Group-oriented communications user interface
AssigneeNovalink Technologies, Inc.
InventorsGeorge A. Keyworth, II, Baldev Krishan, Kalyan V. Krishnan
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Abstract
A system and methods are provided for displaying and processing communications via a variety of communications media using a personal computer. Messages received either wirelessly, for example, wireless e-mail, or over telephone wireline, such as voice mail or facsimile, are segregated and presented for review by the subscriber according to whether the originator is within a select group of routinely contacted individuals and also by type of media. The system includes a graphical user interface to provide an intuitive and efficient message processing capability. In alternative embodiments the apparatus and methods are self-documenting and facilitate communication to the system manufacturer.
Claims30
A method of displaying information pertaining to communications between a user and members in a selected group, the method comprising a series of steps of:
- displaying a gallery including a plurality of images, each one of the plurality of images corresponding to a member in the selected group, each one of the plurality of images having a status indicator and an associated message directional icon, the status indicator representing a current status of messages of a type represented by the associated message directional icon;
- monitoring communications between the user and a selected member in the selected group to determine a current status of messages of the type represented by the associated message directional icon;
- and
- updating the status indicator displayed in the gallery for the one of the plurality of images corresponding to the selected member in the selected group.
Apparatus for communicating with members in a selected group by a plurality of communications media, the apparatus comprising:
- a processor for receiving incoming messages and monitoring the incoming messages to generate signals indicative of a current status of the incoming messages;
- data storage means coupled to the processor for storing incoming messages;
- interface means for selectively coupling the processor to each one of the plurality of communications media;
- a user interface having display means for displaying a gallery including a plurality of images, each one of the plurality of images corresponding to a member in the selected group, each one of the plurality of images having a status indicator representing a current status of incoming messages, from that member in the selected group, responsive to the signals indicative of the current status of the incoming messages.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.