Patent ID: 7685246
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of improving control of an instant messaging system, comprising: initiating, by a computing system, multiple instant message (IM) instances with identical credentials of a first user of a plurality of users participating in an IM session, wherein said multiple IM instances are included in a plurality of IM instances of said IM session, and wherein said plurality of IM instances are being executed by a plurality of computing devices; receiving, by said computing system, from said first user, via a first IM instance of said multiple IM instances, and subsequent to said initiating, a selection of a graphical element of a plurality of graphical elements representing said plurality of IM instances, wherein said graphical element represents a remote IM instance of said multiple IM instances, and wherein said remote IM instance is different from said first IM instance; receiving, by said computing system, an IM from said first user via said first IM instance; receiving, by said computing system, from said first user, via said first IM instance and subsequent to said receiving said selection of said graphical element, a selection of an action of a list of actions, wherein said receiving said selection of said action includes receiving a request to perform said action by a remote computing device of said plurality of computing devices, wherein said remote computing device is located remotely from said first user, and wherein said remote computing device is executing said remote IM instance, wherein said receiving said request to perform said action includes receiving a request to send said IM from said remote IM instance to an IM instance other than said multiple IM instances, wherein said IM instance is included in said plurality of IM instances, wherein said performing said action includes sending said IM to said IM instance, wherein said IM instance is owned by a second user of said plurality of users, and wherein said second user is different from said first user; and performing said action by said computing system, wherein said performing said action includes controlling a remote system function of said remote computing device.