The present application relates to a user interface for a messaging application and more particularly for a method and apparatus for using an IM contact list entry as a game in progress designate.
Communication devices such as personal computers, wireless mobile telephones, personal data assistants, etc. often provide data communication abilities to users. One currently popular form of such communication is Instant Messaging (IM) facilitated by an application having a graphical user interface (GUI) whereby two or more users of different communication devices can engage in a conversational data communication exchange.
To permit IM message exchanges, a user may invite another to agree to receive IM messages and be included in the user's list of IM contacts (sometimes called an IM friend or buddy in view of the agreement to be a potential IM message recipient). The availability of the user or particular contacts for conversations may be maintained in accordance with respective presence information. To begin an IM conversation, a user selects a buddy represented by a contact list entry of a list of contacts and inputs a message. Additional contacts may be invited to engage in a group message, as desired. While IM messaging was originally directed to text, newer protocols support file transports and voice over data communications.
In addition to conducting conversations, an IM user may invite a buddy to engage in an on-line game where two (or more) players take turns during game play to compete against each other. Conventional board and card games such as checkers or poker may be adapted for IM game playing for example, among others. A game may be invoked via a game application interface or from within an IM application providing an interface to a game application.
A user may play more than one game at a time or play a game in a non-linear manner, leaving a game interface to perform other tasks such as email, calendar review, etc. Thus it is desirable to provide an interface to games in progress.
A solution to one or more of these needs is therefore desired.
In order that the subject matter may be readily understood, embodiments are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that teachings herein are applicable to messages received via wired or wireless communication and though a wireless communication device and network including wireless communication capabilities are discussed in the examples, no limitations should be imposed. There is provided a method and apparatus for using a contact list entry of an IM contact list interface to designate an IM game in progress to facilitate switching between an IM conversation and an IM game.
Typically, controller 106 is embodied as a central processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in a memory component (not shown). Controller 106 will normally control overall operation of mobile station 102, whereas signal processing operations associated with communication functions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry 108. Controller 106 interfaces with device display 112 to display received information, stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard 114, which may be a telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for entering data for storage in mobile station 102, information for transmission to network 104, a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to be executed on mobile station 102, and possibly other or different user inputs.
Mobile station 102 sends communication signals to and receives communication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna 110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those of a radio network (RN) 128, including for example modulation/demodulation and possibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is also contemplated that RF transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certain functions in addition to those performed by RN 128. It will be apparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 will be adapted to particular wireless network or networks in which mobile station 102 is intended to operate.
Mobile station 102 includes a battery interface 122 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 124. Battery 124 provides electrical power to electrical circuitry in mobile station 102, and battery interface 122 provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery 124. Battery interface 122 is coupled to a regulator 126 which regulates power to the device. When mobile station 102 is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry 108 is typically turned on only when it is sending to network, and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceiver circuitry 108 is typically periodically turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) during designated time periods.
Mobile station 102 operates using a memory module 120, such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM), which is connected to or inserted in mobile station 102 at an interface 118. As an alternative to a SIM or an R-UIM, mobile station 102 may operate based on configuration data programmed by a service provider into an internal memory which is a non-volatile memory. Mobile station 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function communication device with data and voice communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, mobile station 102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality of separate components, including but in no way limited to a computer or other device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in the mobile station block diagram of
Mobile station 102 communicates in and through wireless communication network 104. In the embodiment of
During operation, mobile station 102 communicates with RN 128 which performs functions such as call-setup, call processing, and mobility management. RN 128 includes a plurality of base station transceiver systems that provide wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly referred to as a “cell”. A given base station transceiver system of RN 128, such as the one shown in
The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of
For all mobile stations 102 registered with a network operator, permanent data (such as mobile station 102 user's profile) as well as temporary data (such as mobile station's 102 current location) are stored in a HLR/AC 138. In case of a voice call to mobile station 102, HLR/AC 138 is queried to determine the current location of mobile station 102. A Visitor Location Register (VLR) of MSC 130 is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of those mobile stations that are currently in its area of responsibility. This includes parts of the permanent mobile station data that have been transmitted from HLR/AC 138 to the VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of MSC 130 may also assign and store local data, such as temporary identifications. Mobile station 102 is also authenticated on system access by HLR/AC 138. In order to provide packet data services to mobile station 102 in a CDMA2000-based network, RN 128 communicates with PDSN 132. PDSN 132 provides access to the Internet 144 (or intranets, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) servers, etc.) through IP network 134. PDSN 132 also provides foreign agent (FA) functionality in mobile IP networks as well as packet transport for virtual private networking. PDSN 132 has a range of IP addresses and performs IP address management, session maintenance, and optional caching. RADIUS server 136 is responsible for performing functions related to authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) of packet data services, and may be referred to as an AAA server.
Wireless communication network 104 also includes a Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) server 137 which may be coupled to IP network 134. PoC server 137 operates to facilitate PoC individual and group communication sessions between mobile stations within network 104. A conventional PoC communication session involves a session connection between end users of mobile stations, referred to as session “participants”, who communicate one at a time in a half-duplex manner much like conventional walkie-talkies or two-way radios.
Those skilled in art will appreciate that wireless network 104 may be connected to other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitly shown in
Mobile station 202 will normally incorporate a communication subsystem 211, which includes a receiver 212, a transmitter 214, and associated components, such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218, local oscillators (LOs) 213, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 220. Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 shown in
Mobile station 202 may send and receive communication signals over the network after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the network are input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and like, and in example shown in
Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of mobile station 202, and therefore mobile station 202 requires a memory module 262, such as a Subscriber Identity Module or “SIM” card or a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM), to be inserted in or connected to an interface 264 of mobile station 202 in order to operate in the network. Alternatively, memory module 262 may be a non-volatile memory which is programmed with configuration data by a service provider so that mobile station 202 may operate in the network. Since mobile station 202 is a mobile battery-powered device, it also includes a battery interface 254 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 256. Such a battery 256 provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry in mobile station 202, and battery interface 254 provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The battery interface 254 is coupled to a regulator (not shown in
Mobile station 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is one implementation of controller 106 of
Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions, preferably enables execution of software applications on mobile station 202. A predetermined set of applications which control basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on mobile station 202 during its manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto mobile station 202 may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores are available on mobile station 202 and SIM 262 to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.
The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network, with the mobile station user's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored host computer on mobile station 202 with respect to such items. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system is the mobile station user's office computer system. Additional applications may also be loaded onto mobile station 202 through network, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-range communications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, and installed by a user in RAM 226 or preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) for execution by microprocessor 238. Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of mobile station 202 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using mobile station 202.
In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed by communication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor 238. Microprocessor 238 will preferably further process the signal for output to display 222 or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device 228. A user of mobile station 202 may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using keyboard 232 in conjunction with display 222 and possibly auxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard 232 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over a communication network through communication subsystem 211.
For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile station 202 is substantially similar, except that the received signals would be output to speaker 234 and signals for transmission would be generated by microphone 236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobile station 202. Although voice or audio signal output is preferably accomplished primarily through speaker 234, display 222 may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples.
Serial port 230 in
Short-range communications subsystem 240 of
Mobile station 202 may be adapted to provide instant messaging (IM) communications via programming instructions and data stored or otherwise available to the device 202. Instant messaging provides a conversational dialog typically involving the exchange of text messages between a user of device 202 and at least one other user of another device (not shown) adapted for IM communication. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, an IM system or “presence and instant messaging system” allows users to subscribe to each other and be notified of changes in state (e.g. availability for instant message communication) and for users to send each other short instant messages. IM is discussed in further detail in “RFC 2778-—A Model for Presence and Instant Messaging”, maintained by the Internet Society and available at http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc2778.html. As such, adapted mobile station 202 provides a user agent for IM communication in an IM system.
GUI 1004 provides support for a contact list-oriented interface for controlling aspects of the presence and IM functions using list of contacts 1006. Additional contact list entries include entries for current conversations 1006 and current games (i.e. a designate for a game in progress (1014) with another contact). Other contact list entries may include group entries for organizing individual contacts, and pending or unavailable contacts in accordance with presence information (not shown in
IM Game applications 1012 provide specific turn-based game play for the user and one or more contacts. Some may be played alone against a notional user such as a computer. Game applications may be implemented in the Java™ language and receive support from a Java-oriented operating system on device 202. A particular game in progress may be represented by associated game-in-progress data 1014 for the game and associated game-in-progress messages 1020. An IM game application (e.g. one of 1012) may include a manner to invoke the application, initiating a GUI for the game and any necessary data, etc. for beginning a game. Game playing may be conducted and paused, as desired, such as by exiting the GUI for the game in favor of another GUI such as the GUI 1004. Game-in-progress data 1014 may be maintained to resume the game upon a re-invocation of the GUI for the game. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some game applications may support only one game in progress at any one time (i.e. not support multiple instances of game play of the same game). However, some may permit two or more games in progress.
In accordance with the present matter, a contact list entry may be defined to designate a game in progress. As such, the entry may be used by GUI 1004 to switch to GUI for a game application 1012 using game-in-progress data 1014 or to switch contexts such as from a IM message conversation context to a game in progress.
As will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art, it is sometimes difficult to make bright-line distinctions between components such as, IM management and GUI components 1002 and 1004 or game-in-progress data 1014, gap application 1012 and game-in-progress messages 1020. As well, it is understood that the components 1000 interface with other components (not shown) on or for mobile station 202 such as operating system, communication sub-system, PIM components, etc.
View 300 of Mike's Contacts may be traversed by a user by moving a focus about the view to interact with various elements of the GUI such as the expansion elements or individual items of the list. The focus may be indicated in various ways such as by reverse video mode, etc. Traversal or other navigation may be facilitated by input devices such as arrow keys, trackwheel, trackball, pointing device, etc. Once a particular element is selected by a user of the mobile station 202, particular command options may be invoked. Options may be presented via one or more menus or invoked through predefined keystrokes etc. common in the art.
Current conversation 304A designates a conversation with the contact “Rosa” while 304B designates a conversation with the contact “StephanieB”. These respective contact-list elements 304A and 304B may be selected and activated (whether by a menu interface or by clicking an enter key for example) to invoke a view (e.g. 500 of
Current game list element 306A designates a current game in progress with a contact, namely “StephanieB”, one of the contacts with whom the user is also in a current conversation. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in many instances it will not be necessary or desired to have a current conversation and a game in progress active simultaneously with the same contact. A IM game may be conducted without conducting an associated IM text-based conversation with the contact.
This respective contact-list element 306A may be selected and activated (whether by a menu interface or by clicking an enter key for example) to invoke a view (e.g. 600 of
View 400 further comprises an optional graphic element 404 for providing a visual metaphor for the game in progress, in this case a game of checkers.
Other menu options (not shown) may include “open conversation” such as when a selected contact has an associated current conversation.
Operations 900 provide a general overview of the use of a contact list element to designate a game in progress. In the example of
At step 902, a first user starts an IM game with a contact (i.e. the second user). The contact may be requested to download the IM game from a source (not shown). In accordance with presence information and subscription mechanisms, the contact may respond to the invitation. Similarly the user of device 202 (i.e. the first user) may accept an invitation.
At step 904, a contact list element, sometimes referenced as a buddy field or entry, is used to designate the game in progress. The entry may then be used in a GUI for managing and communicating with contacts to invoke a GUI for the associated game in progress. In one embodiment, such a contact list element may be defined for grouping as a current games contact. In one embodiment, such a contact list element may be defined for presentation with individual contacts useful for invoking conversations. As illustrated in
Upon the end of the game in progress (step 906), the use of the contact list element as a game-in-progress designate may be stopped (step 908). For example, element 308E may be removed from contact list 703 in the embodiment of
When displaying the contact-list (i.e. when GUI 1004 is used by the user), the current game contact-list entry is shown in the current-game group of contacts in response to various user input (for example, navigation of the contact list interface and expansion of the current-games group element in that interface). The user may use the contact-list interface to invoke and conduct IM conversations (or continue to conduct an existing IM conversation) with the same contact with whom the user is playing the game or with another contact or contacts. The user may select and invoke the entry designating the game in progress. Other IM operations may also be performed (not shown).
Thus in response to certain pre-requisite user input such as menu driven commands or pre-determined keystrokes, etc. (step 928) operations 920 may branch to perform respective operations. In the simplified view, there are shown steps 930 and 932 for invoking a view of an IM conversation using a contract entry (e.g. an entry of a current conversation group) and returning to the contact list interface view at step 926 and steps 934 and 936 for invoking a view of the game in progress using an entry of the current-games group and returning to the contact list interface view at step 926. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that further operations may be performed. Moreover, should an IM game end, operations 920 stop to continue via step 906.
Operations 940, similarly to operations 920, may be conducted for other embodiments such as that illustrated in
Various storage schemes (e.g. linked lists) and memory allocation schemes for IM conversations 10161018 and game messages 1020 may be employed. Particular game messages may be linked to game-in-progress data 1014 and to a specific contact entry 1010 for designating a game in progress via pointers or other known techniques for associating one structure with another. Game progress may also be encapsulated into a binary IM message with an identifier to associate the binary data with the game application (not shown).
While discussed with reference to a handheld mobile device such as a smart PDA or smart phone, IM applications may be implemented on other computing devices such as personal computers (laptops, desktops), workstations and the like configured for network communications. IM applications and IM games are commercially available (e.g. AIM™ from AOL, Yahoo! Messenger™, MSN Messenger™., etc.) for many platforms such as PCs with various Windows®. or Windows compatible operating systems with sufficient memory and video capabilities. Additional software requirements may include an Internet browser and plug-ins and support for Java (e.g. JVM or plug-in support) as well as an available Internet connection.
The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations, modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the application. The subject matter described herein in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/537,047 filed on Sep. 29, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,175, hereby incorporated by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Child | 12962405 | US |