Abstract: Previously conducted conversations in real-time collaboration messages are persistently stored, either by client or a server, and then are associated with conversational items presented to a user (e.g. contact names, topics, etc.). An icon is provided near each listed item, which when selected, displays to the user summaries or titles of all transcripts to which the selected item pertains or relates. The user may select one or more summaries or titles for which the conversation is to be resumed, causing the system to retrieve the stored transcript and resume appending new conversational entries to it, so that the user recovers conversational context effortlessly and accurately. Enhanced versions of the invention include sharing of transcripts so that all participants receive the context of the conversation, and server-side or client-side implementations.

Abstract: A process of segmenting a single email so that portions of it may be directed to or away from select recipients is disclosed. The sender highlights portions of the email and right clicks (or key command, button, or menu item) and selects an option to select recipients. The operator interface then provides the sender with the option of selecting recipients from their address book or the server's address book. To speed the process along, the sender may select those already on the To, Cc, or Bcc distribution lists. The sender then selects whether those chosen will receive the highlighted portion or if they will be excluded from receiving it. Lastly, the sender will have the option of providing text that is unique to each of the selected groups.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement to a demand-based messaging system that enables multiple message recipients to coordinate responses to the message. The improved messaging system comprises a messaging program that provides an interface through which a recipient can indicate an intent to reply to the message.

Abstract: The invention is a data processing means wherein human perceptible elements of electronic information are gathered, prepared, formatted, or otherwise processed in forming a unified collection of such information storable as a distinct entity. In particular, the invention is a process for composing and displaying a consolidated message document. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a computer program that configures a general-purpose computer to implement the inventive process. Responsive to a user's selection of a message, the inventive process identifies all related messages that the user has received, inserts the related messages into a consolidated message document, and displays the consolidated message document on the user's output device.

Abstract: The invention is a demand-based messaging system that enables a user to mark any location in a message and share the mark with a second user. The invention comprises a messaging program operable on a plurality of computers connected by one or more communications media. The program configures a first computer to accept message data, including markers and links, from a user. A marker identifies a specific location within message data, and a link refers to a specific marker within message data. The program further configures the first computer to transfer message data to a second computer. The program further configures the second computer to display the message data as it is received, and to synchronize the display with a marker when a user activates a link that refers to the marker.

Abstract: A method for grouping IM statements together into a plurality of topics and displaying the topics in separate windows comprising a Configuration Program (CP), a Topic Creation Program (TCP), and a Statement Classification Program (SCP). The CP allows a user to configure the global options for the present invention such as designating the parties authorized to create a topic, specifying whether the topic name and/or keywords are negotiable, and specifying whether icons should be displayed with the topic name. The TCP allows a user to create a topic by specifying the topic name, selecting a statement classification method, designating keywords to be used in searching the statements, and adding an icon to the topic name. When a statement is submitted to an IM channel, the SCP places the statement into one of the topics based on the statement classification method selected in the TCP.

Abstract: A method for storing a user evaluation of distributed content comprising an Evaluation Program (EP) that creates a user session when a user accesses distributed content. The user evaluation is saved with other information such as the time and date of the evaluation, the user's personal information, and the navigation path the user used to access the distributed content page. The EP records the user's navigation of the distributed content in the user session. The EP gives the user the opportunity to rate distributed content. The EP saves the user's evaluation with the user session data and external stimuli data. The EP closes the user session when the user leaves the distributed content. The EP reopens the user session when the user returns to the distributed content.

Abstract: A client device authenticated a one-time pad table stored in the client device, and a matching table maintained by a service provider. When a request for service is posted from the client to the service provider, the next unused pad is exchanged and verified with the current state of the service provider's copy of the table. If the OTP is the next unused code, service is granted, else the user is challenged to identify himself, which when successfully completed results in the client device being downloaded with a new OTP table, replacing the compromised table. Use of service by a cloned device causes the OTP table at the service provider to become out of synchronization with the authentic device's copy of the table, thereby setting up the ability to detect the fraud, stop the service consumption by the clone, and reprogram the authentic device to allow for uninterrupted service.

Abstract: A system and method for storing IM text in a repository where it can be searched by topic or participant based filters is disclosed. The repository may be a centralized database on the server side or it may be distributed in the client environment. The system comprises an IM Topic (IMT) program, an IM Filter (IMF) program, an IM save program (IMS), and an IM automatic alert (IMAL) program. The IMT program assigns topic tags to turns and topic shifts in the IM conversation. The IMF program searches the repository based on user selection of filters as well as full text search. There may be any number of topic tags. The IMS program automatically scans IM transcripts for topic tags and identifiers and saves transcripts or transcript segments that match pre-selected topic tags or identifiers to the repository.

Abstract: A method for capturing a user evaluation of distributed content comprising an Evaluation Program (EP). The user evaluation is saved with other information such as the time and date of distributed content access, the user's personal information, and the navigation path the user used to access the distributed content page. The EP creates a user session that records the user's navigation of the distributed content. The EP uses incentive programs to entice the user to rate the distributed content page. The EP gives the user the opportunity to rate distributed content if the distributed content page has a content rating window and if the user meets the minimum evaluation criteria for the distributed content page. The EP displays a content rating window allowing the user to rate the distributed content page. The EP saves the user's evaluation with the user session data and closes the user session when the user leaves the distributed content.

Abstract: An Intermediate Viewer having a user interface which allows viewing, manipulation, and transfer of information elements contained in a transfer buffer to be transferred to a plurality of destination points or areas, with the destination points or areas being defined as belonging to one or more sets of destination points or areas.