Patent ID: 8214440
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling the visual display of content for an instant messaging session, comprising: displaying a clear visible content user interface object enabling a first participant in said instant messaging session to temporarily hide content displayed in a live session display area within an instant messaging session application user interface presented to a second participant during said instant messaging session; responsive to said first participant selecting said clear visible content user interface object, temporarily hiding said content displayed in said live session display area within said instant messaging session user interface presented to said second participant, and displaying a retrieve temporarily hidden content user interface object in said instant messaging session user interface presented to said second participant, wherein said retrieve temporarily hidden content user interface object enables said second participant to recall said content displayed in said live session display area within said instant messaging session user interface presented to said second participant after said content displayed in said live session display area within said instant messaging session user interface presented to said second participant has been temporarily hidden; and wherein said clear visible content user interface display object comprises a user selectable clear visible content option, and wherein said visible content displayed in said live session display area within said instant messaging session application user interface presented to said second participant is temporarily hidden responsive to said first participant selecting said clear visible content option.