Method for generating and using a video-based icon in a multimedia message

摘要

A method for generating and using a video-based icon (videcon) in a message, where a videcon comprises a (preferably short) video and an associated code, comprising identifying the code within a message, retrieving the video associated with the code, inserting either the video or a link to the video into the message, and sending the message to its intended recipient.

主权项

1. A method for generating and using a video-based icon in a message generated by a first user on a first communication device, comprising:
generating a video-based icon comprising a video and a code associated with the video, said video-based icon generated by the first user; storing the video-based icon in a database that it is available to at least two distinct types of communication devices and at least two different programs on each communication device; identifying the code within the message; retrieving the video associated with the code; inserting one of the following group into the message:
the video;a link to the video; sending the message to a second user on a second communication device; determining the amount of time it would take a user to read the portion of the message preceding the video; and playing the video after a delay substantially equal to the amount of time it would take the user to read the portion of the message preceding the video, following the time that the second user opens the message.