Patent ID: 7188143
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: H04L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A machine-implemented method of controlling an application, said method comprising: in response to receiving user input at a first instant messaging client and a second instant messaging client, generating user messages at the first instant messaging client and the second instant messaging client, wherein the first instant messaging client has a first conversation user interface and the second instant messaging client has a second conversation user interface; exchanging the user messages, via an instant messaging system, between the first instant messaging client and the second instant messaging client; displaying a conversation in the first conversation user interface and the second conversation user interface, wherein said conversation is based on the user messages transferred via the instant messaging system; in response to user input at the first instant messaging client, generating a control message at the first instant messaging client, wherein the control message indicates an identifier associated with an application that is retrieved and executed from the first instant messaging client transferring the control message, via the instant messaging system, between the first instant messaging client and the second instant messaging client; and in response to receiving the control message, causing results of executing the application as specified by the control message to be reflected in a display provided by the second instant messaging client.