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:
Jan. 31, 2012
Filed:
Jun. 12, 2004
John H. Yoakum, Cary, NC (US);
Philip Edholm, Pleasanton, CA (US);
John H. Yoakum, Cary, NC (US);
Philip Edholm, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Rockstar Bidco, LP, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
The present invention creates a buddy list in association with an information vehicle, such as a word processing document, presentation document, or email. The buddy list is created from contacts associated with the information vehicle, and includes communication information such as directory numbers or communication addresses, which are sufficient to establish communications with the contacts. Accordingly, the buddy list may be displayed to a user, and upon the selection of one or more contacts, communication sessions may be established with the selected contact or contacts. Presence information bearing on the relative availability of the contacts may be supported in the buddy list, such that the user can readily determine whether a particular contact is available or determine the best way in which to communicate with the particular contact by viewing the buddy list. The presence information may be periodically updated or may be updated when a particular contact is selected.