United States Patent
`(12)
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,750,881 B1
`Appelman
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Jun. 15, 2004
`
`
`US006750881B1
`
`(54) USER DEFINABLE ON-LINE CO-USER
`LISTS
`Inventor: Barry Appelman, Great Falls, VA (US)
`(75)
`(73) Assignce: America Online, Inc., Dulles, VA (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 USC.
`154(a)(2).
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1185 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 08/803,692
`.
`(22)
`Filed:
`Feb. 24, 1997
`(51) Unt, CUT caccsccecsescssesssssessstscseeseee GO6F 15/00
`(52) US. Cle eecseccessstecsssteesssesessesessees 345/733; 345/853
`
`(58) Field of Search oe 345/329, 330,
`345/331, 332; 395/200.34, 200.35; 379/204,
`201, 202, 913
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1994 Wolft et al.
`5,327,486 A
`1/1996 Sussmatt «1... eee 379/201
`5,483,586 A *
`wise eethomon
`eee a
`10/1996. Greco
`5.568540 A
`12/1996 Wheeler, Jr.
`5,583,920 A
`3/1997 Gordon
`5,608,786 A
`3/1997 Focsaneanu etal.
`5,610,910 A
`4/1998 Pepeetal.
`5,742,905 A
`
`....
`ve 345/329
`8/1998 Tang etal.
`5,793,365 A *
`9/1999 Tang et al.
`seseeseeeeeeeeeres 348/15
`5,960,173 A *
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`WO
`WoO
`
`WO 97/14234
`WO 97/46955
`
`4/1997
`12/1997
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Edward Baig, How to Practice Safe Surfing, Business Week,
`Sep. 9, 1996, p. 120.*
`Mark Moridian, Internet Online Services: Communication,
`Interactive Content, v2, p. 7, Oct. 1996."
`Xhtalk 2.9 Specification; Klaus Hartenstein; Nov. 92.
`AOL 1996 Annual Report.
`“Dial 1-800-Internet”; Nathan Muller; BYTE Magazine;
`Feb. 1996.
`“Hey Baby, Call Me at My IP Address”; Peter Wayner;
`BYTE Magazine; Apr. 1996.
`Finding Several Users, Jul. 14, 1994,[online], [retrieved on
`Jan. 27, 2003]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://
`consult.cern.ch/writeup/zephyr/subsectionstar2_2_3__
`2.html.
`Abbe Cohenet al., Inessential Zephyr,[online], [retrieved on
`Jan. 28, 2003]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://
`www.mit.edu/afs/sipb/project/doc/zephyr/html/
`izephyr.html.
`___ (ist continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner—Cao (Kevin) Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Vish & Richardson P.C.
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`Areal time notification system that tracks, for each user, the
`logon status of selected co-users of an on-line or network
`system and displays that information in real time to the
`tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention
`provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy
`lists”, that track specific co-users in real-time automatically.
`A user can create many separate buddy lists of co-users,
`either with intersecting or disjoint lists of users, and label
`these buddylists accordingto the user’s preference. The user
`can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever
`necessary. Whena user logs on to a system, the user’s set of
`buddylists is presented to the buddy list system. The buddy
`list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into
`the system with the entries on the user’s buddy list. Any
`matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and
`logoff, a user’s buddylist is updatedto reflect these changes.
`An indication can also be added to show that a co-user just
`logged on or just left the system.
`
`10 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`Logon System
`
`24
`
`¢—___—_——_-
`
`
`
`26
`
`fe
`
`Buddy List System
`—
`
`»
`
`|
`
`
`
`GOOGLE 1015
`
`GOOGLE 1015
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 6,750,881 B1
`Page 2
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Sharon Belville et al., Zephyr at CERN, Jul. 15, 1993,
`[online], [retrieved on Jan. 27, 2003]. Retrieved from the
`Internet:
`URL-http://consult.cern.ch/writeup/zephyr/
`main.html.
`
`ZEPHYR Answers, [online], [retrieved on Jan. 27, 2003].
`Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http:/Aveb.mit.edu/an-
`swers/zephyr/.
`ZEPHYR(1) ManualPage, Jul. 1, 1988, [online], [retrieved
`on Jan. 27, 2003]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL: http://
`www.tru64unix.compag.com/demos/ossc—v51a/man—htm/
`zephyr—man.htm.
`
`Zephyr on Athena (AC-34) Draft, [online], [retrieved on
`Jan. 27, 2003]. Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://
`web.mit.edu/olh/zephyr/TOC.html.
`C. Anthony DellaFera et al., The Zephyr Notification Ser-
`vice, pp. 1-9.
`Robert S. French et al., The Zephyr Programmer’s Manual,
`Protocol Version ZEPHO.2, Apr. 5, 1989, pp. 1-82.
`Carla J. Fermann, Distributed Consulting in a Distributed
`Environment, ACM SIGUCCS XVIII 1990, pp. 117-120.
`Earll M. Murmanet al., Perspectives on Project Athena,
`ACM SIGUCCS SVIII 1990, pp. 287-296.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.15, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`10
`
`es -
`
`Logon System
`
`Buddy List System
`
`i
`
`26
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 15, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`30
`fo.
`Group Name
`
`"HomeList"
`
`
`
`7 Werk List
`
`a
`
`FIG. 2a
`
`34
`— -
`Permissions List
`User Name
`Block Status
`
`~
`|
`
`"John Smith"
`"Jane Doe”
`"Simon Roe”
`"Bob Jones"
`
`"none"
`“all”
`“all except"
`"none except”
`
`_
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`~S
`
`"John Smith"
`
`.
`ae
`Buddy List
`Screen Name/Address
`"Jane Doe"
`“Simon Roe"
`|
`\ be
`\
`:
`
`32
`
`—
`
`"In"
`
`Log Status
`"Out"
`"In"
`
`J
`
`» 36
`Lo oor
`Exclusion List
`
`
`
`
`=
`
`4 38
`$i “inclusion List
`
`
`FIG. 2b
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.15, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`Buddy Lists
`
`Simon Roe
`50
`
`John Smith
`
`Jane Roe
`
`e
`
`40
`
`FIG. 3
`
`FIG. 4
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.15, 2004
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`: Create a Buddy List
`
`*UBTEP t“Enters| Elgaely
`
`STEPS:Entststiae
`70
`
`Eeeea iichcbeslaccal
`
`FIG. 5
`
`FIG. 6
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.15, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`Search MemberDirectory
`
`- TO Returnonly members.online
`jo
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Morettimeaeed
`
`_—
`
`- 90
`
`‘<p :
`Enter the member's screen name to find out
`o's what area ofthe service he or sheis
`
`currently using.
`
`FIG. 8
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.15, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`send Instant Message
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Group Invite (Chat or URL)
`
`100
`ao PrivateChatRoom KeywordiFavoritePlace
`
`Screen Namesto Invite.
`
`Ho
`
`MessageTo Send: (Default: You are invited ta:|
`
`“Location «(Default chat’
`
`FIG. 10
`
`8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.15, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`USER
`
`LOGON SYSTEM
`
`BUDDYLIST SYSTEM
`
`Buddy List System
`Logon System
`User Logs On J notifies Buddy oF fetches User's
`System about User
`Buddy Lists
`
`202
`
`
`
`204
`
`
`
`
`200
`
`————_
`
`
`
`
`
`Buddy List entries
`compared to Logon
` Systemrecords
`
`i
`
`|
`
`, 240
`
`208
`
`||
`
`
`
`
`Logon System
`notifies Buddy List
`System about
`Logons/Logouts
`
`|
`
`|
`i
`
`Buddy List System
`displays Buddy
`Lists with indicator
`markings
`
`FIG. 11
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`1
`USER DEFINABLE ON-LINE CO-USER
`LISTS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to on-line communication
`
`networks, and particularly to interpersonal communications
`on such networks.
`
`10
`
`2. Description of Related Art
`An important aspect of an “online” system, such as the
`proprietary system operated by America Online, Inc. (AOL)
`or the public Internet system, is knowledge of the people/
`users/processes on that system and a methodology for com-
`municating with them through some selected protocol.
`Whena person “logs on” to a network system, they are in
`effect identifying themselves to the system and announcing
`their presence. On most systems, this presence is unique to
`every user whois on the system. For example, on the AOL :
`network this presence is knownas the “screen name”, but on
`other systemsit could be an Internet Protocol (IP) address or
`some other unique identifier.
`An Internet Service Provider(ISP)is, in a sense, an online
`system because every user has an associated IP network
`address and mayalso have a user id and password. ‘There can
`also be a hierarchy of logon systems, where an ISP is used
`to connect to a first network, and then once connected the
`user can log on to another system with a different identity.
`These secondary systems can be in parallel (i.e., a user
`connects to an ISP and then logs on to multiple systems), or
`a combination of parallel and hierarchical (i.¢., a user logs
`on to multiple systemsin parallel once connected to the ISP,
`and then from one of those parallel systems logs on to yet
`other systems. Thousands to millions of users may be
`accessing such complex networks at any point in time.
`A problem with networks on any size is tracking personal
`relationships and maintaining knowledge of the people/
`users/processes on that system. In the AOL network, a user
`could use a LOCATEfunction to inquire from the system if
`another user was currently logged into the system. In the
`CompuServe network,
`a user can use a more limited
`“WHO’S HERE”function to determine whois present in a
`forum conference.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`The present invention addresses the problem of tracking
`personal relationships and maintaining knowledge of the
`people/users/processes on that system with a unique way of
`establishing and maintaining user definable on-line co-user
`lists.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The invention implements a real time notification system
`that
`tracks,
`for each user,
`the logon status of selected
`co-users of an on-line or network system and displays that
`information in real time to the tracking user in a unique
`graphical interface. The invention provides user definable
`on-line co-user lists, or “buddy lists”, that track specific
`co-users in real-time automatically.
`Auser can create many separate buddy lists of co-users,
`either with intersecting or disjointlists of users, and label
`these buddylists according to the user’s preference. The user
`can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever
`necessary. Whena uscr logs on to a system, the uscr’s sct of
`buddy lists is presented to the buddylist system. The buddy
`list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into
`the system with the entries on the user’s buddy list. Any
`
`2
`matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and
`logoff, a user’s buddylist is updatedto reflect these changes.
`An indication can also be added to show that a co-user just
`logged on or just left the system.
`The details of the preferred embodiment of the present
`invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and
`the description below. Once the details of the invention are
`known, numerous additional innovations and changes will
`become obvious to one skilled in the art.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram ofa typical network system 10
`in which the invention can be implemented.
`FIG. 2a@ is a set of symbolic data records showing the
`basic types of data used by one embodimentof the invention
`for a buddylist, and the conceptual relationship of data
`elements.
`
`FIG. 26 is a set of symbolic data records showing the
`basic types of data used by one embodimentof the invention
`for a permissionslist, and the conceptualrelationship of data
`elements.
`
`FIG. 3 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a buddy list window.
`FIG. 4 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a buddy list setup window.
`FIG. 5 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a buddy list create window.
`FIG. 6 is a graphical display of onc implementation of the
`invention, showing a buddylist preferences window.
`FIG. 7 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a search memberdirectory window.
`FIG. 8 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a member location window.
`FIG. 9 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing an instant message window.
`FIG. 10 is a graphical display of one implementation of
`the invention, showing a buddy chat window.
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an implementation of the
`invention.
`
`Like reference numbers and designations in the various
`drawings indicate like elements.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment
`and examples shown should be considered as cxemplars,
`rather than as limitations on the present invention.
`Overview
`The invention implements a real time notification system
`that
`tracks,
`for each user,
`the logon status of selected
`co-users and displays that information in real time to the
`tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention
`provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy
`lists”, that track specific co-users in real-time automatically.
`Such automatic monitoring is significant, because in a
`systemof any size there would be no wayfor a user to track
`the comings and goings of thousands or millions of users
`each momentin time.
`
`An important componentof the buddy list system is that
`a user can create many separate buddy lists of co-users,
`either with intersecting or disjoint lists of co-users, and label
`these buddylists accordingto the uscr’s preference. The user
`can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever
`necessary. Whena user logs on to a system, the user’s set of
`buddylists is presented to the buddylist system. The buddy
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`10
`
`15
`
`3
`list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into
`the system with the entries on the user’s buddy list. Any
`matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and
`logoff, a user’s buddy list is updated in real-time (or near
`real-time,
`taking into account network and processing
`delays) to reflect these changes. An indication can also be
`added to show that a co-user just logged on or just left the
`system.
`Hardware System
`By way of example only, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a
`typical network system 10 in which the invention can be
`implemented. The network system 10 includesa plurality of
`uscr stations 12 that prefcrably include a processor chassis
`14 having a network link. The network link is for receiving
`and transmitting data in analog or digital form over a
`communications link 16, such as a serial link, local area
`network, wireless link, parallel link, etc. Also coupled to a
`typical processor chassis 14 is a display 18, a keyboard 20,
`and a pointing device 22 (e.g., a mouse).
`The communications link 16 couples each user station 12 :
`as a “client” to a logon system 24, which is typically a
`software program executing on a remote server somewhere
`on a network. The logon system 24 communicates with a
`“Buddy List System” 26, which is preferably a software
`program executing on a server somewhere on the network.
`The Buddy List System 26 maintains a database 28 for
`storing user information. ‘The database 28 may be of any
`type, such as relational or hierarchical, and may be central-
`ized or distributed. I'or example, the database 28 may be
`stored at least in part on each user’s ownstation 12. In such
`a case, the database 28 contents would be transmitted to the
`Buddy List System 26 whenthe user logged into the system.
`Data Structure
`
`25
`
`30
`
`FIG. 2a is a set of symbolic data records showing the
`basic types of data used by the Buddy List System 26, and
`the conceptual relationship of data elements. A Group Name
`table 30 stores user-defined group names for buddylists.
`Each user may define multiple buddy lists by group names
`(wo being shown by way of example). Each group namein
`the Group Nametable 30 has an associated BuddyList table
`32, comprising multiple records. Each Buddy List table 32
`record corresponds to a co-user (“buddy”) that the user
`wishes to track. In the preferred embodiment, the record
`includes data elements for the screen name(or address, such
`as an Internet address) of a particular co-user to be tracked,
`and the logon status of that user (e.g., codes for “In” or
`“Out”).
`FIG. 25 is a sct of symbolic data records showing the
`basic types of data used by one embodimentof the invention
`for a PermissionsList 34, and the conceptualrelationship of
`data elements. Each user in the system has an associated
`Block Status code. If a user’s Block Status code is equiva-
`lent to “none”, then no co-user may enter that user into the
`co-user’s buddy lists. If a user’s Block Status code is
`equivalent to “all”, then all co-users may enter that user into
`their buddylists. If a user’s Block Status code is equivalent
`to “all except”, then all co-users except those entered in a
`linked Exclusion List 36 may enter that user into their buddy
`lists. If a user’s Block Status code is equivalent to “none
`except”, then only co-users entered in a linked Inclusion List
`38 mayenter that user into the co-user’s buddylists. In one
`embodiment, a user may only have one of an Inclusion List
`36 and an Exclusion List 48.
`
`Example Implementation
`FIG. 3 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a Buddy List window 40 with a buddy
`list named “HomeList”in a large scrollable area. Buddylist
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`11
`
`4
`namesare like categories. Other buddy lists can be shown in
`the same display. Indented underneath each buddylist are
`the names(or addresses) of user-selected co-users compris-
`ing thatlist. In the example shown,the “Home List” includes
`three co-users and their status as “IN”(i.e., currently logged
`into the system) or “OUT” (.e., currently logged out of the
`system). Any desired method or technique can be used to
`indicate log status, such as distinct attributes (e.g., bolding
`a name to indicate logged in, graying a nameto indicated
`logged out) or other symbols (e.g., checkmarks to indicate
`logged in), etc. In still another embodiment, only logged in
`membersof a buddy list are displayed. In one embodiment,
`an asterisk or other symbol appears next to the screen name
`of the most recent co-user to log into the system, and
`parentheses are placed around the screen name of the most
`recent co-user to log out of the system.
`In the preferred embodiment, a user can “minimize” a
`buddy list to suppress display of all the co-users in that
`group. This is preferably implementedso that a double click
`on the buddy list name will cause all the screen nameslisted
`beneath to disappear. In the preferred embodiment, mini-
`mized buddylists are indicated by a “+” symbol next to the
`buddy list name. Double-clicking on the buddy list name
`again displays all of the hidden co-users under that name. A
`user can also keep tabs on each list by checking out the
`numbers posted in parenthesis next to the buddy list names.
`This numbertells the user how many people onthat list are
`logged in out of the total number of screen names on the
`buddy list. In the illustrated example, 2/3 meansthat two of
`the three people on the “HomeList” are currently online.
`In the preferred embodiment, whenthe userfirst logs into
`the system, the Buddy List window 40 opens, informing the
`user which of the user’s buddy list members are currently
`online. ‘The user can either close this window, or leave it
`open while visiting other areas of the system. If the Buddy
`List window40 is left open, the user has a current, real-time
`list of all
`the user’s buddies in who are online at any
`particular moment.
`The illustrated Buddy List window 40 shows a numberof
`buttons for setting up or using buddylists. Included buttons
`in the preferred embodiment are: LOCATE,for determining
`which “chat room”a buddyisin at a particular moment; IM,
`for sending an “Instant Message”; SETUP, for creating and
`editing buddy lists or setting buddy list preferences; and
`BUDDY CHAT,for inviting buddies to a private chat or a
`favorite place in the system.
`Setup
`FIG. 4 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a Buddy List Setup window 50 with a
`buddy list named “HomeList” in a scrollable area. Buttons
`are provided for creating a new buddylist; editing a selected
`buddylist; deleting a buddylist; viewing the membersof a
`selected buddy list; accessing a Member Directory for the
`system; and accessing a preferences windows. In the pre-
`ferred embodiment, each buddylist is shown in the scrol-
`lable area with a countof the numberof co-usersin eachlist.
`FIG. 5 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a Buddy List Create window 60. A user
`can enter a buddy list group name and a screen name for
`each co-user to be tracked. A list of buddies on a particular
`list are also displayed, along with a button allowing removal
`of an existing buddy. After entry of all necessary data in such
`a window, the user’s Group Name table 30 and the appro-
`priate Buddy List table 32 are updated using conventional
`data processing techniques. Editing a buddylist can be done
`from the same or a similar window.
`
`FIG. 6 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a Buddy List Preferences window 70. In
`the preferred embodiment,
`these Preferences include the
`following:
`
`11
`
`

`

`US 6,750,881 B1
`
`6
`
`5
`Show me my BuddyList(s) immediatelyafter I sign onto
`AOL. This option opens the Buddy List window 40
`(FIG. 3) when the user logs on to the system.
`Play sound whenbuddies sign-on. This option enables a
`sound to play when one of the co-users on a user’s
`buddy list program logs on (“BuddyIn”).
`Play sound when buddies sign-off. This option enables a
`sound to play when one of the co-users on a user’s
`buddy list program logs off (“BuddyOut”).
`Allow all members to add me to their lists/invitations.
`This option grants permissionfor all co-users to add the
`user to their buddylists and send the user “Buddy Chat
`Invitations” and other information. If set, the appropri-
`ate user record in the Permissions List table 34 is
`marked with a code for “all” in the Block Status field.
`
`Instant Messages
`Once a co-user is displayed on a user’s buddy list,
`indicating that
`the co-user is currently logged into the
`network system, the preferred embodimentof the invention
`enables a simple way of communicating with that co-user.
`FIG. 9 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing an Instant Message window 100. In the
`preferred embodiment, the Instant Message windowis auto-
`matically displayed byactivating (e.g., by clicking or double
`clicking) a co-user’s name on a buddy list. The “To:”line of
`the window is pre-filled with the selected co-user’s name
`and the cursor is positioned in the text entry area ready for
`text to be typed to be sent to the targeted co-user. The Instant
`Message function can also be activated by highlighting a
`co-user namein the buddy list and clicking on the IM button
`in the Buddy List window 40 (FIG. 3).
`Buddy Chat
`FIG. 10 is a graphical display of one implementation of
`the invention, showing a Buddy Chat window 110. As
`implemented on the AOL on-line system, the Buddy Chat
`function can be used to send an invitation to one or more
`co-users to a private “chat room”or a favorite place in the
`system. In the preferred embodiment, this function can be
`initiated by selecting a co-user name and activating the
`BUDDYCHATbutton in the Buddy List window 40 (FIG.
`3). The Buddy Chat window 110 is displayed, allowing the
`user to add additional names to the Screen Namesto Invite
`field either manually or by selecting additional names from
`the Buddy List window 40 and again activating the BUDDY
`CHATbutton. A message can be sent to each invitee via the
`Message to Send field.
`In the preferred embodiment, an
`entire buddy list group can be added to the Buddy Chat
`window 110 by selecting a group name from the BuddyList
`buddylists and send the user “Buddy ChatInvitations”
`window 40 and activating the BUDDY CHAT button or
`and other information, except for those co-users spe-
`double-clicking.
`cifically listed where provided in the window.Ifset, the
`the user
`To talk privately with the selected co-users,
`selects the Private Chat Room radio button and enters a
`appropriate user record in the PermissionsList table 34
`is marked with a code for “all except” in the Block
`“Buddy Chat Room Name”in the provided edit box. If the
`Status ficld, and an Exclusion List 36 is linked to the
`edit box is left blank, a Buddy Chat Room Nameis auto-
`user for storing the names of excluded co-users.
`matically created for the user. Upon selecting Send, each
`selected co-user will receive a message inviting them to
`Sound Library. Allows a user to select sound events for
`access and display a Buddy Chat Room(chat rooms are an
`“BuddyIn” and “BuddyOut”.
`In the preferred embodiment, the Inclusion List 38 and the
`existing feature of the AOL system).
`To share those places a user likes best on the AOL system,
`Exclusion List 36 options are mutually exclusive. In this
`the user selects the Keyword/I’avorite Place radio button and
`way, a user can control whosees the user logging on and off
`enters a “Keyword” (i.e., a shortcut word defining an
`the system. Although the user can be placed on the buddy list
`address) to a system site in the provided edit box, either
`of a co-user, if the user blocks visibility through the use of
`
`these controls, the co-user docs not sce the logon/logoff manually or by using a “drag and drop” action fromalist of
`status of that user.
`the user’s favorite places in the system. Uponselecting
`Send, each selected co-user will receive a message inviting
`them to access and display that onlinesite.
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an implementation of the
`invention. A User logs in to a Logon System in conventional
`fashion (Step 200). The Logon System performs normal
`logon procedures (e.g.,
`requesting a user
`ID and/or a
`password) and notifies the Buddy List System about the
`User(i.e., passes the User’s ID, address, or screen name to
`the Buddy List System) (Step 202). The Buddy List System
`accesses that User’s Buddy Lists from a database, which
`maybe, for example, on the user’s station 12 (Step 204). The
`entries in the User’s Buddy Lists are then compared to the
`records of the Logon System (Step 206). This step is shown
`in dotted outline to indicate that the comparison can be done
`by passing records from the Logon System to the Buddy List
`System, or vice versa, or could be done a separate system.
`The Buddy List System then displays a Buddy List window
`showing the status (i.e., logged in or not) of the co-users on
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`lists/
`Block all members from adding me to their
`invitations. This option restricts all co-users from add-
`ing the user to their buddy lists and from sending the
`user “Buddy Chat Invitations” and other information. If
`set, the appropriate user record in the Permissions List
`table 34 is marked with a code for “none” in the Block
`Status field.
`
`Allow only the members below. This option restricts all
`members from adding the user to their buddy lists and
`from sending the user “Buddy Chat Invitations” and
`other information, except for those co-users specifically
`listed where provided in the window.If set, the appro-
`priate user record in the Permissions List table 34 is
`marked with a code for “none except” in the Block
`Status field, and an Inclusion List 38 is linked to the
`user for storing the names of included co-users.
`Block only the members below. This option grants per-
`mission for all other members to add the userto their
`
`FIG. 7 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a Search MemberDirectory window 80.
`In the preferred embodiment, this feature is accessed from
`the Buddy List Setup window 50 (FIG. 4), and allows
`searching a system directory in known fashion for screen
`namesor addresses of co-users, for entry into buddylists.
`Locate
`
`FIG. 8 is a graphical display of one implementation of the
`invention, showing a member location window 90. In the
`preferred embodiment,
`this feature is accessed from the
`Buddy List window 40 (FIG. 3). Selecting a co-user’s name
`from a buddylist and activating the LOCATE button will
`cause the system to determine whether the selected co-user
`is in a chat area or not. If no co-user is selected and the
`LOCATEbuttonis activated, a member location window 90
`is displayed with the input field blank, for entry of a co-user
`name. This feature using the existing locate functions of the
`system.
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`US 6,750,881 B1
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`7
`the User’s Buddy Lists with any of various indicator mark-
`ings (Step 208).
`Thereafter, while the User’s Buddy List window is open,
`the Logon System notifies the Buddy List System about new
`logons/logoffs of co-users (Step 210), causing a new com-
`pare of the User’s Buddy List entries to the Logon System
`records (Step 206). Again, the compare maybe performed
`anywhere. For example, the Logon System may maintain a
`copy of a User’s Buddy Lists, and notify the Buddy List
`System only upon a logon status change for a co-user on the
`User’s Buddy Lists. The Buddy List System then updates the
`indicated status of the displayed co-users (Step 208).
`Software Implementation
`The invention may be implemented in hardware or
`software, or a combination of both. However,preferably, the
`invention is implemented in computer programs executing
`on programmable computers each comprising at least one
`processor, at least one data storage system (including vola-
`tile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at
`least one input device, and at
`least one output device.
`Program code is applied to input data to perform the :
`functions described herein and generate output information.
`The output information is applied to one or more output
`devices, in knownfashion.
`Each program is preferably implemented in a high level
`procedural or object oriented programming language to
`communicate with a computer system. However, the pro-
`grams can be implemented in assembly or machine
`language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a
`compiled or interpreted language.
`Each such computer program is preferably stored on a
`storage media or device (e.g., ROM or magnetic diskette)
`readable by a general or special purpose programmable
`computer, for configuring and operating the computer when
`the storage media or device is read by the computer ta
`perform the procedures described herein. The inventive
`system may also be considered to be implemented as a
`computer-readable storage medium, configured with a com-
`puter program, where the storage medium so configured
`causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined
`manner to perform the functions described herein.
`A numberof embodiments of the present invention have
`been described. Nevertheless,
`it will be understood that
`various modifications may be made without departing from
`the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the
`preferred embodimentis event driven, meaning that updates
`to a buddylist are based on a change in the logon status of
`all co-usersor of the selected co-users on a user’s buddylist,
`updates can instead be performed on a periodic basis, where
`the buddylist system polls the logon system for logon status
`changes, or vice versa. Accordingly, it is to be understood
`that
`the invention is not
`to be limited by the specific
`illustrated embodiment, but only by the scope of the
`appended claims.
`Whatis claimedis:
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`1. In an electronic network system including a logon
`system for monitoring logon status of currently logged-on
`users, a method of enabling a user of the network system to
`track the logon status of co-users of the network system, the
`method comprising:
`(a) upon initiation of an action by the userat a user device,
`accessing a user-defined co-user list comprising
`co-users designated by the user for which the user
`desires to track logonstatus;
`(b) transmitting to the user device the current logon status
`of the co-users in the user-defined co-userlist;
`(c) enabling the user at the user device to track the logon
`status of the co-users in the co-user list automatically
`and substantially in real time;
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`(d) repeating (b) and (c) under any of the following
`conditions:
`(1) periodically; or
`(2) upon detection by the logon system of a change in
`logon status of any user on the electronic network
`system; or
`(3) upon detection by the logon system of a change in
`logon status of one or more co-users in the co-user
`list; and
`based on block selections received from the user, selec-
`tively blocking co-users from adding the user to their
`associated user-definable co-user lists.
`2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user-definable
`co-userlist is stored at least in part on the user device.
`3. The method of claim 1, wherein the initiation of an
`action corresponds to the user logging on to the electronic
`network system from the user device.
`4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user’s block
`selections are stored in a permissions list, and the user’s
`permissionlist is stored at least in part on the user device.
`5. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting
`a communication to at least one selected co-user for which
`
`the user knows to be presently logged on as a result of
`enabling the user to automatically and simultaneously track
`the logon status of those co-users in the co-userlist.
`6. Computer software, embodied in a computer-readable
`medium and/or a propagated carrier s