US20020023132A1 - Shared groups rostering system - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and techniques for sharing information among members of a group. Information about all current members of a group is stored. Instructions are received from at least one current member to invite at least one prospective member to join the group and the invitation to join the group is sent to the prospective member. In the event that an affirmative response is received, the prospective member is added to the current members of the group and automatically updated services are provided to current members of the group.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/189,973, filed Mar. 17, 2000.[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to transferring data between subscribers of a communications system and more particularly to sharing information among members of a group.[0002]
BACKGROUND
• Online service providers are constantly offering new services and upgrading existing services to enhance their subscribers' online experience. Subscribers have on-demand access to news, weather, financial, sports, and entertainment services as well as the ability to transmit electronic messages and to participate in online discussion groups. For example, subscribers of online service providers such as America Online or CompuServe may view and retrieve information on a wide variety of topics from servers located throughout the world. A server may be maintained by the service provider or by a third party provider who makes information and services available through the worldwide network of computers that make up the online service.[0003]
• America Online has provided subscribers with the ability to send and receive instant messages. Instant messages are private online conversations between two or more people who have subscribed to the instant messaging service and have installed the necessary software. Because such online conversations virtually take place in real time, instant messaging can provide immediate access to desired information. Instant messaging is becoming a preferred means of communicating among online subscribers.[0004]
• Subscribers may at times encounter more complexity than they would like, which may lead to a frustrating experience online. Moreover, some subscribers may at times feel isolated in the online community. This is especially likely to occur for inexperienced subscribers. For example, it may be difficult to share information among members of a group such as, for example, a family. Tasks such as sharing an instant message buddy list, updating a shared address book, or updating a shared calendar may be time consuming, tedious, or intimidating to some subscribers.[0005]
SUMMARY
• In one general aspect, information is shared among members of a group by storing information about all current members of the group, receiving instructions from a group member inviting a prospective member to join the group, sending an invitation to the prospective member, receiving a response from the prospective member, adding the prospective member to the group when the response is positive, and providing automatically updated services to current group members.[0006]
• Implementations may include sending the invitation by an e-mail message, an instant message, or in an on-line chat room. Implementations also may include receiving the response by an e-mail message, an instant message, or in an on-line chat room. The automatically updated services may include, for example, providing a list of current group members, sharing information in an address book, sharing information in a calendar, providing an online forum for current group members to chat with other group members, sending instant messages from a current group member to other current group members, sharing data files among current group members, sharing a buddy list among current group members, and offering new services to current group members. The shared information may be updated based upon information entered by the current group members. In the shared address book, the information shared may include, for example, a name, an address (either personal or business), an email address, an instant message user identifier, a screen name, and a telephone number. In the shared calendar, the shared information may include, for example, a date, an appointment, an anniversary, a birthday, a holiday, and an invitation for other current group members to attend an event. For the shared data files, implementations may include sharing, for example, digital images such as photographs, text files, or multimedia files.[0007]
• In another general aspect, a communication system shares information among members of a group through a group administrator which processes information about current group members, a group communicator that delivers and exchanges information with both current and prospective group members, and a group information updater that provides automatically updated services to current group members.[0008]
• Implementations may include, for example, a group administrator that has a group member profile server to update information about the group members and a database to store data about the group members. Implementations also may include, for example, a group communicator that has an instant message host complex and a login server to communicate with a client system and determine whether the client is authorized to access the instant message host complex. The instant message host complex may include an instant message server to send and receive data, a domain server to provide supporting functions, and a routing gateway.[0009]
• A group communicator also may have an OSP host complex and login server to communicate with a client system and determine whether the client is authorized to access the OSP host complex. The OSP host complex may include an OSP server to send and receive data.[0010]
• The group information updater may have a user interface to communicate and exchange data with group members, receive updated information from the user interface, and automatically provide updated services to group members. The user interface may reside, for example, on an instant message complex, an OSP host complex, or on the Internet.[0011]
• In another general aspect, a graphical user interface (UI) may be used to invite prospective members to join the group. The UI may include an invitation message, the group name, a list of current group members, and a tool that allows the prospective member to respond to the invitation.[0012]
• These and other general aspects may be implemented by an apparatus and/or by a computer program stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may comprise a disc, a client device, a host device, and/or a propagated signal.[0013]
• Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description, including the drawings, and from the claims.[0014]
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system.[0015]
• FIGS.[0016]2-5 are expansions of the block diagram of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communications system.[0017]
• FIG. 7 is a diagram of a communications method implemented by the system of FIG. 6.[0018]
• FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a user interface of the system of FIG. 6.[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• For illustrative purposes, FIGS.[0020]1-5 describe a communications system for implementing techniques for transferring electronic data. For brevity, several elements in the figures described below are represented as monolithic entities. However, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, these elements each may include numerous interconnected computers and components designed to perform a set of specified operations and/or dedicated to a particular geographical region.
• Referring to FIG. 1, a[0021]communications system100 is capable of delivering and exchanging data between aclient system105 and ahost system110 through acommunications link115. Theclient system105 typically includes one ormore client devices120 and/orclient controllers125. For example, theclient system105 may include one or more general-purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one or more special purpose computers (e.g., devices specifically programmed to communicate with each other and/or the host system110), or a combination of one or more general-purpose computers and one or more special-purpose computers. Theclient system105 may be arranged to operate within or in concert with one or more other systems, such as for example, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/or one or more WANs (“Wide Area Networks”).
• In general, the[0022]client device120 is capable of executing instructions under the command of aclient controller125. Theclient device120 is connected to theclient controller125 by a wired orwireless data pathway130 capable of delivering data.
• The[0023]client device120 and theclient controller125 each typically includes one or more hardware components and/or software components. An example of aclient device120 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personal computer) capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer, a workstation, a server, a device, a component, other equipment, or some combination of these elements that is capable of responding to and executing instructions. An example of aclient controller125 is a software application loaded on theclient device120 for commanding and directing communications enabled by theclient device120. Other examples include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device, a computer, a computer system, or a combination of these elements that is capable of independently or collectively instructing theclient device120 to interact and operate as described herein. Theclient controller125 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, equipment, storage medium, or propagated signal capable of providing instructions to theclient device120.
• The[0024]communications link115 typically includes adelivery network160 making a direct or indirect communication between theclient system105 and thehost system110, irrespective of physical separation. Examples of adelivery network160 include the Internet, the World Wide Web, WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, or XDSL), radio, television, cable, satellite, and/ or any other delivery mechanism for carrying data. Thecommunications link115 may includecommunication pathways150,155 that enable communications through the one ormore delivery networks160 described above. Each of thecommunication pathways150,155 may include, for example, a wired, wireless, cable or satellite communication pathway.
• The[0025]host system110 includes ahost device135 capable of executing instructions under the command and direction of ahost controller140. Thehost device135 is connected to thehost controller140 by a wired orwireless data pathway145 capable of carrying and delivering data.
• The[0026]host system110 typically includes one ormore host devices135 and/orhost controllers140. For example, thehost system110 may include one or more general-purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devices specifically programmed to communicate with each other and/or the client system105), or a combination of one or more general-purpose computers and one or more special-purpose computers. Thehost system110 may be arranged to operate within or in concert with one or more other systems, such as, for example, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/or one or more WANs (“Wide Area Networks”).
• The[0027]host device135 and thehost controller140 each typically includes one or more hardware components and/or software components. An example of ahost device135 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personal computer) capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer, a workstation, a server, a device, a component, other equipment, or some combination of these elements that is capable of responding to and executing instructions. An example ofhost controller140 is a software application loaded on thehost device135 for commanding and directing communications enabled by thehost device135. Other examples include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device, a computer, a computer system, or a combination of these elements that is capable of independently or collectively instructing thehost device135 to interact and operate as described herein. Thehost controller140 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, equipment, storage medium, or propagated signal capable of providing instructions to thehost device135.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a[0028]communication system200 including aclient system205 communicating with ahost system210 through acommunications link215.Client system205 typically includes one ormore client devices220 and one ormore client controllers225 for controlling theclient devices220.Host system210 typically includes one ormore host devices235 and one ormore host controllers240 for controlling thehost devices235. The communications link215 may includecommunication pathways250,255 enabling communications through the one ormore delivery networks260.
• Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 2 are broadly described above with respect to FIG. 1. In particular, the[0029]host system210 and communications link215 typically have attributes comparable to those described with respect tohost system110 and communications link115 of FIG. 1. Likewise, theclient system205 of FIG. 2 typically has attributes comparable to theclient system105 of FIG. 1 and illustrates one possible implementation of that system.
• The[0030]client device220 typically includes ageneral purpose computer270 having an internal orexternal storage272 for storing data and programs such as an operating system274 (e.g., DOS, Windows™, Windows 95™, Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, Windows NT™, OS/2, or Linux) and one or more application programs. Examples of application programs include authoring applications276 (e.g., word processing, database programs, spreadsheet programs, or graphics programs) capable of generating documents or other electronic content; client applications278 (e.g., AOL client, CompuServe client, AIM client, AOL TV client, or an ISP client) capable of communicating with other computer users, accessing various computer resources, and viewing, creating, or otherwise manipulating electronic content; and browser applications280 (e.g., Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer) capable of rendering standard Internet content.
• The general-[0031]purpose computer270 also includes a central processing unit282 (CPU) for executing instructions in response to commands from theclient controller225. In one implementation, theclient controller225 includes one or more of the application programs installed on the internal orexternal storage272 of the general-purpose computer270. In another implementation, theclient controller225 includes application programs externally stored in and performed by one or more device(s) external to the general-purpose computer270.
• The general-purpose computer typically includes a[0032]communication device284 for sending and receiving data. One example of thecommunication device284 is a modem. Other examples include a transceiver, a set-top box, a communication card, a satellite dish, an antenna, or another network adapter capable of transmitting and receiving data over the communications link215 through a wired orwireless data pathway250. Thegeneral purpose computer270 also may include a TV (“television”)tuner286 for receiving television programming in the form of broadcast, satellite, and/or cable TV signals. As a result, theclient device220 can selectively and/or simultaneously display network content received bycommunications device284 and television programming content received by theTV tuner286.
• The general-[0033]purpose computer270 typically will include an input/output interface288 for wired or wireless connection to variousperipheral devices290. Examples ofperipheral devices290 include, but are not limited to, amouse291, amobile phone292, a personal digital assistant293 (PDA), akeyboard294, adisplay monitor295 with or without a touch screen input, a TVremote control296 for receiving information from and rendering information to subscribers, and avideo input device298.
• Although FIG. 2 illustrates devices such as a[0034]mobile telephone292, aPDA293, and a TVremote control296 as being peripheral with respect to the general-purpose computer270, in another implementation, such devices may themselves include the functionality of the general-purpose computer270 and operate as theclient device220. For example, themobile phone292 or thePDA293 may include computing and networking capabilities and function as aclient device220 by accessing thedelivery network260 and communicating with thehost system210. Furthermore, theclient system205 may include one, some or all of the components and devices described above.
• Referring to FIG. 3, a[0035]communications system300 is capable of delivering and exchanging information between aclient system305 and ahost system310 through acommunication link315.Client system305 typically includes one ormore client devices320 and one ormore client controllers325 for controlling theclient devices320.Host system310 typically includes one ormore host devices335 and one ormore host controllers340 for controlling thehost devices335. The communications link315 may includecommunication pathways350,355 enabling communications through the one ormore delivery networks360.
• Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 3 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the[0036]client system305 and the communications link315 typically have attributes comparable to those described with respect toclient systems105 and205 andcommunications links115 and215 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Likewise, thehost system310 of FIG. 3 may have attributes comparable to thehost systems110 and210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively and illustrates one possible implementation of those systems.
• The[0037]host system310 includes ahost device335 and ahost controller340. In general, thehost controller340 is capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of thehost device335. For example, in one implementation, thehost controller340 includes one or more software applications loaded on thehost device335. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller340 may include any of several other programs, machines, and devices operating independently or collectively to control thehost device335.
• The[0038]host device335 includes alogin server370 for enabling access by subscribers and routing communications between theclient system305 and other elements of thehost device335. Thehost device335 also includes various host complexes such as the depicted OSP (“Online Service Provider”)host complex380 and IM (“Instant Messaging”)host complex390. To enable access to these host complexes by subscribers, theclient system305 includes communication software, such as for example, an OSP client application and an IM client application. The OSP and IM communication software applications are designed to facilitate the subscriber's interactions with the respective services and, in particular, may provide access to all the services available within the respective host complexes.
• Typically, the[0039]OSP host complex380 supports different services, such as email, discussion groups, chat, news services, and Internet access. TheOSP host complex380 is generally designed with an architecture that enables the machines within theOSP host complex380 to communicate with each other and employs certain protocols (i.e., standards, formats, conventions, rules, and structures) to transfer data. TheOSP host complex380 ordinarily employs one or more OSP protocols and custom dialing engines to enable access by selected client applications. TheOSP host complex380 may define one or more specific protocols for each service based on a common, underlying proprietary protocol.
• In general, the[0040]IM host complex390 is independent of theOSP host complex380 and supports instant messaging services irrespective of a subscriber's network or Internet access. Thus, theIM host complex390 allows subscribers to send and receive instant messages, regardless of whether they have access to any particular ISP. TheIM host complex390 may support associated services, such as administrative matters, advertising, directory services, chat, and interest groups related to the instant messaging. TheIM host complex390 has an architecture that enables all of the machines within the IM host complex to communicate with each other. To transfer data, theIM host complex390 employs one or more standard or exclusive IM protocols.
• The[0041]host device335 may include one or more gateways that connect and therefore link complexes, such as the OSPhost complex gateway385 and the IMhost complex gateway395. The OSPhost complex gateway385 and theIM host complex395 gateway may directly or indirectly link theOSP host complex380 with theIM host complex390 through a wired or wireless pathway. Ordinarily, when used to facilitate a link between complexes, the OSPhost complex gateway385 and the IMhost complex gateway395 are privy to information regarding the protocol type anticipated by a destination complex, which enables any necessary protocol conversion to be performed incident to the transfer of data from one complex to another. For instance, theOSP host complex380 andIM host complex390 generally use different protocols such that transferring data between the complexes requires protocol conversion by or at the request of the OSPhost complex gateway385 and/or the IMhost complex gateway395.
• Referring to FIG. 4, a[0042]communications system400 is capable of delivering and exchanging information between aclient system405 and ahost system410 through acommunication link415.Client system405 typically includes one ormore client devices420 and one ormore client controllers425 for controlling theclient devices420.Host system410 typically includes one ormore host devices435 and one ormore host controllers440 for controlling thehost devices435. The communications link415 may includecommunication pathways450,455 enabling communications through the one ormore delivery networks460. As shown, theclient system405 may access theInternet465 through thehost system410.
• Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 4 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS.[0043]1-3. In particular, theclient system405 and the communications link415 typically have attributes comparable to those described with respect toclient systems105,205, and305 andcommunications links115,215, and315 of FIGS.1-3. Likewise, thehost system410 of FIG. 4 may have attributes comparable to thehost systems110,210, and310 and illustrates one possible implementation of those systems. FIG. 4 describes an aspect of thehost system410, focusing primarily on one particular implementation ofOSP host complex480. In general, for purposes of communicating with anOSP host complex480, thedelivery network460 is a telephone network.
• The[0044]client system405 includes aclient device420 and aclient controller425. Theclient controller425 is capable of establishing a connection to thehost system410, including theOSP host complex480, theIM host complex490 and/or theInternet465. In one implementation, theclient controller425 includes an OSP application for communicating with servers in theOSP host complex480 using exclusive OSP protocols. Theclient controller425 also may include applications, such as an IM client application, and/or an Internet browser application, for communicating with theIM host complex490 and theInternet465.
• The[0045]host system410 includes ahost device435 and ahost controller440. Thehost controller440 is capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of thehost device435. For example, in one implementation, thehost controller440 includes one or more software applications loaded on one or more elements of thehost device435. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller440 may include any of several other programs, machines, and devices operating independently or collectively to control thehost device435.
• The[0046]host system410 includes alogin server470 capable of enabling communications with and authorizing access byclient systems405 to various elements of thehost system410, including anOSP host complex480 and anIM host complex490. Thelogin server470 may implement one or more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex480 and theIM host complex490. TheOSP host complex480 and theIM host complex490 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways485 and one or more IMhost complex gateways495. Each OSPhost complex gateway485 and IMhost complex gateway495 may perform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communication between theOSP host complex480, theIM host complex490, and theInternet465.
• The[0047]OSP host complex480 supports a set of services from one or more servers located internal to and external from theOSP host complex480. Servers external to theOSP host complex480 may be viewed as existing on theInternet465. Servers internal to the OSP complex480 may be arranged in one or more configurations. For example, servers may be arranged in centralized or localized clusters in order to distribute servers and subscribers within theOSP host complex480.
• In the implementation of FIG. 4, the[0048]OSP host complex480 includes arouting processor4802. In general, therouting processor4802 will examine an address field of a data request, use a mapping table to determine the appropriate destination for the data request, and direct the data request to the appropriate destination. In a packet-based implementation, theclient system405 may generate information requests, convert the requests into data packets, sequence the data packets, perform error checking and other packet-switching techniques, and transmit the data packets to therouting processor4802. Upon receiving data packets from theclient system405, therouting processor4802 may directly or indirectly route the data packets to a specified destination within or outside of theOSP host complex480. For example, in the event that a data request from theclient system405 can be satisfied locally, therouting processor4802 may direct the data request to alocal server4804. In the event that the data request cannot be satisfied locally, therouting processor4802 may direct the data request externally to theInternet465 or theIM host complex490 through thegateway485.
• The[0049]OSP host complex480 also includes aproxy server4806 for directing data requests and/or otherwise facilitating communication between theclient system405 and theInternet465. Theproxy server4802 may include an IP (“Internet Protocol”) tunnel for converting data from OSP protocol into standard Internet protocol and transmitting the data to theInternet465. The IP tunnel also converts data received from the Internet in the standard Internet protocol back into the OSP protocol and sends the converted data to therouting processor4802 for delivery back to theclient system405.
• The[0050]proxy server4806 also may allow theclient system405 to use standard Internet protocols and formatting to access theOSP host complex480 and theInternet465. For example, the subscriber can use an OSP TV client application having an embedded browser application installed on theclient system405 to generate a request in standard Internet protocol, such as HTTP (“HyperText Transport Protocol”). In a packet-based implementation, data packets may be encapsulated inside a standard Internet tunneling protocol, such as, for example, UDP (“User Datagram Protocol”) and routed to theproxy server4806. Theproxy server4806 may include a L2TP (“Layer Two Tunneling Protocol”) tunnel capable of establishing a point-to-point protocol (PPP) session with theclient system405.
• The[0051]proxy server4806 also may act as a buffer between theclient system405 and theInternet465, and may implement content filtering and time saving techniques. For example, theproxy server4806 can check parental control settings of theclient system405 and request and transmit content from theInternet465 according to the parental control settings. In addition, theproxy server4806 may include one or more caches for storing frequently accessed information. If requested data is determined to be stored in the caches, theproxy server4806 may send the information to theclient system405 from the caches and avoid the need to access theInternet465.
• Referring to FIG. 5, a[0052]communications system500 is capable of delivering and exchanging information between aclient system505 and ahost system510 through acommunication link515.Client system505 typically includes one ormore client devices520 and one ormore client controllers525 for controlling theclient devices520.Host system510 typically includes one ormore host devices535 and one ormore host controllers540 for controlling thehost devices535. The communications link515 may includecommunication pathways550,555 enabling communications through the one ormore delivery networks560. As shown, theclient system505 may access theInternet565 through thehost system510.
• Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 5 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS.[0053]1-4. In particular, theclient system505 and the communications link515 typically have attributes comparable to those described with respect toclient systems105,205,305, and405 andcommunications links115,215,315, and415 of FIGS.1-4. Likewise, thehost system510 of FIG. 5 may have attributes comparable to thehost systems110,210,310, and410 shown in FIGS.1-4, and illustrates one possible implementation of those systems. However, FIG. 5 describes an aspect of thehost system510, focusing primarily on one particular implementation ofIM host complex590. In general for purposes of communicating with theIM host complex590, thedelivery network560 is a telephone network.
• The[0054]client system505 includes aclient device520 and aclient controller525. Theclient controller525 is capable of establishing a connection to thehost system510, including theOSP host complex580, theIM host complex590 and/or theInternet565. In one implementation, theclient controller525 includes an IM application for communicating with servers in theIM host complex590 utilizing exclusive IM protocols. Theclient controller525 also may include applications, such as an OSP client application, and/or an Internet browser application for communicating with theOSP host complex580 and theInternet565, respectively.
• The[0055]host system510 includes ahost device535 and ahost controller540. Thehost controller540 is generally capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of thehost device535. For example, in one implementation, thehost controller540 includes one or more software applications loaded on one or more elements of thehost device535. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller540 may include any of several other programs, machines, and devices operating independently or collectively to control thehost device535.
• The[0056]host system510 includes alogin server570 capable of enabling communications with and authorizing access byclient systems505 to various elements of thehost system510, including anOSP host complex580 and anIM host complex590. Thelogin server570 may implement one or more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex580 and theIM host complex590. TheOSP host complex580 and theIM host complex590 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways585 and one or more IMhost complex gateways595. Each OSPhost complex gateway585 and IMhost complex gateway595 may perform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communication between theOSP host complex580, theIM host complex590, and theInternet565.
• To access the[0057]IM host complex590 to begin an instant messaging session, theclient system505 establishes a connection to thelogin server570. Thelogin server570 typically determines whether the particular subscriber is authorized to access theIM host complex590 by verifying a subscriber identification and password. If the subscriber is authorized to access theIM host complex590, thelogin server570 employs a hashing technique on the subscriber's screen name to identify aparticular IM server5902 for use during the subscriber's session. Thelogin server570 provides theclient system505 with the IP address of theparticular IM server5902, gives theclient system505 an encrypted key (i.e., a cookie), and breaks the connection. Theclient system505 then uses the IP address to establish a connection to theparticular IM server5902 through the communications link515, and obtains access to thatIM server5902 using the encrypted key. Typically, theclient system505 will be equipped with a Winsock API (“Application Programming Interface”) that enables theclient system505 to establish an open TCP connection to theIM server5902.
• Once a connection to the[0058]IM server5902 has been established, theclient system505 may directly or indirectly transmit data to and access content from theIM server5902 and one or more associateddomain servers5904. TheIM server5902 supports the fundamental instant messaging services and thedomain servers5904 may support associated services, such as, for example, administrative matters, directory services, chat and interest groups. In general, the purpose of thedomain servers5904 is to lighten the load placed on theIM server5902 by assuming responsibility for some of the services within theIM host complex590. By accessing theIM server5902 and/or thedomain server5904, a subscriber can use the IM client application to view whether particular subscribers (“buddies”) are online, exchange instant messages with particular subscribers, participate in group chat rooms, trade files such as pictures, invitations or documents, find other subscribers with similar interests, get customized news and stock quotes, and search the Web.
• In the implementation of FIG. 5, the[0059]IM server5902 is directly or indirectly connected to arouting gateway5906. Therouting gateway5906 facilitates the connection between theIM server5902 and one or morealert multiplexors5908, for example, by serving as a link minimization tool or hub to connect several IM servers to several alert multiplexors. In general, analert multiplexor5908 maintains a record of alerts and subscribers registered to receive the alerts.
• Once the[0060]client system505 is connected to thealert multiplexor5908, a subscriber can register for and/or receive one or more types of alerts. The connection pathway between theclient system505 and thealert multiplexor5908 is determined by employing another hashing technique at theIM server5902 to identify theparticular alert multiplexor5908 to be used for the subscriber's session. Once theparticular multiplexor5908 has been identified, theIM server5902 provides theclient system505 with the IP address of theparticular alert multiplexor5908 and gives theclient system505 an encrypted key (i.e., a cookie). Theclient system505 then uses the IP address to connect to theparticular alert multiplexor5908 through thecommunication link515 and obtains access to thealert multiplexor5908 using the encrypted key.
• The[0061]alert multiplexor5908 is connected to analert gate5910 that, like the IMhost complex gateway595, is capable of performing the necessary protocol conversions to form a bridge to theOSP host complex580. Thealert gate5910 is the interface between theIM host complex590 and the physical servers, such as servers in theOSP host complex580, where state changes are occurring. In general, the information regarding state changes will be gathered and used by theIM host complex590. However, thealert multiplexor5908 also may communicate with theOSP host complex580 through theIM gateway595, for example, to provide the servers and subscribers of theOSP host complex580 with certain information gathered from thealert gate5910.
• The[0062]alert gate5910 can detect an alert feed corresponding to a particular type of alert. Thealert gate5910 may include a piece of code (alert receive code) capable of interacting with another piece of code (alert broadcast code) on the physical server where a state change occurs. In general, the alert receive code installed on thealert gate5910 instructs the alert broadcast code installed on the physical server to send an alert feed to thealert gate5910 upon the occurrence of a particular state change. Upon detecting an alert feed, thealert gate5910 contacts thealert multiplexor5908, which in turn, informs theclient system505 of the detected alert feed.
• In the implementation of FIG. 5, the[0063]IM host complex590 also includes asubscriber profile server5912 connected to adatabase5914 for storing large amounts of subscriber profile data. Thesubscriber profile server5912 may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwise process subscriber profile data. In one implementation, a subscriber's profile data include, for example, the subscriber's buddy list, alert preferences, designated stocks, identified interests, and geographic location. The subscriber may enter, edit and/or delete profile data using an installed IM client application on theclient system505 to interact with thesubscriber profile server5912.
• Because the subscriber's data are stored in the[0064]IM host complex590, the subscriber does not have to reenter or update such information in the event that the subscriber accesses theIM host complex590 using new or adifferent client system505. Accordingly, when a subscriber accesses theIM host complex590, theIM server5902 can instruct thesubscriber profile server5912 to retrieve the subscriber's profile data from thedatabase5914 and to provide, for example, the subscriber's buddy list to theIM server5902 and the subscriber's alert preferences to thealert multiplexor5908. Thesubscriber profile server5912 also may communicate with other servers in theOSP host complex590 to share subscriber profile data with other services. Alternatively, user profile data may be saved locally on theclient device505.
• Referring to FIG. 6, a[0065]communications system600 is capable of delivering and exchanging information between aclient system605 and ahost system610 through acommunication link615.Client system605 typically includes one ormore client devices620 and one ormore client controllers625 for controlling theclient devices620.Host system610 typically includes one ormore host devices635 and one ormore host controllers640 for controlling thehost devices635. Thecommunication link615 may include one ormore delivery networks660. Anetwork660 may be any known or described delivery network including, but not limited to, a telephone network and/or the Internet. Thecommunications system600 may be implemented as part of the communications system described above with reference to FIGS.1-5.
• Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 6 are broadly described above with respect to FIGS.[0066]1-5. In particular, theclient system605 and the communications link615 typically have attributes comparable to those described with respect toclient systems105,205,305,405, and505 andcommunications links115,215,315,415, and515 of FIGS.1-5. Likewise, thehost system610 of FIG. 6 may have attributes comparable to thehost systems110,210,310,410, and510 shown in FIGS.1-5 and may illustrate one possible implementation of those systems. However, FIG. 6 describes an aspect of the host system, focusing primarily on one particular implementation of thehost device635.
• The[0067]host system610 includes ahost device635 and ahost controller640. Thehost controller640 is capable of transmitting instructions to any or all of the elements of thehost device635. For example, in one implementation, thehost controller640 includes one or more software applications loaded on one or more elements of thehost device635. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller640 may include any of several other programs, machines, and devices operating independently or collectively to control thehost device635.
• The[0068]host system610 includes alogin server670 capable of enabling communications with and authorizing access byclient systems605 to various elements of thehost system610, including anOSP host complex680 and anIM host complex690. Thelogin server670 may implement one or more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex680 and theIM host complex690. TheOSP host complex680 and theIM host complex690 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways685 and one or more IMhost complex gateways695. Each OSPhost complex gateway685 and IMhost complex gateway695 may perform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communication between theOSP host complex680, theIM host complex690, and theInternet665.
• In one implementation, the[0069]host system635 includes one ormore group administrators6370 in communication with one ormore group communicators6350. Thegroup communicators6350 are further in communication with one or moregroup information updaters6380. Each group may have dedicated servers maintained locally on a particular host complex or at a centralized location. As shown, thegroup communicator6350 and thegroup information updater6380 exist on theOSP host complex680 and thegroup administrator6370 exists on theIM host complex690. Other configurations, however, may be used in alternative implementations. For example, the functionality of thegroup administrator6370, thegroup communicator6350, and thegroup information updater6380 may reside on a single server or be distributed among multiple servers.
• The[0070]group communicator6350 cooperates with thegroup administrator6370 and thegroup information updater6380 and is configured to deliver and exchange information with current and prospective members of the group. In particular, thegroup communicator6350 is configured to process invitations from current members of the group to prospective members. Any of the current group members, as reflected in the group administrator's records, may use thegroup communicator6350 to initiate or receive messages from a current or a prospective group member. Thegroup communicator6350 may send and receive messages from current and prospective group members through anIM server6902, theInternet665, and/or other communications server6360 (e.g., e-mail server, chat sever, OSP buddy server). Typically, thegroup information updater6350 will include a user interface configured to interact with client devices of group members and facilitate information exchange. The user interface may, for example, allow group members to select and input information (e.g., new group, screen names of invited members) to thegroup communicator6350 and allow entered information (e.g., group membership, screen names of group members) to be extracted by thegroup communicator6350.
• In one implementation, the[0071]group communicator6350 communicates with anIM server6902, theInternet665, and/orother communications server6360. Thegroup communicator6350 is configured to permit access to various groups, and to route communications of group members to the correct servers for delivery to prospective members. Thelogin server670 may assist thegroup communicator6350 with authorizing access to the various groups.
• The[0072]group administrator6370 is configured to keep track of information about current group members and to provide automatically updated services to current group members. In one implementation, thegroup administrator6370 includes a group member profile sever6372 configured to enter, update, retrieve, store, edit, manipulate, or otherwise process information about the current members of a group and adatabase6374 for storing information associated with group members. Thegroup administrator6370 may be configured to gather and track information about the online status of and services provided to current group members. In one implementation, thegroup administrator6370 communicates with anIM server6902 that monitors the online status and capabilities of group members. Thegroup administrator6370 also may, for example, communicate with theOSP Host Complex680 or theInternet665 to gather and track such information.
• The[0073]group information updater6380 cooperates with thegroup communicator6350 and thegroup administrator6370 and is configured to perform all necessary processing to keep the information about the current group members up to date. In one implementation, thegroup information updater6380 is configured to instruct thegroup administrator6370 to update information associated with group members.
• Referring to FIG. 7, a[0074]current member702a, aprospective member702b, and ahost704 interact according to aprocedure700 to share information among members of a group. Thecurrent member702aand theprospective member702bare each associated with a user and typically have attributes comparable to those described above with respect toclient devices120,220,320,420,520, and620 and/orclient controllers125,225,325,425,525, and625. Thehost704 typically has attributes comparable to those described above with respect tohost devices135,235,335,435,535, and635 and/orhost controllers140,240,340,440,540, and640 inhost systems110,210,310,410,510, and610. Thehost704 may be directly or indirectly interconnected to theclient702aand theclient702bthrough a known or described delivery network. Theprocedure700 may be implemented by any type of hardware, software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal.
• There may be several different levels and types of groups. Examples of groups include, but are not limited to, family, friends, co-workers, classmates, teammates, affiliates, and the like. Subscribers may create and join several different groups. The group feature may be associated with and/or provided by different host complexes (e.g., Groups@AOL, Groups@CompuServe) and/or different web pages (e.g., Groups@Netscape.com, Groups@CNN.com).[0075]
• A group typically will be made up of a subset of the subscribers to the[0076]host704, but may include members who are not subscribers to thehost704. To participate in a group, a subscriber must either create a new group and invite others to join, or enter a group to which the subscriber has been invited. In one implementation, when a subscriber creates a group, the subscriber is considered the “founder” of the group. As the founder, the subscriber has the ability to remove members and delete content. Any member can leave a group at any time after joining, but only the founder of a group can delete a group. When a founder leaves the group, the group must also be deleted. Alternatively, any group member may be provided with the same capabilities as the founder, including the ability to remove members, delete content and delete the group.
• The founder can designate other group members to manage the group as “owners” of the group. A group owner is allowed to change settings (e.g., homepage group title or description) for the entire group, delete and edit group and other member's content, invite prospective members, change member/owner status of any other member, send administrative e-mails as an owner, and even remove troublesome members. Group owners are notified when there is an issue with member e-mail. If there are repeated delivery difficulties or excessive unsolicited bulk mail—an indication of possible mail list abuse—a member may be temporarily suspended from participating in the group mail list. The group owner may opt to resume delivery, remove the member from the group or resolve the issue later.[0077]
• To create a group, a subscriber enters attributes of the group to the[0078]host704 through a user interface displayed on a client device. The group attributes may include, but are not limited to, a unique group name, a description of the group, a time zone so that events are properly timed, a group theme (e.g., Family, Friends, Activity Group), and a design style having a certain color schemes images that represent members. The subscriber also may create a personal profile and make it available to other group members. The personal profile may include information such as name, e-mail address, mailing address, phone numbers, birthday (which shows up automatically in an events area), an image (e.g., photo, icon), a home page, and/or other personal information (e.g., quotes, messages).
• Once the subscriber has created the group, the subscriber is considered the founder, an owner, and a member of the group. In one implementation described in more detail below, any member of the group can extend an invitation to a prospective member. In other implementations, however, the ability to invite prospective members may be limited only to founders and/or owners of the group.[0079]
• Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, a[0080]current member702asends to thehost704 an instruction to invite at least oneprospective member702bto join the group (step705). In one implementation, thecurrent member702apresents a user interface to a subscriber for inputting a screen name or e-mail address associated with theprospective member702b. In another implementation, thecurrent member702asends an invitation when the right button of a computer mouse is clicked while pointing to a screen name associated with aprospective member702b. The right click causes a menu of choices to appear. When an option from the menu to send an e-mail message inviting theprospective member702bto join the group is selected, thecurrent member702aautomatically generates the invitation.
• The[0081]host704 receives the instruction to invite theprospective member702b(step710) and in response sends an invitation to theprospective member702bto join the group (step715). The invitation may be sent as, for example, an e-mail message, an instant message, a post in an online chat room, or by other suitable communication. In one implementation, thegroup communicator6350 receives the instruction and sends the invitation through at least one of theIM server6902, theInternet665, and/or other communications server6360 (e.g., e-mail server, chat sever, OSP buddy server).
• The[0082]prospective member702breceives the invitation to join the group (step720) and sends to the host704 a response to the invitation (step725). In one implementation, the invitation includes a hyperlink to facilitate joining the group, a personal welcoming message, and/or a list of current group members. When the hyper-link contained in the invitation is clicked, the prospective member720bsends an affirmative confirmation message indicating the prospective member's desire to join the group and links to the group web site. The response may be sent as, for example, an e-mail message, an instant message, a post in an online chat room, or other suitable communication. The response may be affirmative, indicating the prospective member's desire to join the group, or the response may be negative, indicating the prospective member's desire not to join the group. If no response is sent, the lack of a response may be deemed to be a negative response after an appropriate length of time has passed. Alternatively, the lack of a response may be deemed to be a positive response after an appropriate length of time has passed.
• The[0083]host704 receives the response from theprospective member702b(step730) and notifies the sender of the response (step735). In one implementation, thegroup communicator6350 receives and notes the response to the invitation from theprospective member702b. Thegroup communicator6350 then sends a notification to the current member based on the response. If the response from the prospective member is negative, thegroup communicator6350 informs the current member that theprospective member702bhas declined the invitation. If, on the other hand, the response from theprospective member702bis affirmative (i.e., the invitation is accepted), thehost704 adds theprospective member702bto the group (step740) and provides automatically updated services to current members of the group (step745).
• The automatically updated services provided to current members of the group by the[0084]host704 include, but are not limited to, providing a private group website, a list of current group members, a shared buddy list, a shared address book, shared member profiles, a shared calendar, a shared map, a shared message board, a private on-line forum for current group members to chat with one another, a shared list of favorite sites, a shared photo gallery, and/or any other type of shared data files. New automatically updated services based upon the current group members may be offered. For example, enhanced services based on the equipment capabilities of the group members may be offered when at least some group members upgrade hardware and/or software.
• The private group website is accessible only to members. Typically, each member will be prompted for the group name and a password to enter. The group website may have text, images, audio, and video information related to the group and also may include hyperlinks to other areas and services of interest to group members. A list of current group members may be displayed on the website or accessed by a hyperlink. The list also may indicate the online status of each group member, note the last time a particular member visited the site, and include short cut ways to communicate with group members (e.g., right click to e-mail or instant message).[0085]
• In addition to other elements, the shared buddy list includes, the screen names of group members to facilitate instant messaging communication. In general, a subscriber's buddy list is a user interface that lists the online status and capabilities of certain screen names, i.e., “buddies,” identified by the subscriber. In particular, the buddy list interfaces with the[0086]host704 to identify which buddies are online, i.e., currently accessing thehost704. The buddy list also facilitates instant messaging communication between subscribers. A subscriber can activate an instant messaging message window pre-addressed to a buddy simply by clicking the screen name of a buddy on the buddy list. Otherwise, the subscriber must activate and address a blank instant messaging window. When necessary, a subscriber can look up the screen name of an intended recipient using the intended recipient's e-mail address or other identifying information.
• The shared address book may contain information about group members including, but not limited to, names, addresses (e.g., residential or business), e-mail addresses, instant messaging screen names, telephone numbers, comments, home page address, and/or any other personal information. The shared personal profile of a group member may include only that personal information desired by the member to be shared with the group or the Internet community at large.[0087]
• The shared calendar may contain information about group members including, but not limited to, events, appointments, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and/or any other designated date. Group members may receive invitations and/or reminders about important dates (e.g. an invitation to attend an event).[0088]
• The shared map may contain information including, but not limited to, home and work locations of members, the current locations of members, a meeting place, an event location, or any other designated area. Driving directions to and from locations also may be provided.[0089]
• The shared message board provides a way for group members to post thoughts, messages, and/or comments for subsequent viewers. After a post is made, the group member may be prompted to e-mail or instant message the post to some or all group members. The private on-line forum allows group members to chat with one another. Group members may view who is in the chat room, invite absent members to attend the chat session, coordinate a time to visit the chat room, and/or engage in a spontaneous chat session with some or all other members visiting the group website.[0090]
• The shared list of favorite sites may include, but is not limited to, group related websites, favorite websites of members, and/or any other Internet site. Group members also may post recommendations and/or opinions about certain links to web sites, music, books, movies, and the like. The shared photo gallery may include individual photographs or albums of photographs online. Group members may download and/or order prints of the images. Current members also may share data files of any other type including, but not limited to, text files, audio files, image files, video files, and/or multi-media files.[0091]
• The shared information associated with the automatically updated services is stored on the[0092]host system610. In one implementation, thehost system610 includes agroup administrator6370 having a groupmember profile server6372 and adatabase6374 for storing information associated with group members. The groupmember profile server6372 enters, updates, retrieves, store, edits, manipulates, or otherwise processes information stored in thedatabase6374. The shared information associated with the automatically updated services may be stored in thedatabase6374 by group and/or by individual subscriber. For example, information associated with a particular subscriber may include, but is not limited to, a personal profile, a buddy list, an address book, a calendar, a list of favorite sites, group memberships, and/or any other user preference.
• The information associated with the automatically updated services typically will be provided to current members based upon information entered by at least one current member of the group. Group information, however, may be entered or supplemented by a person or a system outside of the group.[0093]
• In one implementation, upon receiving an affirmative response from the[0094]prospective member702b, thegroup communicator6350 instructs thegroup information updater6380 to add the prospective member to the group. Thegroup information updater6380 updates the list of current members and adds the prospective member to the current members of the group. Thegroup information updater6380 then communicates the addition of the prospective member to thegroup administrator6370 and instructs the group administrator to update the group member information. In one implementation, thegroup information updater6380 communicates with thegroup administrator6370 throughgateways685,695.
• The[0095]group administrator6370 receives the notification and instruction regarding the updated group membership and in response updates the information associated with members of the group. In one implementation, the groupmember profile server6372 accesses the information stored in thedatabase6374 and populates the storage space associated with the members of the group with updated information. For example, a buddy list associated with acurrent group member702bwill be populated with the screen names of all the current members of the group, including the screen names of the prospective members that have accepted an invitation. The buddy list of a group member is updated by adding screen names of new members and deleting screen names of former members. During an instant messaging session, the group member is in constant communication with theIM server6902. The IM server, in turn, is in constant communication with the groupmember profile server6372 and automatically updates the group members buddy list when a change to a group is made.
• As shown in FIG. 8, a[0096]UI800 illustrates an example of how theprospective member702bmay be invited to join a Buddy List group by acurrent member702a. TheUI800 presented to theprospective member702bincludes the name of thegroup805 and the current members of thegroup810. TheUI800 provides buttons or other suitable graphical tools to allow theprospective member702bto accept theinvitation815 or to reject theinvitation820. As an alternative to a button, a hyperlink, a pull-down menu, a popup menu, or another graphical tool may be used to allow theprospective member702bto respond to the invitation.
• Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.[0097]

Claims (39)

What is claimed is:

1. A computer implemented method of sharing information among members of a group, the method comprising:

storing information about all current members of a group;

receiving instructions from at least one current member to invite at least one prospective member to join the group;

sending an invitation to the prospective member to join the group;

receiving an affirmative response from the prospective member;

adding the prospective member to of the group as a new member; and

automatically updating services to current members to account for the new member.

2. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein sending the invitation comprising using an e-mail message.

3. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein sending the invitation comprises using an instant message.

4. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein sending the invitation comprises using an on-line chat room.

5. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein receiving the affirmative response comprises receiving the response as an e-mail message.

6. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein receiving the affirmative response comprises receiving the response as an instant message.

7. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein receiving the affirmative response comprises receiving the response in an on-line chat room.

8. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein automatically updating services comprises providing a list of current members that includes the new members.

9. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein automatically updating services comprises providing information in an address book that includes address information for the new member.

10. The computer implemented method ofclaim 9 further comprising updating the address book based upon information entered by the current members of the group.

11. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein automatically updating services comprises providing information in a calendar that includes information for the new member.

12. The computer implemented method ofclaim 11 further comprising updating the calendar based upon information entered by the current members of the group.

13. The computer implemented method ofclaim 11 further comprising inviting current group members to attend an event and automatically recording the event in the calendar.

14. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein automatically updating services comprises providing an on-line forum for current members of the group to chat with other current members of the group including the new member.

15. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein automatically updating services comprises enabling current members of the group to send instant messages to other current members of the group including the new member.

16. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein automatically updating services comprises sharing data files with current members of the group including the new member.

17. The computer implemented method ofclaim 16 wherein data files are provided by the current members of the group.

18. The computer implemented method ofclaim 16 wherein data files comprise digital images.

19. The computer implemented method ofclaim 16 wherein data files comprise photographs.

20. The computer implemented method ofclaim 16 wherein data files comprise text files.

21. The computer implemented method ofclaim 16 wherein data files comprise multi-media files.

22. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 further comprising offering new services based upon the current members of the group.

23. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein automatically updating services comprises providing information in a buddy list that includes information for the new member.

24. A communication system for sharing information among members of a group comprising:

a group administrator for processing information about the current members of the group;

a group communicator cooperating with the group administrator for delivering and exchanging information with current and prospective group members; and

a group information updater cooperating with the group communicator and group administrator for providing automatically updated services to current members.

25. The communication system ofclaim 24 wherein the group administrator further comprises:

a group member profile server for updating data related to current members; and

a database connected to the group member profile server for storing data related to current members.

26. The communication system ofclaim 24 wherein the group communicator further comprises:

an instant message host complex in communication with a client system; and

a login server in communication with a client system and the instant message host complex for determining whether the client is authorized to access the instant message host complex.

27. The communication system ofclaim 26 wherein the instant message host complex further comprises:

an instant message server for sending and receiving data; and

a domain server cooperating with the instant message server for providing supporting functions of the instant message host complex.

28. The communication system ofclaim 27 wherein the instant message host complex further comprises a routing gateway connected to the instant message server.

29. The communication system ofclaim 24 wherein the group communicator further comprises:

an OSP host complex in communication with a client system; and

a login server in communication with the client system and the OSP host complex for determining whether the client is authorized to access the OSP host complex.

30. The communication system ofclaim 26 wherein the OSP host complex further comprises an OSP server for sending and receiving data.

31. The communications system ofclaim 24 wherein the group information updater further comprises a user interface for communicating and exchanging data with a member of the group.

32. The communications system ofclaim 31 wherein the user interface resides on an OSP host complex.

33. The communications system ofclaim 31 wherein the user interface resides on the Internet.

34. A graphical user interface for inviting a prospective member of a group to join the group, the graphical user interface comprising:

a message inviting the prospective member to join the group;

the name of the group;

the current members of the group;

and a tool for the prospective member to respond to the invitation.

35. A computer program, stored on a computer readable medium, the method comprising:

storing information about all current members of a group;

receiving instructions from at least one current member to invite at least one prospective member to join the group;

sending an invitation to the prospective member to join the group;

receiving an affirmative response from the prospective member;

adding the prospective member to the group as a new member; and

automatically updating services to current members to account for the new member.

36. The computer program ofclaim 35 wherein the computer readable medium is a disc.

37. The computer program ofclaim 35 wherein the computer readable medium is a client device.

38. The computer program ofclaim 35 wherein the computer readable medium is a host device.

39. The computer program ofclaim 35 wherein the computer readable medium is a propagated signal.

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