System and method for simultaneously displaying video programming and instant messaging

Abstract

Instant messaging (IM) and TV programming are displayed simultaneously on a TV screen. An instant messaging window on the screen displays posted messages and identifies the TV program (if any) being currently viewed by each user posting messages. An icon accompanying a message can be selected by a message recipient to permit a telephone call to be automatically dialed and completed to the message sender. Video files attached to sent messages include a key which may be compared to a key at the destination, so that the video file may be viewed by the recipient only if the there is a match. Data collected at a server managing the instant messaging may be used to monitor message, television and telephone activity, as well as demographic data associated with the IM users.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Instant messaging has become a popular forum for exchanging messages and information among computer users. While popular, it has some drawbacks. For example, the instant messaging screen used for sending and receiving information typically identifies the person posting any message next to his / her message, but it may not reveal other conditions pertaining to the message or its sender. For example, if the sender is engaged in a second activity (such as watching a TV program) at the same time as sending and receiving instant messages, the recipient may not know about the second activity unless told by the sender as part of the message.

[0002] Currently available instant messaging (IM) applications have other characteristics that limit their use as a complete form of communications. For example, while it may be possible to initiate a voice conversation as part of the IM application, such voice communications are implemented using a communication channe...

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