REAL-TIME MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR CHATTING

摘要

A mobile communication system includes real-time communication via user interface between a user and at least one other user, also known as "chatting". The user interface is positioned in a client, and operates in accordance with an application (e.g., Java applet) in the client. The user can review the availability of multiple "buddies" to perform simultaneous, real-time communication in a group on individual communication mode. As a result, messages can be "flashed" between multiple users in real-time over HTTP. Available buddies are displayed in a "buddy list" and information is periodically polled from a chat server that manages communication between the user and at least one buddy. The polling is conducting at a rate that is based at least in part on whether the user is actively chatting. Refresh rate is optimized to minimize network traffic while maximizing refresh rate during periods of heavy use.