Patent ID: 7747785
Filing Date: 2010-06-29
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A system comprising one or more processors; one or more computer-readable storage media; and computer-executable instructions on the one or more computer-readable storage media which, when executed by the one or more processors, implement a platform configured to: incorporate the plug-in in an instant messaging application, wherein the plug-in temporarily overrides an identity of a local user and acts as an agent which is exposed to contacts that have the local user as a buddy; operate plug-ins being further configured to function as all of: a virtual buddy; a personal assistant; a remote control; a provider of personal expression capabilities; a provider of entertainment; a provider of additional utility; wherein when configured to function as the virtual buddy, the virtual-buddy configured plug-in comprises: a contact stored on a contact list of the local user, the contact only being accessible by the local user; a contact identity being defined by code from a developer of the plug-in; an interaction definition as defined by code from the plug-in developer, the interaction definition defining the ability for the plug-in to communicate with the user via: text conversation; winks; emoticons; blogging; advice; joke telling; wherein when configured to function as the personal assistant, the personal-assistant-configured plug-in includes email functions, calendaring functions, and voicemail functions, which enable the plug-in to perform tasks comprising: scheduling of meetings; updating the local user's tile to reflect the local user's current status; interpretation of incoming messages; sending responses detailing when the local user is available; negotiation between schedules to determine non-conflicting solutions; performance of answering machine-type functions; and preparation and sending of responses based on a sender of an incoming message; wherein when configured to function as the remote control, the remote-control-configured plug-in functionality comprising: integration with webcams; integration with media players; system administration; configuration of home lighting systems; and interpretation of incoming messages; wherein when configured to function as the provider of personal expression capabilities, the personal-expression-provider-configured plug-in functionalities comprising: enabling a slide-show of user tiles; enabling the local user to select different tiles based on the local user's mood; interpreting outgoing messages based on keywords in the outgoing messages; monitoring conversation; using quotes as custom away messages; and telling jokes or stories, which are selected by the local user; wherein when configured to function as the provider of entertainment, the entertainment-configured plug-in functionality comprising: communication with a richly configured artificial intelligence bot; gaming scenarios between two or more bots; and creation of an interactive pet; wherein when configured to function as the provider of additional utility, the additional-utility-configured plug-in functionality comprising: additional functionality to the instant messaging application, the additional functionality comprising: providing blogging sound; displaying user interface notifications; sending email; and searching; provision of different ring tones; spying on buddy status; provision of a question/answer search; and diagnostics; and sandbox the plug-in to prevent the plug-in from performing unpermitted or unauthorized actions and to thereby provide a degree of security to at least the instant messaging application.