(223 INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCF)
`
`(19) World InieRectual Property
`Organization
`
`International Bureau CEEa
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`16 September 2004 (16.09.2604)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO2004/079530 A2
`
`GOGk
`
`(51) iniernational Patent Classification’:
`WE
`ational Application
`Number:
`(21)
`International Application Num ors, _
`POCTARS0044106284
`1 March 2004 (01.03.2004)
`oe
`Puglsh
`soe
`English
`mens
`
`{22} Iniernational Filing Date:
`
`Hartwant Or, South Riding, VA 20152 (US). ODELE,
`
`7
`Jamie FUSfES]: 47473 Meadow Ridge Court, Puntomac
`
`f
`Pals, VA 31168 (US). NEIKES, Brian (USAISE 43431
`Longview Drive, Ashbum, VA 20147 (US). LOVE,
`Tora [USMS [0448 Young's Clif Road, Sterling, VA
`2Oi6S (US). BLACKWELL, Mike [ES/IS], 3456 Pine
`Ridge Dr, Lewis Center, OH 43095 (IIS). LEVENSON,
`(25) Filing Langnage:
`David, $. QUSASS]: BO. Box 373, Round HIN, VA Nid!
`.
`«ys
`’
`26} Publication
`L:
`o
`(US). WEAVER, Andrew {US/US} 17 Madison Street,
`(20)
`Bublcabon Language
`
`Herndon, Va 20876 C8).
`{30} Priority Data:
`see
`ow
`3 March 2003 (03.03.2003) US
`ee wD:
`-_
`604450,663
`22 October 2003 22.10.2003)
`TS oe ateeee ae ee eee eeetae
`GO'S1Z.8S2
`40 December 2003 (30.12.2003)
`US
`3500 us). NW.
`PEt
`flour, Washington,
`Dt 20005-
`10/747,255
`34 December 2003 G12.2003)
`US
`3500 CUS).
`Livia?652
`30 December 2003 QOAL2003)
`US
`(81) Designated States (undess otherwise indicated, jar every
`1OVTd7698
`
`kind ofnational protectian available): AB, AG, AL, AM,
`30 Recemher 2003 (TZ2003)
`TS
`10747,704
`2
`AF, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR. BW, BY, BZ. CA. CH,
`(Fly Appficantffer af designated States excepiS}: AMDER-
`Ny
`0G, OR, CU, C2, DE, DR, DM, DY, EC, BE, BS
`
`Sy
`ICA ONLINE, ENC, [USAS5]: 2200) AGH Way, Dulles,
`
`GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, WY, i, IL, BN,
`IS, IP
`VA 20566 (US)
`KG, KP KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LIN LG, LV, MA, MD,
`MG, MK, MN, MW, MX. MZ. NA, NT. NG, NZ, OM, PG,
`PH. PL, PP RO. RU, SCL SD, SE, SG, SK, SL. S¥. TY, TM,
`TN, PR, TT T4, GA, UG. US, 0%, VC, VN, YU ZA, 2M,
`iW,
`
`2004/079530A2{TECEEETEEE
`
`{72} Inventors; ane
`BLATTNER,
`i75} Taventors/Applicants (for US ondy:
`Patrick (USAUS], 46589 Ashmere Square,
`Sterfing,
`VA 21064 (0S) ROBINSON, John [PUSAN], 25072
`
`(S4} Fitke: USING AVATARS TO COMMUNICATE
`
`{Continued on next page}
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`(37) Abstracts A praphical user interface ona display device for using & computer fo communicate using so avatar includes an
`instant message sender display. The instant message sender display tackides a sender portion that disgl
`nder avatar capable
`
`
`atimated in response to a wigger elated to content of a migssage sent frore
`of displaying multiple antaiauons. The sender avatar
`{
`
`
`a sender to a recipient and may
`be animated to send to anather user an out-of-band commueication thai conveys information inde-
`pendent of information canveyed directly in the text message sent. An avataralso maybe Included in one or more ofmultiple online
`
`SOMAHInICatans sessics), An avatar may be arintated in response to the animation
`of anather avatar in ihe same communications sess.
`
`= perscntas enabled for a user an instant messagin
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`

`

`WO2004/079530 A2—ATNETENETEARINSTATED EE EIA
`
`{4} Designated States (uniess arherwive indicated, for every—Published:
`
`kena ofregional protectian avail
`hh ARIPO (BW, GH,
`>> witheat imermational search report and to he republished
`UM, KR, LS. MW, MY, SD, SE. S82, 24 OG, 2M, ZW,
`upon seceipl ofthar repart
`Burasian (AM, AZ, BY, RG, KMD, RET, TE PM), Bure-
`pean (AT, BELG, CH, CY, C24, OE, DK, BE,
`ES, FE PR,
`
`OB GROARS PEPE EU, MC, NLOPLIPT, RO, SE, SISK,
`TR), OAPT CBE BE, CE GG, CL ITM, GA, GN, GQ, GW)
`MIL, MR. NE, SN, TB, TG).
`
`For nco-fedter codes and ther abbreviations, referte the “Guid
`anes Notes an Cades and Abbreviations” appearing at the begin-
`ning af each negular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`

`

`WO 2004/079836
`
`PCT/US2604/006284
`
`USING AVATARS TO COMMENICATE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This description relates to projecting a graphical representation of a
`
`communications application operator (hereinafter “sender”) in communications sent
`
`ina network of conyputers.
`
`19
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Online services mayprovide users with the ability to sendand receive instant
`
`messages.
`
`Instant messages are private online conversations between two or more
`
`people who have access to an instant messaging service, who haveinstalled
`
`communications software necessary to access and use the instant messaging service,
`
`at
`
`and who each generally have access to information reflecting the onlinestatus of
`
`other users.
`
`Aninstant message sender may send self-expression items fo an instant
`
`message recipient. Current implementations of instant messaging selfexpression
`
`enable a user to individually select self-expression settings, such as a Buddy[con and
`
`20
`
`a Buddy Wallpaper, which settings thereafter project to other users whe see or interact
`
`with that person online.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`A graphical user interface on a display device of a computer enables
`
`communications using an avatar. The graphical user interface includes an instant
`
`message sender display. The instant message sender display has a sender portion that
`
`displays a sender avatar capable ofdisplaying multipte animations. The instant
`
`message senderdisplayalso has a message compose area capable ofdisplaying text
`
`inchided in the message sent fromthe senderto the recipient and communication
`
`30
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`controls. At least one communication control is operable to receive an indication that
`
`the message displayedin the message compose area is to be sent fromthe sender to
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`WO 2004/079530
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`PCFUS200-4/006284
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`the recipient. The sender avataris animated in response to a triggerrelated to content
`
`of a message sent from a sender to a recipient.
`
`Implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. For
`example, theinstant message sender display mayinchide a recipient portion that
`
`tn
`
`displays a recipient avatar and a message history area. The recipient avatar may be
`
`capable of displaying multiple animations in responseto a triggerrelated to content of
`
`a message sent from a sender to a recipient. The message history area maybe capable
`
`of displaying the content of multiple messages sent between the sender and the
`
`recipient and identifying an identity associated with the recipient. The recipient avatar
`
`10
`
`is animated in response to an animation ofthe sender avatar.
`
`The graphical user interface may include a contact list display for displaying
`
`potential recipients. The contactlist display mayindicate whether cach potential
`
`recipient is available to receive a message, The potential recipients maybe grouped
`
`and associated with an indication of a sroup identity.
`
`A potential recipient displayed on the contact list may be associated with a
`
`potential recipient avatar The potential recipient avatar maybe displayed on the
`
`contact list in association with an identity of the potential recipient. The potential
`
`recipient avatar may be animated on the contact list in response te animation of the
`
`potential recipient avatar displayed elsewhere. The axpmation of the potential
`
`recipient avatar on the contact list mayinclude an animationthat is substantially
`
`similar to, or different than, the animation of the potential recipient avatardisplayed
`
`elsewhere. The animation ofthe potential recipient avatar on the contact list may
`
`include an animation that is representative of the animation ofthe potential recipient
`
`avatar displayed elsewhere.
`
`The graphical user interface maybe a graphical user interface that is used for
`
`an instant messaging communication session, The trigger comprises a portion orall
`
`of the text of the message,
`
`The appearance or animation of the sender avatar may indicate an
`
`environmental condition, a personality characteristic associated with the sender, an
`
`emotional state associated with the sender, a setting characteristic or an activity
`
`associated with the sender.
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`

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`WO 2004/079538
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`The sender avatar may be animated in response to the passing of a
`
`predetermined amount of time during which the sender does not communicate a
`
`message to the recipient or during which the sender does not use a cormputing device
`
`that is used by the sender to conumunicate with the recipient in the communications
`
`On
`
`session.
`
`The avatar animation used as the communication conduit may include a
`
`breakout animation that involves displaying avatar outside of normal display space
`
`occupied bythe avatar. The sender avatar may be animated to produce sounds used
`
`for verbal communication.
`
`implementations of the techniques discussed above mayinclude a computer
`
`programproduct for generating a graphical user interface, a graphical user interface
`
`configured for presentation on a display device, or a system or apparatus.
`
`In another general aspect, communicating includes graphically representing,
`
`with an avatar capable of being animated, afirst user in a conmmunication session.
`
`— Tar
`
`involving the first user and a second user. A message is communicated between the
`
`first user and the second user. The message conveys explictt information from the
`
`first user to the second user. Out-of-band information is communicated to the second
`
`user using a change in the avatar appearance or avatar animation as a communication
`
`conduit. The out-ofband conimunication includes a communication that is related to
`
`a context ofthe first user and that differs fromthe information conveyed in the
`
`message sent between the first user and the second user.
`
`Implementations mayinclade one or more of the folowing features, For
`exaniple, the communication session maybean instant messaging communication
`session. The avatar may be afacial animation that does not include a body having an
`
`te On
`
`ear or a leg or maybe a facial animation, including aneck, that does not include a
`
`body having an earor a leg.
`
`The out-of-band information mayinclude information indicating an
`
`environmental condition associated with the first user. The environmental condition
`
`mayinclude an environmental condition related to weather occurring in a geographic
`
`location near the first user. The out-of-band information mayindicate a personality
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`characteristic associated with the first user or an emotional state associated with the
`
`first user.
`
`The out-of-band information may inchide information indicating a setting
`
`characteristic associated withthe first user. The setting characteristic mayinclude a
`
`characteristic related to time of day of the first user or a characteristic related to time
`
`of year. The time of year mayinchide a holidayor a season that is one of spring,
`
`summer, fail or winter. The setting characteristic mayinclude a characteristic
`
`associated with a worksetting or a recreation setting. The recreation setting may
`
`include a beachsetting, a tropical setting or a winter sport setting.
`
`10
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`The out-of-band information mayinclude information refated to a mood ofthe
`
`first user. The moodof the first user maybe one of happy, sad or angry.
`
`The out-of-band information may inchide information associated with an
`
`activityofthe first user. The activity may be performed by the first user at
`
`substantially the same time that the out-of-hand messageis communicated fromthe
`
`a ay
`
`first user to the second user. The activity may be working or listening fo music. The
`
`out-of-band information mayinclude information conveyingthat the first user has
`
`rauted sounds associated with the avatar.
`
`An animation of the avatar te conveythe out-of-band information from the
`
`first user to the second user maybe triggered based on the information conveyed in
`
`the message from the first user to the second user. The trigger may include a portion
`
`or all of the text ofthe message. The trigger may include an audio portion of the
`
`message. The trigger mayinclude the passing of a predetermined amount of time
`
`during which the first user does not communicate a message to the second user or
`
`does not use a computing device that is used bythe first user to communicate with the
`
`bh st
`
`second user in the commnunication session.
`
`The avatar animation used as the communication condu® may melude a facial
`
`expression of the avatar, a gesture made by a hand or arm of the avatar, movement of
`
`a bodyof the avatar or sounds made bythe avatar. At least sorne of the sounds may
`
`imelude a voice basedon a voice of the first user, The avatar animation used as the
`
`el =
`
`communication conduit mayinchide a breakout animation that involves displaying
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`avatar outside of normal display space occupied bythe avatar. A breakout animation
`
`mayinclude telescoping, resizing, or repositioning the avatar.
`
`The first user may be provided with multiple preconfigered avatars having
`
`associated preselected animations. Thefirst user may be enabled to select aparticular
`
`Oss
`
`avatar to represent the user m the commumications session.
`
`‘The first user may be
`
`persistently associated with the selected avatar to represent the first user m subsequent
`
`communication sessions,
`
`The first user may be enabled to modify the appearance ofthe avatar.
`
`Enabling the first user to modify the appearance of the avatar may include enabling
`
`19
`
`the first user to use a slide bar to indicate a particular modification of a particular
`
`feature of the avatar or enabling the first user to modify appearance of the avatar ta
`
`reflect a characteristic of the first user. The characteristic of the first user maybe one
`
`of age, gender, hair color, eye color, or a facial feature.
`
`Enabling the first user to modify the appearance of the avatar mayinclude
`
`enabling the first user to modify the appearance of the avatar by adding, changing or
`
`deleting a prop displayed with the avatar. A prop maybe one of eyeglasses,
`
`swuiglasses, a hat, or carrings.
`
`The first user may be enabled to modifya trigger used to cause an animation
`
`of the avatar. The trigger mayinchide text included in the message gent from the first
`
`user to the second user.
`
`The avatar may he animated for use as an information assistant to convey
`
`informationto the first user. Use of the avatar by an application other than a
`
`communications application, including an online journal, maybe enabled.
`
`A depiction of the avatar maybe displayed in the formthat is substantially
`
`bo ea
`
`similar to a trading card. The trading card depiction of the avatar mayinclude
`
`characteristics associated with the first user.
`
`in yet another general aspect, perception of multiple online personasis
`
`enabled in an instant messaging communications session. At least two identities
`
`within a communications environment to whom messages maybe directed are
`
`identified. A first personaof a user ts enabled to be projected to a first of the
`
`identities while a second persona of the same user Is enabled to be concurrently
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`>
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`WO 2064/079536
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`PCTIUS2004/006284
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`projected to a second ofthe identities. The first and second personas eachinclude an
`avatar capable of being animated, and the first persona and the second personadiffer.
`Implementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. Por
`example, the first persona may differ from the second persona such that first persona
`invokes a different avatar than an avatar invoked by the second persona.
`
`The first persona mayinvokea first avatar, and the second persona may
`
`invoke a second avatar. The first avatar and the second avatar maybe the same
`
`avatar. An animation associated with the first avatar maybe different from
`
`animations associated with the second avatar. An appearance associated with the first
`
`19
`
`avatar maybe different from appearances associated with the second avatar.
`
`An avatar may be associated with multiple sounds. An avatar maybe capable
`
`of being animated based ontext of a message sent in the Instant message
`
`communications session. An avatar also maybe capable of being animated to send an
`
`out-of-band communication.
`
`ee lay
`
`The first persona may be associated with a first group of identities so that the
`
`first persona is projected in conmmmmnications sessions with membersofthe first group
`
`of identities. The second persona may be associated with a second group ofidentities
`
`so that the second persona is projected in communications sessions with members of
`
`the second group of identities.
`
`A personamaybe associated with the first of the identities, and a different
`
`persona may be associated with a group ofthe identities with which the first of the
`
`identities is associated. The first persona projected to the first of the identities maybe
`
`an amalgamation ofthe persona associated with thefirst of the identities and the
`
`different persona associated with the group of the identities. The persona associated
`
`bo ia
`
`with the first of the identities may override the different persona associated with the
`
`group of the nlentities to the extent a conflict exists.
`
`In still another general aspect, perception of multiple online personasis
`
`enabled in an instant messaging communications session. An instant messaging
`
`applicationuser interface for an instant messaging communications session is
`
`rendered on an instant messaging recipient system. The communications session
`
`involves at least onepotential instant messaging recipient and a single potential
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`6
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`WO 2008479530
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`PCT/US2009106284
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`instant messaging sender. A message is sent that includes a text message and a
`
`persona. The personais selected among multiple possible personas associated with
`
`the instant messaging sender to be displayed by thepotential instant messaging
`
`recipient when displaymg the text message. The selected persona includes a
`
`collection of one or more self-expression items and a sender avatar capable of being
`
`animated. The selected personais rendered at the potential instant messaging
`
`recipient system when rendering another portion of the message.
`
`inplementations mayinclude one or more of the following features. For
`
`example,
`
`the sender persona maybe selected by the instant messaging sender from.
`
`19
`
`the multiple possible personas associated with the instant messaging sender. The
`
`persona maybe rendered before or after communicationsare initiated by the potential
`
`instant messaging sender. The self-expression items may include one or more of a
`
`wallpaper, an emoticon, and a sound. One or more personas may be defined.
`
`A first persona may be assigned to a first potential instant messaging recipient
`
`so that the first persona ts thereafter automatically mvoked and projected in an instant
`
`messaging communications session invelving the first potential instant messaging
`
`recipient. A second persona maybe assigned to a second potential instant messaging
`
`recimient so that the second persona is thereafter automatically invoked and projected
`
`in an instant messaging communications session involving the second potential instant
`
`messaging recipient. The second persona maybe at least partially distineuishable
`
`from the first persona.
`
`A first persona maybe assigned to a first group of potential instant messaging
`
`recipients so that the first personais thereafter automatically invoked and projected in
`
`an instant messaging communications session involving a memberofthe first group
`
`ho Lai
`
`of potential instant messaging recipients. A second persona may be assigned to a
`
`second potential instant messaging recipient so that the second personais thereafter
`
`automatically invoked and projected in an instant messaging communications session
`
`involving the second potential instant messaging recipient. The second persona may
`
`be at least partiallydistinguishable from thefirst persona.
`
`The use of one of the multiple personas maybe disabled. Disabling the use of
`
`one of the multiple personas may be based on the mstant messaging recipient.
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`7
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`WO 2064/079536
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`PCTIUS2004/006284
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`One of the multiple personas maybe a work persona associated with presence
`
`of the instant messaging sender at a work location associated with the instant
`
`messaging sender. One of the multiple personas may be a homepersona associated
`
`with presence ofthe instant messaging sender at home. A determination maybe made
`as to whether the instant messaging sender is at homeor at the work location. In
`
`response to a determination that the instant messaging senderis at horne, the home
`persona may be selected for use in theinstant messaging Communications session. In
`response to a determination that the instant messaging senderis at the work location,
`the work persona maybeselected for use in the instant messaging communications
`
`19
`
`session.
`
`A persona to be displayed maybe selected by the potential instant messaging
`
`recipient based on time of day, day of weck, or a group of potential instant messaging
`
`recipients that are associated with the potential instant messaging recipient.
`
`At least some of characteristics of a persona maybe transparent to the instant
`
`as tat
`
`messaging sender, The sender avatar maybe animated to send an out-of-band
`
`communication fromthe instant messaging sender to the potential instant messaging
`
`recipient.
`
`In yet another general aspect, an avatar is used to conununicate. Auser 1s
`
`represented graphically using an avatar capable of being animated. The avatar is
`
`associated with maltiple animations and multiple features of appearance that represent
`
`a pattern of characteristics representing a personality of the avatar.
`
`implementations mayinclide one or more of the following features. For
`
`exaniple, the avatar may be associated with a description that identifies the
`
`personality of the avatar. The personality of the avatar may include at least some
`
`Re Wi
`
`characteristics that are distinct of at least some characteristics of a personalityof the
`
`user, A second user may be graphically represented with a second avatar capable of
`
`being animated. The second avatar maybe associated with multiple animations and
`
`multiple features of appearance that represent a pattern of characteristics representing
`
`a personalityof the second avatar. The personality of the second avatar mayinclude
`
`at least some characteristics that are distinct of at least some characteristics of the
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`WO 20044079530
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`PCT/US2004/4006284
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`personalityof the first avatar. Communication messages maybe sent between ihe
`
`first user and the second user.
`
`In yet another general aspect, a first avatar is animated based on perceived
`
`animation of a second avatar. A first user is graphically represented with a first avatar
`
`capable of being animated, and a second useris graphicallyrepresented with a second
`
`avatar capable ofbeing animated. Comraunication messages are being sent between
`
`the first user and the second user. An indication of an animation of the first avatar is
`
`received, and, the second avataris animated in response to, and based on, the received
`
`indication of the animation.
`
`10
`
`implementations may include one or more of the following features. For
`
`example, ihe indication of an animation received maybe anytype of animation ofthe
`
`first avatar or may be an indication of a particular animation of multiple possible
`animations of the first avatar. The first avatar may be subsequently animated m
`Tesponse to and based on the animation of the second avatar,
`
`The first avatar maybe arumated in response to a particular portion of a
`
`message sent between the first user and the second user. The message maybe sent
`
`from the first user to the second user or maybe sent to the first user from the second
`
`user. The first avatar may be animated to send an out-of-band commmenication from
`
`the first user to the second user,
`
`Implementations of the techniques discussed above mayinclude a methad or
`
`process, 4 system or apparatus, or computer software on a computer-accessible
`
`medium.
`
`The details of one or more of the implementations are set forth in the
`
`accompanying drawings and description below. Other features will be apparent from
`
`bo et
`
`the description and drawings, and from the claims,
`
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`FIGS.1, 2 and 5 are diagrams of user interfaces for an instant messaging
`
`service capable of enabling a user to project an avatar for self-expression.
`
`3G
`
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for animating an avatar based on the content
`
`of an instant message.
`
`

`

`WO 2064/079536
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`PCTIUS2004/006284
`
`FIG. 4 is a block diagramillustrating exemplary animations of an avatar and
`
`textual triggers for cach animation,
`
`FIG.6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process involving
`
`communications between two instant messaging client systems and an mstant
`
`message host system, wherebyan avatar of a user of one of the instant messageclient
`
`systems is animated based on the animation of an avatar of a user ofthe other of the
`
`instant message client systems.
`
`PIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for selecting and optionally customizing an
`
`avalar,
`
`10
`
`FIG.8 is a block diagram depicting examples of avatars capable of bemg
`
`projected by a userfor self-expression.
`
`FIG.9 is a diagramof auser interface for customizing the appearance of an
`
`avatar,
`
`FIG. 10 is a diagramofa userinterface used to present a snapshot description
`
`of an avatar.
`
`FIG, 11A is a block diagram dlusirating relationships between online
`
`personas, avatars, avatar behaviors and avatar appearances.
`
`FIG. 11B is a flowchart of a process for using adifferent online personalityto
`
`communicate with cach of two instant message rectpients.
`
`FIG. 12 is a chagram of auser interface that enables an instant message sender
`
`to select among available online personas.
`
`PIG. 13 is a diagram of exemplary user interfaces for enabling an instant
`
`message sender to create and store an online persona that includes an avatar for self-
`
`expression.
`
`25
`
`FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process for enabling a user to change an online
`
`persona that includes an avatar for self-expression.
`
`FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a process for using an avatar to communicate an out-
`
`of-band message to an instant message recipient.
`
`FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are diagrams of exemplary communications systems
`
`30
`
`capable of enabling an instant message user to project an avatar for self-expression.
`
`19
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`WO 2064/079536
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`PCTIUS2004/006284
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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`An avatar representing an instant messaging user may be animated based on
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`the message sent between a sender and recipient. An instant messaging application
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`interface is configured to detect entry of predetermined or user-defined character
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`strings, and to relate those characterstrings to predefined animations of an avatar.
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`‘The avatar representing or selected by the sender is animated in the recipient’s instant
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`messaging application interface and, optionally, in the sender's instant messaging
`application interface. The avataris rendered based on an animation model including a
`mesh that defines, using polygons, the form of the avatar, a texture defines an image |
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`to covers the mesh ofthe avatar, and a light map that defines the effect of a light
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`source on the avatar. The animation model for the avatar includes particular
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`geometry, including at least one thousand polygons in the underlying wire modelthat
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`makes up the avatar’s mesh, and at least twenty blend shapes, each of which defines a
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`— LA
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`different facial expression or shape, The animation model includes multiple
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`animations capable of being renderedfor the avatar defined by the animation mode}
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`and the animations bemg capable of association with one or more sound effects. The
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`animation model for the avatar mayinclude onlya face and/or a face and neckof the
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`avatar.
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`An avatar representing @ user in a conununications session alsa maybe used to
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`send to another user an out-of-band communication that conveys information
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`independent of information conveyed directly in the text message sent. The out-of
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`band information may be communicated using a change mthe avatar appearance or
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`avatar animation as a communication conduit. By way of example, an out-of-band
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`bad a
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`communication mayinclude information about the sender’s setting, environment,
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`activity or mood, which is not explicitly commnimicated and part of a text message
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`exchanged bya sender and a recipient,
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`A user may name and save multiple different “online personas”or “online
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`personalities,” which are groups of instant messaging self-expression settings suchas,
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`for exaniple, avatars, Buddy Sounds, Buddy Wallpaper and Emoticons(e.g.,
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`Smileys), Then, depending on the identity with whom the user communicates, they
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`mayaccess and project a preselected one of their online personas Inan instant
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`WO 2008479530
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`PCT/US2009106284
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`messaging environment, and or they may manually invoke and manage the online
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`personatheyproject to others. Functionality and features of the instant messaging
`interface maydiffer based upon the online personas being used mthe instant message
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`conversation.
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`Anavatar that represents a user in a communications session may be
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`animated, without user manipulation, based on the animation of another avatar that
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`represents another user in the same communications session. This maybe referred to
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`as an automatic response of an avatar to the behavior of another avatar.
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`FIG. 1 Glustrates an exemplarygraphical user interface 100 for an instant
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`lt
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`messaging service capable of enabling a user to project an avatar for self-expression.
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`The userinterface 100 may be viewed bya user whois an instant message sender and.
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`whose instant messaging communications programis configured to project an avatar
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`associated with and used as an identifier for the user to one or more other users or
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`user groups (collectively, Instant message recipients). In particular, the user
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`IMSenderis an instant message sender using the user interface 100, The mstant
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`‘message sender projects a sender avatar 135 in an instant messaging communications
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`session with an instant message recipient SuperBuddyFan1, who projects a recipient
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`avatar 115. Acorresponding graphical user interface (not shown) is used bythe
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`instant message recipient SuperBuddyFant.
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`In this manner, the sender avatar 135 is
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`visible in each of the sender’s user interface and the recipient's user interface, as is the
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`recipient avatar 115. The instant messaging communications session maybe
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`conducted simultansously, near-simultaneously, or serially,
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`The user interface (L/2) 100 includes an instant message user Interface 105 and
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`an instant messaging buddylist window 170.
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`Mo Lt
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`The instant message aser interface 105 has an instant message recipient
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`portion 110 and an instant message sender portion 130. The instant message recipient
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`portion 110 displays the recipient avatar 115 chosen bytheinstant message recipient
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`with whom the instant message sender is having an instant message conversation.
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`Similarly, the instant message sender portion 130 displays the sender avatar 135
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`chosen bythe instant message sender. The display of the sender avatar 135 in the
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`instant message user interface 105 enables the instant message sender to perceive the
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`avatar being projected to the particular instant message recipient with whomthe
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`instant message sender is communicating. The avatars 135 and 115 are
`personalization items selectable byan instant message user for self-expression.
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`The instant message user interface 105 includes an instant message
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`composition area 145 for composing instant message messages to be sent to the
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`instant message recipient and for message history text box 125 tor displaying a
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`transcript of the instant message communications session with the instant message
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`recipient, Each of the messages sent to, or received from, the instant message
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`recipient are listed in chronological order in the message history text box 125, each
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`with an indication of the user that sent the message as shown at 126. The message
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`history text box 125 optionally may include a time stamp 127 for eachofthe
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`messages sent,
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`Wallpaper may be applied to portions of the graphical user interface 100. For
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`example, wallpaper maybe applied to windowportion 120 that ts outside ofthe
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`message history box {25 or windowportion 140 that is outside of the message
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`composition area 145. The recipient avatar 115 is displayed over, or in place of, the
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`wallpaper applied to the window portion 120, and the wallpaper applied to the
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`windowportion 120 correspands to the recipient avatar 115. Likewise, the sender
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`avatar 135 is displayed over, or in place of,
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`the wallpaper applied to the window
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`portion 140 and the wallpaper applied to the windowportion 120 corresponds to the
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`sender avatar 135,
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`In some implementations, a box or other type of boundary may be
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`displayed around the avatar, a