command delegation program for editing electronic files
US6460082B1 (en) 1999-06-17 2002-10-01 International Business Machines Corporation Management of service-oriented resources across heterogeneous media servers using homogenous service units and service signatures to configure the media servers
US6785379B1 (en) * 1999-06-28 2004-08-31 Aspect Communications Corporation Call management system with call control form user workstation computers
US7263505B1 (en) 1999-06-30 2007-08-28 Kyklos Entertainment S.R.L. Method and apparatus for generating a sale offer over an electronic network system
US6640241B1 (en) 1999-07-19 2003-10-28 Groove Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for activity-based collaboration by a computer system equipped with a communications manager
US6772186B1 (en) * 1999-07-19 2004-08-03 Renesas Technology Corp. Multimedia multiply-adder
US6760727B1 (en) 1999-07-30 2004-07-06 Convergys Cmg Utah, Inc. System for customer contact information management and methods for using same
US20020091829A1 (en) * 2000-02-22 2002-07-11 Wood Christopher (Noah) Internet message management portal
US6459782B1 (en) * 1999-11-10 2002-10-01 Goldstar Information Technologies, Llc System and method of developing mapping and directions from caller ID
US6570885B1 (en) * 1999-11-12 2003-05-27 International Business Machines Corporation Segment-controlled process for controlling castouts from a communication cache in a port in any of multiple nodes in a communications network
US6760601B1 (en) * 1999-11-29 2004-07-06 Nokia Corporation Apparatus for providing information services to a telecommunication device user
FR2801802B1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2002-06-21 Rossignol Sa CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BINDING
US6807423B1 (en) 1999-12-14 2004-10-19 Nortel Networks Limited Communication and presence spanning multiple access networks
US6804716B1 (en) * 1999-12-22 2004-10-12 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Network and method for call management
US6625258B1 (en) * 1999-12-27 2003-09-23 Nortel Networks Ltd System and method for providing unified communication services support
US6981040B1 (en) 1999-12-28 2005-12-27 Utopy, Inc. Automatic, personalized online information and product services
US6609253B1 (en) 1999-12-30 2003-08-19 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Method and system for providing interactive media VCR control
US6917610B1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2005-07-12 At&T Corp. Activity log for improved call efficiency
US6816469B1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2004-11-09 At&T Corp. IP conference call waiting
US6496838B1 (en) 1999-12-31 2002-12-17 Qwest Communications International Inc. Database reconciliation method and system
US6615184B1 (en) 2000-01-04 2003-09-02 Mitzi Hicks System and method for providing customers seeking a product or service at a specified discount in a specified geographic area with information as to suppliers offering the same
WO2001050693A1 (en) 2000-01-05 2001-07-12 Www.Internet Solutions Limited Messaging system
US6735288B1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2004-05-11 Cisco Technology, Inc. Voice over IP voice mail system configured for placing an outgoing call and returning subscriber to mailbox after call completion
AU2001230955A1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2001-07-31 Richard Liming System and method providing a spatial location context
US6434747B1 (en) * 2000-01-19 2002-08-13 Individual Network, Inc. Method and system for providing a customized media list
US20020092021A1 (en) 2000-03-23 2002-07-11 Adrian Yap Digital video recorder enhanced features
US7062535B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2006-06-13 Centerpost Communications, Inc. Individual XML message processing platform
WO2001076120A2 (en) 2000-04-04 2001-10-11 Stick Networks, Inc. Personal communication device for scheduling presentation of digital content
JP2001290767A (en) 2000-04-07 2001-10-19 Sharp Corp Information communication system, information terminal device, and program recording medium
JP3810981B2 (en) * 2000-04-25 2006-08-16 パイオニア株式会社 Coordinate position detection method and display device using the same
US6493437B1 (en) 2000-04-26 2002-12-10 Genuity Inc. Advertising-subsidized PC-telephony
US6421725B1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2002-07-16 Worldcom, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing automatic notification
US6518968B1 (en) 2000-05-17 2003-02-11 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for performing H-space bump mapping suitable for implementation with H-space lighting in a graphics pipeline of a computer graphics display system
US6961751B1 (en) 2000-05-31 2005-11-01 International Business Machines Corporation Method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing enhanced bookmarking features for a heterogeneous environment
US6973556B2 (en) 2000-06-19 2005-12-06 Storage Technology Corporation Data element including metadata that includes data management information for managing the data element
US6948135B1 (en) 2000-06-21 2005-09-20 Microsoft Corporation Method and systems of providing information to computer users
US6768722B1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2004-07-27 At&T Corp. Systems and methods for managing multiple communications
US6772188B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2004-08-03 America Online, Incorporated Method and apparatus for communicating with an entity automatically identified in an electronic communication
US6829233B1 (en) 2000-07-26 2004-12-07 At&T Corp. Internet telephony with interactive information
US6665378B1 (en) 2000-07-31 2003-12-16 Brenda Gates Spielman IP-based notification architecture for unified messaging
US6947979B1 (en) 2000-08-16 2005-09-20 Entrust, Inc. Controlling use of a network resource
US6980982B1 (en) 2000-08-29 2005-12-27 Gcg, Llc Search system and method involving user and provider associated beneficiary groups
US6920213B2 (en) * 2000-09-15 2005-07-19 Verizon Services Corp. Methods and apparatus for facilitating the interaction between multiple telephone and computer users
US6640230B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2003-10-28 International Business Machines Corporation Calendar-driven application technique for preparing responses to incoming events
US6804707B1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2004-10-12 Eric Ronning Method and system for delivering wireless messages and information to personal computing devices
US6910186B2 (en) * 2000-12-08 2005-06-21 Kyunam Kim Graphic chatting with organizational avatars
US8023622B2 (en) * 2000-12-21 2011-09-20 Grape Technology Group, Inc. Technique for call context based advertising through an information assistance service
US20020194274A1 (en) 2000-12-23 2002-12-19 Atub, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for a communication manager in an integrated scheduling and document management framework
GB2371397B (en) * 2001-01-20 2004-09-01 Ncr Int Inc Self service terminal
US7149534B2 (en) 2001-01-23 2006-12-12 Ericsson Inc. Peer to peer information exchange for mobile communications devices
US20020099775A1 (en) * 2001-01-25 2002-07-25 Anoop Gupta Server system supporting collaborative messaging based on electronic mail
US7222156B2 (en) * 2001-01-25 2007-05-22 Microsoft Corporation Integrating collaborative messaging into an electronic mail program
US7457798B2 (en) 2001-02-13 2008-11-25 Microsoft Corporation System and method for providing a universal and automatic communication access point
US20020124057A1 (en) 2001-03-05 2002-09-05 Diego Besprosvan Unified communications system
US7561872B1 (en) * 2001-03-19 2009-07-14 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods and systems for accessing communications services
US6981223B2 (en) 2001-03-19 2005-12-27 Ecrio, Inc. Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for multiple messaging session management with a graphical user interface
US6763102B1 (en) * 2001-04-05 2004-07-13 At&T Corp. Method for handling incoming calls directed to a virtual communication service subscriber via a guest PBX
US7035653B2 (en) * 2001-04-13 2006-04-25 Leap Wireless International, Inc. Method and system to facilitate interaction between and content delivery to users of a wireless communications network
JP2002311280A (en) * 2001-04-16 2002-10-23 Kddi Submarine Cable Systems Inc Production method for optical fiber cable
US20020174188A1 (en) 2001-04-30 2002-11-21 Objectsoft, Inc. Method and apparatus for exchanging contact information
WO2002093800A1 (en) 2001-05-11 2002-11-21 Wildseed, Ltd. Method and system for providing an opinion and aggregating opinions with a mobile telecommunication device
US6889224B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2005-05-03 International Business Machines Corporation Method for storing, accessing embedded web pages during manufacturing phase on personal digital device
US7849409B2 (en) 2001-05-31 2010-12-07 Access Systems Americas, Inc. System and method for transferring Web-based information
US20020184329A1 (en) 2001-06-04 2002-12-05 Maureen Chen System and method for dynamically managing and facilitating data real time via a shared computer network
US7096232B2 (en) * 2001-06-06 2006-08-22 International Business Machines Corporation Calendar-enhanced directory searches including dynamic contact information
US6826639B2 (en) 2001-07-27 2004-11-30 Computer Access Technology Corporation Hierarchical display of multilevel protocol for communication data
US6904137B2 (en) 2001-07-31 2005-06-07 Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. System and method for creating and accessing outgoing telephone call log
US6782086B2 (en) 2001-08-02 2004-08-24 Intel Corporation Caller ID lookup
US6940958B2 (en) 2001-08-02 2005-09-06 Intel Corporation Forwarding telephone data via email
US7092936B1 (en) 2001-08-22 2006-08-15 Oracle International Corporation System and method for search and recommendation based on usage mining
US7472187B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2008-12-30 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Communications and information resource manager
US6701648B2 (en) * 2001-11-21 2004-03-09 Pocket Nurse Enterprises, Inc. Adjustably locking stethoscope identification tag
US6478056B1 (en) 2001-12-03 2002-11-12 Scully Signal Company Integrated fluid nozzle and tank cap removal apparatus
DE20200571U1 (en) 2002-01-15 2002-04-11 Fer Fahrzeugelektrik Gmbh vehicle light
US7130891B2 (en) 2002-02-04 2006-10-31 Datasynapse, Inc. Score-based scheduling of service requests in a grid services computing platform
US6920208B1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2005-07-19 At&T Corp. Call tracker
US7088805B1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2006-08-08 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Method for polling a call log
US8307273B2 (en) 2002-12-30 2012-11-06 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Methods and apparatus for interactive network sharing of digital video content
US7835934B2 (en) 2003-05-21 2010-11-16 Warranty Management Technologies LLC System and method of work management
US20040254999A1 (en) 2003-06-13 2004-12-16 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation System for providing content to multiple users
US7860804B2 (en) 2003-12-17 2010-12-28 At&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P. Methods, systems and storage medium for providing content notification based on user communities
US6914967B1 (en) 2004-03-11 2005-07-05 Network Enhanced Telecom, Llp Method for measuring quality of service in a telecommunications network
US7778399B2 (en) 2004-07-02 2010-08-17 Inter-Tel, Inc System and method for real-time call log status
US8554718B2 (en) * 2008-02-12 2013-10-08 Rockstar Consortium Us Lp Method and system for client context dissemination for web-based applications
US8351771B2 (en) 2009-08-18 2013-01-08 Panasonic Corporation Optical element driving device and imaging device

Patent Citations (100)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4266098A (en) * 1978-11-03 1981-05-05 Novak Albert P Device to automatically screen incoming telephone calls, determine the identity of the caller and process the call accordingly
US4935954A (en) * 1988-12-28 1990-06-19 At&T Company Automated message retrieval system
US5404505A (en) * 1991-11-01 1995-04-04 Finisar Corporation System for scheduling transmission of indexed and requested database tiers on demand at varying repetition rates
US5311583A (en) * 1992-08-05 1994-05-10 At&T Bell Laboratories International priority calling system with callback features
US5889799A (en) * 1993-11-16 1999-03-30 Centerforce Technologies, Inc. Method and system for optimization of telephone contact campaigns
US5621790A (en) * 1993-11-16 1997-04-15 Aspi Software Development Company , Llc Method and system for optimization of telephone contact campaigns
US5604492A (en) * 1994-08-15 1997-02-18 Motorola, Inc. Apparatus and method for directory-linked canned pager messages
US5592470A (en) * 1994-12-21 1997-01-07 At&T Broadband wireless system and network architecture providing broadband/narrowband service with optimal static and dynamic bandwidth/channel allocation
US5608786A (en) * 1994-12-23 1997-03-04 Alphanet Telecom Inc. Unified messaging system and method
US6515968B1 (en) * 1995-03-17 2003-02-04 Worldcom, Inc. Integrated interface for real time web based viewing of telecommunications network call traffic
US5708775A (en) * 1995-04-19 1998-01-13 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Fault information notification system localized at each network server
US5892508A (en) * 1995-04-25 1999-04-06 Bellsouth Corporation System and method for providing television services
US6567982B1 (en) * 1995-04-25 2003-05-20 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation System and method for providing television services
US6065047A (en) * 1996-01-24 2000-05-16 America Online, Inc. System for providing subscriber with access to a content area customized for the combination of subscriber's responses to topic prompt, subtopic prompt, and action prompt
US5703571A (en) * 1996-02-05 1997-12-30 Motorola, Inc. Selective call transceiver with customized canned messages
US6237027B1 (en) * 1996-06-20 2001-05-22 Sony Corporation Electronic mail system, computer device, and remote notification method
US6253188B1 (en) * 1996-09-20 2001-06-26 Thomson Newspapers, Inc. Automated interactive classified ad system for the internet
US6708202B1 (en) * 1996-10-16 2004-03-16 Microsoft Corporation Method for highlighting information contained in an electronic message
US6252672B1 (en) * 1996-10-18 2001-06-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image communication apparatus
US5909589A (en) * 1996-11-12 1999-06-01 Lance T. Parker Internet based training
US5872841A (en) * 1996-11-14 1999-02-16 Siemens Information And Comunication Newtworks, Inc. Apparatus and method for scheduling a telephone call
US6754181B1 (en) * 1996-11-18 2004-06-22 Mci Communications Corporation System and method for a directory service supporting a hybrid communication system architecture
US6699007B2 (en) * 1996-11-26 2004-03-02 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Method and apparatus for palletizing packages of random size and weight
US6052730A (en) * 1997-01-10 2000-04-18 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Method for monitoring and/or modifying web browsing sessions
US6014135A (en) * 1997-04-04 2000-01-11 Netscape Communications Corp. Collaboration centric document processing environment using an information centric visual user interface and information presentation method
US6023700A (en) * 1997-06-17 2000-02-08 Cranberry Properties, Llc Electronic mail distribution system for integrated electronic communication
US6055512A (en) * 1997-07-08 2000-04-25 Nortel Networks Corporation Networked personal customized information and facility services
US6745229B1 (en) * 1997-09-26 2004-06-01 Worldcom, Inc. Web based integrated customer interface for invoice reporting
US6236768B1 (en) * 1997-10-14 2001-05-22 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method and apparatus for automated, context-dependent retrieval of information
US6351771B1 (en) * 1997-11-10 2002-02-26 Nortel Networks Limited Distributed service network system capable of transparently converting data formats and selectively connecting to an appropriate bridge in accordance with clients characteristics identified during preliminary connections
US6233317B1 (en) * 1997-12-11 2001-05-15 Unisys Corporation Multiple language electronic mail notification of received voice and/or fax messages
US6853711B2 (en) * 1997-12-17 2005-02-08 Nortel Networks Limited Method for adding context to communications
US6216104B1 (en) * 1998-02-20 2001-04-10 Philips Electronics North America Corporation Computer-based patient record and message delivery system
US6574678B1 (en) * 1998-02-27 2003-06-03 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Method for installing services
US6741697B2 (en) * 1998-03-31 2004-05-25 International Business Machines Corporation Telephone call centre performance evaluation
US6353659B1 (en) * 1998-04-30 2002-03-05 Sony Corporation Answering machine apparatus adapted for use with a telephone coupled to a telephone line having a telephone number associated therewith
US6404762B1 (en) * 1998-06-09 2002-06-11 Unisys Corporation Universal messaging system providing integrated voice, data and fax messaging services to pc/web-based clients, including a session manager for maintaining a session between a messaging platform and the web-based clients
US6247043B1 (en) * 1998-06-11 2001-06-12 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus, program products and methods utilizing intelligent contact management
US6538688B1 (en) * 1998-07-02 2003-03-25 Terran Interactive Method and apparatus for performing an automated inverse telecine process
US6205211B1 (en) * 1998-08-04 2001-03-20 Transnexus, Llc Internet telephony call pricing center
US6518984B1 (en) * 1998-08-26 2003-02-11 Apple Computer, Inc. Record range control for browsing published databases
US6360254B1 (en) * 1998-09-15 2002-03-19 Amazon.Com Holdings, Inc. System and method for providing secure URL-based access to private resources
US6338066B1 (en) * 1998-09-25 2002-01-08 International Business Machines Corporation Surfaid predictor: web-based system for predicting surfer behavior
US6075850A (en) * 1998-10-07 2000-06-13 Lucent Technologies Inc. Flash-hook Caller ID
US6717513B1 (en) * 1999-01-09 2004-04-06 Heat-Timer Corporation Electronic message delivery system utilizable in the monitoring of remote equipment and method of same
US6208721B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2001-03-27 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying telephone callers who have been unsuccessful in reaching a called destination
US6353852B1 (en) * 1999-01-27 2002-03-05 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Enhanced telephone service system with secure system and method for E-mail address registration
US6711154B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2004-03-23 Microsoft Corporation Apparatus and method for device independent messaging notification
US6411685B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-06-25 Microsoft Corporation System and method for providing unified messaging to a user with a thin web browser
US6882709B1 (en) * 1999-04-14 2005-04-19 General Instrument Corporation Enhanced broadband telephony services
US6747970B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2004-06-08 Christopher H. Lamb Methods and apparatus for providing communications services between connectionless and connection-oriented networks
US7031961B2 (en) * 1999-05-05 2006-04-18 Google, Inc. System and method for searching and recommending objects from a categorically organized information repository
US6564261B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2003-05-13 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Distributed system to intelligently establish sessions between anonymous users over various networks
US6721748B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2004-04-13 Maquis Techtrix, Llc. Online content provider system and method
US6560633B1 (en) * 1999-06-10 2003-05-06 Bow Street Software, Inc. Method for creating network services by transforming an XML runtime model in response to an iterative input process
US6385311B1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2002-05-07 At&T Corp. Real-time usage-based spontaneous subscription service
US6526044B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2003-02-25 Wandel & Goltermann Technologies, Inc. Real-time analysis through capture buffer with real-time historical data correlation
US6529954B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2003-03-04 Wandell & Goltermann Technologies, Inc. Knowledge based expert analysis system
US6400810B1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2002-06-04 Ameritech Corporation Method and system for selective notification of E-mail messages
US6879995B1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2005-04-12 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Application server message logging
US6345239B1 (en) * 1999-08-31 2002-02-05 Accenture Llp Remote demonstration of business capabilities in an e-commerce environment
US6857024B1 (en) * 1999-10-22 2005-02-15 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing on-line advertising and information
US6842767B1 (en) * 1999-10-22 2005-01-11 Tellme Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for content personalization over a telephone interface with adaptive personalization
US7213005B2 (en) * 1999-12-09 2007-05-01 International Business Machines Corporation Digital content distribution using web broadcasting services
US6570855B1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2003-05-27 At&T Corp. Automatic call manager traffic gate feature
US6757732B1 (en) * 2000-03-16 2004-06-29 Nortel Networks Limited Text-based communications over a data network
US6535585B1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2003-03-18 Worldcom, Inc. System and method for notification upon successful message delivery
US20020069048A1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2002-06-06 Sadhwani Deepak Kishinchand Communication system
US7171448B1 (en) * 2000-04-17 2007-01-30 Accenture Ans Conducting activities in a collaborative work tool architecture
US6731927B1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2004-05-04 Context Connect, Inc. System and method for context association
US6738462B1 (en) * 2000-07-19 2004-05-18 Avaya Technology Corp. Unified communications automated personal name addressing
US6748056B1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2004-06-08 Unisys Corporation Coordination of a telephony handset session with an e-mail session in a universal messaging system
US20020029163A1 (en) * 2000-09-02 2002-03-07 Joao Raymond Anthony Apparatus and method for providing campaign information, campaign-related information and/or election information
US6584281B2 (en) * 2000-09-22 2003-06-24 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Lens-fitted photo film unit and method of producing photographic print
US6988128B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2006-01-17 International Business Machines Corporation Calendar events and calendar-driven application technique
US6895426B1 (en) * 2000-10-17 2005-05-17 Microsoft Corporation Addresses as objects for email messages
US20030009530A1 (en) * 2000-11-08 2003-01-09 Laurent Philonenko Instant message presence protocol for facilitating communication center activity
US20020059117A1 (en) * 2000-11-10 2002-05-16 Aranet, Inc Methods of generating revenue using streaming video with associated links
US20040091091A1 (en) * 2000-11-20 2004-05-13 Mikio Maruyama Charging server, charging method, recorded medium where charging program is stored, and recorded medium where connection program is stored
US20020073142A1 (en) * 2000-12-11 2002-06-13 Thomas Moran Messaging
US6895559B2 (en) * 2000-12-12 2005-05-17 Matsushita Mobile Communications Development Corporation Of U.S.A. Auto-completion algorithm for dialing telephone numbers
US20020078151A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Wickam Bryce C. System for communicating messages of various formats between diverse communication devices
US20020076015A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Norwitz Grant N. Comprehensive message communication system
US6701348B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2004-03-02 Goodcontacts.Com Method and system for automatically updating contact information within a contact database
US7325032B2 (en) * 2001-02-16 2008-01-29 Microsoft Corporation System and method for passing context-sensitive information from a first application to a second application on a mobile device
US20030014553A1 (en) * 2001-06-27 2003-01-16 Rui Zhao General purpose host simulator
US20070100967A1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2007-05-03 Microsoft Corporation Application Program Interface for Network Software Platform
US20030023757A1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-01-30 Fujitsu Limited Contents distribution method, contents information processing device, and computer product
US6892083B2 (en) * 2001-09-05 2005-05-10 Vocera Communications Inc. Voice-controlled wireless communications system and method
US7007085B1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2006-02-28 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Message log for wireline, voice mail, email, fax, pager, instant messages and chat
US20130138513A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2013-05-30 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Contextual Information
US6735266B1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2004-05-11 Hitachi, Ltd. Control rod for boiling water reactor and method for manufacturing the same
US7929951B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2011-04-19 Stevens Lawrence A Systems and methods for storage of user information and for verifying user identity
US6839414B1 (en) * 2002-01-10 2005-01-04 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Call prevention device and method
US7496189B2 (en) * 2002-06-10 2009-02-24 Alcatel-Lucent Usa Inc. Caller information display methods and systems
US20050038863A1 (en) * 2003-07-21 2005-02-17 Richard Onyon Device message management system
US7525955B2 (en) * 2004-03-19 2009-04-28 Commuca, Inc. Internet protocol (IP) phone with search and advertising capability
US20060062205A1 (en) * 2004-09-23 2006-03-23 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Method and apparatus for an integrated call log and protocol mapping
US8423412B2 (en) * 2008-01-22 2013-04-16 Braintexter, Inc. Systems and methods of contextual advertising
US20120078725A1 (en) * 2010-09-27 2012-03-29 Infosys Technologies Limited Method and system for contextual advertisement recommendation across multiple devices of content delivery

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11195206B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2021-12-07 Facebook, Inc. Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US10438238B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2019-10-08 Facebook, Inc. Contextual information
US10902466B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2021-01-26 Facebook, Inc. Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
US20070130338A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2007-06-07 Dale Malik Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager
WO2007001824A3 (en) * 2005-06-20 2009-04-23 Cisco Tech Inc Method and apparatus for providing service profile upgrades with minimal downtime
US7228132B2 (en) * 2005-06-20 2007-06-05 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing service profile upgrades with minimal downtime
US20060288086A1 (en) * 2005-06-20 2006-12-21 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing service profile upgrades with minimal downtime
WO2007001824A2 (en) * 2005-06-20 2007-01-04 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing service profile upgrades with minimal downtime
EP1848151A1 (en) * 2006-04-20 2007-10-24 NTT DoCoMo, Inc. Method and apparatus for configuring service equipment elements in a network
US20090089855A1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-02 Echostar Technologies Systems and Methods for Communications Between Client Devices of a Broadcast System
US10123086B2 (en) 2007-09-27 2018-11-06 DISH Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for communications between client devices of a broadcast system
US9270945B2 (en) * 2007-09-27 2016-02-23 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for communications between client devices of a broadcast system
US9635427B2 (en) 2007-09-27 2017-04-25 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Systems and methods for communications between client devices of a broadcast system
US20090167839A1 (en) * 2007-12-27 2009-07-02 Desmond Ottmar Methods and apparatus for providing communication between multiple television viewers
US8896654B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2014-11-25 Dish Network L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for providing chat data and video content between multiple viewers
US9288279B2 (en) * 2010-12-09 2016-03-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing a content based on preferences
US10268344B2 (en) * 2010-12-09 2019-04-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing a content based on preferences
US20160162135A1 (en) * 2010-12-09 2016-06-09 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing a content based on preferences
US20120150948A1 (en) * 2010-12-09 2012-06-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing a content based on preferences
US9715694B2 (en) * 2013-10-10 2017-07-25 Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC System and method for website personalization from survey data
US9684918B2 (en) 2013-10-10 2017-06-20 Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC System and method for candidate domain name generation
US20150106687A1 (en) * 2013-10-10 2015-04-16 Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC System and method for website personalization from survey data
US20190130442A1 (en) * 2015-05-04 2019-05-02 Onepin, Inc. Automatic after call application download platform
US11257114B2 (en) 2015-05-04 2022-02-22 Onepin, Inc. Automatic aftercall directory and phonebook entry advertising
US11386453B2 (en) 2015-05-04 2022-07-12 Onepin, Inc. Automatic event triggered balance top-up, money transfer, and location based advertising platform
US11430004B2 (en) * 2015-05-04 2022-08-30 Onepin, Inc. Automatic after call application download platform

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7272633B2 (en) 2007-09-18
US20140325050A1 (en) 2014-10-30
US10902466B2 (en) 2021-01-26
US20140324595A1 (en) 2014-10-30
US7313617B2 (en) 2007-12-25
US20080005691A1 (en) 2008-01-03
US8271591B2 (en) 2012-09-18
US20140317144A1 (en) 2014-10-23
US20140325002A1 (en) 2014-10-30
WO2003027890A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US20030065776A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US20140324586A1 (en) 2014-10-30
US20140351055A1 (en) 2014-11-27
US20140325001A1 (en) 2014-10-30
US8341018B2 (en) 2012-12-25
US20140351060A1 (en) 2014-11-27
WO2003027887A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US20140344723A1 (en) 2014-11-20
WO2003027889A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US20130138513A1 (en) 2013-05-30
US10438238B2 (en) 2019-10-08
US20210398169A9 (en) 2021-12-23
US20150046261A1 (en) 2015-02-12
WO2003027888A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US20030065779A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US11195206B2 (en) 2021-12-07
US20030065768A1 (en) 2003-04-03
US20070130338A1 (en) 2007-06-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11195206B2 (en) Methods and systems for providing contextual information
US8868659B2 (en) Method and apparatus for automatic notification and response
US7436947B2 (en) Method and apparatus for automatic notification and response based on communication flow expressions
US6101486A (en) System and method for retrieving customer information at a transaction center
US7472187B2 (en) Communications and information resource manager
US20020023144A1 (en) Method and system for providing electronic user assistance
US20100057628A1 (en) Modular Workflow Management
US20080192908A1 (en) Method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for intelligently routing calls and creating a supporting computer interface
US20020032750A1 (en) Methods and systems for searching and managing information on wireless data devices
CA2447436A1 (en) Method and apparatus for automatic notification and response
US20040225541A1 (en) Immediate catalog rule change escalation
US20020170040A1 (en) Computer implemented user relationship maintenance technique for target software application
US20080162440A1 (en) Communication information searching
JP2010097540A (en) Knowledge providing device, knowledge providing program, knowledge providing system and knowledge providing lan system
WO2003027881A1 (en) Methods and systems for providing information correlated to a communication

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION, DELAW

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MALIK, DALE W.;REEL/FRAME:013066/0690

Effective date: 20020627

AS Assignment

Owner name: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION, DELAW

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ANDERSON, RICHARD A.;REEL/FRAME:013374/0319

Effective date: 20020923

AS Assignment

Owner name: BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION, DELAW

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MALIK, DALE;KOCH, ROBERT A.;HILL, PETER;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020103 TO 20020304;REEL/FRAME:031752/0547

AS Assignment

Owner name: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., GEORGIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031755/0841

Effective date: 20131204

AS Assignment

Owner name: AT&T DELAWARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC., DELAWAR

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:032092/0504

Effective date: 20071101

Owner name: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC., DELAWARE

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BELLSOUTH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:032092/0433

Effective date: 20070427

Owner name: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC., DELAWARE

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:032092/0483

Effective date: 20070727

Owner name: FACEBOOK, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.;REEL/FRAME:032004/0872

Effective date: 20131223

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: ON APPEAL -- AWAITING DECISION BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION RENDERED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION

AS Assignment

Owner name: META PLATFORMS, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:FACEBOOK, INC.;REEL/FRAME:058961/0436

Effective date: 20211028