Instant Messaging Do Not Disturb Status with Selective User Authorization

The patent applies local quality by allowing different authorization levels for different users. The system distinguishes between authorized users (who can initiate sessions despite the user being in 'do not disturb' status) and non-authorized users (who cannot). This creates localized exceptions to the general restrictive status, enabling the user to maintain productivity while allowing selective communication from specific users.

The patent applies preliminary action by requiring users to pre-configure their authorized users list before entering 'do not disturb' status. The system stores this authorization information in advance, so when the user switches to restrictive status, the system automatically knows which users should be allowed to initiate sessions. This combines manual control with automated enforcement of the pre-established rules.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the user base into distinct groups: authorized users and non-authorized users. The system maintains a separate authorization list that segments permissions on a per-user basis. This segmentation allows the complex selective authorization feature to be managed through a simple, organized data structure rather than requiring complex real-time decision logic for each incoming session request.