The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 28, 2009
Filed:
Sep. 29, 2004
Chandra Narayanaswami, Wilton, CT (US);
Claus M. Olsen, Cortlandt Manor, NY (US);
Guruduth Banavar, Pelham Manor, NY (US);
Lorraine M. Herger, Port Chester, NY (US);
Chandra Narayanaswami, Wilton, CT (US);
Claus M. Olsen, Cortlandt Manor, NY (US);
Guruduth Banavar, Pelham Manor, NY (US);
Lorraine M. Herger, Port Chester, NY (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program for a) buffering instant messages to an intended recipient while the recipient is currently not logged on to an instant messaging system, and b) delivering buffered messages to the intended recipient after the recipient connects the instant messaging system. Thus, users are enabled to initiate instant messaging sessions with other users who are not currently online. An instant messaging device buffers messages and delivers them to the recipient when the recipient comes online. To the recipient, the method of delivery appears identical to the case where the recipient was continuously connected to the system. The main difference is the time delay, i.e. the elapsed time between the time the sender sent it and the time the recipient connected. The recipient is further able to configure the instant messaging device to be selective about which senders are allowed to buffer messages to the recipient while the recipient is disconnected. Sender specific pop-up windows, including the sender's buffered messages, will appear on the recipient's screen after the recipient connects to the system. The recipient can then respond to the instant message and resume the conversation in a real-time (though delayed) manner if the sender is presently online.