System, network entity, client, method and computer program product for managing a contact list

A system for managing a contact list, the system comprising:

• a network entity capable of providing a contact list identifying a plurality of members, each identified member being associated with at least one criterion,
• wherein the network entity is also capable of dynamically creating at least one criteria-screened list based upon at least one of the criteria associated with the members listed in the contact list, wherein the network entity is capable of dynamically creating the criteria-screened list based upon at least one of the criteria that is independent of a current presence of the member with respect to the network entity, and wherein the criteria-screened list identifies a subset of the listed members.

A network entity for managing a contact list, the network entity comprising:

• a memory capable of storing a database including a plurality of clients comprising members of a contact list, each identified member being associated with at least one criterion;
• and
• a processor capable of operating a contact list manager, wherein the contact list manager is capable of dynamically creating at least one criteria-screened list based upon at least one of the criteria associated with the members listed in the contact list, wherein the contact list manager is capable of dynamically creating the criteria-screened list based upon at least one of the criteria that is independent of a current presence of the member with respect to the network entity, and wherein the criteria-screened list identifies a subset of the listed members.

The network entity of claim 11, wherein the contact list manager is capable of updating the criteria associated with the members listed in the contact list, and wherein the contact list manager is capable of dynamically creating at least one criteria-screened list before and after updating the criteria.

The network entity of claim 13, wherein the contact list manager is further capable of transferring the criteria-screened list such that the criteria-screened list is capable of being presented for display.

The network entity of claim 15, wherein the memory is capable of storing a database including a plurality of clients comprising members of a contact list that are associated with at least one criterion related to at least one session of the member, the session being related to interaction of the member with a game application operated by the network entity.

The network entity of claim 16, wherein the memory is capable of storing a database including a contact list identifying a plurality of clients that are associated with at least one criterion related to at least one of a duration of at least session, a score associated with at least one session and an aggregate score associated with a plurality of sessions.

A client for managing a contact list, the client comprising:

• a processor capable of operating an application, wherein the application is capable of receiving at least one criterion and at least one threshold value associated with the criteria,
• wherein the application is capable of sending a request including the received criteria such that at least one criteria-screened list is capable of being dynamically created based upon the request and a contact list identifying a plurality of members, each identified member in the contact list being associated with at least one criterion, wherein the application is capable of sending the request such that the criteria-screened list is capable of being dynamically created based upon at least one of the criteria that is independent of a current presence of the member with respect to a network entity, and such that the criteria-screened list identifies a subset of the listed members, and
• wherein the application is further capable of receiving the dynamically created criteria-screened list.

The client of claim 18, wherein the criteria associated with the members listed in the contact list is capable of being updated, and

• wherein the application is capable of sending a request in at least one instance such that at least one criteria-screened list is capable of being dynamically created before and after updating the criteria.

The client of claim 22, wherein the application is capable of receiving at least one criterion related to at least one session of the member, the session being related to interaction of the member with a game application operated by the network entity.

The client of claim 237, wherein the application is capable of receiving at least one criterion related to at least one of a duration of at least one session, a score associated with at least one session and an aggregate score associated with a plurality of sessions.

A computer program product for managing a contact list, wherein the computer program product comprises at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising:

• first executable portion for providing a contact list identifying a plurality of members, each identified member being associated with at least one criterion related to interaction of the member with a network entity;
• and
• a second executable portion for dynamically creating at least one criteria-screened list based upon at least one of the criteria associated with the members listed in the contact list, wherein the second executable portion is adapted to dynamically create the criteria-screened list based upon at least one of the criteria that is independent of a current presence of the member with respect to the network entity, and wherein the criteria-screened list identifies a subset of the listed members.

The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the first executable portion is further adapted to update the criteria associated with the members listed in the contact list, and

• wherein the second executable portion is adapted to dynamically create at least one criteria-screened list before and after updating the criteria.

The computer program product of claim 27 further comprising a third executable portion for transferring the criteria-screened list to the client such that the client is capable of presenting the criteria-screened list.

The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the first executable portion is adapted to provide a contact list identifying members associated with at least one criterion related to at least one session of the member, the session being related to interaction of the member with a game application operated by the network entity.

The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the first executable portion is adapted to provide a contact list identifying members associated with at least one criterion related to at least one of a duration of at least session, a score associated with at least one session and an aggregate score associated with a plurality of sessions.