Gradual image display
AssigneeAmerica Online, Inc.
InventorJames Crawford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and techniques for displaying an image sent between subscribers of a communications system by receiving electronic data corresponding to the image; displaying a blurred view of the image; and gradually displaying a sharper version of the image in response to user input.
Claims24
A method for displaying a buddy icon sent between first and second subscribers of an instant messaging system, the method comprising:
- receiving, from the first subscriber, a buddy icon;
- obscuring the clarity of the received buddy icon;
- displaying the obscured buddy icon to the second subscriber;
- receiving input from the second subscriber indicating a willingness to enhance the clarity of the obscured buddy icon;
- and
- enchancing the clarity of the obscured buddy icon in response to the input from the second subscriber.
A computer program for a displaying a buddy icon sent between first and second subscribers of an instant messaging system, the computer program being stored on a computer readable medium and comprising instructions for:
- receiving, from the first subscriber, a buddy icon;
- obscuring the clarity of the received buddy icon;
- displaying the obscured buddy icon to the second subscriber;
- receiving input from the second subscriber indicating a willingness to enhance the clarity of the obscured buddy icon;
- and
- enhancing the clarity of the obscured buddy icon in response to the input from the second subscriber.
A communications apparatus for displaying buddy icon sent between first and second subscribers of an instant messaging system, the apparatus comprising:
- means for receiving, from the first subscriber, a buddy icon;
- means for obscuring the clarity of the received buddy icon;
- means for displaying the obscured buddy icon to the second subscriber;
- means for receiving input from the second subscriber indicating a willingness to enhance the clarity of the obscured buddy icon;
- and
- means for enhancing the clarity of the obscured buddy icon in response to the input from the second subscriber.
An instant messaging program that allows a first subscriber to send instant messages and buddy icons to a second subscriber the program comprising:
- a first interface element configured to obscure the clarity of a buddy icon associated with the first subscriber and to display the obscured buddy icon to the second subscriber;
- and
- a second interface element configured to receive input from the second subscriber indicating a willingness to enhance the clarity of the obscured buddy icon;
- wherein the first interface element is configured to enhance the clarity of the obscured buddy icon in response to the input from the second subscriber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.