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  Extending functionality of workflow applications using instant messaging (im)USPTO Application #: 20070192426Title: Extending functionality of workflow applications using instant messaging (im) Abstract: Plug-ins for instant messaging (IM) systems are described. By using plug-ins in conjunction with IM systems, the functionality of IM systems may be greatly extended. Specifically, in business applications, such as workflow processes, IM provides a more reliable approach to determining actual delivery of messages. (end of abstract) Agent: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP/ Bellsouth I.p. Corp - Atlanta, GA, US Inventors: Brian K. Daigle, W. Todd Daniell, Joel (Hassan) Davis, Larry G. Kent USPTO Applicaton #: 20070192426 - Class: 709206000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Electrical Computers And Digital Processing Systems: Multicomputer Data Transferring, Computer Conferencing, Demand Based Messaging The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070192426. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application number Ser. No. 10/408,341, filed Apr. 7, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 60/411,336, filed Sep. 17, 2002; 60/416,916, filed Oct. 8, 2002; 60/419,613, filed Oct. 17, 2002; 60/426,145, filed Nov. 14, 2002; 60/426,146, filed Nov. 14, 2002; 60/426,422, filed Nov. 14, 2002; 60/426,432, filed Nov. 14, 2002; and 60/426,440, filed Nov. 14, 2002. These provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entireties. [0002] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/408,341, filed Apr. 7, 2003, is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/274,405, filed Oct. 18, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/411,336, filed Sep. 17, 2002, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/419,613, filed on Oct. 17, 2002. [0003] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/408,341, filed Apr. 7, 2003, is also a CIP of Ser. No. 10/274,408, filed Oct. 18, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/411,336, filed Sep. 17, 2002, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/419,613, filed on Oct. 17, 2002. [0004] U.S. application Ser. No. 10/408,341, filed Apr. 7, 2003, is also a CIP of Ser. No. 10/274,478, filed Oct. 18, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/411,336, filed Sep. 17, 2002, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/419,613, filed on Oct. 17, 2002. [0005] U.S. Application Ser. No. 10/408,341, filed Apr. 7, 2003, is also a CIP of Ser. No. 10/368,099, filed Feb. 18, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/419,613, filed Oct. 17, 2002, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. [0006] All of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entireties. FIELD OF INVENTION [0007] The present invention relates generally to the Internet and, more particularly, to instant messaging (IM). BACKGROUND [0008] Currently, instant messaging (IM) systems permit real-time communications between users. Typically, the real-time communications include text messaging, voice chat, and video conferencing. While the text messaging, voice chat, and video conferencing may be sufficient for certain interactions between users, these modes provide relatively limited functionality for other applications. [0009] Thus, a heretofore-unaddressed need exists in the industry to extend the functionality of IM systems. SUMMARY [0010] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for extending functionality of instant messaging (IM) systems. [0011] Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system comprises a workflow transport-protocol object (TPO) and an IM server. The workflow TPO is adapted to receive workflow requests from a workflow server and format the workflow requests to generate an IM request data stream. In one embodiment, the workflow TPO is further adapted to convey the IM request data stream to the IM server. The IM server is adapted to receive the conveyed IM request data stream from the workflow TPO and convey the IM request data stream to an IM client. [0012] Another embodiment of the system comprises an IM client and a workflow plug-in. The IM client is adapted to receive a workflow request. The workflow plug-in is adapted to process the workflow request. [0013] The present disclosure also provides methods for extending functionality of IM systems. In this regard, one embodiment of the method comprises the steps of receiving a workflow request, which is directed to a specified IM address, from a workflow server and formatting the received workflow request to generate an IM data stream. [0014] Another embodiment of the method comprises the steps of receiving a workflow request at an IM client, determining if the IM client is registered with a workflow plug-in, and executing the workflow plug-in in response to determining that the IM client is registered with the workflow plug-in. [0015] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a client-server environment having an instant messaging (IM) client with extended functionality residing on a workstation. [0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the workstation of FIG. 1 in greater detail. [0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the IM client of FIG. 1 having extended functionality. Continue reading... Full patent description for Extending functionality of workflow applications using instant messaging (im) Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Extending functionality of workflow applications using instant messaging (im) patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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