Patent ID: 8296416
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for relaying presence information of an entity to a user, wherein the entity is known to the user via one or more communications networks, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining at least one portion of the presence information of the entity from one or more servers associated with the one or more communications networks; and assembling an image in accordance with the at least one portion of the presence information of the entity, wherein at least a portion of the image represents a highest ranked communication option of a plurality of communication options for contacting the entity based on a rule set that evaluates the presence information of the entity, in its entirety, in accordance with at least one item of communication-related information, the image conveying presence information of the entity for at least the highest ranked communication option, and in accordance with at least one of one or more communication parameters associated with the entity and the user, one or more communication preferences of at least one of the entity and the user, and one or more communication capabilities of the user, wherein the one or more communication parameters comprise at least one of a cost of communication and a quality of communication.