Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Display power source
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-11
2001-09-11
Liang, Regina (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Display power source
C345S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06288715
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting e-mail messages, and more particularly to transmitting e-mail messages through use of a screensaver program.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, a number of different modes exist for people to communicate if they are not in the physical presence of the other person. The modes of communications may e-mail, fax, electronic pages, telephonic communications (voice), or even the written letter. In the office environment, a person may employ any of the above mentioned modes to communicate with another party, however in the situation where a person physically visits the workspace of another, and finds that the person they intended to visit is not present, the available means for leaving a message may be limited. One way to leave a message may be to find a pen and piece of paper and write a note. However if the visitor doesn't possess a pen or paper, or feels uncomfortable looking through the workspace of another in order to find these items, this may not be a practical way to leave a message. Further, there is a chance the message may get lost in other papers in the office or workspace.
A business tool which is located in most offices and workspaces and may be used for communications purposes is the personal computer. A personal computer with a network connection may be used to send and receive e-mail messages in addition to a number of other business functions. Because the replacement or repair of computer components may be expensive, various devices have been developed in order to extend the life of the components of a computer. One device in particular is the screensaver which is employed to extend the life of a display monitor for a computer. Screensavers usually activate after a predetermined period of inactivity of the computer, and usually generate an image which moves about the display screen in order to avoid burn in of an image into the screen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The inventor has recognized that in situations where a person visits an office or workspace of another, and finds that the person is absent, the computer located in the office or workspace, which includes a connection to a local network, may be employed to transmit a message to the absent party. Further, the inventor has recognized that such a messaging feature may be incorporated into a screensaver program employed by the computer.
The screensaver messaging system described herein may be incorporated into the operating system for a computer device, such as a personal computer. Included in the personal computer may be a central processing unit, a memory, a display as well as user input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.
Included in the memory is a screensaver communications program. Part of the screensaver program is a display graphic for a dialogue box which may be displayed on a computer screen after a predetermined period of inactivity for the computer. The dialogue box may include designated areas for typing in information such as a title for the message, a name of a person leaving the message, as well as the message itself. The dialogue box may also be displayed for typing in a password such that the computer user may deactivate the screensaver and resume normal functions for the computer. Further, a hot key may be assigned on the keyboard for selective activation and deactivation of the screensaver function.
A connection may be provided between the screensaver program and the data network. E-mail functionality is incorporated into the program, and through use of this, e-mail messages with a destination address may be transmitted by the screensaver program over the network. The screensaver program further includes the functionality to convert alpha-numeric messages typed in the dialogue box to the appropriate format for transmission.
In operation, the screensaver communications program may first be installed on the personal computer. Upon installation, the operator of the computer may input various custom features for operation of the screensaver and the transmission of messages. The computer user may provide a default e-mail address to which all messages entered into the dialogue box will be transmitted. In one aspect of the invention this will be the e-mail address of the user of the computer. Other options which the computer user may input include written instructions which will appear in the dialogue box for persons wishing to leave a message, the length of time before the screensaver program actuates and the dialogue box appears on the screen, and whether the screensaver functions include password protection for the computer.
Once in the operational mode, and after a predetermined period of activity for the computer, the dialogue box will appear on the screen. In one aspect of the invention, the dialogue box will periodically move to different positions on the screen as is typical for a screensaver program. At the option of the computer user, instructions for leaving a message may appear in the dialogue box. Also included with the dialogue box may be areas to enter a name for the visitor, title for a message, a message, as well as a return phone number or E-mail address. Upon viewing the dialogue box, the visitor may type in a title and message and upon selection of a transmit or enter key, transmit the e-mail message to the displayed address. A button may also be provided as part of the dialogue box for canceling the entry and transmission of the message.
Once transmission of the message has been selected, the system formats the e-mail message. If the subject line is blank, a default message subject may be inserted. Further, a priority may also be selected for the message. With regards to the formatting of the message, the screensaver program may also include such information as the time of day in which the message was created and transmitted. The message is then transmitted to the E-mail address programmed in by the computer user.
When the computer user returns and wishes to operate the computer, a special hot key may be selected which automatically clears the screensaver dialogue box, or it may present a password dialogue box which requires the entry of a password before access is granted to the other applications in the computer.
In another aspect of the invention, the system may include a screen display through which a computer user may interact with to customize the operation of the system. Through this display a computer user may turn the program on or off, set a period of inactivity before the system is activated, enter a default E-mail address to direct all messages to, as well as enter a message which all visitors will read.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the screensaver messaging system employed by the computer user may be used in conjunction with an automatic reply function. If a visitor to the computer transmits an e-mail message to the computer user using the screensaver messaging system, the computer user may have programmed the system such that an automated e-mail is returned to the screen from which the message was sent, and this message may contain information regarding the whereabouts and time of return of the computer user.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5680535 (1997-10-01), Harbin et al.
patent: 5819284 (1998-10-01), Farber et al.
patent: 5850220 (1998-12-01), Motai
patent: 5877765 (1999-03-01), Dickman et al.
patent: 5980264 (1999-11-01), Lundberg
patent: 6144363 (2000-11-01), Alloul et al.
Bain Lynda L.
Reeves Bradley
Liang Regina
Marsh & Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP
Qwest Communications Int'l., Inc.
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