WO2003103208A2

WO2003103208A2 - Instant messaging personalization

Info

Publication number: WO2003103208A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/016690
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Heikes; James A. Odell; Justin Uberti; Andrew L. Wick; Xiaoyan Yin; Xiaopeng Zhang
Original assignee: America Online, Inc.
Priority date: 2002-05-03
Filing date: 2003-05-30
Publication date: 2003-12-11
Also published as: AU2003237261A8; WO2003103208A3; AU2003237261A1

Abstract

Perception of a personalization item is enabled in an instant messaging communications session by rendering, on an instant message recipient system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant message recipient and an instant message sender. An identifier that enables identification of a personalization item of an individual instant message user is obtained, and the identifier is associated with the personalization item. The personalization item is obtained independently of the message used to obtain the identifier, and the personalization item is rendered at the instant message recipient system. Furthermore, perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session may be enabled by perceiving an identifier corresponding to an intended instant message recipient designated by an instant message sender system, accessing personalization items corresponding to the perceived identifier, and making perceivable the personalization items corresponding to the received identifier to the instant messaging sender system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging sender system, where the personalization items are made perceivable prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient. Moreover, perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session may be enabled by storing on a host system one or more personalization items associated with an instant messaging application operator, receiving a request from an instant messaging participant system for the personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator, accessing the personalization items at the host system, and communicating the personalization items from the host system to the instant messaging participant system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging participant system.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Instant Messaging Personalization

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates to instant messaging communications and more particularly to personalization of instant messaging communications. BACKGROUND

Online service providers facilitate access to information and services by providing interactive User Interfaces (UIs) that help users navigate to desired resources. For example, in the case of a system for communicating using instant messages (IMs), a Ul allows an IM sender to invoke actions, such as establishing a communications link, through the selection of screen objects such as icons, windows, and drop-down menus. The design of a Ul has a significant impact on an IM sender's online experience. In particular, the icons, the windows, and the menus of a Ul may be arranged to enable an IM sender to locate information and services quickly and easily. SUMMARY

In one general aspect, perception of a personalization item is enabled in an instant messaging communications session by rendering, on an instant message recipient system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant message recipient and an instant message sender. An identifier is obtained that enables identification of a personalization item of an individual instant message user, and the identifier is associated with the personalization item. The personalization item is obtained independently of the message used to obtain the identifier, and the personalization item is rendered at the instant message recipient system. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the individual instant message user may be the instant message sender or the instant message recipient. The identifier may be obtained by receiving the identifier in an instant message from the instant message sender system. One or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for one or more instant Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

message users at an instant message host system may be stored, the identity of the individual instant message user may be received at the instant message host system, an identifier associated with the individual instant message user may be accessed, and the associated identifier in a message may be sent from the instant message host system.

The identifier may be obtained, for example, by locating the identifier at the instant message recipient system or by retrieving the identifier from a remote data store. The location of the personalization item also may be obtained.

In one implementation, the identifier is obtained by receiving the identifier included with an instant message. In another implementation, the identifier is obtained by receiving the identifier upon a change in the presence state of the individual instant message user.

In one implementation, the personalization item may be provided by a third party, and may be enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment. In another implementation, the personalization item may be configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event such as, for example, the passage of a predetermined length of time, the passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses. In other implementations, a determination is made whether the personalization item has been banned or has expired, and if so, display of an expired personalization item may be disallowed.

The personalization item may be obtained by determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant message recipient system, retrieving the personalization item from the instant message recipient system if the personalization item is available at the instant message recipient system, and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant message recipient system if the personalization item is not available at the instant message recipient system.

In one implementation, the personalization item may be requested by identifying the remote source. In another implementation, the personalization item is Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

requested from an instant messaging host. In another implementation, the personalization item is requested from an instant message sender system. In yet another implementation, the personalization item is requested from a third-party server, For example, the personalization item may be requested from a server authorized as a partner to an instant messaging host.

The personalization item includes a graphic, such as an icon, a sound, a wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface, an animation sequence, a video segment, or a customized binary object provided by the instant message sender. The personalization item may also include a customized binary object that is uploaded by the instant message sender to a server.

In one implementation, the identifier includes an item type, a data size, and one or more flags such as, for example, a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to different item flag.

The personalization item may be updated. Also, the actual format of the personalization item may be compared to an expected format of the personalization item based upon the identifier.

In another general aspect, a user interface on a display enables perception of communications that leverage an instant messaging platform. The user interface includes a module for rendering an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant message sender and an instant message recipient. The user interface is presented at the system display of the instant message recipient, and also includes a module for receiving a personalization item presented to the system display. The personalization item is associated with an individual instant message user and corresponds to an identifier obtained by the instant message recipient system. The identifier enables identification of a personalization item of the individual instant message user. The user interface also includes a module for rendering the personalization item independently of the message used to obtain the identifier. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the individual instant message user includes the instant message sender and the instant message recipient.

In one implementation, the personalization item is rendered upon the occurrence of a change in the presence state of the individual instant message user. In another implementation, the identifier is obtained by receiving the identifier from an instant message sender system in an instant message.

In one implementation, the identifier is obtaining from the instant message host system. The instant message host system stores one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for one or more instant message users, the instant message host system receives the identity of the individual instant message user, and accesses an identifier associated with the individual instant message user.

In another implementation, the identifier is retrieved from the instant message recipient system. In another implementation, the identifier is retrieved from a remote data store.

In one general aspect, perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session may be enabled by perceiving an identifier corresponding to an intended instant message recipient designated by an instant message sender system, accessing personalization items corresponding to the perceived identifier, and making perceivable the personalization items corresponding to the received identifier to the instant messaging sender system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging sender system, where the personalization items are made perceivable prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, one or more personalization items may be stored. Personalization items may be accessed on a host system, and also may be communicated from the host system to the instant message sender system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

The personalization items may be made perceivable at times including prior to communication of an instant message with the intended instant message recipient system, before a communications session is established with the intended instant message recipient system, before the instant message sender system sends a message to the intended instant message recipient system, and before the instant message sender system receives a message from the intended instant message recipient system.

Perceiving the identifier may include receiving an identity of the intended instant message recipient and accessing an identifier associated with the individual intended instant message recipient based upon the received identity. Receiving the identifier may also include receiving a location of the personalization item, such as, for example, a location on the host system. The identifier may also include an item type, a data size, a flag such as a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to different item flag.

The personalization item may include a graphic, such as an icon, a sound, wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface, an animation sequence, a video segment, and a customized binary object provided by the intended instant message recipient. The personalization item may be provided by a party other than the intended instant message recipient, and may be enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment. The personalization item may be configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event including the passage of a predetermined length of time or on passage of a predetermined date or a predetermined number of uses. If it is determined that the personalization item has expired, access to the personalization item may be disallowed. If it is determined that the personalization item has been banned, access to the personalization item may be disallowed.

In another general aspect, perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session may be enabled by rendering, on an instant message sender system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an intended instant message recipient and an instant message sender and rendering, at the instant message sender Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

system, a personalization item associated with the instant message recipient prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient system.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the personalization item may be rendered at the instant message sender system prior to communication of an instant message with the intended instant message recipient system., before a communications session is established with the intended instant message recipient system, before the instant message sender system sends a message to the intended instant message recipient system, or before the instant message sender system receives a message from the intended instant message recipient system.

The identifier may be associated with the personalization item, the personalization item may be obtained from a source other than a message used to obtain the identifier, and the personalization item may be rendered at the instant message sender system. The identifier may include a location of the personalization item. The identifier also may include an item type, a data size, and a flag such as a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, or a redirect to different item flag.

Obtaining the identifier may include sending an identity of the intended instant message recipient to an instant message host system, where the instant message host system stores one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for the intended instant message recipient, and receiving an identifier associated with the individual intended instant message recipient in a message from the instant message host system. Obtaining the identifier also may include locating the identifier at the intended instant message recipient system and retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

Obtaining the personalization item may include determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant message sender system, retrieving the personalization item from the instant message sender system if the personalization item is available at the instant message sender system, and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant message sender system Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

if the personalization item is not available at the instant message sender system. The identifier may be received upon a change in a presence state of the intended instant message recipient.

The personalization item may include a graphic, such as an icon, a sound, wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface, an animation sequence, a video segment, and a customized binary object provided by the intended instant message recipient. The personalization item may be provided by a party other than the intended instant message recipient and may be enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment. The personalization item may be updated, and may be configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, including the passage of a predetermined length of time or on passage of a predetermined date or a predetermined number of uses. If it is determined that the personalization item has expired, display of the personalization item maybe disallowed. If it is determined that the personalization item has been banned, display of the personalization item may be disallowed.

Requesting the personalization item may include identifying the remote source, requesting the personalization item from an instant messaging host, or requesting the personalization item from a third-party server. The third-party server includes a server authorized as a partner to an instant messaging host. In one general aspect, perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session may be enabled by storing on a host system one or more personalization items associated with an instant messaging application operator (IM sender), receiving a request from an instant messaging participant system for the personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator, accessing the personalization items at the host system, and communicating the personalization items from the host system to the instant messaging participant system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging participant system.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the request may also include an identity of the instant messaging participant, Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

and the personalization items associated with the received identity may be accessed. The request may also include an identifier that enables identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator. The identifier may include a location on the host system of the personalization item, an item type and a data size, a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, or a redirect to different item flag. The identifier for a personalization item may be created based upon the application of an algorithm to at least a portion of item data. Based on the identifier, if it is determined that the personalization item is already stored at the host, then the host may decline to redundantly store the personalization item. Also, the identifier may be used to determine whether the personalization item is an official item, and the personalization item may be displayed if it is an official item.

The host may be a server authorized as a partner to an instant messaging host. The personalization items stored at the host include a graphic, such as an icon, a sound, wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface, an animation sequence, and a video segment.

The personalization items may be configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, such as the passage of a predetermined length of time or the passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses. If it is determined that the personalization item has expired, access to the personalization item may be disallowed. If it is determined that the personalization item has been banned, access to the personalization item may be disallowed.

In another general aspect, perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session may be enabled by rendering, on an instant messaging participant system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant messaging application operator and another instant messaging participant, identifying personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator that are located external to the instant messaging participant system, and communicating personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator to the instant messaging participant system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, identifying the personalization items includes identifying a remote source location for the personalization items. The personalization items may be located on an instant messaging host. Personalization items include a graphic, such as an icon, a sound, wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface, an animation sequence, a video segment, and a customized binary object uploaded by the instant messaging participant to a server. The personalization item may be enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment for such rendering, and may be configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event such as the passage of a predetermined length of time or the passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses. If it is determined that the personalization item has expired, display of the personalization item may be disallowed. If it is determined that the personalization item has been banned, display of the personalization item may be disallowed. The personalization item may be updated. Communicating the personalization items may include obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator, obtaimng the personalization item from a source other than a message used to obtain the identifier, and rendering the personalization item at the instant messaging participant system. Obtaining the identifier includes sending an identity of the instant messaging participant to an instant messaging host system and receiving one or more identifiers in a message from the instant messaging host system, the identifiers being associated at the instant messaging host system with one or more personalization items, where the personalization items are associated with the identity of the instant messaging participant. Obtaining the identifier also includes retrieving the identifier from a remote data store or receiving the identifier upon a change in a presence state of the instant messaging participant. The location of the personalization item may be obtained with the identifier. The identifier may include an item type, a data size, a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, or a redirect to a different item flag. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Obtaining the personalization item includes obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator, determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant messaging participant system, retrieving the personalization item from the instant messaging participant system if the personalization item is available at the instant messaging participant system, and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant messaging participant system if the personalization item is not available at the instant messaging participant system.

Requesting the personalization item may include identifying the remote source. Also, the personalization item may be requested from an instant messaging host.

An identifier for a personalization item may be created based upon the application of an algorithm to at least a portion of the item data. The identifier may be created, for example, for a personalization item stored at the instant message participant system. If it is determined, based on the identifier, that the personalization item is stored at the host system, the host may decline to redundantly store the personalization item. Also, if it is determined based on the identifier that the personalization item is an official item, then the personalization item may be displayed.

The personalization item may include any of the items noted above. The personalization item may be provided by a third party, and may be enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment. The personalization item also may be configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event such as, for example, the passage of a predetermined length of time, the passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses.

Aspects of the EM personalization may be implemented by an apparatus and/or by a computer program stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may comprise a disc, a client device, a host device, and/or a Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

propagated signal. In addition, aspects of the IM personalization may be implemented in a client/host context or in a standalone or offline client device. The IM personalization items may be rendered in a client/host context and may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a client/host environment. The IM personalization items also may be rendered by the standalone/offline device and may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a non-client/host environment such as, for example, a LAN server serving an end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device.

Other features will be apparent from the following description, including the drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figs. 1-4 are block diagrams of an exemplary communications system.

Figs. 5 A and 5B are flow charts of exemplary processes that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4. Figs. 6-17 are illustrations of different graphical user interfaces that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4 when executing processes such as those of Figs. 5 A and 5B.

Figs. 18 and 23 are flow charts of exemplary processes that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4. Figs. 19-22 are illustrations of different graphical user interfaces that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4 when executing processes such as those of Figs. 18 and 23 and 24 and 25.

Figs. 24 and 25 are flow charts of exemplary processes that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4. Fig. 26 is a flow chart of an exemplary process that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4.

Figs. 27-30 are illustrations of different graphical user interfaces that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4 when executing a process such as that of Fig. 26. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Figs. 31 and 37 are flow charts of exemplary processes that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4.

Figs. 32-36 are illustrations of different graphical user interfaces that may be implemented by systems such as those of Figs. 1-4 when executing processes such as those of Figs. 31 and 37.

For brevity, several elements in the figures described below are represented as monolithic entities. However, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, these elements each may include numerous interconnected computers and components designed to perform a set of specified operations and/or may be dedicated to a particular geographic region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An IM sender may have personalization items that may be sent or otherwise made perceivable to an IM recipient. Personalization items may represent a user or a characteristic of a user, and may include user-selectable binary objects. For example, personalization items include images such as wallpaper that is rendered in a location having a contextual placement on a user interface. The contextual placement typically indicates an association with the user represented by the wallpaper. For example, the wallpaper may be rendered in an area where messages from a particular user represented by the wallpaper are sent or received. In one implementation, wallpaper is a chrome (i.e., border) around a dialog area on a user interface.

Personalization items also include icons such as buddy icons and mini-buddy icons, sounds, animation, video clips, and emoticons (e.g., smileys).

One or more personalization items may be rendered at the IM sender system and/or at the IM recipient system. IM sender personalization items are made available to the IM recipient system by sending one or more identifiers corresponding to the personalization items to the IM recipient. An identifier may be associated with a single personalization item, or with a group of two or more personalization items.

The IM recipient system uses the identifier to identify the personalization item associated with the sender, and to locate perceivable content corresponding to the identifier. For instance, an identifier received from a sender may be used as a basis Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

for determining if the corresponding personalization item is available locally at the IM recipient system, and, if so, the identifier may be used to retrieve the corresponding personalization item. If the personalization item is not available locally at the IM recipient system, the IM recipient system may use the identifier as a basis for generating one or more requests for the personalization item from another location, such as an IM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as the IM sender system, or a remote or third-party server (e.g., a server accessible through the Internet).

In another implementation, the instant message from the IM sender does not contain an identifier, and the IM recipient system retrieves one or more identifiers associated with the personalization items of the IM sender. For example, the IM recipient system may retrieve the identifiers from a remote location such as an EM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as those noted above. The identifiers may be stored at the remote location and associated with a screen name or other user identity. The IM recipient system may send a screen name or other user identity to the remote location. The remote location associates the screen name or other user identity with the corresponding identifiers, and sends those identifiers to the IM recipient system. For instance, the IM host may store identifiers associated with the screen name of an IM sender. The EM recipient system passes the screen name of the EM sender to the EM host, and the EM host returns the identifiers associated with that screen name to the EM recipient system. In another implementation, the EM host system or other remotely accessible data store may retrieve and send the personalization items themselves rather than the identifiers.

In another example in which the instant message from the EM sender does not contain an identifier, the EM recipient system may locally store the identifiers in association with a screen name or other user identity. The EM recipient system may then retrieve the locally-stored identifiers based on the screen name or other user identity of the EM sender. In another implementation, the EM recipient system may retrieve the personalization items themselves rather than the identifiers. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

The identifiers may be retrieved before, during, or after receipt of an instant message from the EM sender. The identifiers may be stored at the EM recipient system, or at another location such as an EM host system or another remotely- accessible data store such as those noted above. Alternatively, the personalization item itself may be sent by the IM sender system to the EM recipient system, with a message or through a separate negotiation or communication, and also may be stored locally on the EM recipient system. Upon locating or receiving the personalization item, the EM recipient system renders the item for perception by the EM recipient.

In yet another implementation, EM recipient personalization items for a destination may be made available to the EM sender system by selecting one or more identifiers corresponding to the one or more personalization items of the IM recipient. The personalization items may be selected manually by the EM recipient or may be automatically selected for the EM recipient. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the EM recipient. For example, the identifiers associated with the screen name of a potential EM recipient may be stored locally at the EM sender system, or the EM sender system may retrieve such identifiers from a remotely-accessible data store such as the EM host system, the EM recipient system, or those noted above. The EM sender system uses the identifier to determine if the corresponding personalization item is available locally at the EM sender system, and, if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization item. If the personalization item is not available locally at the EM sender system, the EM sender system requests the personalization item from a remotely-accessible data store, as described above. Alternatively, the personalization item itself may be associated with the EM recipient and retrieved by the EM sender system. Once the EM sender system locates or receives the one or more personalization items associated with a destination recipient, the EM sender system renders the one or more personalization item(s) for perception by the EM sender. Thus, the personalization items of the EM recipient may be rendered to the EM sender before correspondence is initiated or communications are established by the recipient and without previously having received an IM message from the EM recipient. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

In another implementation, EM sender personalization items may be made available to the EM sender system and rendered at the EM sender system by selecting the identifiers corresponding to the personalization items of the EM sender. The personalization items may be selected manually by the EM sender or may be automatically selected for the EM sender. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the EM sender. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM sender and stored locally at the IM sender system, or the EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM sender from another location such as the IM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as those noted above. The EM sender system uses the identifier to determine if the corresponding personalization item is available locally at the EM sender system, and if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization item. If the personalization item is not available locally at the IM sender system, the EM sender system requests the personalization item from a remotely-accessible data store, as described above. Alternatively, the personalization item itself may be associated with the EM sender and retrieved by the EM sender system.

Once the EM sender system locates or receives the one or more personalization items associated with a destination recipient, the IM sender system renders the one or more personalization items for perception by the EM sender. Thus, the personalization items of the EM sender may be rendered to the EM sender similarly to the manner in which the personalization items of the EM sender are rendered to the EM recipient. Also, the personalization items of the EM recipient may be rendered to the EM recipient in the manner described for rendering the personalization items of the EM sender to the EM sender.

A personalization item may be rendered at any time. Typically, a personalization item is rendered upon the occurrence of one or more particular events. For example, a customized sound and/or a personalized icon or wallpaper selected by an EM sender may be made perceivable to an EM recipient during an EM conversation. In one instance, wallpaper selected by the EM sender appears on the EM recipient Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

system when a message is received from the EM sender or when a message is returned to the EM sender by the EM recipient. As another example, a particular sound is played or an icon is displayed at the EM recipient system when the EM sender's presence state changes (e.g., when the EM sender logs on, logs off, becomes inactive, or enables or disables the EM recipient's ability to detect the EM sender's presence).

EM personalization items may be rendered for an IM sender and/or an EM recipient at the EM sender system, the EM recipient system, or both. The IM personalization items of the EM sender and the EM recipient may be rendered at the same time or at different times. The same method may be used to render the EM personalization items of the EM sender and/or the EM recipient at the EM sender system, the EM recipient system, or both. Alternatively, different methods may be used to render these EM personalization items. In one implementation, an IM recipient may not change the personalization items of an EM sender, and an IM sender may not change the personalization items of an EM recipient. An EM sender may choose to have different personalization items displayed for different EM recipients, and an EM recipient may choose to have different personalization items displayed for different EM senders. Once a personalization item is designated by an EM sender or an EM recipient, the personalization item is typically made available for perception by the IM recipient or the IM sender automatically. The personalization items may also be selected automatically for an EM sender or an IM recipient based upon a characteristic of the EM sender or the EM recipient.

EM personalization items may be rendered by any type of hardware, software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal. In one implementation, the EM personalization items may be rendered in a client/host context, and the EM personalization items may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a client/host environment. In another implementation, the EM personalization items may be implemented in a standalone or offline client context. The IM personalization items may be rendered by the standalone/offline device and may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a non-client/host environment such as, for Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

example, a LAN (Local Area Network) server serving an end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device.

Typically, EM communications involve an instantaneous or nearly instantaneous communication between two users, where each user is able to transmit, receive and display communicated information. Additionally, EM communications may involve the display and perception of online presence information regarding other selected users ("buddies"). However, EM communications may occur in the absence of online presence information. The EM communications may be machine-to- machine communications that occur without intervention by or communication through an instant messaging server after a communication session is established or authentication is performed. Examples of EM communications exist over AEM (America Online Instant Messenger), AOL (America Online) Buddy List and Instant Messages, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and ICQ, among others. Although discussed below primarily with respect to EM applications, other implementations are contemplated for providing similar functionality in platforms and online applications such as chat, e-mail, and streaming media applications.

It is possible, through the systems and techniques described herein, to make personalization items of an intended EM recipient perceivable to an EM sender in a communications interface of the EM sender (1) immediately upon opening the interface, (2) before sending a message or other communication to the IM recipient, and/or (3) before receipt of a message or other communication from the IM recipient. As such, immediately upon opening a communication interface and identifying a potential message recipient, an EM sender may perceive a personalization item established for or selected by that potential message recipient, which personalization items may not otherwise be made available to the EM sender until communications are sent or received with respect to that potential message recipient.

Personalization items may represent a user or a characteristic of the intended EM recipient, and may include user-selectable binary objects. For example, personalization items include images, such as wallpaper, that are rendered in a location having a contextual placement on a user interface. The contextual placement Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

typically indicates an association with the user represented by the wallpaper. For example, the wallpaper may be rendered in an area where messages from the EM recipient are to be displayed, or as a chrome (i.e., border) around a dialog area on a user interface. Personalization items also may include icons such as buddy icons and mini-buddy icons, sounds, animation, video clips, and emoticons (e.g., smileys).

Personalization items for the intended recipient may be known or unknown to the EM sender, and they may or may not be stored at the EM sender system or be otherwise associated with that BVI sender prior to the communication session in which they are displayed using the systems and techniques described herein. One or more personalization items of an intended EM recipient may be rendered at the EM sender system. An identifier corresponding to one or more personalization items of the EM recipient is obtained by the EM sender. For instance, an identifier may identify a particular personalization item, a group of personalization items, or a user name or other identity may be mapped to one or more personalization items or groups.

The EM sender system may use the identifier to identify one or more personalization items associated with the EM recipient, and to locate perceivable content corresponding to the identifier. For instance, an identifier may be used as a basis for determining if one or more corresponding personalization items are available locally at the EM sender system, and, if so, the identifier may be used to retrieve the corresponding personalization item(s). If the personalization item(s) are not available locally at the EM sender system, the EM sender system may use the identifier as a basis for generating one or more requests for the personalization item(s) from another location, such as an EM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as the EM recipient system, or a remote or third-party server (e.g., a server accessible through the Internet).

Identifiers may be retrieved before, during, or after receipt of an instant message or other communication from the EM recipient. For example, the identifiers may be retrieved upon the opening of a communications user interface (Ul) by the EM sender or after opening of the UE but before receipt of an instant message or other communication from the EM recipient. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

The EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers from a remote location such as those noted above. The identifiers may be stored at the remote location and associated with a screen name or other user identity of the EM recipient. The EM sender system may send the screen name or other user identity of the EM recipient to the remote location where it is then associated with the corresponding identifiers of the EM recipient, and the EM sender system may receive the corresponding identifiers from the remote location. For instance, the IM host may store identifiers associated with the screen name of an EM recipient. The EM sender system passes the screen name of the IM recipient to the EM host, and the IM host returns the identifiers associated with the passed screen name to the EM sender system. In another implementation, a remotely accessible data store may retrieve and send the personalization items themselves to the EM sender rather than sending the identifiers. En another example, the EM sender system may locally store the identifiers in association with a screen name or other user identity of the EM recipient. The EM sender system may then retrieve the locally-stored identifiers based on the screen name or other user identity of the EM recipient. In another implementation, the IM sender system may retrieve the personalization items themselves rather than the identifiers.

Personalization items may be made available to the EM sender system based on a selecting process. The personalization items to be made perceivable to the EM sender may be selected manually by the EM recipient or may be automatically selected for the EM recipient. Edentifiers for selected personalization items may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information for the EM recipient. For example, the identifiers associated with the screen name of a potential EM recipient may be stored locally at the EM sender system, or the EM sender system may retrieve such identifiers from a remotely-accessible data store such as the EM host system, the EM recipient system, or those noted above.

Personalization items of the EM recipient may be rendered to the EM sender before correspondence is initiated or communications are established by the recipient and without previously having received an EM message from the EM recipient. Once the EM sender system locates or receives the one or more personalization items Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

associated with a intended destination recipient, the EM sender system renders the one or more personalization items for perception by the BVI sender. Also, the personalization items of the EM sender may be rendered to the EM recipient in the manner described for rendering the personalization items of the EM recipient to the EM sender.

Typically, a personalization item is rendered upon the occurrence of one or more particular events. For example, a customized sound and/or a personalized icon or wallpaper selected by an EM recipient may be made perceivable to an M sender when the EM sender initiates an EM communications session with the EM recipient by, for example, opening an EM communications window. As an example, a particular sound may be played or an icon may be displayed at the EM sender system when changes are experienced in presence or state of the EM recipient with whom they communicate changes (e.g., when the EM recipient or other EM participant logs on, logs off, becomes inactive, or enables or disables the EM sender's ability to detect the EM recipient's presence).

In one implementation, the EM sender may not change the personalization items of an EM recipient. An EM recipient may choose to have different personalization items displayed for different IM senders. Once a personalization item is designated by an EM recipient, the personalization item is typically made available for perception by the EM sender automatically. The personalization items may also be selected automatically for an EM recipient based upon a characteristic of the EM sender.

Typically, EM communications involve an instantaneous or nearly instantaneous communication between two users, where each user is able to transmit, receive and display communicated information. Additionally, although IM communications may occur in the absence of online presence information, IM communications generally involve the display and perception of online presence information regarding other selected users ("buddies"). EM communications may be machine-to-machine communications that occur without intervention by or communication through an instant messaging server after a communication session is established or authentication is performed. Examples of EM communications exist Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

over AEM (America Online Instant Messenger), AOL (America Online) Buddy List and Instant Messages, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and ICQ, among others. Although discussed below primarily with respect to EM applications, other implementations are contemplated for providing similar functionality in platforms and online applications such as chat, e-mail, and streaming media applications.

It is possible, through the systems and techniques described herein, to make personalization items perceivable to an EM sender in a communications interface, when, for example, the EM sender opens the interface. Personalization items may represent the EM sender or a characteristic of the EM sender, and may include user- selectable binary objects. For example, personalization items include images, such as wallpaper, that are rendered in a location having a contextual placement on a user interface. The contextual placement typically indicates an association with the user represented by the wallpaper. For example, the wallpaper may be rendered in an area where messages from the EM sender are displayed, or as a chrome (i.e., border) around a dialog area on a user interface. Personalization items also include icons such as buddy icons and mini-buddy icons, sounds, animation, video clips, and emoticons (e.g., smileys).

One or more personalization items may be rendered at the EM sender system. EM sender personalization items are associated with and made available to the EM sender system based on one or more identifiers corresponding to the personalization items. An identifier may be associated with a single personalization item, or with a group of two or more personalization items. For instance, an identifier may identify a particular personalization item, a group of personalization items, or a user name or other identifier that may be mapped to one or more personalization items or groups. The EM sender system may use the identifier to identify one or more associated personalization items, and to locate perceivable content corresponding to the identifier. For instance, an identifier may be used as a basis for determining if one or more corresponding personalization items are available locally at the EM sender system, and, if so, the identifier may be used to retrieve the corresponding personalization item(s). If the personalization items are not available locally at the EM sender system, the EM sender system may use the identifier as a basis for generating Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

one or more requests for the personalization item(s) from another location, such as an EM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as a remote or third- party server (e.g., a server accessible through the Internet).

Identifiers may be retrieved before, during, or after receipt of an instant message from an EM participant (hereinafter "EM recipient"). The EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers from a remote location such as an EM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as those noted above. The identifiers may be stored at the remote location and associated with a screen name or other user identity of the EM sender. The EM sender system may send a screen name or other user identity to the remote location where it is associated with the corresponding identifiers, and may receive those identifiers from the EM remote location. In another implementation, the EM host system or other remotely accessible data store may retrieve and send the personalization items themselves rather than the identifiers. Personalization items may be made available to the EM sender system and rendered at the EM sender system based on a selection process. The personalization items may be selected manually by the EM sender or they may be automatically selected for the EM sender. Identifiers for selected personalization items then may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information for the EM sender. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM sender and stored locally at the EM sender system, or the EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM sender from another location such as the EM host system or another remotely-accessible data store such as those noted above.

A personalization item may be rendered at any time. Typically, a personalization item is rendered upon the occurrence of one or more particular events. For example, a customized sound and/or a personalized icon or wallpaper selected by an EM sender may be made perceivable to the EM sender during the opening of a communications interface. As another example, a particular sound is played or an icon is displayed at the IM sender system when changes are experienced in the presence or state of the EM sender or another EM participant with whom they communicate (e.g., when the EM sender or other participant logs on, logs off, becomes Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

inactive, or enables or disables an EM recipient's ability to detect the EM sender's presence).

Typically, EM communications involve an instantaneous or nearly instantaneous communication between two users, where each user is able to transmit, receive and display communicated information. Additionally, although IM communications may occur in the absence of online presence information, IM communications generally involve the display and perception of online presence information regarding other selected users ("buddies"). IM communications may be machine-to-machine communications that occur without intervention by or communication through an instant messaging server after a communication session is established or authentication is performed. Examples of EM communications exist over A M (America Online Instant Messenger), AOL (America Online) Buddy List and Instant Messages, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and ICQ, among others. Although discussed below primarily with respect to EM applications, other implementations are contemplated for providing similar functionality in platforms and online applications such as chat, e-mail, and streaming media applications.

For illustrative purposes, Figs. 1 and 2 show an example of a communications system for implementing techniques for transferring electronic data.

Referring to Fig. 1, a communications system 100 is capable of delivering and exchanging data between an EM sender system 105 and a host system 110 through a communications link 115. The EM sender system 105 typically includes one or more client devices 120 and/or client controllers 125, and the host system 110 typically includes one or more host devices 135 and/or host controllers 140. For example, the EM sender system 105 or the host system 110 may include one or more general- purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devices specifically programmed to communicate with each other and/or the EM sender system 105 or the host system 110), or a combination of one or more general- purpose computers and one or more special-purpose computers. The EM sender system 105 and the host system 110 may be arranged to operate within or in concert Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

with one or more other systems, such as, for example, one or more LANs ("Local Area Networks") and/or one or more WANs ("Wide Area Networks").

The client device 120 and the host device 135 are generally capable of executing instructions under the command of, respectively, a client controller 125 and a host controller 140. The client device 120 and the host device 135 are connected to, respectively, the client controller 125 and the host controller 140 by, respectively, wired or wireless data pathways 130 and 145, which are capable of delivering data.

The client device 120, the client controller 125, the host device 135, and the host controller 140 typically each include one or more hardware components and/or software components. An example of a client device 120 or a host device 135 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personal computer) or software on such a computer capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer, a workstation, a server, a device, a component, other physical or virtual equipment or some combination of these capable of responding to and executing instructions. The client device 120 and the host device 135 may include devices that are capable of establishing peer-to-peer communications.

An example of client controller 125 or host controller 140 is a software application loaded on the client device 120 or the host device 135 for commanding and directing communications enabled by the client device 120 or the host device 135. Other examples include a program, a piece of code, an instruction, a device, a computer, a computer system, or a combination of these for independently or collectively instructing the client device 120 or the host device 135 to interact and operate as described. The client controller 125 and the host controller 140 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual equipment, storage medium, or propagated signal capable of providing instructions to the client device 120 and the host device 135.

The communications link 115 typically includes a delivery network 160 that provides direct or indirect communication between the EM sender system 105 and the host system 110, irrespective of physical separation. Examples of a delivery network Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

160 include the Internet, the World Wide Web, WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g., Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), and Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL)), radio, television, cable, or satellite systems, and other delivery mechanisms for carrying data. The communications link 115 may include communication pathways 150 and 155 that enable communications through the one or more delivery networks 160 described above. Each of the communication pathways 150 and 155 may include, for example, a wired, wireless, cable or satellite communication pathway.

Fig. 2 illustrates a communications system 200 including an EM sender system 105 communicating with a host system 110 through a communications link 115.

The EM sender system 105 includes a client device 120 that typically includes a general-purpose computer 270 having an internal or external memory 272 for storing data and programs such as an operating system 274 (e.g., DOS, Windows™, Windows 95™, Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, Windows Me™, Windows XP™, Windows NT™, OS/2, or Linux) and one or more application programs. Examples of application programs include authoring applications 276 (e.g., word processing programs, database programs, spreadsheet programs, or graphics programs) capable of generating documents or other electronic content; client applications 278 (e.g., America Online (AOL) client, CompuServe client, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) client, interactive television (ITN) client, Internet Service Provider (ISP) client, or instant messaging (EM) client) capable of communicating with other computer users, accessing various computer resources, and viewing, creating, or otherwise manipulating electronic content; and browser applications 280 (e.g., Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer) capable of rendering standard Internet content and other content formatted according to standard protocols such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

One or more of the application programs may be installed on the internal or external storage 272 of the general-purpose computer 270. Alternatively, in another implementation, the client controller 125 may access application programs externally Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

stored in and/or performed by one or more device(s) external to the general-purpose computer 270.

The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a central processing unit 282 (CPU) for executing instructions in response to commands from the client controller 125, and a communication device 284 for sending and receiving data. One example of the communication device 284 is a modem. Other examples include a transceiver, a set-top box, a communication card, a satellite dish, an antenna, a network adapter, or some other mechanism capable of transmitting and receiving data over the communications link 115 through a wired or wireless data pathway 150. The general- purpose computer 270 optionally includes a television ("TV") tuner 286 for receiving television programming in the form of broadcast, satellite, and/or cable TV signals. The TV tuner 286 permits the client device 120 to selectively and/or simultaneously display network content received by communications device 284 and TV programming content received by the TV tuner 286. The general-purpose computer 270 may include an input/output interface 288 that enables wired or wireless connection to various peripheral devices 290. Examples of peripheral devices 290 include, but are not limited to, a mouse 291, a mobile phone 292, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 293, an MP3 player (not shown), a keyboard 294, a display monitor 295 with or without a touch screen input, a TV remote control 296 for receiving information from and rendering information to users, and an audiovisual input device 298.

Although Fig. 2 illustrates devices such as a mobile telephone 292, a PDA 293, and a TV remote control 296 as being peripheral with respect to the general- purpose computer 270, in another implementation, such devices may themselves include the functionality of the general-purpose computer 270 and operate as the client device 120. For example, the mobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include computing and networking capabilities and function as a client device 120 by accessing the delivery network 160 and communicating with the host system 110. Furthermore, the EM sender system 105 may include one, some or all of the components and devices described above. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Fig. 3 illustrates a communications system 300 including an EM sender system 105 communicating with an EM recipient system 305 and an EVI host system 310 through a communication link 115. Such a communications system may be used by users of EM service providers, such as, for example, AEM, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, and Microsoft Messenger.

In one implementation, the EM host system 310 may have characteristics similar to those described above with respect to the host system 110, the EM recipient system 305 may have characteristics similar to those described above with respect to the EM sender system 105, and the EM sender system 105 and the EM recipient system 305 may include communication software to enable users of the client systems to access the EM host system 310.

The EM host system 310 may support EM services irrespective of an EM sender's network or Internet access. Thus, the EM host system 310 may allow users to send and receive IMs, regardless of whether they have access to any particular ISP. The EM host system 310 also may support associated services, such as administrative matters, advertising, directory services, chat, and interest groups related to the EM. The EM host system 310 has an architecture that enables the devices (e.g., servers) within the EM host system 310 to communicate with each other. To transfer data, the EM host system 310 employs one or more standard or exclusive EM protocols. To access the IM host system 310 to begin an EM session in the implementation of Fig. 3, the EM sender system 105 establishes a connection to the IM host system 310. Once a connection to the EM host system 310 has been established, the EM sender system 105 may directly or indirectly transmit data to and access content from the IM host system 310. By accessing the EM host system, an EM sender can use the EM client application to view whether particular users ("buddies") are online, exchange IMs with particular buddies, participate in group chat rooms, trade files such as pictures, invitations or documents, find other buddies with similar interests, get customized information such as news and stock quotes, and search the Web. IM recipient system 305 may be similarly manipulated to establish contemporaneous connection with IM host system 310. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Once connectivity is established, an EM sender who is using EM sender system 105 may view whether an EM recipient using EM recipient system 305 is online, and typically may view whether the EM recipient is able to receive EMs. If the IM recipient is online, the IM sender may exchange EMs with the EM recipient. In one implementation, the EMs sent between EM sender system 105 and IM recipient system 305 are routed through EM host system 310. In another implementation, the EMs sent between EM sender system 105 and EM recipient system 305 are routed through a third party server (not shown), and, in some cases, are also routed through EM host system 310. In yet another implementation, the EMs are sent directly between EM sender system 105 and EM recipient system 305.

Fig. 4 illustrates a communications system 400 including an EM sender system 105 communicating with an EM recipient system 305 and an EM host system 310 through a communication link 115. System 400 illustrates a possible implementation of the communications system 300 of Fig. 3. In system 400, the EM host system 310 includes a login server 470 for enabling access by users and routing communications between the EM sender system 105 and other elements of the EM host system 310. The EM host system 310 also includes an EM server 490. To enable access to and facilitate interactions with the EM host system 310, the EM sender system 105 and the EM recipient system 305 may include communication software, such as for example, an OSP client application and/or an EM client application.

As described with respect to Fig. 3, the EM host system 310 may support EM services irrespective of an EM sender's network or Internet access. Thus, the EM host system 310 may allow users to send and receive IMs, regardless of whether they have access to any particular ISP. The EM host system 310 also may support associated services, such as administrative matters, advertising, directory services, chat, and interest groups related to the EM. The EM host system 310 has an architecture that enables the devices (e.g., servers) within the EM host system 310 to communicate with each other. To transfer data, the EM host system 310 employs one or more standard or exclusive IM protocols. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

In one implementation, the EM sender system 105 establishes a connection to the login server 470 in order to access the IM host system 310 and begin an EM session. The login server 470 typically determines whether the particular IM sender is authorized to access the IM host system 310 by verifying the EM sender's identification and password. If the EM sender is authorized to access the EM host system 310, the login server 470 usually employs a hashing technique on the EM sender's screen name to identify a particular EM server 490 within the EM host system 310 for use during the IM sender's session. The login server 470 provides the IM sender (e.g., IM sender system 105) with the EP address of the EM server 490, gives the IM sender system 105 an encrypted key, and breaks the connection. The EM sender system 105 then uses the EP address to establish a connection to the particular EM server 490 through the communications link 115, and obtains access to the IM server 490 using the encrypted key. Typically, the EM sender system 105 will be able to establish an open TCP connection to the EM server 490. The EM recipient system 305 establishes a connection to the EM host system 310 in a similar manner.

In one implementation, the EM sender system 105 may directly or indirectly transmit data to and access content from the EM server 490 once a connection to the EM server 490 has been established. By accessing the EM server, an EM sender can leverage the EM client application to determine whether particular users ("buddies" or potential EM recipients) are online, exchange EMs with particular buddies, participate in group chat rooms, trade files such as pictures, invitations or documents, find other buddies with similar interests, get customized news and stock quotes, and search the Web. For example an IM sender who is using IM sender system 105 may view whether a buddy using EM recipient system 305 is online, and if so, may exchange EMs with that buddy. In one implementation, the IMs sent between EM sender system 105 and EM recipient system 305 are routed through EM host system 310. In another implementation, the EMs sent between EM sender system 105 and EM recipient system 305 are routed through a third party server (not shown) and, in some cases, are also routed through EM host system 310. In yet another implementation, the EMs are sent directly between EM sender system 105 and EM recipient system 305. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

En one implementation, the EM host system 310 also includes an EM sender profile server (not shown) connected to a database (not shown) for storing large amounts of user profile data. The user profile server may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwise process user profile data. In one implementation, an EM sender's profile data includes, for example, the IM sender's screen name, buddy list, identified interests, and geographic location. The EM sender may enter, edit and/or delete profile data using an installed EM client application on the EM sender system 105 to interact with the user profile server.

In one implementation, the EM host system 310 also includes a user profile server (not shown) connected to a database (not shown) for storing large amounts of user profile data. The user profile server may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwise process user profile data. In one implementation, an EM recipient's profile data includes, for example, the EM recipient's screen name, buddy list, identified interests, and geographic location. The EM recipient may enter, edit and/or delete profile data using an installed EM client application on the IM recipient system 305 to interact with the user profile server.

In one implementation, the EM host system 310 also includes a user profile server (not shown) connected to a database (not shown) for storing large amounts of user profile data. The user profile server may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwise process user profile data. In one implementation, an IM sender's profile data includes, for example, the EM sender's screen name, buddy list, identified interests, and geographic location. The EM sender's profile data may also include personalization items selected by the EM sender. The EM sender may enter, edit and/or delete profile data using an installed EM client application on the EM sender system 105 to interact with the user profile server.

Because the EM sender's data are stored in the IM host system 310, the EM sender does not have to reenter or update such information in the event that the EM sender accesses the EM host system 310 using a new or different EM sender system 105. Accordingly, when an EM sender accesses the EM host system 310, the EM server can instruct the user profile server to retrieve the M sender's profile data from the Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

database and to provide, for example, the EM sender's personalization items and buddy list to the EM server. Alternatively, user profile data may be saved locally on the EM sender system 105.

Referring to Figs. 5 A and 5B, the EM sender system 105, the EM recipient system 305, and the EM host system 310 interact according to exemplary procedures 500A and 500B to make a personalization item selected by the EM sender perceivable to the EM recipient during an instant messaging communications session. The procedures 500A and 500B may be implemented by any type of hardware, software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal. Furthermore, although not shown in Figs. 5 A and 5B, the EM sender system 105, the IM recipient system 305, and the EM host system 310 may be directly or indirectly interconnected through known or described delivery networks, examples of which are described with respect to network 160. The procedures 500A and 500B may be implemented in a client/host context, or a standalone or offline client context. The personalization item may be rendered by the standalone/offline device and may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a non-client/host environment such as, for example, a LAN server serving an end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device. Thus, the procedures 500A and 500B described below may be implemented for any OSP, ISP, browser and/or other software program having a graphical user interface, such as programs for instant messaging, chat, electronic mail and stand-alone browsers.

Procedures 500A and 500B generally involve transporting and rendering a personalization item. While some functions of procedures 500A and 500B may be performed entirely by the IM sender system 105 or the EM recipient system 305, other functions may be performed by the collective operation of the EM sender system 105, the EM recipient system 305, and the EM host system 310. For example, a personalization item may be rendered entirely by the EM sender system 105. However, the Ul may be rendered based upon information and/or instant messages provided to the EM recipient system 305 by the EM host system 310. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

Referring to Fig. 5 A, in the procedure 500A, the IM sender system 105 and the EM host system 310 are physically and/or logically connected (step 505). For instance, EM sender system 105 may connect to the EM host system 310 across a network (e.g., network 160) by supplying an EM sender identification and password to a server (e.g., a login server) in order to obtain access to the EM host system 310.

Next, the presence state change of the M sender system 105, e.g., login state, is detected by the EM host system 310 (step 508). The EM host system 310 may detect other presence states or state changes, such as, for example, when the EM sender signs out, is inactive for a period of time, becomes active after having been inactive for a period of time, indicates an ability to receive instant messages, or indicates an inability to receive instant messages.

After detecting the presence state change of the EM sender system 105, the EM host system 310 may send or otherwise make accessible to other EM systems a notification of the EM sender presence state change to other EM systems (step 514). Sending notification of the presence state change may include sending an identifier corresponding to a personalization item selected by the EM sender system 105. For example, the EM host system 310 may send an identifier corresponding to a sound chosen by the EM sender system 105 for the presence state change.

En one implementation, the EM host system 310 assigns an identifier to the personalization item. In another implementation, the system sending the personalization item assigns the identifier to the personalization item.

The identifier typically includes information allowing the corresponding personalization item to be located and retrieved. For example, the identifier may include a location of the personalization item. The identifier also may include a type identifier that identifies the personalization item as, for example, an icon, an EM wallpaper, an emoticon, or a sound. The type identifier also may include a file format of the personalization item. Also, the identifier may include one or more flags to indicate, for example, if the personalization item is a custom item or an "official" item, has been banned, or has expired. Another flag may redirect the recipient to a different personalization item. The identifier may further include information Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

concerning the size of the personalization item. The identifier may be in a predetermined format and maybe of a predetermined length.

The EM recipient system 305 receives the notification from the EM host system 310 (step 516). In the above example, receiving the notification may include receiving an identifier corresponding to a personalization item selected by the IM sender system 105.

Next, the EM recipient system 305 determines whether the corresponding personalization item is locally available (step 518). For example, the EM recipient system 305 may have stored the personalization in a local memory or another local storage location. The EM recipient system uses the identifier to determine whether the corresponding personalization item is locally available. For instance, the identifier may contain the location at which the corresponding personalization item is stored.

If the corresponding personalization item is available locally, the IM recipient system retrieves the corresponding personalization item (step 520) and renders the personalization item (step 530).

Otherwise, if the corresponding personalization item is not available locally, the IM recipient system 305 requests the corresponding personalization item from the EM host system 310 or a location otherwise specified by or inferred from the identifier (step 522). That is, the IM recipient system 305 may request the corresponding personalization item from another location such as the EM sender system 105 or a remote, third party server. Requesting the corresponding personalization item may include sending the identifier associated with the personalization item to the EM host system 310 along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM recipient system 305. When the EM host system 310 receives the request for a personalization item from the EM recipient system (step 524), and the personalization item is available, the

EM host system 310 provides the corresponding personalization item to the EM recipient system (step 526). Receiving the request may include having the EM host system 310 receive the identifier associated with the personalization item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM recipient system 305. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

Next, the corresponding personalization item is received by the EM recipient system (step 528), which may save the personalization item in a memory or other storage at the local EM recipient system 305. Then, the personalization item is rendered (step 530). For example, as discussed below with respect to Fig. 13, the personalization items may include personalization items for a buddy list Ul 1300.

Referring to Fig. 5B, in procedure 500B, after the EM sender system 105 connects to the EM host system 310 (step 505), the EM host system 310 optionally may provide the EM sender system 105 with a personalization item update or notification (step 510), which generally is responsive or related to the detected state of the EM sender system 105. For example, if personalization items corresponding to certain identifiers have changed or expired, the updated personalization item may be transmitted to the EM sender system 105. The update may be automatic or may be requested by the EM sender system 105.

The EM sender system 105 may receive the personalization item update or notification when first accessing EM host system 310 (step 512), or at a later time, assuming that updates exist. Updates received by EM sender system 105 may be stored locally at the EM sender system 105.

Based on personalization updates received (optional steps 510 and 512) and other personalization items available, a personalization item is selected at the EM sender system 105 (step 532). As discussed below with respect to Figs. 6-9, 11 and 12, the selection may be made with the assistance of EM sender interfaces 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100 and 1200, and the IM sender may make the selection using a mouse or other input device.

The personalization items may be selected manually by the EM sender or may be automatically selected for the EM sender. The IM sender personalization items may be made available to the EM sender system and rendered at the EM sender system by selecting the identifiers corresponding to the personalization items of the EM sender. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the EM sender. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM sender and stored locally at the EM sender system, or the EM Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the IM sender from another location, such as the EM host system or another remotely- accessible data store.

The EM sender system uses the identifier to determine if the corresponding personalization item is available locally at the EM sender system, and if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization item. If the personalization item is not available locally at the EM sender system, the EM sender system requests the personalization item from another location such as an EM host system or another remotely- accessible data store.. Alternatively, the personalization item itself may be associated with the EM sender and retrieved by the EM sender system. Once the EM sender system locates or receives the personalization item, the EM sender system renders the item for perception by the EM sender.

Thereafter, an instant message is generated by the EM sender system 105 to be sent to the EM recipient system 305 (step 534). In one implementation, the EM sender may generate the instant message by manipulating a Ul, such as the Ul 1500 shown in Fig. 15. The Ul 1500 may include personalization items of the EM recipient, such as wallpaper 1507 and a buddy icon 1509 of the EM recipient ("SurfinDiane").

To make the personalization items of the EM recipient (for example personalization items 1507 and 1509) available to the EM sender in Ul 1500, the IM sender system 105 selects the identifiers corresponding to the personalization items (for example, 1507 and 1509) of the IM recipient. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the EM recipient. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM recipient and stored locally at the EM sender system 105, or the EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM recipient from a remotely- accessible data store such as the EM host system 310, the EM recipient system 305, or a remote or third-party server. As such, personalization items of the EM recipient may be made available to the EM sender before the receipt by the EM sender of an EM from the EM recipient. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

The EM sender system 105 uses the identifiers to identify the personalization item associated with the recipient, and to locate perceivable content corresponding to the identifier. For instance, an identifier received from a recipient may be used as a basis for determining if the corresponding personalization items are available locally at the IM sender system, and if so, may be used to retrieve the corresponding personalization items. If the personalization items are not available locally at the EM sender system 105, the IM sender system may use the identifiers as a basis for generating one or more requests for the personalization items from another location such as the EM host system 310 or another remotely- accessible data store, such as the EM recipient system 305 or a remote or third-party server. Once the EM sender system 105 locates or receives the personalization items, that system renders the items for perception by the EM sender.

Next, the EM sender system 105 transmits the instant message along with an identifier corresponding to each personalization item to the EM host system 310 (step 536). Referring to Fig. 14, the EM sender may manipulate a general interface actionable item 1420 to render an EM sender interface 1403. The EM sender may select the screen name of the EM recipient system, cause the EM Ul to be rendered, and type the message in a EM compose area 1410 to generate the EM. The IM sender system 105 includes one or more personalization items to be transported in the instant message. The instant message may be transmitted, for example, by selecting a send control 1415.

The EM host system 310 receives the instant message and the identifier (step 538). The EM host system 310 then may authenticate the instant message for security purposes (step 540) The EM host system 310 determines whether the corresponding personalization item is stored at the EM host 310 (step 542). The EM host system 310 may have stored the personalization on a server 390 or in a local memory or other local storage location. The EM host system 310 uses the identifier in determining whether the corresponding personalization is available locally. For instance, the identifier may contain the location at which the corresponding personalization item is Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

stored. If the corresponding personalization item is available locally at the EM host system 310, a format check may be performed on the personalization item (step 552) and the personalization item may be made available to the EM recipient system 305 (step 554). Otherwise, if the corresponding personalization item is not available at the EM host system 310, the EM host system 310 may request the corresponding personalization item from the EM sender system (step 544). Alternatively, the EM host system 310 may request the corresponding personalization item from another location, such as the EM recipient system 305 or a remote, third party server. Requesting the corresponding personalization item may include sending the identifier associated with the personalization item to the EM sender system 105 along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM host system 310.

The EM sender system 105 receives the request for the personalization item from the EM host system (step 546). Receiving the request may include receiving the identifier associated with the personalization item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM host system 310.

The EM sender system 105 provides the corresponding personalization item to the EM recipient system (step 548). The personalization item provided by the EM sender system may include a user-customized personalization item. The corresponding personalization item is received by the EM host system 310 and the personalization item and/or the associated identifier are stored (step 550). Storing the personalization item and/or the identifier may include saving the personalization item and/or the identifier in a memory or other storage at the EM host system 310. A format check may be performed on the personalization item (step 552). The format check may include comparing the actual format of the personalization item to the expected format of the personalization item based upon the identifier.

The EM host system 310 sends the EM message and the identifier corresponding to the selected personalization item to the EM recipient system 305 Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

(step 554). Because various aspects of steps 554-570 are similar to those discussed above with respect to steps 514-530 of procedure 500A, the following discussion of steps 554-570 is somewhat abbreviated.

In one implementation, the EM host system 310 assigns an identifier to the personalization item. In another implementation, the client system sending the personalization item assigns the identifier to the personalization item.

The EM recipient system 305 receives the notification from the EM host system 310 (step 556). Receiving the notification includes receiving an identifier corresponding to the personalization item selected by the EM sender system 105, as discussed above with respect to step 516.

Next, the IM recipient system 305 determines whether the corresponding personalization item is available locally (step 558). As discussed above with respect to step 518, the IM recipient system 305 may have stored the personalization in a local memory or other local storage location. The EM recipient system 305 uses the identifier to determine whether the corresponding personalization is available locally. For instance, the identifier may contain the location at which the corresponding personalization item is stored.

If the corresponding personalization item is available locally, the EM recipient system 305 retrieves the corresponding personalization item (step 560) and the personalization item is rendered (step 570).

Otherwise, if the corresponding personalization item is not available locally, the EM recipient system 305 requests the corresponding personalization item from the EM host system 310 (step 562). Alternatively, as discussed above with respect to step 522, the IM recipient system 305 may request the corresponding personalization item from another location, such as the EM sender system 105 or a remote, third party server. In one implementation, the personalization item may be provided by a third party, and may be made available in consideration of a payment by the EM sender or the EM recipient. Requesting the corresponding personalization item may include sending to the EM host system 310 the identifier associated with the personalization Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM recipient system 305.

The EM host system 310 receives the request for the personalization item from the EM recipient system 305 (step 564). As discussed above with respect to step 524, receiving the request may include receiving the identifier associated with the personalization item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM recipient system 305. The EM host system 310 provides the corresponding personalization item to the EM recipient system 305 (step 566).

The corresponding personalization item is received by the EM recipient system 305 (step 568). As discussed above with respect to step 528, receiving the corresponding personalization item may include saving the personalization item in a memory or other storage at the local EM recipient system 305.

Finally, the personalization item is rendered (step 570). As discussed below with respect to Fig. 15, the personalization item to be rendered may include a buddy icon 1509 or EM wallpaper 1507.

The relative order of steps 505-530 with respect to other steps in procedure 500 A, and the relative order of steps 505-570 with respect to other steps in procedure 500B, and also with respect to each other, may vary. For example, a personalization update (step 510 of Fig. 5B) may be performed during, after, or simultaneously with sending notification of an EM sender presence state change (step 514 of Fig. 5 A).

Also, certain steps may be omitted entirely, as appropriate. For example, referring to Fig. 5 A, if the EM sender has not chosen a personalization item to be sent to the EM recipient system 305 upon a presence state change, then no such item will be sent and steps 516-530 may be eliminated entirely. In another example, referring to Fig. 5B, steps 540-552 may be eliminated such that, after receiving the EM with the identifier from the EM sender system, the host next sends the EM with the identifier to the EM recipient system.

Fig. 6 illustrates one example of an EM sender Ul 600 for enabling an EM sender to select personalization items (e.g., at step 532). The Ul 600 may be presented to an EM sender of an EM service provider. In general, the Ul 600 is Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

rendered on the EM sender system 105 using software stored on the EM sender system 105. The personalization items to be selected by the EM sender may be stored on the EM sender system 105, on the EM host system 310, or on a different host system 110 such as a host system of an authorized partner. The Ul 600 includes menu tabs 605, 635 and 640 that each have a corresponding menu to assist the EM sender with selecting personalization items. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the menu 605 a corresponding to menu tab 605 enables an EM sender to make selections of personalization items including buddy icons 610, EM wallpaper 615, and smiley (i.e., emoticon) themes 620. The EM sender's current selections of buddy icon 610aι , mini buddy icon 610a₂, EM wallpaper 615a, and smiley theme 620a are displayed. Each of these personalization items may be made available to and rendered by an EM recipient during an EM conversation with the EM sender.

A control 610b is provided for the EM sender to select a large buddy icon 610aι and/or a mini-buddy icon 610a₂, and a control 610c is provided to enable reset of the buddy icon selections back to a default setting (e.g., none). Another control 615b is provided to enable selection of EM wallpaper 615a, and a control 615c is provided to enable reset of the EM wallpaper selection back to a default setting. Yet another control 620b is provided to enable a smiley theme 620a, and a control 620c is provided for the EM sender to reset the smiley theme selection back to a default setting.

Other controls 625 are provided for functions such as, for example, showing the names of users who are not on a buddy list, displaying a timestamp on instant messages, using an address book to automatically suggest screen names, displaying the buddy icons of people who send instant messages to the EM sender, displaying the EM wallpaper of people who send instant messages to the EM sender, and displaying smileys as art. Controls 630 are provided for the EM sender to save the changes made, apply the changes, cancel the changes, or get help.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of an EM sender Ul 700 for enabling an EM sender to select a buddy icon (i.e., a personalization item). The Ul 700 is rendered in Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

response to user manipulation of a control 610b (shown in Fig. 6). In the example of Fig. 7, the EM sender is presented with a list of buddy icon categories 705 and a list of subcategories 710 corresponding to a selected category. When an EM sender selects a category 705 and a subcategory 710, a window 715 displays the personalization items available in the selected subcategory. The EM sender may select a personalization item by, for example, using a mouse or other input device to make a selection among the available personalization items displayed in the window 715. Also, an archive 720 of old personalization items may be provided for IM sender selection. In another implementation, the EM sender may provide a custom buddy icon as a personalization item.

Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a Ul 800 for enabling an EM sender to select EM wallpaper. The UE 800 is rendered in response to user manipulation of a control 615b (shown in Fig. 6). In the example of Fig. 8, the EM sender is presented with a list of IM wallpaper categories 805. When an EM sender selects a category 805, a window 810 displays the personalization items available in the selected category. The EM sender may select a personalization item by, for example, using a mouse or other input device to make a selection among the available items in the window 810. Also, an archive 815 of old personalization items may be provided for user selection. In another implementation, the EM sender may provide a custom EM wallpaper as a personalization item.

Fig. 9 illustrates yet another example of a Ul 900 for enabling an EM sender to select smiley themes. The Ul 900 is rendered in response to user manipulation of a control 620b (shown in Fig. 6). En the example of Fig. 9, the EM sender is presented with a list of smiley theme categories 905. When an EM sender selects a category 905, a window 910 displays the personalization items available in the selected category. The EM sender may select a personalization item by, for example, using a mouse or other input device to make the selection among the available items in the window 910. Also, an archive of old personalization items may be provided for IM sender selection. In another implementation, the IM sender may provide a custom smiley theme as a personalization item. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a Ul 1000 that may be rendered to an EM sender if the EM sender's personalization item selection is not available. A message 1005 may be rendered to the M sender informing the EM sender that the item is not available, and a link 1010 may be provided to an interface, such as one of the interfaces shown in Figs. 6-9, to allow the EM sender to select another personalization item.

Fig. 11 illustrates an instant messaging Ul 1100. In the example of Fig. 11, an EM sender is presented with a control bar 1105 that includes a drop down control 1110. When activated, drop down control 1110 causes the display of a drop down menu 1115 that shows the EM sender's current selection of smiley theme personalization items.

Fig. 12 is an example of an instant messaging Ul 1200 and further illustrates the Ul discussed above with respect to Fig. 11. In the example of Fig. 12, the drop down control 1110, when activated, causes the display of sub-menus 1205, 1215, 1220, and 1225. Each sub-menu enables the IM sender to select various personalization items. For example, sub-menu 1205, when selected, causes the display of menu 1210 for enabling the EM sender to select a smiley personalization item which may be sent in an EM to an EM recipient.

Fig. 13 is an example of an instant messaging buddy list Ul 1300 that enables an EM sender of an instant messaging service to, among other things, perceive the presence state of other buddies that the EM sender has added to a buddy list, and to send instant messages to buddies on the buddy list. The buddy list may include personalization items such as a buddy list bar 1305, a buddy list image 1310, a buddy list background image 1315, and a buddy list fill pattern 1320. The EM sender may select the personalization items manually, or the personalization items may be selected automatically for the EM sender. The personalization items may be rendered to the EM sender as described above with respect to step 532 of Fig. 5B.

The buddy list bar 1305 may contain personalized links 1305a, 1305b, 1305c, and 1305d to content and may have a customized appearance. The buddy list image 1310 and the buddy list background image 1315 may be, for example, image files. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

The buddy list background image 1315 may have a washed out appearance. The buddy list fill pattern 1320 may be a color or pattern background for the buddy list, or may also be an image. One or more of these personalization items may be transmitted to an EM recipient and rendered on the EM recipient system 305. The transmission of the personalization items may occur during machine-to-machine communications that are not visible to the user.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example of a Ul 1400 that may be presented to a user of an online service provider. The Ul 1400 includes a toolbar 1402 for quickly enabling activation of features such as, for example, reading or writing e-mail, exchanging EM messages with another user, entering chat areas with other users, shopping or accessing the internet. The toolbar 14025 may include one or more general interface actionable items 1420-1460, each of which is configured to enable activation of an associated user interface. An actionable item may be, for example, a button or a tab. For example, general actionable item 1420 is configured to enable activation of associated Instant Message (EM) interface 1403. IM interface 1403 represents a distinct and concurrent communications session. As shown in interface 1403, the EM sender is able to view a communications session with EM recipient "SurfinDiane."

Fig. 15 illustrates one example of an EM Ul 1500 that may be presented to an EM sender of an EM service provider such as the AOL Instant Messenger (AEM) service provided by America Online. The Ul 1500 is rendered in response to user manipulation of the general interface tab 1420 of Fig. 14. In general, the Ul 1500 is rendered on the EM sender system 105 using software stored on the EM sender system 105. One or more personalization items may be provided for the UL

The Ul 1500 includes an EM display area 1505 to display the messages 1505a of an active EM session. In the example of Fig. 15, the active EM session involves a conversation between the EM sender having a screen name of "ChattingChuck" and the EM recipient having a screen name of "SurfinDiane." An EM compose area 1510 may be used to compose a message to send to the EM recipient in the active IM session, typically by clicking on the send control button 1515 in the Ul. A control button 1520 may be provided to close the active IM session. Font and appearance Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

controls may be provided on toolbar 1105 to control how the message being entered in the IM compose area 1510 is displayed to the IM recipient and in the EM display area 1505 once the message in the EM compose area 1510 is sent. For example, the EM sender may select control 1110 to choose a personalization item such as an emoticon to be sent in an EM message from the EM sender to the EM recipient. The EM sender system sends an identifier corresponding to the personalization item in the EM message, and the EM recipient system retrieves the corresponding personalization item based on the identifier. If the personalization item is not stored locally at the EM recipient system, the EM recipient system requests the personalization item from another source, such as an EM host.

The Ul 1500 includes personalization items 1507 and 1509 from the EM recipient and personalization items 1512 and 1514 from the EM sender. In particular, as shown in Fig. 15, the IM recipient "SurfinDiane" has provided EM wallpaper 1507 and a buddy icon 1509 to the EM sender "ChattingChuck." Typically, the EM wallpaper 1507 and the buddy icon 1509 are transported from the EM recipient to the EM sender by inserting an identifier corresponding to the EM wallpaper 1507 and an identifier corresponding to the buddy icon 1509 into an instant message from the IM recipient to the EM sender. The EM sender system 105 receives the instant message and the identifier, and searches for the corresponding EM wallpaper and buddy icon on the system of the EM sender. If a personalization item is not found on the system of the EM sender, then the system retrieves the personalization item from a different location, such as, for example, an EM host 305. Once retrieved, the EM sender system renders the EM wallpaper 1507 and the buddy icon 1507.

Alternatively, personalization items 1507 and 1509 of the EM recipient may be made available to the EM sender without having to receive an instant message from the EM recipient. The EM sender system 105 selects the identifiers corresponding to the personalization items 1507 and 1509 of the EM recipient. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the IM recipient. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM recipient and stored locally at the EM sender system 105, or the EM sender system may Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM recipient from another location such as the EM host system 310 or another remotely- accessible data store such as the EM recipient system 305 or a remote or third-party server.

Also, as discussed above with respect to step 532 of Fig. 5B, the personalization items 1512 and 1514 of the EM sender may be rendered to the EM sender.

The EM sender system 105 uses the identifiers to determine if the corresponding personalization items are available locally at the IM sender system, and if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization items. If the personalization items are not available locally at the EM sender system 105, the IM sender system requests the personalization items from another location such as an EM host system 310 or another remotely-accessible data store such as the EM recipient system 305, or a remote or third-party server. Once the EM sender system 105 locates or receives the personalization items, the EM sender system renders the items on Ul 1500 for perception by the EM sender.

Similarly, EM wallpaper 1512 and a buddy icon 1514 chosen by the EM sender may be rendered in Ul 1500. These items are typically stored locally on the EM sender system 105, and may be retrieved by the IM sender system 105. If an item is not stored locally, the EM sender system 105 may retrieve the personalization item from a different location such as, for example, an EM host 310. Once retrieved, the EM sender system 305 renders the EM wallpaper 1512 and the buddy icon 1514. When the EM sender sends an instant message to EM recipient "SurfinDiane," personalization items 1512 and 1514 are transported along with the EM by sending an identifier corresponding to EM wallpaper 1512 and an identifier corresponding to buddy icon 1514. As described above with respect to Figs. 5 A, 5B, and 14, the EM recipient system 305 receives the instant message and the identifier, and searches for the corresponding EM wallpaper and buddy icon on the system of the EM recipient. If a personalization item is not found on the system of the EM recipient, then the EM recipient system 305 may retrieve the personalization item from a different location Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

such as, for example, an EM host 305. Once retrieved, the EM recipient system 305 renders the EM wallpaper 1512 and the buddy icon 1514.

Fig. 16 illustrates an example of an EM Ul 1600, and further illustrates the Ul discussed above with respect to Fig. 15. In the example of Fig. 16, a further personalization item 1605 is provided by the EM recipient to the EM sender to indicate that the EM recipient is using a mobile device. The personalization item 1605 is transported to the EM sender and rendered by the IM sender as described above with respect to Figs. 5 A, 5B, and 15.

Fig. 17 illustrates yet another example of an EM Ul 1700 that may be presented to an EM sender of an EM service provider such as the AOL Instant

Messenger (AEM) service provided by America Online. One or more personalization items may be provided for the IM Ul. The EM sender may select the personalization items manually, or the personalization items may be selected automatically for the EM sender. The personalization items may be rendered to the EM sender as described above with respect to step 532 of Fig. 5B.

In the example of Fig. 17, an EM recipient "AEMUIGERL" may provide personalization items 1705, 1710, 1720, and 1725 to the IM sender "AEMMUEUSER" in the manner described above with respect to Figs. 5 A, 5B, and 15. In particular, the EM recipient may provide a sidebar image 1705, a background image 1710, a buddy icon 1720, and a sound 1725 to the EM sender. The sidebar image 1705 may include images and links to content. The background image 1710 may include an image, and typically is a washed out image. The buddy icon 1720 typically is an image. The sound 1725 may be a sound or a sequence of sounds played to the EM sender.

In one implementation, the EM recipient and or the EM sender may pay a subscription fee to access/use certain personalization items, and the personalization items may be provided by a third party. En another implementation, the personalization items expire and must be replaced after a predetermined event such as a predetermined length of time, passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses. Also, a personalization item may be banned if, for example, it is deemed to be offensive, inappropriate, or to otherwise violate a term of service Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

agreement. If it is determined that the personalization item is expired or banned, display of such a personalization item will be disallowed and the user typically will be required to choose a different personalization item.

Figs. 18, 23, 24, and 25 illustrate exemplary procedures 1800, 2300, 2400, and 2500 to make a personalization item selected by an intended EM destination recipient perceivable to the EM sender during an instant messaging communications session, and, in particular, to render the personalization item associated with an intended EM recipient to the EM sender prior to the communication of an instant message with the intended recipient system. Procedures 1800, 2300, 2400, and 2500 generally involve rendering a personalization item and may be implemented by any type of hardware, software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal. In one implementation, a host 110 may be used in place of the EM host 310. Furthermore, although not shown in Figs. 18, 23, 24, and 25, the IM sender system 105 and the EM host system 310 may be directly or indirectly interconnected through known or described delivery networks, examples of which are described with respect to network 160.

The procedures 1800, 2300, 2400, and 2500 may be implemented in a client/host context, or a standalone or offline client context. For example, while some functions of procedures 1800, 2300, 2400, and 2500 may be performed entirely by the EM sender system 105, other functions may be performed by the EM host system 310 or the collective operation of the EM sender system 105 and the EM host system 310. For instance, a personalization item may be rendered entirely by the EM sender system 105, or the personalization item may be rendered based upon information provided to the EM sender system 105 by the EM host system 310.

The personalization item may be rendered by the standalone/offline device and may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a non-client/host environment such as, for example, a LAN server serving an end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device. Thus, the procedures 1800, 2300, 2400, and 2500 described below may be implemented for any OSP, ISP, browser and/or other software program Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

having a graphical user interface, such as programs for instant messaging, chat, electronic mail and stand-alone browsers.

Referring to Fig. 18, in the procedure 1800, the IM sender opens an EM application on the EM sender system 105 (step 1805). Fig. 19 describes an exemplary interface available to the EM sender, which may be used to open an EM application on the EM sender system and which will be described below.

Next, an intended destination recipient (hereinafter "EM recipient") is selected (step 1810). Fig. 19 illustrates an exemplary interface available to the EM sender, which will be described below, and which may be used to select an intended destination recipient.

Next, an EM user interface (Ul) is opened to enable selection of information to be communicated to the intended destination (step 1815). Fig. 20 describes an exemplary interface available to the EM sender, which may be used to open an EM user interface, and which will be described below. Finally, the personalization items associated with the selected EM recipient are rendered in the EM Ul (step 1820). Figs. 21 and 22 describe exemplary interfaces available to the EM sender which may be used when rendering the personalization items of the selected IM recipient, and which will be described below.

The EM recipient may have chosen a personalization item from a location including the EM recipient system 305, the EM host system 310, or another host system. When the EM recipient chooses a personalization item that is locally stored on the EM recipient system 305, an identifier may be created for the chosen personalization item based upon a hash of the item data. The identifier, when sent to the a remote location such as the EM host 310, may be checked to determine if the chosen personalization item is already known to the host system, and if so, whether the personalization item is designated as, for example, an official item. This allows the IM recipient to select personalization items from the EM recipient's own client system, but prevents the host system or other remote location from needing to store duplicate copies of the same items. Also, the host system or other remote location is able to determine if such items are specially designated as, for example, official items and may be rendered to users who desire to view only items so designated. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Fig. 19 illustrates an example of a Ul 1900 that may be presented to a user of an online service provider. The Ul 1900 includes a toolbar 1902 for quickly enabling activation of features such as, for example, reading or writing e-mail, exchanging EM messages with another user, entering chat areas with other users, shopping or accessing the internet. The toolbar 1902 may include one or more general interface actionable items 1920-1960, each of which is configured to enable activation of an associated user interface. An actionable item may be, for example, a button or a tab. For example, general actionable item 1920 is configured to enable activation of an EM application and associated Instant Message (EM) user interface (Ul) 1970. A buddy list 1925 is provided, and includes a list of other potential EM recipient. As shown, the EM sender is able to initiate and view a communications session with EM recipient "SurfinDiane" 1925a.

Fig. 20 illustrates one example of an EM UE 2000 that may be presented to an EM sender of an EM service provider. The Ul 2000 may be rendered after opening an EM application. En general, the Ul 2000 is rendered on the EM sender system 105 using software stored on the IM sender system 105.

The Ul 2000 includes an EM display area 2005 to display the messages 2005a of an active EM session. In the example of Fig. 20, the active EM session involves a conversation initiated by the EM sender having a screen name of "ChattingChuck" with the EM sender having a screen name of "SurfinDiane." An EM compose area 2010 may be used to compose a message to send to the EM sender in the active LM session, and the message typically is sent by clicking on the send control button 2015 in the UL A control button 2020 may be provided to close the active EM session. The UE 2000 includes personalization items 2007 and 2009 from the EM recipient and personalization items 2012 and 2014 from the EM sender. In particular, as shown in Fig. 20, the EVI recipient "SurfinDiane" has made EM wallpaper 2007 and a buddy icon 2009 perceivable to the IM sender "ChattingChuck."

Personalization items 2007 and 2009 of the EM recipient may be made available to the EM sender upon activating Ul 2000 and without having to wait to receive a communication such as an instant message from the EM recipient. The EM sender system 105 selects the identifiers corresponding to the personalization items Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

2007 and 2009 of the EM recipient. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the EM recipient. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM recipient and stored locally at the EM sender system 105, or the EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM recipient from another location such as the EM host system 310 or another remotely-accessible data store such as the EM recipient system 305 or a remote or third-party server.

The EM sender system 105 uses the identifiers to determine if the corresponding personalization items are available locally at the EM sender system, and if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization items. If the personalization items are not available locally at the IM sender system 105, the IM sender system requests the personalization items from another location such as an EM host system 310 or another remotely-accessible data store. Once the EM sender system 105 locates or receives the personalization items of the EM recipient, the EM sender system renders the items on Ul 2000 for perception by the EM sender.

Examples of IM UIs 1900, 2000 are shown with respect to Figs. 19 and 20. In one implementation, the EM user interface is opened after the EM recipient is selected. In another implementation, the EM user interface is opened before the EM recipient is selected. En yet another implementation, the IM user interface is opened simultaneously with the selection of the EM recipient.

Fig. 21 illustrates yet another example of an EM Ul 2100 that may be presented to an IM sender of an IM service provider. One or more personalization items may be provided for the EM U . The personalization items may be rendered to the EM sender as described above with respect to Fig. 18. In the example of Fig. 21 , personalization items of an EM recipient

"AEMUIGERL" 2105, 2110, 2120, and 2125 may be made perceivable to the EM sender in the manner described above with respect to Figs. 18, 20, and 23. In particular, the personalization items of the IM recipient to be made perceivable to the EM sender prior to receipt of a communication from the IM recipient include a sidebar image 2105, a background image 2110, a buddy icon 2120, and a sound (not shown). The sidebar image 2105 may include images and links to content. The Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

background image 2110 may include an image, and typically is a washed out image. The buddy icon 2120 typically is an image. The sound may be a sound or a sequence of sounds played to the EM sender.

Fig. 22 is an example of an instant messaging buddy list Ul 2200 that enables an EM sender of an instant messaging service to, among other things, perceive the presence state of other buddies that the EM sender has added to a buddy list, and to send instant messages to buddies on the buddy list. The buddy list rendered to the EM sender may include personalization items of an EM recipient such as a buddy list bar 2205, a buddy list image 2210, a buddy list background image 2215, and a buddy list fill pattern 2220.

The buddy list bar 2205 may contain personalized links 2205a, 2205b, 2205c, and 2205d to content and may have a customized appearance. The buddy list image 2210 and the buddy list background image 2215 may be, for example, image files. The buddy list background image 2215 may have a washed out appearance. The buddy list fill pattern 2220 may be a color or pattern background for the buddy list, or may also be an image. The transmission of the buddy list personalization items of a selected buddy for rendering on the EM sender system may occur during machine-to- machine communications that are not visible to the user.

As shown, the buddy list 2200 includes buddies 2225a, 2225b, 2225c that the EM sender has chosen to add to the buddy list. Personalization items of a given EM recipient (i.e., a buddy) may be displayed through manual selection by the IM sender, or the personalization items of a given IM recipient may be selected automatically for the EM sender such as, for example, when the EM sender activates a Ul to send an EM message to a selected EM recipient. For example, wallpaper or a different personalization item reflective of settings established for a selected buddy may be rendered on the buddy list 2200 of the EM sender when the EM sender rolls a mouse pointer over the name of the buddy 2225a, 2225b, 2225c, 2225d or otherwise specifies a buddy in the buddy list 2200. In another implementation, the IM sender may tie their wallpaper or other personalization item setting to follow that of a selected buddy on the buddy list 2200. In other words, the wallpaper of the EM sender may be set to follow that of a selected Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

buddy, for example buddy 2225a, such that when buddy 2225a makes a change to the wallpaper or other personalization item, the resulting change is reflected to the IM sender in the personalization items rendered for the EM sender.

EM personalization items of the EM recipient may be rendered by any type of hardware, software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal. In one implementation, the EM personalization items may be rendered in a client/host context, and the EM personalization items may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a client/host environment. In another implementation, the EM personalization items may be implemented in a standalone or offline client context. The EM personalization items may be rendered by the standalone/offline device and may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a non-client/host environment such as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) server serving an end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device. Regarding Fig. 23, procedure 2300 shows one possible implementation of rendering a personalization item associated with the selected EM recipient (step 1820), as described with respect to Fig. 18. En procedure 2300, personalization items of the selected EM recipient may be made available to the EM sender system and rendered at the EM sender system based on identifiers corresponding to the personalization items of the IM recipient, which may be maintained or accessed by the EM host system 310. In procedure 2300, the IM sender system 105 first sends the identifier corresponding to the personalization item to the EM host system 310 (step 2325). The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the IM recipient. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM recipient and stored locally at the EM sender system, or the EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM recipient from another location, such as the EM host system or another remotely- accessible data store.

The EM host system 310 receives the identifier from the EM sender system 105 (step 2330). Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

Next, the EM host system 310 looks up the personalization item(s) associated with the identifier (step 2335), and retrieves the personalization item(s) corresponding to the identifier (step 2340). En other words, the IM sender system uses the identifier to determine if the corresponding personalization item is available locally at the EM sender system, and if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization item. When the personalization item is not available locally at the EM sender system, the EM sender system 105 requests the personalization item by sending the selected identifier to the EM host system 310 or another remotely-accessible data store (not shown). Alternatively, the personalization item itself may be associated with the IM recipient and retrieved by the EM sender system 105.

Ultimately, the personalization item(s) are returned to the EM sender system 105 (step 2345).

The corresponding personalization item(s) are received by the EM sender system 105 (step 2350). Receiving the corresponding personalization item may include saving (e.g., caching) the personalization item in a memory or other storage at the local EM sender system 105.

Finally, the EM Ul is populated with the personalization item(s) (step 2355). That is, once the EM sender system locates or receives the personalization item, the EM sender system renders the item for perception by the EM sender. As shown with respect to Fig. 20, the personalization items to be populated may include a buddy icon 2009 or EM wallpaper 2007.

The relative order of steps 1805-1830 with respect to other steps in procedure 1800, and the relative order of steps 2325-2355 with respect to other steps in procedure 2300, and also with respect to each other, may vary. Also, certain steps may be omitted entirely, as appropriate.

Figs. 24 and 25 show one possible implementation of the procedures discussed with respect to Figs. 18 and 23. The EM sender system 105 and the EM host system 310 interact according to exemplary procedures 2400 and 2500 to make a personalization item selected by the EM recipient perceivable to the EM sender during an instant messaging communications session. Figs. 24 and 25 differ from Figs. 18 and 23 in that personalization items are made available in response to a triggering Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

event (e.g., a detected change in presence of a user being monitored) rather than in response to invocation of an application or application interface.

Referring to Fig. 24, in the procedure 2400, the EM sender system 105 and the EM host system 310 are physically and/or logically connected (step 2405). For instance, EM sender system 105 may connect to the EM host system 310 across a network (e.g., network 160) by supplying an IM sender identification and password to a server (e.g., a login server) in order to obtain access to the EM host system 310.

Next, the presence state or presence state change of the EM recipient system 305, e.g., login state, is detected by the EM host system 310 (step 2408). The M host system 310 may detect presence states or state changes, such as, for example, when the IM recipient signs out, is inactive for a period of time, becomes active after having been inactive for a period of time, indicates an ability to receive instant messages, or indicates an inability to receive instant messages. A pool of potential IM recipients may be monitored and associated with the screen name of a sender through use of a buddy list or similar mechanism. Alternatively, the entire user base may be momtored or some intelligent method of monitoring potential EM recipients may be used. The EM sender may select one or more EM recipient to whom the EM sender may wish to send an instant message.

After detecting the presence state or state change of the EM recipient system 305, the EM host system 310 may send or otherwise make accessible to the EM sender system 105 and other EM systems a notification of the EM recipient presence state change or state change (step 2414). Sending notification of the presence state change may include sending an identifier corresponding to a personalization item selected by the EM recipient system 305. For example, the EM host system 310 may send an identifier corresponding to a sound chosen by the EM recipient for the presence state change.

In one implementation, the EM host system 310 assigns an identifier to the personalization item. En another implementation, the EM recipient system 305 assigns the identifier to the personalization item. In yet another implementation, the identifier is assigned by a host system other than the EM host system 310. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

The identifier typically includes information allowing the corresponding personalization item to be located and retrieved. For example, the identifier may include a location of the personalization item. The identifier also may include a type identifier that identifies the personalization item as, for example, an icon, an EM wallpaper, an emoticon, or a sound. The type identifier also may include a file format of the personalization item. Also, the identifier may include one or more flags to indicate, for example, if the personalization item is a custom item or an "official" item, has been banned, or has expired. Another flag may redirect the sender to a different personalization item. The identifier may further include information concerning the size of the personalization item. The identifier may be in a predetermined format and may be of a predetermined length.

The EM sender system 105 receives the notification from the EM host system 310 (step 2416). In the above example, receiving the notification may include receiving an identifier corresponding to a personalization item selected by the EM recipient system 305.

Next, the EM sender system 105 determines whether the corresponding personalization item is locally available (step 2418). For example, the EM sender system 105 may have stored the personalization in a local memory or another local storage location. The EM sender system uses the identifier to determine whether the corresponding personalization item is locally available. For instance, the identifier may contain the location at which the corresponding personalization item is stored.

If the corresponding personalization item is available locally, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization item (step 2420) and renders the personalization item (step 2430). Otherwise, if the corresponding personalization item is not available locally, the IM sender system 105 requests the corresponding personalization item from the EM host system 310 or a location otherwise specified by or inferred from the identifier (step 2422). That is, the EM sender system 105 may request the corresponding personalization item from another location such as the EM recipient system 305 or a remote, third party server. Requesting the corresponding personalization item may include sending the identifier associated with the personalization item to the EM host Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

system 310 along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM sender system 105.

When the EM host system 310 receives the request for a personalization item from the EM sender system (step 2424), the EM host system 310 provides the corresponding personalization item to the EM sender system (step 2426). Receiving the request may include having the EM host system 310 receive the identifier associated with the personalization item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM sender system 105.

Next, the corresponding personalization item is received by the EM sender system (step 2428), which may save the personalization item in a memory or other storage at the local EM sender system 105. Then, the personalization item is rendered (step 2430). For example, as discussed with respect to Fig. 22, the personalization items may include personalization items for a buddy list Ul 2200.

Referring to Fig. 25, in procedure 2500, an instant message application is opened by the EM sender system 105 (step 2535), in a similar manner to that discussed with respect to step 1805 of Fig. 18. The EM sender may also open an IM Ul, such as the Ul 2000 shown in Fig. 20 and select an intended destination recipient, as discussed above with respect to steps 1810 and 1815 of Fig. 18. In one implementation, rather than relying on a mechanism such as a buddy list or a state change to identify users for which personalization items will be made available, a mechanism identifies the users for which personalization items will be made available based on users selected by the EM senders for communications.

To make the personalization items of the EM recipient (for example personalization items 2007 and 2009) available to the EM sender (for example, in Ul 2000), the EM sender system 105 selects the identifiers corresponding to the personalization items (for example, 2007 and 2009) of the EM recipient. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the IM recipient. As such, personalization items of the EM recipient may be made available to the EM sender before the receipt by the EM sender of an EM from the IM recipient. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

The EM sender system 105 uses the identifiers to identify the personalization item associated with the recipient, and to locate perceivable content corresponding to the identifier.

Because various aspects of steps 2536-2550 are similar to those discussed above with respect to steps 2416-2430 of procedure 2400, the following discussion of steps 2536-2550 is somewhat abbreviated.

The EM sender system 105 obtains an identifier from the EM host system 310 (step 2536) corresponding to the personalization item selected by the EM sender system 105, as discussed above with respect to step 2416. Next, the EM sender system 105 determines whether the corresponding personalization item is available locally (step 2538). As discussed above with respect to step 2418, the EM sender system 105 may have stored the personalization in a local memory or other local storage location. The EM sender system 105 uses the identifier to determine whether the corresponding personalization is available locally. For instance, the identifier may contain the location at which the corresponding personalization item is stored.

If the corresponding personalization item is available locally, the EM sender system 105 retrieves the corresponding personalization item (step 2540) and the personalization item is rendered (step 2550). Otherwise, if the corresponding personalization item is not available locally, the EM sender system 105 requests the corresponding personalization item from the EM host system 310 (step 2542). Alternatively, as discussed above with respect to step 2422, the EM sender system 105 may request the corresponding personalization item from another location. In one implementation, the personalization item may be provided by a third party, and may be made available in consideration of a payment by the EM sender or the EM recipient. Requesting the corresponding personalization item may include sending to the EM host system 310 the identifier associated with the personalization item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM sender system 105. The EM host system 310 receives the request for the personalization item from the IM sender system 105 (step 2544). As discussed above with respect to step 2424, Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

receiving the request may include receiving the identifier associated with the personalization item along with a request to download the personalization item to the EM sender system 105. The EM host system 310 provides the corresponding personalization item to the EM sender system 105 (step 2546). The corresponding personalization item is received by the EM sender system

105 (step 2548). As discussed above with respect to step 2428, receiving the corresponding personalization item may include saving the personalization item in a memory or other storage at the local EM sender system 105.

Finally, the personalization item is rendered (step 2550). As discussed with respect to Fig. 20, the personalization item to be rendered may include a buddy icon 2009 or EM wallpaper 2007.

The relative order of steps 2405-2430 with respect to other steps in procedure 2400, and the relative order of steps 2535-2550 with respect to other steps in procedure 2500, and also with respect to each other, may vary. Also, certain steps may be omitted entirely, as appropriate. For example, referring to Fig. 24, if the EM recipient has not chosen a personalization item to be sent to the EM sender system 105 upon a presence state change, then no such item will be sent and steps 2416-2430 may be eliminated entirely.

In one implementation, a buddy icon of an EM recipient may be shown in a buddy list, or other personalization items of an EM recipient may be shown in a buddy list.

In another implementation, the EM recipient and/or the EM sender pay a subscription fee to access/use certain personalization items, and the personalization items may be provided by a third party such as a server other than the EVI host 310. In another implementation, the personalization items expire and must be replaced after a predetermined event such as a predetermined length of time, passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses. Also, a personalization item may be banned if, for example, it is deemed to be offensive, inappropriate, or to otherwise violate a term of service agreement. If it is determined that the personalization item is expired or banned, display of such a personalization item will Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

be disallowed and the user typically will be required to choose a different personalization item.

Referring to Figs. 26 and 31 the EM sender system 105 and the host system 110 interact according to exemplary procedure 2600 to enable an EM sender to select a personalization item and according to exemplary procure 3100 to make the host-based personalization item selected by the EM sender in procedure 2600 perceivable to the EM sender.

Procedures 2600 and 3100 may be implemented by any type of hardware, software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal. Although not shown in Figs. 26 and 31 , the EM sender system 105 and the host system 110 may be directly or indirectly interconnected through known or described delivery networks, examples of which are described with respect to network 160.

The procedures 2600 and 3100 maybe implemented in a client/host context, or a standalone or offline client context. For example, while some functions of procedures 2600 and 3100 may be performed entirely by the EM sender system 105, other functions may be performed by host system 110, or the collective operation of the EM sender system 105 and the host system 110. The host system 110 is a computer remote to the instant messaging operator systems, and may be, for example, an EM host system 310. In procedures 2600 and 3100, the personalization item may be respectively selected and rendered by the standalone/offline device, and the personalization item may be accessed or updated through a remote device in a non- client/host environment such as, for example, a LAN server serving an end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device. Thus, the procedures 2600 and 3100 described below may be implemented for any OSP, ISP, browser and/or other software program having a graphical user interface, such as programs for instant messaging, chat, electronic mail and stand-alone browsers.

Procedure 2600 generally involves selecting a personalization item. In the procedure 2600, the EM sender system 105 logs in or otherwise accesses the host system 110 (step 2605). For instance, EM sender system 105 may connect to the host system 110 across a network (e.g., network 160) by supplying verifiable credentials to Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

a server (e.g., a login server) at the host system 110. More specifically, a browser may be used to access a web-available interface, an instant message may be used to access a selectable interface, or an EM client that has an interface to a host may be used, among other options. The host system 110 accesses personalization items available at the host for selection by the EM sender system 105 (step 2610). In one implementation, the host system 110 may use a screen name of the EM sender system 105 or another identification of the EM sender system 105 to select/identify personalization items available to the EM sender system 105. Next, the host system 110 enables perception by the EM sender system 105 of personalization items and/or menus enabling the selection of personalization items (step 2615). Figs. 27-30 describe various interfaces available to the operator, which may be used to select personalization items and which will be described below. Based on the personalization items or menus provided or otherwise made perceivable to the operator of the EM sender system 105, the EM sender system selects personalization item(s) of interest (step 2620).

The host system 110 receives the personalization item selection from the IM sender system 105 (step 2625), associates the selection with an identifier for the selected personalization items, and sends and/or stores the identifier (step 2630). The identifier typically includes information allowing the corresponding personalization item to be located and retrieved. For example, the identifier may include a location of the personalization item. The identifier also may include a type identifier that identifies the personalization item as, for example, an icon, an EM wallpaper, an emoticon, or a sound. The type identifier also may include a file format for the personalization item. The identifier may include one or more flags to indicate whether the personalization item is, for example, a custom item or an "official" item, whether the personalization item has been banned, or whether the personalization item has expired. Where appropriate, another flag may redirect the recipient to a different personalization item. The identifier may further include information concerning the size of the personalization item. The identifier may have a predetermined format and a predetermined length. The host system 110 may store the identifier(s) in a memory Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

or other storage, either local or remote to the host system 110. The host system 110 also may send the identifier(s) to the EM sender system 105.

The EM sender may have chosen a personalization item from a location including the EM sender system 105, the host system 110, or another host system. When the EM sender chooses a personalization item that is locally stored on the EM sender system 105, an identifier may be created for the chosen personalization item based upon a hash of the item data. The identifier, when sent to the a remote location such as the host 110, may be checked to determine if the chosen personalization item is already known to the host system, and if so, whether the personalization item is designated as, for example, an official item. This allows the EM sender to select personalization items from the EM sender's own client system, but prevents the host system or other remote location from needing to store duplicate copies of the same items. Also, the host system or other remote location is able to determine if such items are specially designated as, for example, official items and may be rendered to users who desire to view only items so designated.

Finally, the EM sender system 105 receives the identifier(s) for the selected personalization items (step 2635).

The relative order of steps 2605-2635 with respect to other steps in procedure 2600, and also with respect to each other, may vary. Certain steps may be omitted entirely, as appropriate.

Fig. 27 illustrates one example of an EM sender Ul 2700 for enabling an EM sender to select personalization items. The Ul 2700 may be presented to an EM sender of an EM service provider. In general, the Ul 2700 is rendered on the EM sender system 105 using software stored on the EM sender system 105. The personalization items to be selected by the EM sender may be stored on the EM sender system 105, on the EM host system 310, or on a different host system 110 such as a host system of an authorized partner.

The Ul 2700 includes menu tabs 2705, 2735 and 2740 that each have a corresponding menu to assist the EM sender with selecting personalization items. For example, as shown in Fig. 27, the menu 2705a corresponding to menu tab 2705 enables an EM sender to select personalization items including buddy icons 2710, IM Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

wallpaper 2715, and smiley (i.e., emoticon) themes 2720. The EM sender's current selections of buddy icon 2710aι, mini buddy icon 2710a₂, IM wallpaper 2715 a, and smiley theme 2720a are displayed. Each of these personalization items may be made available to and rendered by an EM recipient during an EM conversation with the IM sender.

A control 2710b is provided for the EM sender to select a large buddy icon 2710aι and/or a mini-buddy icon 2710a₂, and a control 2710c is provided to enable reset of the buddy icon selections back to a default setting (e.g., none). Another control 2715b is provided to enable selection of IM wallpaper 2715 a, and a control 2715c is provided to enable reset of the EM wallpaper selection back to a default setting. Yet another control 2720b is provided to enable a smiley theme 2720a, and a control 2720c is provided for the EM sender to reset the smiley theme selection back to a default setting.

Other controls 2725 are provided for functions such as, for example, showing the names of users who are not on a buddy list, displaying a timestamp on instant messages, using an address book to automatically suggest screen names, displaying the buddy icons of people who send instant messages to the LM sender, displaying the EM wallpaper of people who send instant messages to the EM sender, and displaying smileys as art. Controls 2730 are provided for the EM sender to save the changes made, apply the changes, cancel the changes, or get help.

If the EVI sender's personalization item selection is not available, a suitable message may be displayed to the EM sender informing the LM sender that the item is not available, and a link may be provided to an interface, such as one of the interfaces shown in Figs. 28-30, to allow the EVI sender to select a different personalization item. Fig. 28 illustrates an example of an EM sender Ul 2800 for enabling an EM sender to select a buddy icon (i.e., a personalization item). The Ul 2800 is rendered in response to user manipulation of a control 2710b (shown in Fig. 27). In the example of Fig. 28, the EM sender is presented with a list of buddy icon categories 2805 and a list of subcategories 2810 corresponding to the selected category. When an EM sender selects a category 2805 and a subcategory 2810, a window 2815 displays the personalization items available in the selected subcategory. The category 2805, Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

subcategory 2810, and/or the personalization items displayed in the window 2815 may be host-based and remotely accessed by the EM sender. The EM sender may select a personalization item by, for example, using a mouse or other input device to make a selection among the available personalization items displayed in the window 2815. Also, an archive 2820 of old personalization items may be provided for EM sender selection. En another implementation, the IM sender may provide a custom buddy icon as a personalization item.

Fig. 29 illustrates an example of a Ul 2900 for enabling an E sender to select IM wallpaper (i.e., a personalization item). The Ul 2900 is rendered in response to user manipulation of a control 2715b (shown in Fig. 27). In the example of Fig. 29, the EM sender is presented with a list of EM wallpaper categories 2905. When an EM sender selects a category 2905, a window 2910 displays the personalization items available in the selected category. The category 2905 and/or the personalization items displayed in the window 2910 may be host-based and remotely accessed by the E sender. The EM sender may select a personalization item by, for example, using a mouse or other input device to select among the available items in the window 2910. Also, an archive 2915 of old personalization items may be provided for user selection. In another implementation, the EM sender may provide a custom EM wallpaper as a personalization item. Fig. 30 illustrates an example of a Ul 3000 for enabling an EM sender to select smiley themes (i.e., a personalization item). The Ul 3000 is rendered in response to user manipulation of a control 2720b (shown in Fig. 27). In the example of Fig. 30, the EM sender is presented with a list of smiley theme categories 3005. When an EM sender selects a category 3005, a window 3010 displays the personalization items available in the selected category. The category 3005 and/or the personalization items displayed in the window 3010 may be host-based and remotely accessed by the IM sender. The EM sender may select a personalization item by, for example, using a mouse or other input device to make the selection among the available items in the window 3010. Also, an archive of old personalization items may be provided for EM sender selection. In another implementation, the EM sender may provide a custom smiley theme as a personalization item. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

As discussed with respect to Figs. 27-30, the personalization item perception and selection may be assisted by user interfaces 2700, 2800, 2900 and 3000, which enable the EM sender to make a selection using a mouse or other input device.

Personalization item(s) may be selected manually by the EM sender or the personalization item(s) may be automatically selected for the EM sender. The EM sender personalization items may be made available to the EM sender system by obtaining one or more identifiers corresponding to the personalization items selected the EM sender. The identifiers may be associated with a screen name or other identifying information of the EVI sender. For example, the identifiers may be associated with the screen name of the EM sender and stored locally at the IM sender system, or the EM sender system may retrieve the identifiers associated with the screen name of the EM sender from another location, such as a host system, including the EM host system, or another remotely-accessible data store.

Referring to Fig. 31 , an exemplary process 3100 may be used to render a personalization item. In procedure 3100, the EM sender system 105 loads/invokes a local application (3105). The invocation may result from user selection of the interface or it may occur automatically in response to a triggering event, such as the receipt of an instant message. Loading/invoking a local application may include invoking an application having an interfaces that renders a personalization item such as, for example, an instant messaging program having a local client or local interface (e.g., a browser).

The local application may be loaded/invoked (3105) at various times. In one implementation, a local application having personalization items to be rendered may be loaded/invoked upon literal loading of the client application. For instance, the application may be loaded or invoked without regard to whether the personalization items are being rendered in the main interface of the application or in a sub-interface of the application. In another implementation, a local application having personalization items to be rendered may be loaded/invoked only after an interface within the application is invoked that requires a host-based personalization item, even if the application itself were previously loaded/invoked. For example, an IM communications window may be invoked after the EM application has been loaded. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

In yet another implementation, a local application having personalization items to be rendered may be loaded/invoked upon receiving a status updated from a remote source other than the host system 110. For example, while an EM communications window/session is open, if the application is notified that the status of the remote communications has changed, the process may be invoked such that an identifier is accessed based on the received message or credentials, for example, the screen name of the party whose status has changed, and used as the basis for identifying an appropriate personalization item from the host. h one implementation, the personalization items are not downloaded until a triggering event occurs. Once a triggering event, such as the loading of an application Ul, occurs, the personalization item may be down loaded.

Next, the EM sender system 105 accesses the identifier(s) associated with possible personalization items to be rendered (step 3110). For example, where identifier(s) have been selected, received, and subsequently stored by the IM sender system 105, as described with respect to step 2635 of procedure 2600, they then are submitted to the appropriate host for retrieval of the personalization item(s) corresponding to the identifier(s) (step 3115). In one implementation, the IM sender system 105 requests the corresponding personalization item from the host system 110 or a location otherwise specified by or inferred from the identifier. That is, the EM sender system 105 may request the corresponding personalization item from another location such as a remote, third party server different from host system 110.

Thus, the identifier generally identifies the personalization items that reside on the host. It may do so explicitly, by referencing particular personalization items or indirect addressing for such personalization items stored elsewhere, or it may do so indirectly by referencing groups of personalization items. Where indirect, it may identify a predefined grouping, or it may instead merely identify the user specifically (e.g., a screen name) or by class (e.g., business class user to be provided business class personalization items).

Next, the host system 110 receives the identifier call from the E sender system 105 (step 3120), and the host system accesses the personalization item(s) associated with the identifier(s) (step 3125). Where indirect personalization item Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

identifiers are used, the host system 110 uses the received identifier to locate other identifiers for personalization items associated with the submitted identifier.

Thereafter, the host system 110 replies to the EM sender system 105 with the personalization item(s) corresponding to the submitted identifier(s) (step 3130), and the EM sender system 105 renders the personalization item(s) (step 3135). Upon receipt of personalization items from the host system 110, the EM sender system 105 save the personalization item(s) in a memory or other storage at the local EM sender system 105 (e.g., it may cache them for future access/display).

The relative order of steps 3105-3135 with respect to other steps in procedure 3100, and also with respect to each other, may vary. Certain steps may be omitted entirely, as appropriate.

Fig. 32 is an example of an instant messaging buddy list Ul 3200 that enables an EM sender of an instant messaging service to, among other things, perceive the presence state of other buddies that the EM sender has added to a buddy list, and to send instant messages to buddies on the buddy list. The buddy list may include personalization items such as a buddy list bar 3205, a buddy list image 3210, a buddy list background image 3215, and a buddy list fill pattern 3220 of the EM sender. The EM sender may select the personalization items manually, or the personalization items may be selected automatically for the EM sender. The personalization items may be rendered to the EVI sender as described above with respect to procedure 3100.

The buddy list bar 3205 may contain personalized links 3205a, 3205b, 3205c, and 3205d to content and may have a customized appearance. The buddy list image 3210 and the buddy list background image 3215 may be, for example, image files from a remote source. The buddy list background image 3215 may have a washed out appearance. The buddy list fill pattern 3220 may be a color or pattern background for the buddy list, or may also be an image. One or more of these personalization items may be transmitted to an EM sender and rendered on the EM sender system 105. The transmission of the personalization items may occur during machine-to-machine communications that are not visible to the user. Fig. 33 illustrates one example of an EM Ul 3300 that may be presented to an

EM sender of an EM service provider such as the AOL Instant Messenger (AEM) Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

service provided by America Online. In general, the Ul 3300 is rendered on the EM sender system 105 using software stored on the IM sender system 105. One or more IM sender personalization items may be provided for the Ul.

The Ul 3300 includes an EM display area 3305 to display the messages 3305a of an active LM session. In the example of Fig. 33, the active EM session involves a conversation between the EM sender having a screen name of "ChattingChuck" and the EM recipient having a screen name of "SurfinDiane." An EM compose area 3310 may be used to compose a message to send to the EM recipient in the active EM session, typically by clicking on the send control button 3315 in the Ul. A control button 3320 may be provided to close the active EM session. Font and appearance controls may be provided on toolbar 3308 to control how the message being entered in the EM compose area 3310 is displayed in the EM display area 3305 once the message in the LM compose area 3310 is sent. For example, the EM sender may select control 3311 to choose a personalization item such as an emoticon to be sent in an EM message.

The Ul 3300 includes personalization items 3307 and 3309 from the EM recipient and personalization items 3312 and 3314 from the EM sender.

As discussed above with respect to procedure 3100, the personalization items 3312 and 3314 of the EM sender may be rendered to the EM sender. The EM sender system 105 uses the identifiers to determine if the corresponding personalization items are available locally at the EVI sender system, and if so, the EM sender system retrieves the corresponding personalization items. If the personalization items are not available locally at the EM sender system 105, the EM sender system requests the personalization items from another location such as an EM host system 310 or another remotely-accessible data store. Once the IM sender system 105 locates or receives the personalization items, the EM sender system renders the items on Ul 3300 for perception by the EM sender.

Similarly, EM wallpaper 3312 and a buddy icon 3314 chosen by the EM sender may be rendered in Ul 3300. These items are typically stored locally on the EM sender system 105, and may be retrieved by the EM sender system 105. If an item is not stored locally, the EM sender system 105 may retrieve the personalization item Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

from a different location such as, for example, an E host 310. Once retrieved, the EM sender system 305 renders the EM wallpaper 3312 and the buddy icon 3314.

Fig. 34 illustrates yet another example of an EM Ul 3400 that may be presented to an EM sender of an EM service provider such as the AOL Instant Messenger (AEM) service provided by America Online. One or more personalization items may be provided for the EM Ul. The EM sender may select the personalization items manually, or the personalization items may be selected automatically for the EM sender. The personalization items may be rendered to the EM sender as described above with respect to procedure 3100. En the example of Fig. 34, an EM sender "AEMMUIUSER" may provide a sidebar image 3405, a background image 3410, a buddy icon 3420, and a sound to be rendered by the EM sender system. The sidebar image 3405 may include images and links to content. The background image 3410 may include an image, and typically is a washed out image. The buddy icon 3420 typically also is an image. The sound 3425 may be a sound or a sequence of sounds played to the EM sender.

Fig. 35 illustrates an instant messaging Ul 3500. En the example of Fig. 35, an EM sender is presented with a control bar 3505 that includes a drop down control 3510. When activated, drop down control 3510 causes the display of a drop down menu 3515 that shows the EM sender's current selection of smiley theme personalization items.

Fig. 36 is an example of an instant messaging Ul 3600 and further illustrates the Ul discussed above with respect to Fig. 35. In the example of Fig. 36, the drop down control 3510, when activated, causes the display of sub-menus 3605, 3615, 3620, and 3625. Each sub-menu enables the EM sender to select various personalization items. For example, sub-menu 3605, when selected, causes the display of menu 3610 for enabling the EM sender to select a smiley personalization item.

Referring to Fig. 37, procedure 3700 illustrates one possible method for discerning between personalization items to be retrieved locally by the EM sender system 105 and items to be retrieved remotely from the EM sender system. In procedure 3700, after the EM sender system accesses identifier(s) associated with Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

possible personalization items to be rendered (3110, see procedure 3100), the EM sender system 105 determines whether the corresponding personalization item is available locally (step 3710). For example, the EM sender system 105 may have stored the corresponding personalization in a local memory or another local storage location, and the identifier may specify or be otherwise useful in determining the location at which the corresponding personalization item is stored.

If the corresponding personalization item is not available locally, the EM sender system 105 submits the identifiers to the appropriate host (step 3115), as described above with respect to procedure 3100. If the coπesponding personalization item is available locally, the EM sender system retrieves the coπesponding personalization item (step 3715), and then renders the personalization item (step 3135) as described above with respect to procedure 3100. hi another implementation, the host is first inteπogated as to whether the coπesponding personalization item is located on the host, m another implementation, a list is maintained and a search is performed on the list or on a known directory or location.

In one implementation, the EM recipient and/or the EVI sender may pay a subscription fee to access/use certain personalization items, and the personalization items may be provided by a third party. In another implementation, the personalization items expire and must be replaced after a predetermined event such as a predetermined length of time, passage of a predetermined date, or a predetermined number of uses. Also, a personalization item may be banned if, for example, it is deemed to be offensive, inappropriate, or to otherwise violate a term of service agreement. If it is determined that the personalization item is expired or banned, display of such a personalization item will be disallowed and the user typically will be required to choose a different personalization item.

Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, one identifier could coπespond to a group of personalization items, or a personalization item could have more than one identifier. As a further example, Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

although the examples above are given in an instant message context, other communications systems with similar attributes may be used. For example, personalization items may be used in a chat room or in e-mail communications. Also, the user interface may be a viewable interface, an audible interface, a tactile interface, or any combination of these.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computer implemented method for enabling perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session, the method comprising:

5 rendering, on an instant message recipient system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant message recipient and an instant message sender; obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item of an individual instant message user; o associating the identifier with the personalization item; obtaining the personalization item independently of a message used to obtain the identifier; and rendering the personalization item at the instant message recipient system.

5 2. The method of claim 1 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message sender.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message recipient. 0

4. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the identifier comprises receiving the identifier in an instant message from an instant message sender system.

5. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the identifier comprises: 5 storing one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for one or more instant message users at an instant message host system; Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

receiving an identity of the individual instant message user at the instant message host system; accessing an identifier associated with the individual instant message user; and sending the associated identifier in a message from the instant message host system.

6. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the identifier comprises locating the identifier at the instant message recipient system.

7. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the identifier comprises retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

8. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises: determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant message recipient system; retrieving the personalization item from the instant message recipient system if the personalization item is available at the instant message recipient system; and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant message recipient system if the personalization item is not available at the instant message recipient system.

9. The method of claim 8 in which requesting the personalization item further comprises identifying the remote source.

10. The method of claim 8 in which requesting the personalization item comprises requesting the personalization item from an instant messaging host. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

11. The method of claim 8 in which requesting the personalization item comprises requesting the personalization item from a third-party server.

12. The method of claim 11 in which requesting the personalization item from a third-party server comprises requesting the personalization item from a server authorized as a partner to an instant messaging host.

13. The method of claim 8 in which requesting the personalization item from a remote source comprises requesting the personalization item from an instant message sender system.

14. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the identifier comprises receiving the identifier included with an instant message.

15. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the identifier comprises receiving the identifier upon a change in a presence state of the individual instant message user.

16. The method of claim 15 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message sender.

17. The method of claim 15 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message recipient.

18. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a graphic. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

19. The method of claim 18 in which the graphic comprises an icon.

20. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a sound.

21. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaimng wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

22. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining an animation sequence.

23. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a video segment.

24. The method of claim 1 in which the obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a customized binary object provided by the instant message sender.

25. The method of claim 24 in which obtaining the customized binary object comprises obtaining a customized binary object uploaded by the instant message sender to a server.

26. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a personalization item provided by a third party. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

27. The method of claim 26 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a personalization item enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment.

28. The method of claim 1 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a personalization item configured to expire upon the occuπence of a predetermined event.

29. The method of claim 28 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time.

30. The method of claim 28 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined date.

31. The method of claim 28 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

32. The method of claim 28 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

33. The method of claim 1 in which the obtaining the identifier further comprises obtaining an identifier comprising a location of the personalization item.

34. The method of claim 33 in which the identifier further comprises an item type and a data size. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

35. The method of claim 33 wherein the identifier further comprises a flag.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the flag further comprises one or more of 5 a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to different item flag.

37. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and o disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

38. The method of claim 1 further comprising updating the personalization item. 5

39. The method of claim 1 further comprising comparing an actual format of the personalization item to an expected format based upon the identifier.

40. A computer program, stored on a computer readable medium, the 0 computer program comprising: means for rendering, on an instant message recipient system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant message recipient and an instant message sender; means for obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization 5 item of an individual instant message user; means for associating the identifier with the personalization item; Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

means for obtaining the personalization item independently of a message used to obtain the identifier; and means for rendering the personalization item at the instant message recipient system.

41. The computer program of claim 40 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message sender.

42. The computer program of claim 40 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message recipient.

43. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the identifier comprises means for receiving the identifier in an instant message from an instant message sender system.

44. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the identifier comprises: means for storing one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for one or more instant message users at an instant message host system; means for receiving an identity of the individual instant message user at the instant message host system; means for accessing an identifier associated with the individual instant message user; and means for sending the associated identifier in a message from the instant message host system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

45. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the identifier comprises means for locating the identifier at the instant message recipient system.

5 46. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the identifier comprises means for retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

47. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the personalization item comprises: o means for determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant message recipient system; means for retrieving the personalization item from the instant message recipient system if the personalization item is available at the instant message recipient system; and 5 means for requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant message recipient system if the personalization item is not available at the instant message recipient system.

0 48. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the identifier comprises means for receiving the identifier included with an instant message.

49. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the 5 identifier comprises means for receiving the identifier upon a change in a presence state of the individual instant message user. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

50. The computer program of claim 40 in which means for obtaining the personalization item comprises means for obtaining a personalization item configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

51. A user interface on a display that enables perception of communications that leverage an instant messaging platform, the user interface comprising: a module for rendering an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant message sender and an instant message recipient, the user interface being presented at a system display presented to the instant message recipient; a module for receiving a personalization item presented to the system display and associated with an individual instant message user the personalization item corresponding to an identifier obtained by an instant message recipient system, the identifier enabling identification of a personalization item of the individual instant message user; and a module for rendering the personalization item independently of a message used to obtain the identifier.

52. The user interface of claim 51 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message sender.

53. The user interface of claim 51 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message recipient.

54. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item is rendered upon the occurrence of a change in a presence state of the individual instant message user. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

55. The user interface of claim 54 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message sender.

56. The user interface of claim 54 in which the individual instant message user comprises the instant message recipient.

57. The user interface of claim 51 in which the identifier is obtained by receiving the identifier from an instant message sender system in an instant message.

58. The user interface of claim 51 in which the identifier is obtaining from an instant message host system, the instant message host system storing one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for one or more instant message users, the instant message host system receiving an identity of the individual instant message user and accessing an identifier associated with the individual instant message user.

59. The user interface of claim 51 in which the identifier is obtained by retrieving the identifier from the instant message recipient system.

60. The user interface of claim 51 in which the identifier is obtained by retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

61. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item comprises a graphic.

62. The user interface of claim 61 in which the graphic comprises an icon. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

63. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item comprises a sound.

64. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item comprises wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

65. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item comprises an animation sequence.

66. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item comprises a video segment.

67. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item comprises a customized item provided by the instant message sender.

68. The user interface of claim 51 in which personalization item comprises a personalization item provided by a third party.

69. The user interface of claim 68 in which the personalization item is enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment.

70. The user interface of claim 51 in which the personalization item is configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

71. The user interface of claim 68 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

72. The user interface of claim 68 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined date.

73. The user interface of claim 68 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

74. A computer implemented method for enabling perception of a personalization item associated with an instant messaging communications session, the method comprising: perceiving an identifier coπesponding to an intended instant message recipient designated by an instant message sender system; accessing personalization items coπesponding to the perceived identifier; and making perceivable the personalization items coπesponding to the received identifier to the instant messaging sender system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging sender system, wherein the personalization items are made perceivable prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient.

75. The method of claim 74 further comprising storing one or more personalization items comprises storing one or more personalization items on the host system.

76. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing personalization items on a host system.

77. The method of claim 76 further comprising communicating the personalization items from the host system to the instant message sender system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

78. The method of claim 74 in which the personalization items are made perceivable prior to communication of an instant message with the intended instant message recipient system.

79. The method of claim 74 in which the personalization items are made perceivable before a communications session is established with the intended instant message recipient system.

80. The method of claim 74 in which the personalization items are made perceivable before the instant message sender system sends a message to the intended instant message recipient system.

81. The method of claim 74 in which the personalization items are made perceivable before the instant message sender system receives a message from the intended instant message recipient system.

82. The method of claim 74 in which perceiving the identifier comprises: receiving an identity of the intended instant message recipient; and accessing an identifier associated with the individual intended instant message recipient based upon the received identity.

83. The method of claim 74 in which perceiving the identifier comprises receiving an identifier comprising a location of the personalization item.

84. The method of claim 83 in which the location of the personalization item comprises a location on the host system.

85. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a graphic.

86. The method of claim 85 in which the graphic comprises an icon. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

87. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a sound.

88. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

89. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing an animation sequence.

90. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a video segment.

91. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a customized binary object provided by the intended instant message recipient.

92. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a personalization item provided by a party other than the intended instant message recipient.

93. The method of claim 92 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a personalization item enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment.

94. The method of claim 74 in which accessing personalization items comprises accessing a personalization item configured to expire upon the occuπence of a predetermined event. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

95. The method of claim 94 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or on passage of a predetermined date.

96. The method of claim 94 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

97. The method of claim 94 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing access to the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

98. The method of claim 74 in which perceiving the identifier further comprises receiving an identifier comprising a location of the personalization item.

99. The method of claim 98 in which the identifier further comprises an item type and a data size.

100. The method of claim 98 wherein the identifier further comprises a flag.

101. The method of claim 100 wherein the flag further comprises one or more of a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to different item flag.

102. The method of claim 74 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and disallowing access to the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

103. A computer program, stored on a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions for: Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

perceiving an identifier coπesponding to an intended instant message recipient designated by an instant message sender system; accessing personalization items coπesponding to the perceived identifier; and making perceivable the personalization items coπesponding to the received identifier to the instant messaging sender system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging sender system, wherein the personalization items are made perceivable prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient.

104. The computer program of claim 103 further comprising instructions for storing one or more personalization items.

105. The computer program of claim 103 in which the personalization items are made perceivable prior to communication of an instant message with the intended instant message recipient system.

106. The computer program of claim 103 in which the personalization items are made perceivable before a communications session is established with the intended instant message recipient system.

107. The computer program of claim 103 in which the personalization items are made perceivable before the instant message sender system sends a message to the intended instant message recipient system.

108. The computer program of claim 103 in which the personalization items are made perceivable before the instant message sender system receives a message from the intended instant message recipient system.

109. The computer program of claim 103 in which instructions for perceiving the identifier comprises instructions for: receiving an identity of the intended instant message recipient; and Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

accessing an identifier associated with the individual intended instant message recipient based upon the received identity.

110. The computer program of claim 103 in which instructions for accessing personalization items comprises instructions for accessing a personalization item configured to expire upon the occuπence of a predetermined event.

111. The computer program of claim 110 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or on passage of a predetermined date.

112. The computer program of claim 110 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

113. A computer implemented method for enabling perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session, the method comprising: rendering, on an instant message sender system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an intended instant message recipient and an instant message sender; and rendering at the instant message sender system, a personalization item associated with the instant message recipient prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient system.

114. The method of claim 113 in which rendering at the instant message sender system comprises rendering at the instant message sender system prior to communication of an instant message with the intended instant message recipient system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

115. The method of claim 113 in which rendering at the instant message sender system comprises rendering at the instant message sender system before a communications session is established with the intended instant message recipient system.

116. The method of claim 113 in which rendering at the instant message sender system comprises rendering at the instant message sender system before the instant message sender system sends a message to the intended instant message recipient system.

117. The method of claim 113 in which rendering at the instant message sender system comprises rendering at the instant message sender system before the instant message sender system receives a message from the intended instant message recipient system.

118. The method of claim 113 further comprising: associating the identifier with the personalization item; obtaining the personalization item from a source other than a message used to obtain the identifier; and rendering the personalization item at the instant message sender system.

119. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the identifier comprises: sending an identity of the intended instant message recipient to an instant message host system, the instant message host system storing one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for the intended instant message recipient; and receiving an identifier associated with the individual intended instant message recipient in a message from the instant message host system.

120. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the identifier comprises locating the identifier at the intended instant message recipient system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

121. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the identifier comprises retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

122. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises: determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant message sender system; retrieving the personalization item from the instant message sender system if the personalization item is available at the instant message sender system; and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant message sender system if the personalization item is not available at the instant message sender system.

123. The method of claim 122 in which requesting the personalization item further comprises identifying the remote source.

124. The method of claim 122 in which requesting the personalization item comprises requesting the personalization item from an instant messaging host.

125. The method of claim 122 in which requesting the personalization item comprises requesting the personalization item from a third-party server.

126. The method of claim 125 in which requesting the personalization item from a third-party server comprises requesting the personalization item from a server authorized as a partner to an instant messaging host.

127. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the identifier comprises receiving the identifier upon a change in a presence state of the intended instant message recipient. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

128. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a graphic.

129. The method of claim 128 in which the graphic comprises an icon.

130. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a sound.

131. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

132. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining an animation sequence.

133. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a video segment.

134. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a customized binary object provided by the intended instant message recipient.

135. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a personalization item provided by a party other than the intended instant message recipient.

136. The method of claim 135 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a personalization item enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

137. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises obtaining a personalization item configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

138. The method of claim 137 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or on passage of a predetermined date.

139. The method of claim 137 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

140. The method of claim 137 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

141. The method of claim 113 in which obtaining the identifier further comprises obtaining an identifier comprising a location of the personalization item.

142. The method of claim 141 in which the identifier further comprises an item type and a data size.

143. The method of claim 141 wherein the identifier further comprises a flag.

144. The method of claim 143 wherein the flag further comprises one or more of a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to different item flag.

145. The method of claim 113 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

146. The method of claim 113 further comprising updating the personalization item.

147. A computer program, stored on a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions for: rendering, on an instant message sender system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an intended instant message recipient and an instant message sender; and rendering at the instant message sender system, a personalization item associated with the instant message recipient prior to communication with the intended instant message recipient system.

148. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system comprises instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system prior to communication of an instant message with the intended instant message recipient system.

149. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system comprises instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system before a communications session is established with the intended instant message recipient system.

150. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system comprises instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system before the instant message sender system sends a message to the intended instant message recipient system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

151. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system comprises instructions for rendering at the instant message sender system before the instant message sender system receives a message from the intended instant message recipient system.

152. The computer program of claim 147 further comprising instructions for: associating the identifier with the personalization item; obtaining the personalization item from a source other than a message used to obtain the identifier; and rendering the personalization item at the instant message sender system.

153. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the identifier comprises instructions for: sending an identity of the intended instant message recipient to an instant message host system, the instant message host system storing one or more identifiers associated with one or more personalization items for the intended instant message recipient; and receiving an identifier associated with the individual intended instant message recipient in a message from the instant message host system.

154. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the identifier comprises instructions for locating the identifier at the intended instant message recipient system.

155. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the identifier comprises instructions for retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

156. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for: Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant message sender system; retrieving the personalization item from the instant message sender system if the personalization item is available at the instant message sender system; and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant message sender system if the personalization item is not available at the instant message sender system.

157. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining a graphic.

158. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining a sound.

159. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

160. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining an animation sequence.

161. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining a video segment.

162. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining a customized binary object provided by the intended instant message recipient. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

163. The computer program of claim 147 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for obtaining a personalization item configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

164. The computer program of claim 163 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or on passage of a predetermined date.

165. The computer program of claim 163 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

166. The computer program of claim 163 further comprising instructions for: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

167. The computer program of claim 147 further comprising instructions for: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

168. A computer implemented method for enabling perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session, the method comprising: storing on a host system one or more personalization items associated with an instant messaging application operator; receiving a request from an instant messaging participant system for the personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator; accessing the personalization items at the host system; and Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

communicating the personalization items from the host system to the instant messaging participant system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging participant system.

169 The method of claim 168 in which receiving the request comprises: receiving an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator.

170. The method of claim 168 in which receiving the request comprises receiving an identity of the instant messaging participant; and accessing the personalization items comprises accessing the personalization items associated with the received identity.

171. The method of claim 169 in which receiving the identifier further comprises receiving an identifier comprising a location on the host system of the personalization item.

172. The method of claim 171 in which the identifier further comprises an item type and a data size.

173. The method of claim 171 wherein the identifier further comprises one or more of a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to different item flag.

174. The method of claim 168 in which the host comprises a server authorized as a partner to an instant messaging host.

175. The method of claim 168 in which storing the personalization items comprises storing a graphic.

176. The method of claim 175 in which the graphic comprises an icon. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

177. The method of claim 168 in which storing the personalization items comprises storing a sound.

178. The method of claim 168 in which storing the personalization items comprises storing wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

179. The method of claim 168 in which storing the personalization items comprises storing an animation sequence.

180. The method of claim 168 in which storing the personalization items comprises storing a video segment.

181. The method of claim 168 in which in which storing the personalization items comprises storing a personalization item configured to expire upon the occuπence of a predetermined event.

182. The method of claim 181 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or the passage of a predetermined date.

183. The method of claim 181 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

184. The method of claim 181 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing access to the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

185. The method of claim 168 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

disallowing access to the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

186. The method of claim 168 further comprising creating an identifier for a personalization item based upon the application of an algorithm to at least a portion of data comprising the item.

187. The method of claim 186 further comprising determining if the personalization item is stored at the host system based upon the identifier; and, if the personalization item is stored at the host system, declimng to redundantly store the personalization item at the host system.

188. The method of claim 187 further comprising determining whether the personalization item is an official item based upon the identifier; and displaying the personalization item if the personalization item is an official item.

189. A computer program stored on a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions for: storing on a host system one or more personalization items associated with an instant messaging application operator; receiving a request from an instant messaging participant system for the personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator; accessing the personalization items at the host system; and communicating the personalization items from the host system to the instant messaging participant system for rendering in an instant messaging application running on the instant messaging participant system.

190. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for receiving the request comprises instructions for receiving an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

191. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for receiving the request comprises instructions for receiving an identity of the instant messaging participant; and instructions for accessing the personalization items comprises instructions for accessing the personalization items associated with the received identity.

192. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for storing the personalization items comprises instructions for storing a graphic.

193. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for storing the personalization items comprises instructions for storing a sound.

194. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for storing the personalization items comprises instructions for storing waUpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

195. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for storing the personalization items comprises instructions for storing an animation sequence.

196. The computer program of claim 189 in which instructions for storing the personalization items comprises instructions for storing a video segment.

197. The computer program of claim 189 in which in which instructions for storing the personalization items comprises instructions for storing a personalization item configured to expire upon the occuπence of a predetermined event.

198. The computer program of claim 197 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or the passage of a predetermined date. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

199. The computer program of claim 197 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

200. A computer implemented method for enabling perception of a personalization item in an instant messaging communications session, the method comprising: rendering, on an instant messaging participant system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant messaging application operator and another instant messaging participant; identifying personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator that are located external to the instant messaging participant system; and communicating personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator to the instant messaging participant system.

201. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items further comprises identifying a remote source location for the personalization items.

202. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items further comprises identifying the personalization items located on an instant messaging host.

203. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying a graphic.

204. The method of claim 203 in which the graphic comprises an icon. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

205. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying a sound.

206. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

207. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying an animation sequence.

208. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying a video segment.

209. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying a customized binary object uploaded by the instant messaging participant to a server.

210. The method of claim 200 in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying a personalization item enabled to be rendered in consideration of a payment for such rendering.

211. The method of claim 200 in which in which identifying the personalization items comprises identifying a personalization item configured to expire upon the occuπence of a predetermined event.

212. The method of claim 211 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or the passage of a predetermined date.

213. The method of claim 211 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

214. The method of claim 211 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

215. The method of claim 200 further comprising: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

216. The method of claim 200 further comprising updating the personalization item.

217. The method of claim 200 in which communicating personalization items comprises: obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator; obtaining the personalization item from a source other than a message used to obtain the identifier; and rendering the personalization item at the instant messaging participant system.

218. The method of claim 217 in which obtaining the identifier comprises: sending an identity of the instant messaging participant to an instant messaging host system; and receiving one or more identifiers in a message from the instant messaging host system, the identifiers being associated at the instant messaging host system with one or more personalization items, the personalization items being associated with the identity of the instant messaging participant.

219. The method of claim 217 in which obtaining the identifier comprises retrieving the identifier from a remote data store. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

220. The method of claim 217 in which obtaining the identifier comprises receiving the identifier upon a change in a presence state of the instant messaging participant.

221. The method of claim 217 further comprising obtaining a location of the personalization item with the identifier.

222. The method of claim 221 in which the identifier further comprises an item type and a data size.

223. The method of claim 221 wherein the identifier further comprises one or more of a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to a different item flag.

224. The method of claim 217 in which obtaining the personalization item comprises: obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator; determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant messaging participant system; retrieving the personalization item from the instant messaging participant system if the personalization item is available at the instant messaging participant system; and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant messaging participant system if the personalization item is not available at the instant messaging participant system.

225. The method of claim 224 in which requesting the personalization item further comprises identifying the remote source. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

226. The method of claim 224 in which requesting the personalization item comprises requesting the personalization item from an instant messaging host.

227. The method of claim 200 further comprising creating an identifier for a personalization item based upon the application of an algorithm to at least a portion of data comprising the item.

228. The method of claim 227 wherein creating an identifier comprises creating an identifier for a personalization item stored at the instant message participant system.

229. The method of claim 227 further comprising determining if the personalization item is stored at the host system based upon the identifier; and, if the personalization item is stored at the host system, declining to redundantly store the personalization item at the host system.

230. The method of claim 229 further comprising determining whether the personalization item is an official item based upon the identifier; and displaying the personalization item if the personalization item is an official item.

231. A computer program stored on a computer readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions for: rendering, on an instant messaging participant system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least an instant messaging application operator and another instant messaging participant; identifying personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator that are located external to the instant messaging participant system; and Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

communicating personalization items associated with the instant messaging application operator to the instant messaging participant system.

232. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items further comprises instructions for identifying a remote source location for the personalization items.

233. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items further comprises instructions for identifying the personalization items located on an instant messaging host.

234. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying a graphic.

235. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying a sound.

236. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying wallpaper capable of being rendered on an instant messaging application user interface.

237. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying an animation sequence.

238. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying a video segment.

239. The computer program of claim 231 in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying a customized binary object uploaded by the instant messaging participant to a server. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

240. The computer program of claim 231 in which in which instructions for identifying the personalization items comprises instructions for identifying a personalization item configured to expire upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

241. The computer program of claim 240 in which the predetermined event comprises passage of a predetermined length of time or the passage of a predetermined date.

242. The computer program of claim 240 in which the predetermined event comprises a predetermined number of uses.

243. The computer program of claim 240 further comprising instructions for: determining whether the personalization item has expired, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has expired.

244. The computer program of claim 231 further comprising instructions for: determining whether the personalization item has been banned, and disallowing display of the personalization item if the personalization item has been banned.

245. The computer program of claim 231 in which communicating personalization items comprises instructions for: obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator; obtaining the personalization item from a source other than a message used to obtain the identifier; and rendering the personalization item at the instant messaging participant system. Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293WO1

246. The computer program of claim 245 in which instructions for obtaining the identifier comprises instructions for: sending an identity of the instant messaging participant to an instant messaging host system; and receiving one or more identifiers in a message from the instant messaging host system, the identifiers being associated at the instant messaging host system with one or more personalization items, the personalization items being associated with the identity of the instant messaging participant.

247. The computer program of claim 245 in which instructions for obtaining the identifier comprises instructions for retrieving the identifier from a remote data store.

248. The computer program of claim 245 in which instructions for obtaining the identifier comprises instructions for receiving the identifier upon a change in a presence state of the instant messaging participant.

249. The computer program of claim 245 further comprising instructions for obtaining a location of the personalization item with the identifier.

250. The computer program of claim 249 in which the identifier further comprises an item type and a data size.

251. The computer program of claim 249 wherein the identifier further comprises one or more of a custom item flag, an official item flag, a banned item flag, and a redirect to a different item flag.

252. The computer program of claim 245 in which instructions for obtaining the personalization item comprises instructions for: obtaining an identifier enabling identification of a personalization item associated with the instant messaging application operator; Attorney Docket No.: 06975-293 WO 1

determining whether the personalization item associated with the received identifier is available at the instant messaging participant system; retrieving the personalization item from the instant messaging participant system if the personalization item is available at the instant messaging participant system; and requesting the personalization item from a remote source and receiving the personalization item from the remote source at the instant messaging participant system if the personalization item is not available at the instant messaging participant system.

253. The computer program of claim 252 in which instructions for requesting the personalization item comprises instructions for requesting the personalization item from an instant messaging host.

254. The computer program of claim 221 further comprising instructions for creating an identifier for a personalization item based upon the application of an algorithm to at least a portion of data comprising the item.

255. The computer program of claim 254 wherein instructions for creating an identifier comprises instructions for creating an identifier for a personalization item stored at the instant message participant system.

256. The computer program of claim 254 further comprising instructions for determining if the personalization item is stored at the host system based upon the identifier; and, if the personalization item is stored at the host system, declining to redundantly store the personalization item at the host system.

257. The computer program of claim 256 further comprising instructions for determining whether the personalization item is an official item based upon the identifier; and displaying the personalization item if the personalization item is an official item.