Patent Publication Number: US-11656740-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for dynamic session placeholder for message collection user interface

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/881,633, filed May 22, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/565,329, filed Sep. 9, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,664,137), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/426,186, filed Feb. 2, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,409,460), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/509,478, filed Oct. 8, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,602,446), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/756,747, filed Feb. 1, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,868,044), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/344,080, filed Jan. 5, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,396,454), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/685,737, filed Jan. 12, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,116,739), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/193,909, filed Aug. 19, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,672,663), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/154,533, filed Jun. 17, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,430,409). The entire content of all of these documents is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates to a user interface for a messaging application and more particularly for method and apparatus for a dynamic session placeholder for a message collection user interface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently user interfaces, particularly graphical user interfaces (GUI) for displaying and accessing messages such as various types of data and voice messages communicated between a first communications device and one or more other devices are of a “linear” nature. One common manner of presenting the messages to a user of one of the devices comprises a message collection application having a GUI which contains entries that correspond to messages on one-by-one basis. The messages are often presented in accordance with a chronological order of the message such as time sent or received. Often this linear and singular presentation format causes the message collection GUI to be overstuffed with single messages. 
     The GUI makes it difficult for the user to find a particular message, reply to a particular message in a “thread” (i.e., common subject) having a context of all the previous messages, or track the “thread history”, because different messages of the same “thread” can be spread throughout the message collection GUI and can be separated by other messages from different “threads”. Commonly available message collection GUI&#39;s for communications devices include various email and unified message applications such as Microsoft Outlook®, Lotus Notes® and others such as Blackberry message collection for wireless communication devices. 
     A solution to one or more of these needs is therefore desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the subject matter may be readily understood, embodiments are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram which illustrates pertinent components of an example wireless communication network and a mobile station which communicates within this network; 
         FIG.  2    is a more detailed diagram of the mobile station which communicate within the wireless communication network; 
         FIG.  3    is flow diagram showing operations for defining a communication session as a dynamic session and using a placeholder for accessing such a session in a message collection application in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a flow diagram showing a message collection application displaying entries in accordance with any dynamic session placeholders; 
         FIG.  5    is a representative GUI display view of a message collection application in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a representative GUI display view of a message collection application showing an instant messaging GUI session between a user and opposite IM party; 
         FIG.  7    is a representative GUI display view of a message collection application showing a dynamic session placeholder in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is a representative GUI display view of a message collection application showing receipt of a new SMS message subsequent to a previous message represented by a dynamic session placeholder; 
         FIG.  9    is a representative GUI display view of a message collection application showing an updated dynamic session placeholder in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a representative GUI display view of a message collection application showing a dynamic session placeholder message entry selected for action in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    is representative GUI display view of a message collection application showing an IM session having a pop-up list of actions for an IM application; and 
         FIG.  12    is a representative GUI display view with dynamic session entry removed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Persons of ordinary skill the art will appreciate that teachings herein are applicable to messages received via wired or wireless communication and though a wireless communication device and network are discussed in the examples, no limitations should be imposed. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of a fast aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of representing a plurality of related messages of a messaging conversation in a message collection user interface of a wireless communication device comprising: displaying, in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device, at least one dynamic message collection entry representing as a single entry the plurality of related messages of the messaging conversation, the related messages being instant messages of an instant messaging conversation; displaying, in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device, at least one message or dynamic message collection entry for another message type; receiving a selection input of the dynamic message collection entry for the instant messaging conversation; in response to received selection input of the dynamic message collection entry for the instant messaging conversation, launching an instant messaging application and displaying the plurality of related messages of the messaging conversation represented by the selected dynamic message collection entry. 
     In some embodiments, the method further comprises: updating the dynamic message collection entry in response to an activity of the instant messaging conversation. 
     In some embodiments, the method further comprises: updating a time stamp of the dynamic message collection entry in accordance with a message time of a last one of the plurality of related messages. 
     In some embodiments, the method further comprises in response to the updating, changing an order of the dynamic message collection entry in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless communication device comprising: a processor; a display coupled to the processor; and a memory including machine-readable instructions executable by the processor, the machine-readable instructions, when executed, cause the device to: display, in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device, at least one dynamic message collection entry representing as a single entry the plurality of related messages of the messaging conversation, the related messages being instant messages of an instant messaging conversation; display, in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device, at least one message or dynamic message collection entry for another message type; receive a selection input of the dynamic message collection entry for the instant messaging conversation; in response to received selection input of the dynamic message collection entry for the instant messaging conversation, launch an instant messaging application and display the plurality of related messages of the messaging conversation represented by the selected dynamic message collection entry. 
     In some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to update the dynamic message collection entry in response to an activity of the instant messaging conversation. 
     In some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to update a time stamp of the dynamic message collection entry in accordance with a message time of a last one of the plurality of related messages. 
     In some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to, in response to the updating, change an order of the dynamic message collection entry in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory machine-readable instructions executable by a processor of a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device including a display, the machine-readable instructions, when executed, cause the device to display, in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device, at least one dynamic message collection entry representing as a single entry the plurality of related messages of the messaging conversation, the related messages being instant messages of an instant messaging conversation; display, in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device, at least one message or dynamic message collection entry for another message type; receive a selection input of the dynamic message collection entry for the instant messaging conversation; in response to received selection input of the dynamic message collection entry for the instant messaging conversation, launch an instant messaging application and display the plurality of related messages of the messaging conversation represented by the selected dynamic message collection entry. 
     In some embodiments, the non-transitory machine-readable of claim  9 , wherein the machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to update the dynamic message collection entry in response to an activity of the instant messaging conversation. 
     In some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to update a time stamp of the dynamic message collection entry in accordance with a message time of a last one of the plurality of related messages. 
     In some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to, in response to the updating, change an order of the dynamic message collection entry in the message collection user interface of the wireless communication device. 
     Related messages of a conversation are represented as, a part of a session. Different sessions may be directly accessed from a message collection GUI. A particular session or conversation is represented in a message collection with a single dynamic placeholder. This allows a user to get access to all the context related messages in “one shot” from the placeholder straight into the active session (conversation). A session&#39;s placeholder dynamically updates its position in the message collection using the timestamp of the last message of the conversation as a criteria. Conversations that are started but which have not occasioned recent activity will automatically age to the bottom of the message collection GUI, leaving the top of the message collection GUI for active sessions defining a hot spot of context related messages. A placeholder may be removed from the message collection GUI as a session is interrupted (i.e. terminated). As such only valid (active) sessions in the message collection GUI need be maintained to avoid wasting resources. Terminated sessions may be optionally archived. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a communication system  100  which includes a mobile station  102  which communicates through a wireless communication network  104 . Mobile station  102  preferably includes a visual display  112 , a keyboard  114 , and perhaps one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI)  116 , each of which is coupled to a controller  106 . Controller  106  is also coupled to radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry  108  and an antenna  110 . 
     Typically, controller  106  is embodied as a central processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in a memory component (not shown). Controller  106  will normally control overall operation of mobile station  102 , whereas signal processing operations associated with communication functions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry  108 . Controller  106  interfaces with device display  112  to display received information, stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard  114 , which may be a telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for entering data for storage in mobile station  1  information for transmission to network  104 , a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to be executed on mobile station  102 , and possibly other or different user inputs. 
     Mobile station  102  sends communication signals to and receives communication signals from network  104  over a wireless link via antenna  110 . RF transceiver circuitry  108  performs functions similar to those of a radio network (RN)  128 , including for example modulation/demodulation and possibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is also contemplated that RF transceiver circuitry  108  may perform certain functions in addition to those performed by RN  128 . It will be apparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry  108  will be adapted to particular wireless network or networks in which mobile station  102  is intended to operate. 
     Mobile station  102  includes a battery interface  122  for receiving ore or more rechargeable batteries  124 . Battery  124  provides electrical power to electrical circuitry in mobile station  102 , and battery interface  122  provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery  124 . Battery interface  122  is coupled to a regulator  126  which regulates power to the device. When mobile station  102  is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry  108  is typically turned on only when it is sending to network, and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceiver circuitry  108  is typically periodically turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) during designated time periods. 
     Mobile station  102  operates using a memory module  120 , such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM), which is connected to or inserted in mobile station  102  at an interface  118 . As an alternative to a SIM or an R-UIM, mobile station  102  may operate based on configuration data programmed by a service provider into an internal memory which is a non-volatile memory. Mobile station  102  may consist of a single unit, such as a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function communication device with data and voice communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, mobile station  102  may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality of separate components, including but in no way limited to a computer or other device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in the mobile station block diagram of  FIG.  1   , RF transceiver circuitry  108  and antenna  110  may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may be inserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptop computer would include display  112 , keyboard  114 , and one or more auxiliary UIs  116 , and controller  106  may remain within the radio modem unit that communicates with the computer&#39;s CPU or be embodied as the computer&#39;s CPU. It is also contemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable of wireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectively assume control of RF transceiver circuitry  108  and antenna  110  of a single-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a mobile station  102  may have a more particular implementation as described later in relation to mobile station  202  of  FIG.  2   . 
     Mobile station  102  communicates in and through wireless communication network  104 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , wireless network  104  is a Third Generation (3G) supported network based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technologies. In particular, wireless network  104  is a CDMA2000 network which includes fixed network components coupled as shown in  FIG.  1   . Wireless network  104  of the CDMA2000-type includes a Radio Network (RN)  128 , a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)  130 , a Signaling 7 System 7 (SS7) network  140 , a Home Location Register/Authentication Center (HLR/AC)  138 , a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN)  132 , an IP network  134 , and a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server  136 . SS7 network  140  is communicatively coupled to a network  142  (such as a Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN), whereas IP network is communicatively coupled to a network  144  (such as the Internet). Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other networks and associated topologies including GPRS, E-GPRS and UMTS radio networks, among many others, may be employed with the teachings herein. 
     During operation, mobile station  102  communicates with RN  128  which performs functions such as call-setup, call processing, and mobility management. RN  128  includes a plurality of base station transceiver systems that provide wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly referred to as a “cell”. A given base station transceiver system of RN  128 , such as the one shown in  FIG.  1   , transmits communication signals to and receives communication signals from mobile stations within its cell. The base station transceiver system normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the mobile station in accordance with particular, usually predetermined, communication protocols and parameters, under control of its controller. The base station transceiver system similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any communication signals received from mobile station  102  within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary between different networks. For example, one network may employ a different modulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than other networks. The underlying services may also differ based on its particular protocol revision. 
     The wireless link shown in communication system  100  of  FIG.  1    represents one or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF) channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network  104  and mobile station  102 . An RF channel is a limited resource that must be conserved, typically due to limits in overall bandwidth and a limited battery power of mobile station  102 . Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network in actual practice may include hundreds of cells depending upon desired overall expanse of network coverage. All pertinent components may be connected by multiple switches and routers (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers. 
     For all mobile stations  102  registered with a network operator, permanent data (such as mobile station  102  user&#39;s profile) as well as temporary data (such as mobile station&#39;s  102  current location) are stored in a HLR/AC  138 . In case of a voice call to mobile station  102 , HLR/AC  138  is queried to determine the current location of mobile station  102 . A Visitor Location Register (VLR) of MSC  130  is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of those mobile stations that are currently in its area of responsibility. This includes parts of the permanent, mobile station data that have been transmitted from HLR/AC  138  to the VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of MSC  130  may also assign and store local data, such as temporary identifications. Mobile station  102  is also authenticated on system access by HLR/AC  138 . In order to provide packet data services to mobile station  102  in a CDMA2000-based network, RN  128  communicates with PDSN  132 . PDSN  132  provides access to the Internet  144  (or intranets, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) servers, etc.) through IP network  134 . PDSN  132  also provides foreign agent (FA) functionality in mobile IP networks as well as packet transport for virtual private networking. PDSN  132  has a range of IP addresses and performs IP address management, session maintenance, and optional caching. RADIUS server  136  is responsible for performing functions related to authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) of packet data services, and may be referred to as an AAA server. 
     Wireless communication network  104  also includes a Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) server  137  which may be coupled to IP network  134 . PoC server  137  operates to facilitate PoC individual and group communication sessions between mobile stations within network  104 . A conventional PoC communication session involves a session connection between end users of mobile stations, referred to as session “participants”, who communicate one at a time in a half-duplex manner much like conventional walkie-talkies or two-way radios. 
     Those skilled in art will appreciate that wireless network  104  may be connected to other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitly shown in  FIG.  1   . A network will normally be transmitting at very least some sort of paging and system information on an ongoing basis, even if there is no actual packet data exchanged. Although the network consists of many parts, these parts all work together to result in certain behaviours at the wireless link. 
       FIG.  2    is a detailed block diagram of a preferred mobile station  202 . Mobile station  202  is preferably a two-way communication device having at least voice and advanced data communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with other computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by mobile station  202 , it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities). Mobile station  202  may communicate with any one of a plurality of base station transceiver systems  200  within its geographic coverage area. 
     Mobile station  202  will normally incorporate a communication subsystem  211 , which includes a receiver  212 , a transmitter  214 , and associated components, such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements  216  and  218 , local oscillators (LOs)  213 , and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP)  220 . Communication subsystem  211  is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry  108  and antenna  110  shown in  FIG.  1   . As will be apparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular design of communication subsystem  211  depends on the communication network in which mobile station  202  is intended to operate. 
     Mobile station  202  may send and receive communication signals over the network after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Signals received by antenna  216  through the network are input to receiver  212 , which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and like, and in example shown in  FIG.  2   , analog-to-digital (ND) conversion. ND conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in DSP  220 . In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by DSP  220 . These DSP-processed signals are input to transmitter  214  for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communication network via antenna  218 . DSP  220  not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver  212  and transmitter  214  may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP  220 . 
     Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of mobile station  202 , and therefore mobile station  202  requires a memory module  262 , such as a Subscriber Identity Module or “SIM” card or a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM), to be inserted in or connected to an interface  264  of mobile station  202  in order to operate in the network. Alternatively, memory module  262  may be a non-volatile memory which is programmed with configuration data by a service provider so that mobile station  202  may operate in the network. Since mobile station  202  is a mobile battery-powered device, it also includes a battery interface  254  for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries  256 . Such a battery  256  provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry in mobile station  202 , and battery interface  254  provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The battery interface  254  is coupled to a regulator (not shown in  FIG.  2   ) which provides power V+to all of the circuitry. 
     Mobile station  202  includes a microprocessor  238  (which is one implementation of controller  106  of  FIG.  1   ) which controls overall operation of mobile station  202 . This control includes network selection techniques of the present application. Communication functions, including at least data and voice communications, are performed through communication subsystem  211 . Microprocessor  238  also interacts with additional device subsystems such as a display  222 , a flash memory  224 , a random access memory (RAM)  226 , auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems  228 , a serial port  230 , a keyboard  232 , a speaker  234 , a microphone  236 , a short-range communications subsystem  240 , and any other device subsystems generally designated at  242 . Some of the subsystems shown in  FIG.  2    perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard  232  and display  222 , for example, may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over a communication network, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used by microprocessor  238  is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash memory  224 , which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM  226 . 
     Microprocessor  238 , in addition to its operating system functions, preferably enables execution of software applications on mobile station  202 . A predetermined set of applications which control basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on mobile station  202  during its manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto mobile station  202  may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores are available on mobile station  202  and SIM  262  to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information. 
     The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network, with the mobile station user&#39;s corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored host computer on mobile station  202  with respect to such items. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system is the mobile station user&#39;s office computer system. Additional applications may also be loaded onto mobile station  202  through network, an auxiliary I/O subsystem  228 , serial port  230 , short-range communications subsystem  240 , or any other suitable subsystem  242 , and installed by a user in RAM  226  or preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) for execution by microprocessor  238 . Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of mobile station  202  and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using mobile station  202 . 
     In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed by communication subsystem  211  and input to microprocessor  238 . Microprocessor  238  will preferably further process the signal for output to display  222  or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device  228 . A user of mobile station  202  may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using keyboard  232  in conjunction with display  222  and possibly auxiliary I/O device  228 . Keyboard  232  is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over a communication network through communication subsystem  211 . 
     For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile station  202  is substantially similar, except that the received signals would be output to speaker  234  and signals for transmission would be generated by microphone  236 . Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobile station  202 . Although voice or audio signal output is preferably accomplished primarily through speaker  234 , display  222  may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples. 
     Serial port  230  in  FIG.  2    is normally implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization with a user&#39;s desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component. Serial port  230  enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of mobile station  202  by providing for information or software downloads to mobile station  202  other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto mobile station  202  through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication. 
     Short-range communications subsystem  240  of  FIG.  2    is an additional optional component which provides for communication between mobile station  202  and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices, For example system  240  may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. 
     One function of PIM is to provide a GUI for accessing messages received or sent by station  202 . A message collection application is an example of a user interface for displaying different types of messages received and sent by mobile station  202 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an example view  500  of a message collection application adapted in accordance with an embodiment. View  500  comprises a device status portion  502  for showing various device status information such as battery level, wireless network signal level, current time and date, etc., in contrast to message collection application specific information. View  500  further comprises message collection application information  504  including a list of messages sent or received by station  202  such as exemplary message  500 . Each message entry in the list typically comprises an icon  508  representative of the type of message comprising the entry, a time of action  510  (e.g. time sent or received), an opposite message party  512  (e.g. sender for a received messages and intended recipient for a sent message) and a brief portion of the message or description thereof  514 . Less or additional information may also be provided (e.g. message importance, attachment indicator, size, etc.). Messages in the list may be navigated and selected for operations by moving a focus about the list such as via a thumb wheel or other input device  228 . The focus may be represented various ways such as reverse display mode  516 . 
     In accordance with one feature, messages from a common communication session may be grouped and represented in the message collection with as a single entry via a dynamic placeholder for the session,  FIG.  6    illustrates an instant messaging (IM) session between a user “John” of mobile station  202  and an opposite IM party “Mike” in accordance with the prior art. Representative IM view  600  shows a plurality of IM messages in a conversation with user “Mike”  602  in a similar linear mode  604  to prior art message collection applications. Rather than represent each message of an IM conversation in a unified message collection such as view  500 , a single dynamic message collection entry may be defined and maintained during the message session.  FIG.  7    illustrates a view  700  of the message collection application showing a dynamic session placeholder  702  as a single entry of the messages list for representing the entire IM session. As new messages are received or sent via station  202 , corresponding message entries may be added for presenting to the user via the message collection application.  FIG.  8    shows the receipt of a new SMS message  802  subsequent to the last time or message represented by dynamic session placeholder  702 . Thus a dynamic session placeholder may age in a similar manner to regular message entries. Older conversations move down the list while newer messages and sessions are at the top of the list. 
     However, should new activity occur with a session (e.g. receiving or sending of a message), the time stamp of the dynamic session placeholder updated and its position in the message collection changed accordingly.  FIG.  9    shows a view  900  of the message collection with an updated dynamic session placeholder  902  in order ahead of aged SMS message  802 . Message  702  (now message  902 ) is “removed” accordingly. 
     As noted previously, particular message entries may be selected individually or in a group for action.  FIG.  10    illustrates a view  1000  of the message collection application showing a dynamic session placeholder message entry  1002  selected for action. A pop-up selection list  1004  is activated to present a user with choices for the particular message entry (e.g. Open, Mark Unopened, Delete) as well as various actions which may be invoked from the message collection application (e.g. various message compose options, search options, message collection preference options, etc.). Open option  1006  may be invoked to launch an IM application (e.g. view  600 ) to open the particular session associated with the dynamic placeholder to view or otherwise maintain the conversation. Further messages may be composed and sent (not shown) or received messages reviewed, etc. as is well known. 
     Should a session terminate, the dynamic session placeholders preferably removed from the message collection,  FIG.  11    shows a view  1100  of an IM session having a pop-up list  1102  of cohorts for the IM application. One action is End Conversation  1104  to terminate the IM session. Invoking this action preferably updates the dynamic session placeholder to have it removed from display by the message collection application. In this way only active sessions are maintained in the message collection GUI to free storage space and entries in the list. Optionally, a session which become inactive may be archived or otherwise persisted for viewing, printing etc. if desired.  FIG.  12    illustrates a view  1200  with dynamic session entry  02  removed following an End Conversation  1104  action. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4    there is illustrated operations for using a dynamic session placeholder in accordance with an embodiment. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such operations may be embodied within computer instructions (software) for configuring mobile station  202 . With reference to operations  300 , an IM session is initiated  302  between a user of device  202  and another remote user (not shown). A dynamic session placeholder is defined  304  for representing the session as an entry within a message collection application. The placeholder may comprise a data structure (not shown) for storing session data including a time stamp, other party, etc. The data structure may include the message data of the session of a link associating the placeholder to such data (e.g. as maintained by another application (i.e. an IM application) for conducting the session). At step  306 , the conversation of the IM session is conducted as messages are sent and received and the dynamic placeholder is updated in response  308 . If the conversation is not terminated ( 310 ), operations  306 - 308  are repeated as necessary. If at step  310  the conversation is ended (e.g. see view  1100 ) the dynamic placeholder may be removed  312  (or marked inactive for further re-use in some storage re-use embodiments). 
     With reference to operations  400 , meanwhile, the message collection application GUI may be invoked to display messages including any dynamic placeholders for any active sessions (step  402 ). Example views are view  500 ,  700 ,  800  and  900 . If a message is selected ( 404 ) the actions associated therewith may be displayed ( 406 ) (e.g. view  1000 ) otherwise operations loop to step  402 . An action may be selected by a user (e.g. Open  1006 ) and invoked (step  408 ). Some actions will change control of mobile station  202  to end the current view of the message collection application such as by invoking another application. A determination of such may be made at step  410  so that operations  400  may then end or otherwise in response to the selected action of step  408 , operations may loop to step  402 . As the dynamic placeholder is updated by message activity of a session, the message collection application automatically displays the updated placeholder in response to the activity. As the time stamp changes or not, the placeholder&#39;s relative position in the list is changed. No change results in an aging placeholder and a new change moves the placeholder up the list. 
     The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations, modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the application. The subject matter described herein in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.