WO2015200071A1

WO2015200071A1 - Generating an informative composite image for supplementing a communication

Info

Publication number: WO2015200071A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/036278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jennifer JUSON; Arden A. ASH; Royce DISINI
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing
Priority date: 2014-06-23
Filing date: 2015-06-17
Publication date: 2015-12-30

Abstract

A messaging scheme that generates composite images suitable for providing an notification to a user of an electronic device. Specifically, the scheme starts with a generation of a message by sender device (100). An image can be selected from a database of images (106). The image can be associated with a sender of the message. A stencil can be selected from a database of stencils (108). The stencil can be representative of an application or service associated with the message. The stencil can be applied or layered over the image to mask portions of the image to form an informative composite image related to the message.

Description

GENERATING AN INFORMATIVE COMPOSITE IMAGE FOR

SUPPLEMENTING A COMMUNICATION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/015,943, filed on June 23, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein relate generally to communication systems and, more particularly, to providing informative composite images as a supplement to communicated information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional personal electronic devices often provide a notification when information is received by or communicated to the device. For example, a smart phone can show a preview of messages received to inform the user of any missed messages or a set-top box can inform the user that a new movie is available for purchase or rental. In a further example, an email program can provide a count of missed messages to inform the user of quantity of messages received.

These and other conventional notification systems often presume that a user has the opportunity and ability to retrieve the information abstracted by the notification at the time the notification is read. As a result, the conventional notification can include only limited detail about the content of the communication, presuming that if a user desires more information, the user will take the steps necessary to access the communication. A conventional notification can include an unread message count, an icon, the name of a sender, and/or an excerpt or preview of the information received. This level of abstraction can be inconvenient or frustrating to a user, as the time required of a user to read the notification preview and recognize a notification icon can be the same as the time required of a user to access the full content of the communication. In other examples, the time required of a user to understand the notification can be distracting. As a result, over time, users can tend to ignore notifications or can disable notification functions altogether.

Accordingly, there can be a present need for an improved mechanism for rapidly conveying useful information to a recipient of a notification.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Description of the Embodiments section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Exemplary embodiments described herein can relate to, include, or take the form of a method for generating an informative composite image. This method can include the operations of generating a message by a sender electronic device, associating an image with the message, associating a service available to the sender electronic device with the message, selecting an image stencil based on the service, and combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image. In this manner, a composite image that is based in part on the service used and based in part on an image associated with the message itself can be formed.

The image can be selected from a plurality of images, each associated with a user in possession of the sender electronic device. In many examples, the user can be the owner of the sender electronic device and the image can be a photograph of the user. Similarly, the image stencil can be selected from a plurality of image stencils. Either the image or the image stencil can be stored within the sender electronic device or can be provided by a third party.

In some exemplary embodiments, the service can be a third party service that is available to the user and accessible by the sender electronic device. A third party service can include a social network, a voice or data network, an email service, a paging service, or any other type of messaging service. In other cases, the service can be an application operable by the sender electronic device. The image stencil can be based, at least in part, on a logo associated with the service. For one example, the image stencil can be a stencil based on the logo of a social network. The image and image stencil can be layered or otherwise combined to form an informative composite image.

In further exemplary embodiments described herein can relate to, include, or take the form of a method for generating an informative composite image by a receiver electronic device. This method can include at least the operations of receiving a communication from a sender electronic device by a receiver electronic device, associating an image with the message, associating a service available to the receiver electronic device with the message, selecting an image stencil based on the service, and combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image. As noted with respect to other embodiments described herein, the image can be a photograph of the sender of the message and the image stencil can be derived from a logo associated with the service.

Exemplary embodiments described herein can relate to, include, or take the form of a computing device. The computing device, and more specifically, the memory of the computing device can store instructions which, when executed by a processor of the computing device can perform one or more of the methods described herein. Related embodiments described herein described herein can take the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. More particularly, the computer-readable storage medium includes computer executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, can perform one or more of the methods described herein.

Still further exemplary embodiments described herein can relate to, include, or take the form of a method for generating an informative composite image for advertising a product or service to a user of a receiver electronic device. This method can include at least the operations of determining a product or service to be advertised, associating an image with the product or service, associating a type or category corresponding to the product or service, selecting an image stencil based on the type or category, and combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will now be made to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the disclosure a particular embodiment or a set of particular embodiments. To the contrary, this disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be appreciated from the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims and as illustrated in the accompanying figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system configured to generate and transmit an informative composite image to a receiver;

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system configured to generate and transmit an informative composite image to a receiver;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system configured to receive a communication and, in response, generate an informative composite image from a remote image source and a local image mask;

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system configured to receive a communication and, in response, generate an informative composite image from a local image source and a local image mask;

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary set of image masks to be paired with one or more source images to generate an informative composite image;

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary image mask and an exemplary source image;

FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary informative composite image;

FIG. 5D depicts an exemplary informative composite image; FIG. 6 depicts an flow chart illustrating operations of an exemplary method to generate an informative composite image;

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart illustrating operations of an exemplary method to generate an informative composite image in response to receive a communication from a sender; and

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating operations of an exemplary method to generate an informative composite image to advertise a product or service to a user.

The use of the same or similar reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar, related, or identical items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show specific exemplary embodiments. However, exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Many exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for generating informative composite images suitable for providing an easily-understood notification to a user of an electronic device.

In some exemplary embodiments, an informative composite image can be composed of one or more layers. For example, a background of the informative composite image can be a photograph. Rendered above the background photograph can be a masking layer that takes the shape of a recognizable icon or logo. The masking layer can identify the source, format, modality, or transmission type of the message.

More particularly, an exemplary embodiment can have an informative composite image with a picture of a sender's face partially masked by a stencil of a telephone. A recipient of this composite image can immediately understand that the recipient has received a phone call from the pictured sender. Another exemplary embodiment can generate an informative composite image with a picture of a recognizable actor's face partially masked by a stencil of a cinema clapperboard. A recipient of this composite image can immediately understand that the notification references one of the actor's movies.

Some exemplary embodiments described herein provide examples of operations generating informative composite images. In many examples, an informative composite image can be generated at a sender device for transmission to a receiver device. In one example, a sender device can be a first cellular phone and the receiver device can be a second cellular phone. In these examples, the sender device can render the informative composite image so that it can be sent alongside the message that the informative composite image describes.

In these examples, the sender device can select an image and a stencil from a storage device associated with the sender device. Continuing the example of the cellular phone, a cellular phone can retrieve both the image and the stencil from an internal memory. In these embodiments, the sender device can control the selection of both the image and the stencil.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sender device can query a third-party service for an image. For example, the sender device can communicate with a social network to receive the most current profile photograph of the user in control of the sender device. In other examples, the sender device can communicate with a directory service to retrieve a photograph of the user.

In still further exemplary embodiments, the sender device can query a third- party service for a stencil. In some examples, the sender device can query the service for one or more stencils that can be suited for layering over a particular selected image. For example, a selected image can include content in one quadrant of the image. Accordingly, in these exemplary embodiments, the sender device can query the third-party service for a stencil with at least one opening or counter positioned within the particular quadrant.

In further exemplary embodiments, an informative composite image can be generated at a receiver device for transmissions received from a sender device. In one example, a sender device can be a first cellular phone and the receiver device can be a second cellular phone. In these exemplary embodiments, the receiver device can render the informative composite image after receiving the transmission from the sender device. In this manner, the informative composite image is not required to be transmitted alongside the transmission. FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system 199 configured for generating and transmitting an informative composite image to a receiver. Communication system 199 can include a sender device 100.

The sender device 100 can include a message generator 102 that can be configured to generate a message. A message can be, but is not necessarily limited to, a text message, an email message, a paging message, and audio message, a picture message, a video message, and audio and/or video stream, or any other suitable message type. The message generator 102 can be configured to generate the message in response to an instruction. For example a user can instruct the sender device 100 to generate a message containing text. In other examples the message generator 102 can receive the instruction from a third-party system such as a remote server.

The message generator 102 can be communicably coupled to a processor 104. The processor 104 can operate or coordinate one or more functions of the message generator 102 or the sender device 100 in general. The processor 104 can be configured to operate in response to instructions provided to the processor 104. In many examples, the instructions can be in the form of program instructions that are stored in a storage medium associated with or in communication with the sender device 100. Processor 104 can also be a singular of a plurality of processors.

The processor 104 can be communicably coupled to one or more databases.

For example, in certain embodiments, the processor 104 can be coupled to an image database 106 and a stencil database 108. The image database 106 can store one or more images, pictures, videos, or animations. The stencil database 108 can include one or more stencils.

In some exemplary examples, the stencil database 108 can include a plurality of stencils that are derived from logos or icons of recognizable services, applications, websites, platforms, or communication channels. For example, one stencil can be in the shape of a telephone. Another stencil can be in the shape of the icon of a popular social networking site.

In many cases, a stencil can be a partial image mask. In other words, when a stencil is positioned or rendered on top of an image, the underlying image can be seen through the shape of the mask. In this manner, the underlying image can appear to take the shape of the mask.

The processor 104 can access the image database 106 in response to receiving a message from the message generator 102. In certain embodiments, the processor 104 can select an image from the image database 106 based on the identity of the sender of the message from the message generator 102.

More particularly, in one exemplary embodiment, the message generator 102 can be an email drafting application. After a user operates the message generator 102 to draft an email message, the processor 104 can obtain the user's identity from the message itself. For example, the processor 104 can extract the user's email address or name from the email message.

The processor 104 can then query the image database 106 for any images associated with the user's identity determined from the message. In many examples, the image database can return one or more pictures associated with the user identity provided by the processor 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the image can be a static image although this is not required. For example, the image database 106 can contain one or more videos or animations. Thereafter, the processor 104 can choose a single image from the one or more images received from the image database 106.

Similarly, the processor 104 can access the stencil database 108 in response to receiving the message from the message generator 102. In certain exemplary embodiments, the processor 104 can select a stencil from the stencil database 108 based on the identity, category, type, or name of the message generator 102.

More particularly, continuing the email application example from above, the processor 104 can select a stencil from the stencil database 108 that is related to email applications. In other examples, the selected stencil can be the icon or logo of the particular email program operated by the user.

In other exemplary embodiments, the message generator 102 can be a social network. In these examples, the processor 104 can query the stencil database 108 for any stencils associated with the social network. In many examples, the stencil database 108 can return one or more stencils associated with the social network, such as a recognizable logo or icon. In some exemplary embodiments, the stencil can be a static mask although this is not required. For example, the stencil database 108 can contain one or more animated masks. Thereafter, the processor 104 can choose a stencil from the one or more stencils received from the stencil database 108. Once an image from the image database 106 and a stencil from the stencil database 108 are selected, the processor 104 can combine the image and stencil into a single composite image. In many examples, the processor 104 can layer the image behind the stencil and render the image as a single composite. For example, the image can be flattened, cropped, or otherwise rendered into a single composite image. In other exemplary embodiments, a rendering to a single composite image is not required. For example, the processor 104 can bundle the stencil and image together such that a single composite image can be rendered at a later time. In further exemplary embodiments, bundling the stencil and image to a single bundle is not required. For example, the processor 104 can simply forward the stencil and image separately such that the composite image can be rendered at a later time.

In other exemplary embodiments, the processor 104 can only require an identification of an image and an identification of a stencil. For example, the processor 104 can receive a universal unique identifier ("UUID") from the image database 106 and/or stencil database 108. The UUID can uniquely identify a particular image and a particular stencil. In other examples, other identifications can be used. For example, either database can return a filename. In another example, either database can return a URL at which either the image or stencil can be accessed.

Accordingly, as used herein, the phrase "informative composite image" and similar or related words or phrasing is meant to refer to the image or animation that can be rendered at any time by any device based on the combination of a selected image or animation and a stencil. For example, the sender device can send an informative composite image to a receiver device by sending a flattened image, a rendered image, bundled image/stencil files, image/stencil files, a flattened image filename, a rendered image filename, bundle filenames, image/stencil filenames, image/stencil identifiers, and the like.

After the image and stencil are selected by the processor 104, the sender device 100 can utilize one or more communication channels 1 10 to send via network 1 12 the message and the informative composite image to a receiver device 1 14. The network 1 12 can be any suitable network. For example, the network 1 12 can be a wired or wireless network configured for local, wide-area, and/or internet access.

The receiver device 1 14 can include one or more complementary communication channels 1 16 that are configured to receive communications from the communication channel 1 10 of the sender device 100. In this manner, the receiver device 1 14 can receive both the message and the informative composite image from the sender device 100.

The receiver device 1 14 can include a processor 1 18 (or a plurality of processors) that is configured for reading, processing, or otherwise parsing and understanding the message and the informative composite image. After receipt of the message and the informative composite image, the processor 1 18 can cause the informative composite image and/or message to be displayed on a display 120.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system 299 configured for generating and transmitting an informative composite image to a receiver. Communication system 299 can include a sender device 200 that includes a message generator 202, a processor 204, and one or more communication channels 210. The sender device 200 can communicate via a network 212 to a receiver device 214 that itself includes one or more communication channels 216, a processor 218, and a display 214. In an exemplary embodiment, however, the image database 206 and stencil database 208 can be accessible via the network 212. In this manner, either or both the sender device 200 and the receiver device 214 can access the databases 206, 208 via the network 212.

More particularly, exemplary embodiments can include a configuration in which transmission of the informative composite image includes the UUIDs of the image and stencils to be used. In this example, the processor 204 can query the image database 206 to receive the UUID of the appropriate image to associate with the message generated by the message generator 202. Similarly, the processor 204 can query the stencil database 208 to receive the UUID of the appropriate stencil to associate with the message generator 202. Thereafter, the sender device 200 can communicate each of these UUIDs to the receiver device 214 which can, in turn, query the same databases 206, 208. The receiver device 214 can receive image and stencil files from the databases 206, 208.

In an exemplary embodiment, the image database 206 can be a social network. The sender device 206 can query the social network for the most current profile picture of the user identified by the processor 204. The social network can return a URL to an image file of the requested profile picture. Thereafter, the sender device 200 can send the URL to the receiver device 214 as a portion of the informative composite image. The receiver device can download the image file in order to display the informative composite image. FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system 399 configured for receiving a communication and, in response, generating an informative composite image from a remote image source and a local image mask. Communication system 399 can include a sender device 300 that includes a message generator 302, a processor 304, and one or more communication channels 310. The sender device 300 can communicate via a network 312 to a receiver device 314 that itself includes one or more communication channels 316, a processor 318, a stencil database 308, and a display 314. In an optional exemplary embodiment, however, the image database 306 can be accessible via the network 312. In this manner, the receiver device 314 can access its own local preferred stencils from stencil database 308. In this embodiment, the receiver device 314 can render the informative composite image after receiving the transmission from the sender device 300.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary communication system 499 configured for receiving a communication and, in response, generating an informative composite image from a local image source and a local image mask. Communication system 499 can include a sender device 400 that includes a message generator 402, a processor 404, and one or more communication channels 410. Sender device 400 can communicate via a network 412 to a receiver device 414 that itself includes one or more communication channels 416, a processor 418, an image database 406, a stencil database 408, and a display 414. In this manner, the receiver device 414 can access its own local preferred stencils and images from the stencil database 408 and the image database 106 respectively. In this embodiment, the receiver device 414 can render the informative composite image after receiving the transmission from the sender device 400.

Other exemplary embodiments can include a message sent from a single sender to multiple receiver devices. In these cases, the same informative composite image can be sent to each of the multiple receiver devices or, in the alternative, a different informative composite images can be sent to one or more of the multiple receiver devices.

In some exemplary embodiments random or default images can be used in place of selected images. For example, if a message originates from a user for whom there are no associated images in an image database, either or both the receive device and sender device can pick an image at random based on another characteristic of the message, the user's name, or the user's identity. For example, if an image of the user is not available, but the gender of the use is, a generic male or female stock image can be used. In another embodiment, an image can be created based on the user's name. For example, the created image can spell the user's name or provide the user's initials. In another example, a random image can be selected.

In further exemplary embodiments, a receiver device can insert an image of its choosing in place of an image sent from a sender device. In this manner, the receiver device can prefer local copies of images to images sent from the sender device. Alternatively, other sources of images or other image types can be used. For example, an image can be based upon keywords within the message. In one exemplary embodiment, an email message can contain the word 'safari.' The selected image can be a photograph of a lion. In another example, a text message can include the word 'dinner.' The selected image can be a photograph of a dinner plate.

In other exemplary embodiments, more than one image can be used. For example, four images can be stitched together at their edges and a stencil can be applied to overlap all four images. In another example, an image associated with a keyword can be paired with an image associated with the sender of the message. For example, an email from a user containing the word 'computer' can pair an image of the user and an image of a computer behind a stencil of an envelope. In this manner, the informative composite image can provide context of the message content, the message sender, and the message type to a recipient of the informative composite image.

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary set of image masks for pairing with one or more source images to generate an informative composite image. For example, the stencil 502 can be derived from a recognizable icon associated with a service such as a news service. The stencil 502 can be associated with a message sent by a first user of the news service to a second user of the news service. For example, the first user can desire to recommend the second user read a particular article.

The stencil 504 can be derived from a recognizable icon associated with a popular online social networking service. The stencil 504 can be associated with a message sent by a first user of the social network to a second user of the social network. The stencil 506 can be a recognizable icon associated with a telephone call or a telephonic communication application. The stencil 506 can be associated with a first user calling or leaving a voice message with a second user.

The stencil 508 can be a recognizable icon associated with email or a particular email application. The stencil 508 can be associated with a first user sending an email to a second user.

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary image mask and an example source image. As noted above, either or both a sender device can be configured to render an informative composite image from a stencil 502 and an image 510. In other exemplary embodiments, the image 510 can be positioned behind the stencil 502, as pictured. In one example, the stencil 502 can be sized to align with the dimensions of the image 510. As illustrated, the image 510 can be substantially square although other shapes are contemplated. Accordingly, the stencil 502 can be substantially square. In certain embodiments, either or both the image 510 and stencil 502 can be scaled to match the size of one or the other. For example, in certain embodiments, the image 510 can be scaled to match the size of the stencil 502. In other embodiments, the stencil 502 can be scaled to match the size of the image 510. In some cases, the scaling factor of either adjustment can be proportional along the vertical and horizontal dimension, although this is not required. In certain embodiments, the stencil 502 or image 510 can be deformed upon scaling.

In other exemplary embodiments, the image 510 can be intelligently cropped to a particular size or shape. For example, facial recognition software can be used to crop the image 510. In other examples, a user can manually crop the image 510 to a desired size or shape.

In further exemplary embodiments, the size and shape of the image 510 and the stencil 502 is not adjusted. In these examples, the stencil 502 can be applied only a portion of the image 510. In some embodiments, facial recognition software can be used to position the stencil 502 such that a majority of a face is displayed within an open area or counter of the stencil 502.

Once a position and size of the stencil 502 and the image 510 are determined, an informative composite image can be rendered. In some examples, the informative composite image maybe rendered with a border, depicted for example as informative composite image 512 in FIG. 5C. In other embodiments, the informative composite image can be rendered without a border, depicted for example as informative composite image 514 in FIG. 5D.

As described above, the informative composite image can be rendered as a flattened image or can be displayed as a layered image. In some examples including an animated image and/or stencil, the informative composite image can be rendered as a video. For example, an image can be a video of a user waving and a stencil can be an animation of a ringing telephone.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart 699 illustrating operations of an exemplary method of generating an informative composite image. The method can begin at step 600 with the operation of generating a message with an electronic device. The message can be, but is not necessarily limited to, a text message, an email message, a paging message, and audio message, a picture message, a video message, and audio and/or video stream, or any other suitable message type.

Thereafter, in step 602, an image can be associated with the message. For example, as described above, the image can be an image of the user who generated the message. In some embodiments, the associated image is static although this is not required. For example, the associated image can be an animation or a video.

Thereafter, at step 604, an application or service available to the electronic device can be associated with the message. In many examples, the application or service can be a software program operating on the electronic device. In many cases, this can be the software program that generated the message in step 600, although this is not required. For example, an email message can be generated within an internet browser. In this case, the email program can be associated with the message instead of the internet browser program.

Thereafter, at step 606, the method can continue by selecting an image stencil based in the application or service associated with the message. As noted above, the stencil can be a static or animated stencil.

The method can conclude at step 608 in which the selected stencil is applied to the selected image to form the informative composite image.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart 799 illustrating operations of an exemplary method of generating an informative composite image in response to receiving a communication from a sender. The method can begin at step 700 with the operation of receiving a communication or message from a sender. As noted above, the message can be, but is not necessarily limited to, a text message, an email message, a paging message, and audio message, a picture message, a video message, and audio and/or video stream, or any other suitable message type.

Thereafter, at step 702, an image can be associated with the sender of the message. At step 704, an application or service available to the electronic device can be associated with the message. As noted above, in many examples, the application or service can be a software program operating on the electronic device.

Thereafter, at step 706, the method can continue by selecting an image stencil based in the application or service associated with the message. As noted above, the stencil can be a static or animated stencil.

The method can conclude at step 708 in which the selected stencil is applied to the selected image to form the informative composite image.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart 899 illustrating operations of an exemplary method of generating an informative composite image to advertise a product or service to a user. The method can begin at step 800 with the operation of selecting a product or service to advertise to a user. As noted above, the message can be, but is not necessarily limited to, a text message, an email message, a paging message, and audio message, a picture message, a video message, and audio and/or video stream, or any other suitable message type.

Thereafter, at step 802, an image can be associated with the product or service selected to be advertised. In step 804, an image stencil associated with the product or service category or type can be selected. For example, if the product or service is a movie rental provided through a set-top box, the product category stencil can be a cinema clapperboard. In another example, if the product or service is a music album available for purchase, the product category stencil can be a gramophone.

Thereafter, at step 806, the method can continue by applying the selected stencil to the selected image to form the informative composite image. The method can conclude at step 808 in which the informative composite image is displayed to the user.

In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed, or individual operations thereof, are described with reference to an inductive power transmitter activating circuitry, electromagnetic fields, or other components to realign an inductive power receiver therewith. However, this configuration is not necessary. In many embodiments an inductive power receiver can perform the operations of the methods described herein to realign itself with respect to an inductive power transmitter. In other embodiments, an inductive power receiver can cause the inductive power transmitter to realign with the inductive power receiver.

Although embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. Having described preferred embodiments of a system, method and user interface for content search (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments of the disclosure disclosed which are within the scope of the disclosure as outlined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A method for generating an informative composite image, comprising: associating an image with a message (602);

associating a service with the message (604);

selecting an image stencil based on the service (606); and

combining the image and image stencil to form a composite image (608).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image comprises a selection from a plurality of images, each of the plurality of images associated with a user.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the image comprises a photograph of the user.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the service comprises an application operable by a sender electronic device.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the service comprises a third-party service available to the user and accessible by a sender electronic device.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image stencil comprises an image mask.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image stencil is based, at least in part, on a logo associated with the service.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of images are stored by a sender electronic device in a storage medium associated with a sender electronic device.

9. The method of claim 2, further comprising requesting the image from a third party.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising requesting the image stencil from a third party.

1 1 . The method of claim 1 , wherein combining the image and image stencil to form the composite image comprises layering the image below the image stencil.

12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending the message and composite image to a receiver electronic device.

13. A method for generating an informative composite image, comprising: receiving a communication from a sender electronic device (700);

associating an image with a message contained within the communication

(702);

associating a service with the message (704);

selecting an image stencil based on the service (706); and

combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image (708).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the image comprises a selection from a plurality of images, each of the plurality of images associated with a user in possession of a sender electronic device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the image comprises a photograph of the user.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the service comprises an application operable by the receiver electronic device.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the service comprises a third-party service available to the user and accessible by the receiver electronic device.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the image stencil comprises an image mask.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the image stencil is based, at least in part, on a logo associated with the service.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image comprises layering the image below the image stencil.

21 . A computing device comprising:

a memory configured to store instructions which, when executed by the processor, generates an informative composite image (102);

a processor configured to receive a communication from a sender electronic device (104);

a processor configured to associated an image with the message (104, 106); a processor configured to associated a service available to the receiver electronic device with the message (104);

a processor configured to select an image stencil based on the service (104, 108); and

a graphical processor that combines the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image (104).

22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoding computer executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, performs a method for generating an informative composite image, the method comprising:

receiving a communication from a sender electronic device; associating an image with the message;

associating a service available to the receiver electronic device with the message;

selecting an image stencil based on the service; and

combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image.

23. An apparatus that generates an informative composite image, comprising:

a processor;

a memory containing instructions when executed by said processor performs the operations:

associating an image with a message (602);

associating a service with the message (604);

selecting an image stencil based on the service (606); and

combining the image and image stencil to form a composite image (608).

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the image comprises a selection from a plurality of images, each of the plurality of images associated with a user.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the image comprises a photograph of the user.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the service comprises an application operable by a sender electronic device.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the service comprises a third-party service available to the user and accessible by a sender electronic device.

28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the image stencil comprises an image mask.

29 The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the image stencil is based, at least in part, on a logo associated with the service.

30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the plurality of images are stored by a sender electronic device in a storage medium associated with a sender electronic device.

31 . The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising an instruction that when executed by said processor has a requesting the image from a third party.

32. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising an instruction that when executed by said processor has a requesting the image stencil from a third party.

33. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein combining the image and image stencil to form the composite image comprises layering the image below the image stencil.

34. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising an instruction that when executed by said processor has a sending the message and composite image to a receiver electronic device.

35. An apparatus that generates an informative composite image, comprising:

a processor;

receiving a communication from a sender electronic device (700);

associating an image with a message contained within the communication

(702);

associating a service with the message (704);

selecting an image stencil based on the service (706); and

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the image comprises a selection from a plurality of images, each of the plurality of images associated with a user in possession of a sender electronic device.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the image comprises a photograph of the user.

38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the service comprises an application operable by the receiver electronic device.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the service comprises a third-party service available to the user and accessible by the receiver electronic device.

40. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the image stencil comprises an image mask.

41 . The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the image stencil is based, at least in part, on a logo associated with the service.

42. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein combining the image and image stencil to form the informative composite image comprises layering the image below the image stencil.