(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0023131 A1
`Wu et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Feb. 21, 2002
`
`US 20(l2[)02313 1A1
`
`(54) VOICE INSTANT MESSAGING
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Shuwu Wu, Foothill Ranch, CA (US);
`James Crawford, Belmont. MA (US)
`
`of provisional application No. 60;‘239.9]7, liled on
`Oct. 13, 2(J[l(l.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(7orrcspond::nc::. Adtlressz
`R()l}l€R'I‘ V. RACUNAS
`Fish & Richardson P.C.
`601 Tllirtcu-nth Street, NW
`Washington, DC 20005 (US)
`
`(21) AppI.No.:
`
`[|9i"8ll),.l59
`
`(33)
`
`1.‘ikd;
`
`Man 19, 2001
`Rdmcd U_S_App|icafi0n Data
`
`applicaliun Nu.
`(63) Non-provisional of provisional
`60f]89,9'.r'4, filed on Mar. 17, 2000. Nnn-provisional
`
`Int. Cl.7 ........................... .. G061“ 15,316; G090 5.500
`(SI)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`......................... .. 709E205; 345E753; 709E227
`
`(5?)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`_
`_
`‘
`_
`_
`_
`‘
`‘
`transtcrrmg, ClCCll‘OI'IlC data
`Systems, and techniques [or
`incllldc enabling inslanl messaging cornn1ur1it:aii0n between
`a sender an :11 least one recipient
`lhmugh an instant mes-
`saging host. In addiliun, voice communication is enabled
`between the sender and the recipient
`through the instant
`mesmging 11051.
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`1
`
`Apple 1
`U.S. Pat. 7,535
`
`Apple 1006
`U.S. Pat. 7,535,890
`
`1
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 21, 2002
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Feb. 21, 2002 Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 2002/0023131 Al
`
`Feb. 21, 2002
`
`VOICE INSTANT MESSAGING
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi-
`sional Application No. 60;’189,974 filed Mar. 1?, 2000 and
`U.S. Provisional Application No. 6{t;’239,9l7 filed Oct. 13,
`2000.
`
`TECI INI CAI- FIELD
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to transfer-
`ring data between subscribers of a communications system
`and more particularly to transferring audio data between
`subscribers of an instant messaging host.
`
`BACKG ROUND
`
`[0003] Online service providers are constantly offering
`new services and upgrading existing services to enhance
`their subscribers’ online experience. Subscribers have on-
`demand access to news, weather,
`financial, sports, and
`entertainment services as well as the ability to transmit
`electronic messages and to participate in online discussion
`groups. For example, subscribers of online service providers
`such as America Online or CompuServe may view and
`retrieve information on a wide variety of topics from servers
`located throughout the world. A server may be maintained
`by the service provider or by a third party provider who
`makes information and services available through the world-
`wide network of computers that make up the online service.
`
`[0004] America Online has provided subscribers with the
`ability to send and receive instant messages. Instant mes-
`sages are private online conversations between two or more
`people who have subscribed to the instant messaging service
`and have installed the necessary software. Because such
`online conversations take place in essentially real
`time,
`instant messaging can provide immediate access to desired
`information.
`Instant messaging is becoming a preferred
`means of communicating among online subscribers.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In one general aspect, electronic data is transferred
`[0005]
`between users of a communications system by enabling
`instant messaging cornrrtunication between a sender an at
`least one recipient through an instant messaging host. In
`addition, voice communication is enabled between the
`sender and the recipient through the instant messaging host.
`
`Implementations may include one or more of the
`[0006]
`following features. For example,
`implementations may
`include receiving and authenticating a text instant message
`from the sender at the instant messaging host; determining
`capabilities of the recipient; reporting the capabilities of the
`recipient; receiving a request to establish voice communi-
`cation from the sender andfor the recipient; andior authen-
`ticating the request. Authenticating may include identifying
`a screen name andfor an IP address ol‘ the sender andfor the
`recipient. Determining capabilities of the recipient may
`include identifying hardware or software associated with the
`recipient. Auser interface may be displayed according to the
`capabilities of the recipient.
`
`[0007] Voice communication may be enabled by estab-
`lishing a generic signaling interface channel, a control
`channel, and an audio channel between the sender and the
`recipient. A mode UDP test may be attempted on the audio
`
`channel. The control channel may include a TCPIII’ socket.
`The audio channel may include a UDP or TCP channel.
`
`[0008] These and other general aspects may be imple-
`mented by an apparatus andfor by a computer program
`stored on a computer
`readable medium. The computer
`readable medium may comprise a disc, a client device, a host
`device, andfor a propagated signal.
`
`[0009] Other features and advantages will be apparent
`from the following description, including the drawings, and
`from the claims.
`
`IJESCRIFIION OF Till}. DRAWINGS
`
`[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications
`system.
`
`[0011]
`FIG. I.
`
`FIGS. 2-5 are expansions of the block diagram of
`
`[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a communications method
`that may be implemented by the systems of FIGS. 1-5.
`
`FIGS. 7-10 are illustrations of diflerent graphical
`[0013]
`user interfaces that may be provided by the systems of FIGS.
`1-5.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1-5 describe a
`[0014]
`communications system for implementing techniques for
`transferring electronic data. For brevity. several elements in
`the figures described below are represented as monolithic
`entities. However, as would be understood by one skilled in
`the art, these elements each may include numerous inter-
`connected computers and components designed to perform
`a set of specified operations andior dedicated to a particular
`geographical region.
`
`[0015] Referring to FIG. I, a communications system 100
`is capable of delivering and exchanging data between a
`client system 105 and a host system 110 through a commu-
`nications link 115. The client system 105 typically includes
`one or more client devices 120 andtor client controllers 125.
`For example, the client system 105 may include one or more
`general-purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one
`or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devices specifi-
`cally programmed to communicate with each other andtor
`the host system 110], or a combination of one or more
`general-purpose computers and one or more special-purpose
`computers. The client system 105 may be arranged to
`operate within or in concert with one or more other systems,
`such as for example, one or more LANs (“Local Area
`Networks") andtor one or more WANs (“Wide Area Net-
`works").
`
`[0016] The client device 120 is generally capable of
`executing instructions under the command of a client con-
`troller 125. The client device 120 is connected to the client
`
`controller 125 by a wired or wireless data pathway 130
`capable of delivering data.
`
`[001’?] The client device 120 and client controller 125
`each typically includes one or more hardware components
`andfor software components. An example of a client device
`120 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personal com-
`puter) capable of responding to and executing instructions in
`a defined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose
`
`9
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`
`US 2002/0023131 Al
`
`Feb. 21, 2002
`
`computer. a workstation. a server, a device, a component,
`other equipment or some combination thereof capable of
`responding to and executing instructions. An example of
`client controller 125 is a software application loaded on the
`client device 120 [or commanding and directing communi-
`cations enabled by the client device 120. Other examples
`include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device,
`a computer, a computer system. or a combination thereof. for
`independently or collectively instructing the client device
`120 to interact and operate as described herein. The client
`controller 125 may be embodied permanently or temporarily
`in any type of machine, component, equipment, storage
`medium, or propagated signal capable of providing instruc-
`tions to the client device 120.
`
`[0018] The communications link 115 typically includes a
`delivery network 160 making a direct or indirect commu-
`nication between the client system 105 and the host system
`Ill],
`irrespective of physical separation. Examples of a
`delivery network 160 include the Internet, the World Wide
`Web, WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless
`telephone networks (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, or xDSL), radio,
`television, cable, satellite, andfor any other delivery mecha-
`nism [or carrying data. The communications link 115 may
`include communication pathways 150, 155 that enable com-
`munications through the one or more delivery networks 160
`described above. Each of the com munieation pathways 150,
`155 may include, for example, a wired, wireless, cable or
`satellite communication pathway.
`
`[0019] The host system 110 includes a host device 135
`capable of executing instructions under the command and
`direction of a host controller 140. The host device 135 is
`connected to the host controller 140 by a wired or wireless
`data pathway 145 capable of carrying and delivering data.
`
`[0020] The host system 110 typically includes one or more
`host devices 135 andfor host controllers 140. For example,
`the host system 110 may include one or more general-
`purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one or more
`special-purpose computers [e.g., devices specifically pro-
`grammed to communicate with each other andtor the client
`system 105), or a combination of one or more general-
`purposc computers and one or more special-purpose com-
`puters. The host system 110 may be arranged to operate
`within or in concert with one or more other systems, such as,
`for example, one or more LANS (“Local Area Networks”)
`andior one or more WANs ("Wide Area Networks").
`
`[0021] The host device 135 and host controller 140 each
`typically includes one or more hardware components andtor
`software components. An example of a host device 135 is a
`general—purpose computer
`(e.g.,
`a personal computer)
`capable of responding to and executing instructions in a
`dctincd manner. Other examples include a special-purpose
`computer, a workstation, a server, a device, a component,
`other equipment or some combination thereof capable of
`responding to and executing instructions. An example of
`host controller 140 is a software application loaded on the
`host device [35 for commanding and directing communi-
`cations enabled by the host device 135. Other examples
`include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device,
`a computer, a computer system, or a combination thereof, [or
`independently or collectively instructing the host device 135
`to interact and operate as described herein. The host con-
`troller l40 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in
`
`any type of machine, component, equipment, storage
`medium, or propagated signal capable of providing instruc-
`tions to the host device 135.
`
`[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a communication system 200
`including a client system 205 communicating with a host
`system 210 through a communications link 215. Client
`system 205 typically includes one or more client devices 220
`and one or more client controllers 225 for controlling the
`client devices 220. Host system 210 typically includes one
`or more host devices 235 and one or more host controllers
`240 for controlling the host devices 235. The communica-
`tions link 215 may include communication pathways 250,
`255 enabling communications through the one or more
`delivery networks 260.
`
`[0023] Examples of each element within the communica-
`tion system of FIG. 2 are broadly described above with
`respect to FIG. 1. In particular, the host system 2.10 and
`communications link 215 typically have attributes compa-
`rable to those described with respect to host system 10 and
`communications link 115 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the client
`system 205 of FIG. 2 typically has attributes comparable to
`and illustrates one possible embodiment ot‘ the client system
`105 of FIG. 1.
`
`[0024] The client device 220 typically includes a general
`purpose computer 270 having an internal or external storage
`272 for storing data and programs such as an operating
`system 274 (e.g., DOS, Windows”, Windows 95"“, Win-
`dows 98”, Windows 2000'“, Windows NT”, OSFZ, or
`Linux) and one or more application programs. Examples of
`application programs include authoring applications 276
`(e.g., word processing. database programs, spreadsheet pro-
`grams, or graphics programs) capable of generating docu-
`ments or other electronic content; client applications 278
`(e.g., AOL client, CompuServe client, AIM client, AOL TV
`client, or ISI’ client) capable of communicating with other
`computer users, accessing various computer resources, and
`viewing. creating, or otherwise manipulating electronic con-
`tent; and browser applications 230 (eg., Netscape's Navi-
`gator or Microsoft’s Internet Explorer) capable of rendering
`standard Internet content.
`
`[0025] The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a
`central processing unit 282 (CPU) for executing instructions
`in response to commands from the client controller 225. In
`one implementation, the client controller 225 includes one
`or more of the application programs installed on the internal
`or external storage 272 of the general-purpose computer
`270. In another implementation.
`the client controller 225
`includes application programs externally stored in and per-
`formed by one or more dcvice(s) external to the general-
`purposc computer 270.
`
`typically will
`computer
`[0026] The general-purpose
`include a communication device 284 for sending and receiv-
`ing data. One example of the communication device 284 is
`a modem. Other examples include a transceiver, a set-lop
`box, a communication card, a satellite dish, an antenna, or
`another network adapter capable of transmitting and receiv-
`ing data over the communications link 215 through a wired
`or wireless data pathway 250. The general pu rpose computer
`270 also may include a TV (“television”) tuner 286 for
`receiving television programming in the form of broadcast,
`satellite, andlor cable TV signals. As a result, the client
`device 220 can selectively andior simultaneously display
`
`10
`
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`
`

`
`US 2002/0{)2313l A1
`
`Feb. 21, 2002
`
`DJ
`
`network content received by communications device 284
`and television programming content received by the TV
`tuner 286.
`
`[0027] The general—purpose computer 270 typically will
`include an inptttloutput interface 288 for wired or wireless
`connection to various peripheral devices 290. Examples of
`peripheral devices 290 include, but are not limited to, a
`mouse 29]. a mobile phone 292, a personal digital assistant
`293 (FDA), a keyboard 294, a display monitor 295 with or
`without a touch screen input, a TV remote control 296 for
`receiving information from and rendering information to
`subscribers, and a video input device 298.
`
`[0028] Although FIG. 2 illustrates devices such as a
`mobile telephone 292, a PDA 293, and a TV remote control
`296 as being peripheral with respect to the general-purpose
`computer 270, in another implementation, such devices may
`themselves include the functionality of the general-purpose
`computer 270 and operate as the client device 220. For
`example, the mobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include
`computing and networking capabilities and function as a
`client device 220 by accessing the delivery network 260 and
`communicating with the host system 210. Furthermore, the
`client system 205 may include one, some or all of the
`com ponents and devices described above.
`
`[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, a communications system 300
`is capable of delivering and exchanging information
`between a client system 305 and a host system 310 through
`a cornrnunication link 315. Client system 305 typically
`includes one or more client devices 320 and one or more
`client controllers 325 for controlling the client devices 320.
`Host system 310 typically includes one or mom host devices
`335 and one or more host controllers 340 for controlling the
`host devices 335. The communications link 315 may include
`communication pathways 350, 355 enabling communica-
`tions through the one or more delivery networks 360.
`
`[0030] Examples of each element within the communica-
`tion system of FIG. 3 are broadly described above with
`respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the client system 305
`and the communications link 315 typically have attributes
`comparable to those described with respect to client systems
`105 and 205 and communications links 115 and 215 of
`FIGS. 1 and 2. Likewise, the host system 310 of FIG. 3
`may have attributes comparable to and illustrates one pos-
`sible embodiment of the host systems 110 and 210 shown in
`FIGS. l and 2, respectively.
`
`[0031] The host system 310 includes a host device 335 and
`a host controller 340. The host controller 340 is generally
`capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the
`elements of the host device 335. For example,
`in one
`implementation,
`the host controller 340 includes one or
`more software applications loaded on the host device 335.
`However, in other implementations, as described above, the
`host controller 340 may include any of several other pro-
`grams. machines, and devices operating independently or
`collectively to control the host device 335.
`
`[0032] The host device 335 includes a login server 370 for
`enabling access by subscribers and routing communications
`between the client system 305 and other elements of the host
`device 335. The host device 335 also includes various host
`complexes such as the depicted OSP ("Online Service
`Provider”) host complex 380 and IN ("Instant Messaging”)
`
`host complex 390. To enable access to these host complexes
`by subscribers, the client system 305 includes communica-
`tion software, for example, an OSP client application and an
`IM client application. The OSP and IM communication
`software applications are designed to facilitate the subscrib-
`er's interactions with the respective services and, in particu-
`lar, may provide access to all the services available within
`the respective host complexes.
`
`the USP host complex 380 supports
`[0033] Typically,
`different services, such as email, discussion groups, chat.
`news services, and Internet access. The OSP host complex
`380 is generally designed with an architecture that enables
`the machines within the OSP host complex 380 to commu-
`nicate with each other and employs certain protocols (i.e.,
`standards, formats, conventions, rules, and structures} to
`transfer data. The OSP host complex 380 ordinarily employs
`one or more OSP protocols and custom dialing engines to
`enable access by selected client applications. The OSP host
`complex 380 may define one or more specific protocols for
`each service based on a common, underlying proprietary
`protocol.
`
`[0034] The IM host complex 390 is generally independent
`of the OSP host complex 380, and supports instant messag-
`ing services irrespective of a subscriber's network or Inter-
`net access. Thus, the IM host complex 390 allows subscrib-
`ers to send and receive instant messages, whether or not they
`have access to any particular ISP. The IM host complex 390
`may support associated services, such as administrative
`matters, advertising, directory services, chat, and interest
`groups related to the instant messaging. The IM host com-
`plex 390 has an architecture that enables all of the machines
`within the IM host complex to communicate with each other.
`To transfer data, the IM host complex 390 employs one or
`more standard or exclusive [M protocols.
`
`[0035] The host device 335 may include one or more
`gateways that connect and therefore link complexes, such as
`the OSP host complex gateway 385 and the IM host complex
`gateway 395. The OSP host complex gateway 385 and the
`IM host complex 395 gateway may directly or indirectly link
`the USP host complex 380 with the IM host complex 390
`through a wired or wireless pathway. Ordinarily, when used
`to facilitate a link between complexes, the OSP host com-
`plex gateway 385 and the [M host complex gateway 395 are
`privy to information regarding the protocol type anticipated
`by a destination complex, which enables any necessary
`protocol conversion to be performed incident to the transfer
`of data from one complex to another. For instance, the OSP
`host complex 380 and 1M host complex 390 generally use
`different protocols such that transferring data between the
`complexes requires protocol conversion by or at the request
`of the OS!’ host complex gateway 385 andlor the [M host
`complex gateway 395.
`
`[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, at communications system 400
`is capable of delivering and exchanging information
`between a client system 405 and a host system 410 through
`a communication link 415. Client system 405 typically
`includes one or more client devices 420 and one or more
`client controllers 425 for controlling the client devices 420.
`I-lost system 410 typically includes one or more host devices
`435 and one or more host controllers 440 for controlling the
`host devices 435. The communications link 415 may include
`communication pathways 450, 455 enabling communica-
`
`11
`
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`
`US 2002/0{)2313l A1
`
`Feb. 21, 2002
`
`tions through the one or more delivery networks 460. As
`shown, the client system 405 may access the Internet 465
`through the host system 410.
`
`[0037] Examples of each element within the con:tmunica~
`tion system of FIG. 4 are broadly described above with
`respect to FIGS. 1-3. In particular, the client system 405 and
`the communications link 415 typically have attributes com-
`parable to those described with respect to client systems 105,
`205, and 305 and communications links 115. 215, and 315
`of FIGS. l~3. Likewise, the host system 410 of FIG. 4 may
`have attributes comparable to and illustrates one possible
`embodiment of the host systems 110, 210, and 310 shown in
`FIG. 13, respectively. However, FIG. 4 describes an aspect
`of the host system 410, focusing primarily on one particular
`implementation of OSP host complex 480. For purposes of
`communicating with an OSP host complex 480, the delivery
`network 460 is generally a telephone network.
`
`[0038] The cl icnt system 405 includes a client device 420
`and a client controller 425. The client controller 425 is
`generally capable of establishing a connection to the host
`system 410, including the OSP host complex 480, the IM
`host complex 490 andior the lntemet 465 , In one implemen-
`tation, the client controller 425 includes an OSP application
`for communicating with sewers in the OSP host complex
`480 using exclusive OSP protocols. The client controller 425
`also may include applications, such as an IM client appli-
`cation. andlor an Internet browser application, for commu-
`nicating with the [M host complex 490 and the Internet 465.
`
`[0039] The host system 410 includes a host device 435 and
`a host controller 440. The host controller 440 is generally
`capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the
`elements of the host device 435. For example,
`in one
`implementation,
`the host controller 440 includes one or
`more software applications loaded on one or more elements
`ot‘ the host device 435. However, in other implementations,
`as described above, the host controller 440 may include any
`of several other programs, machines, and devices operating
`independently or Collectively to control the host device 435.
`
`[0040] The host system 410 includes a login server 470
`capable of enabling communications with and authorizing
`access by client systems 405 to various elements of the host
`system 410, including an OSP host complex 480 and an IM
`host complex 490. The login server 470 may implement one
`or more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous
`access to the OSP host complex 480 and the IM host
`complex 490. The OSP host complex 480 and the IM host
`complex 490 are connected through one or more OSP host
`complex gateways 485 and one or more [M host complex
`gateways 495. Each OSP host complex gateway 485 and IM
`host complex gateway 495 may perform any protocol con-
`versions necessary to enable communication between the
`USP host complex 480, the IM host complex 490, and the
`Internet 465.
`
`[0041] The OSP host complex 480 supports a set of
`services from one or more servers located internal to and
`external from the OSP host complex 480. Servers external to
`the OSP host complex 480 generally may be viewed as
`existing on the Internet 465. Servers internal
`to the OSP
`complex 480 may be arranged in one or more conliguratio us.
`For example, sewers may be arranged in centralized or
`localized clusters in order to distribute servers and subscrib-
`
`ers within the OSP host complex 480.
`
`In the implementation of FIG. 4, the OSP host
`[0042]
`complex 480 includes a routing processor 4802. In general,
`the routing processor 4802 will examine an address field of
`a data request, use a mapping table to determine the appro-
`priate destination for the data request, and direct the data
`request
`to the appropriate destination. In a packebhased
`implementation, the client system 405 may generate infor-
`mation requests, convert
`the requests into data packets,
`sequence the data packets, perform error checking and other
`packet-switching techniques, and transmit the data packets
`to the routing processor 4802. Upon receiving data packets
`from the client system 405, the routing processor 4802 may
`directly or indirectly route the data packets to a specified
`destination within or outside of the OSP host complex 480.
`For example, in the event that a data request from the client
`system 405 can be satisfied locally, the routing processor
`4802 may direct the data request to a local server 4804. In
`the event that the data request cannot be satisfied locally, the
`routing processor 4802 may direct the data request exter-
`nally to the Internet 465 or the IM host complex 490 through
`the gateway 485.
`
`[0043] The OSP host complex 480 also includes a proxy
`server 4806 for directing data requests andfor otherwise
`facilitating communication between the client system 405
`and the Internet 465 through. The proxy server 4802 may
`include an IP (“Internet Protocol”) tun net for converting data
`from OSP protocol
`into standard Internet protocol and
`transmitting the data to the Internet 465. The IP tunnel also
`converts data received from the Internet
`in the standard
`Internet protocol back into the OSP protocol and sends the
`converted data to the routing processor 4802 [or delivery
`back to the client system 405.
`
`[0044] The proxy server 4806 also may allow the client
`system 405 to use standard Internet protocols and formatting
`to access the USP host complex 480 and the Internet 465.
`For example,
`the subscriber can use an OSP TV client
`application having an
`embedded browser
`application
`installed on the client system 405 to generate a request in
`standard Internet protocol, such as HTTP ("I'lyperText
`Transport Protocol“).
`In a packet—hascd implementation,
`data packets may be encapsulated inside a standard Internet
`tunneling protocol, such as, for example, UDP (“User Data~
`gram Protocol”) and routed to the proxy server 4806. The
`proxy server 4806 may include a L2'I‘P ("Layer Two 'lt1n-
`neling Protocol”) tunnel capable of establishing a point-to-
`point protocol (PPP) session with the client system 405.
`
`[0045] The proxy server 4806 also may act as a buffer
`between the client system 405 and the Internet 465, and may
`implement content filtering and time saving techniques. For
`example, the proxy server 4806 can check parental controls
`settings of the client system 405 and request and transmit
`content from the Internet 465 according to the parental
`control settings. In addition.
`the proxy server 4806 may
`include one or more caches for storing frequently accessed
`in formation. If requested data is determined to be stored in
`the caches, the proxy server 4806 may send the information
`to the client system 405 from the caches and avoid the need
`to access the Internet 465.
`
`[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, rr communications system 500
`is capable of delivering and exchanging information
`between a client system 505 and a host system 510 through
`a communication link 515. Client system 505 typically
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`US 2002/0023131 A1
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`Feb. 21, 2002
`
`includes one or more client devices 520 and one or more
`client controllers 525 for controlling the client devices 520.
`Most system 510 typically includes one or more host devices
`535 and one or more host controllers 540 for controlling the
`host devices 535. The comrnunicationslink 515 may include
`communication pathways 550, 555 enabling communica-
`tions through the one or more delivery networks 560. As
`shown, the client system 505 may access the Internet 565
`through the host system 510.
`[0047] Examples of each element within the communica-
`tion system of FIG. 5 are broadly described above with
`respect to FIGS. 1-4. In particular, the client system 505 and
`the communications link 515 typically have attributes com-
`parable to those described with respect to client systems 105,
`205, 305, and 405 and communications links 115, 215, 315,
`and 415 of FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, the host system 510 of FIG.
`5 may have attributes comparable to and illustrates one
`possible embodiment of the host systems 110, 210, 310, and
`410 shown in FIGS. 1-4, respectively. However, FIG. 5
`describes an aspect of the host system 510, focusing prima-
`rily on one particular implementation of IM host complex
`590. For purposes of communicating with the IM host
`complex 590,
`the delivery network 560 is generally a
`telephone network.
`[0048] The client system 505 includes a client device 520
`and a client controller 525. The client controller 525 is
`generally capable of establishing a connection to the host
`system 510, including the OSP host complex 580, the IM
`host complex 590 andtor the Internet 565. In one implemen-
`tation, the client controller 525 includes an IM application
`for communicating with servers in the IN host complex 590
`utilizing exclusive [M protocols. The client controller 525
`also may include applications, such as an 081’ client appli-
`cation, andfor an Internet browser application for commu-
`nicating with the OSI’ host complex 580 and the Internet
`565, respectively.
`[0049] The host system 510 includes a host device 535 and
`a host controller 540. The host controller 540 is generally
`capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the
`elements of the host device 535. For example,
`in one
`implementation,
`the host controller 540 includes one or
`more software applications loaded on one or more elements
`of the host device 535. However, in other implementations,
`as described above, the hos