Messaging device having a graphical user interface for initiating communication to recipients

摘要

A messaging device allows a user to initiate communication to recipients via a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, messages are composed by a user via a touchscreen display. Pre-existing messages may also be retrieved by the user via the display. Icons representing potential message recipients are displayed, and the user may deliver a message to a recipient by associating the message with the icon that represents the desired recipient, such as by a drag-and-drop or pop-and-hop motion. In addition, the user may indicate to which of the recipient's various electronic devices or services the message is to be delivered. In some embodiments, the user may deliver the message to a group of recipients.

主权项

1. A method of initiating communication to a recipient on an electronic messaging device, the method comprising:
displaying, on a touchscreen of the electronic messaging device, a graphical user interface adapted to display two or more graphics and a composition area,
wherein the at least two graphics are icons associated with at least two respective recipients,wherein the two or more graphics and the composition area are concurrently displayed on the touchscreen display, andwherein the composition area is adapted to receive handwriting; receiving, from the user on the touchscreen display in the composition area, a message,
wherein the message is intended for a recipient or the message is intended to be posted on the graphical user interface; receiving, from the user on the touchscreen display, a motion,
wherein the motion includes moving the message from the composition area to at least one icon associated with a respective recipient,wherein the motion is a drag-and-drop motion or a pop-and-hop motion; determining, on the electronic messaging device, a first delivery option for sending the message to the respective recipient; determining, on the electronic messaging device, a second delivery option for sending the message to the respective recipient,
wherein the second delivery option is preferred by the respective recipient, andwherein the second delivery option is stored on the electronic messaging device in association with the respective recipient; displaying on the touchscreen the first and second delivery options,
wherein the delivery options, the composition area, and the two icons are displaying concurrently; receiving, from the user, a selection to send the message via the first or second delivery option; and sending the message to the respective recipient via the selected delivery option.