Patent ID: 7487220
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for alerting a receiving user of a message in an instant messaging system, said method comprising: a sending user composing said message for said receiving user on a sending client; wherein said sending client communicates with said instant messaging system; if sending user activates a sending function, then establishing a session between said sending client and said receiving client, and sending said message from said sending client to said receiving client via said instant message system; wherein said composing is done prior to said establishing said session; upon said composing said message, creating a record identifying said sending user and a message modification timestamp, and associating said record with said receiving user; wherein said message modification timestamp indicates a latest time said message is modified by said sending user; updating said message modification timestamp in said record if said sending user modifies said message during said composing of said message and prior to said establishing said session; removing said record upon said establishing said session, upon said sending user logging off or disconnecting said sending client from said instant message system, or upon said sending user closing said message; if said receiving user attempts to logoff or disconnect said receiving client from said instant message system, then querying said record associated with said receiving user; and upon said querying said record, if said record is not yet removed, then determining said sending user and said modification timestamp from said record, and alerting said receiving user that said message is pending from said sending user if said modification timestamp of said record is not older than a current time by a configurable maximum wait time.