Patent ID: 6614890
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: H04L,H04M,H04N,H04Q

Abstract:
In a network system including a server system with a plurality of logically connected servers, and a client television system that is connectable to one or more of the servers in the server system, and wherein the client television system is comprised of a conventional television set coupled to an electronic unit which together provide a graphical user interface for permitting a user to use a television set to view content downloaded to the electronic unit from one or more of the servers, a method for permitting notification of the receipt of an electronic message that has been sent to one of the servers of the server system, for delivery to the client television system, comprising:receiving at one of the servers an electronic message for delivery to the client television system; if the electronic unit of the client television system is connected to the server system, the server which received the electronic message signaling the client television system in order to provide a perceptible indication at the client television system that electronic mail directed to the user of the client television system is available for viewing; if the electronic unit of the client television system is not connected to the server system when an electronic message is received at one of the servers for delivery to the client television system, the electronic unit thereafter automatically dialing the server system at a specified time to determine whether the user of the client television system has any new electronic message, and then downloading the electronic message and storing it at the electronic unit, and providing a perceptible indication at the client television system that electronic mail directed to the user of the client television system is available for viewing.