Prior art

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 9246857

To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 9246857, I have reviewed the "Citations" section of the patent, which lists documents cited by the examiner and/or third parties. These references represent the prior art considered during the patent's examination.

Here is an analysis of each cited prior art reference:

1. US20030093363A1

   • Full Citation: US20030093363A1 to Horsfall, Peter Richard P.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: May 15, 2003. Priority date: October 19, 2001.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a conversational dealing system. While the exact details of its messaging correlation are not immediately clear from the title, it pertains to systems for managing conversations, likely in a business or financial context.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a more detailed description of the "Conversational dealing system" in US20030093363A1, it is difficult to definitively pinpoint which claims of US9246857B2 it might anticipate. However, given its general subject matter of managing conversations, it could potentially be relevant to the broad concept of correlating conversations in a messaging environment as described in claims 1 and 15, particularly regarding the display and organization of messages within a conversation.

2. US20050138552A1

   • Full Citation: US20050138552A1 to Venolia, Gina D.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: June 23, 2005. Priority date: December 22, 2003.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes methods for clustering messages. This implies grouping related messages together, which is a core function of conversation correlation.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant to US9246857B2, as "clustering messages" directly relates to "correlating conversations." It could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 15 related to identifying and grouping messages into conversations, as well as the display of these correlated messages. Specifically, elements regarding the visual cues for shared conversations (claim 1, claim 15) and the method of associating new messages with active conversations (claim 1, claim 15) could be anticipated if Venolia's system describes similar mechanisms.

3. US7185057B2

   • Full Citation: US7185057B2 to International Business Machines Corporation.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: February 27, 2007. Priority date: July 26, 2001.
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on individually specifying message output attributes in a messaging system. This could relate to how messages are displayed and formatted.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent may anticipate elements of claims 1 and 15 related to the use of "visual cues" for messages. If "individually specifying message output attributes" includes attributes like color or other formatting to indicate conversational relationships, it could anticipate the visual cue aspects of claims 1 and 15.

4. US7200635B2

   • Full Citation: US7200635B2 to International Business Machines Corporation.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: April 3, 2007. Priority date: January 9, 2002.
   • Brief Description: This patent for a "Smart Messenger" likely involves advanced features for messaging, potentially including conversation management or organization.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without more specific details about the "Smart Messenger" features, it's difficult to be precise. However, if the "Smart Messenger" includes mechanisms for identifying and visually correlating messages within ongoing conversations, it could potentially anticipate the core concepts of claims 1 and 15, particularly the display of messages with visual cues and the association of new messages.

5. US20080177994A1

   • Full Citation: US20080177994A1 to Mayer, Yaron.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: July 24, 2008. Priority date: January 12, 2003.
   • Brief Description: This application relates to a system and method for improving efficiency, comfort, and/or reliability in Operating Systems, such as for example Windows. The title does not immediately suggest direct relevance to messaging conversation correlation.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Based solely on the provided title, this reference does not appear to directly anticipate the claims of US9246857B2, which are specific to correlating conversations in a messaging environment. Its focus on general operating system efficiency seems outside the scope of messaging correlation.

6. US7475110B2

   • Full Citation: US7475110B2 to International Business Machines Corporation.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: January 6, 2009. Priority date: January 7, 2004.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging. This is highly relevant to US9246857B2's focus on correlating conversations.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is very strong prior art. "Multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging" directly addresses the problem US9246857B2 aims to solve. It could potentially anticipate most, if not all, elements of claims 1 and 15, especially those related to providing a discussion interface, displaying messages, identifying active conversations, associating new messages, and displaying them with visual cues. The novelty of US9246857B2 might reside in the specific mechanism of receiving an indication (e.g., tapping) and changing a visual element of the message entry location, rather than just the messages themselves.

7. US20100023586A1

   • Full Citation: US20100023586A1 to International Business Machines Corporation.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: January 28, 2010. Priority date: July 24, 2008.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a system and method for correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment. This is directly pertinent to conversation correlation.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is another strong piece of prior art. "Correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment" directly addresses the problem of discerning conversation threads, a key aspect of US9246857B2. It could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1 and 15 concerning the association of messages with conversations and their display, especially if it describes visual indicators for question-answer pairs. The distinctiveness of US9246857B2 might again lie in the specific interaction methods and modification of the message entry location.

8. US20100115426A1

   • Full Citation: US20100115426A1 to Yahoo! Inc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: May 6, 2010. Priority date: November 5, 2008.
   • Brief Description: This patent application for "Avatar environments" likely relates to virtual worlds or social platforms using avatars. The direct relevance to messaging conversation correlation is not immediately apparent.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Based on the title, this reference does not appear to directly anticipate the claims of US9246857B2, as its focus seems to be on avatar-based environments rather than the specific mechanics of correlating conversations in a messaging context.

9. US20100125791A1

   • Full Citation: US20100125791A1 to Rebelvox, Llc.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: May 20, 2010. Priority date: November 14, 2008.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a user interface for a telecommunication and multimedia management system and method. This is broad, but could potentially include messaging interfaces.
   • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): The broad nature of "user interface for a telecommunication and multimedia management system" makes it difficult to assess without further detail. However, if this interface includes features for organizing or correlating messaging conversations through visual cues or active conversation selection, it could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 15 related to the discussion interface, message entry location, and visual cues.

10. WO2011005641A2

    • Full Citation: WO2011005641A2 to T-Mobile Usa, Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: January 13, 2011. Priority date: July 6, 2009.
    • Brief Description: This international application discusses communication mode swapping for telecommunications devices. This seems to focus on switching between different communication methods (e.g., voice, text) rather than conversation correlation within a single mode.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Based on the title, this reference does not appear to directly anticipate the claims of US9246857B2, as its focus is on communication mode management rather than specifically correlating conversations in a messaging environment.

11. US7885641B2

    • Full Citation: US7885641B2 to Research In Motion Limited.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: February 8, 2011. Priority date: June 18, 2007.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method and system for using subjects in instant messaging sessions on a mobile device. Using subjects can effectively group messages into conversations.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is highly relevant prior art. The use of "subjects in instant messaging sessions" inherently provides a mechanism for correlating messages into conversations. This patent could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1 and 15 related to identifying and grouping conversations, displaying messages within a discussion interface, and associating new messages with a conversation. The visual cue aspect of US9246857B2 might differentiate it, depending on how "subjects" are visually represented in US7885641B2.

12. US8001184B2

    • Full Citation: US8001184B2 to International Business Machines Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: August 16, 2011. Priority date: January 27, 2006.
    • Brief Description: This patent details a system and method for managing an instant messaging conversation. This is directly relevant to the subject matter of US9246857B2.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is strong prior art as it specifically addresses "managing an instant messaging conversation." It likely covers aspects of providing a discussion interface, displaying messages, and handling conversations. It could potentially anticipate the broad concepts of claims 1 and 15 regarding conversation correlation. The specific interaction for defining an "active conversation" and the visual changes to the message entry location in US9246857B2 might be distinguishing features.

13. US8024412B2

    • Full Citation: US8024412B2 to Microsoft Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: September 20, 2011. Priority date: February 15, 2008.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a user interface reading email conversations. While specific to email, the concept of "reading email conversations" implies correlation and organization of messages within threads.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is relevant, especially considering US9246857B2 also discusses application to email interfaces. It could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1 and 15 concerning displaying messages in a discussion interface and correlating them into conversations, particularly in the context of thread visualization. The interaction model for defining an "active conversation" and the modification of the message entry location, as claimed in US9246857B2, would be points of differentiation.

14. US8312095B2

    • Full Citation: US8312095B2 to International Business Machines Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: November 13, 2012. Priority date: January 30, 2008.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes tracking interactive text-message communications. "Tracking" implies organizing and maintaining context for these communications.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): "Tracking interactive text-message communications" is directly related to correlating conversations. This patent could potentially anticipate the broad idea of identifying and managing ongoing conversation threads as claimed in claims 1 and 15. The specific visual cues and the dynamic modification of the message entry location described in US9246857B2 might provide novelty.

15. US20130090138A1

    • Full Citation: US20130090138A1 to Facebook, Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: April 11, 2013. Priority date: March 6, 2000.
    • Brief Description: This patent application is titled "Processing messages based on a destination device." While it deals with messages, the focus appears to be on routing or handling based on the recipient device, rather than explicit conversation correlation for the user interface.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Based on the title, this reference does not appear to directly anticipate the claims of US9246857B2, as its focus on message processing based on destination device is distinct from correlating conversations within a user interface.

16. US8473553B2

    • Full Citation: US8473553B2 to International Business Machines Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: June 25, 2013. Priority date: February 19, 2009.
    • Brief Description: This patent focuses on the management of multiple synchronous responses to a single question in community-based instant messaging. This is a very specific type of conversation correlation.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant. It addresses a specific challenge within multi-party messaging that US9246857B2 also aims to improve upon. It could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 15 related to identifying and organizing responses within a conversation thread, especially if it involves visual distinctions for these responses. The mechanism for a user to actively define an "active conversation" and the visual change to the message entry location in US9246857B2 remain key differentiating features.

17. US20130198296A1

    • Full Citation: US20130198296A1 to Global Relay Communications Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: August 1, 2013. Priority date: January 31, 2012.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a system and method for processing messages in a messaging service. This is a broad title, but "processing messages" could include organization.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): The broad title makes it challenging to assess precise anticipation. However, if "processing messages" in this context involves identifying and linking messages that belong to the same conversation and presenting them in a correlated manner, it could potentially anticipate the general concept of conversation correlation in claims 1 and 15. More specific details would be needed to determine anticipation of the unique UI/UX elements of US9246857B2.

18. WO2013116848A2

    • Full Citation: WO2013116848A2 to [Apple Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Apple%20Inc.)
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: August 8, 2013. Priority date: February 5, 2012.
    • Brief Description: This international application is titled "Unified communication application." A unified communication application often integrates various forms of communication, potentially including messaging with organized conversations.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): While "Unified communication application" is broad, such applications typically aim to streamline communication, which might include conversation threading or correlation. If this application describes methods for users to actively select a conversation context for new messages and provides visual feedback, it could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1 and 15 related to the discussion interface, message entry, and visual cues.

19. US8543927B1

    • Full Citation: US8543927B1 to Google Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: September 24, 2013. Priority date: November 1, 2007.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes methods for simulating icon popout on memory constrained devices. This appears to be a user interface technique for displaying information on limited-resource devices, rather than conversation correlation.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Based on the title, this reference does not appear to directly anticipate the claims of US9246857B2, as its focus is on icon display on memory-constrained devices, not the correlation of messages into conversations.

20. US20140040784A1

    • Full Citation: US20140040784A1 to Google Inc.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: February 6, 2014. Priority date: June 20, 2007.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a "Multi-user chat" system. Multi-user chat environments often face the challenge of correlating conversations, which is the core of US9246857B2.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is highly relevant prior art. A "Multi-user chat" system would almost certainly need mechanisms to manage and display multiple conversation threads. It could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1 and 15, particularly concerning the discussion interface, displaying messages, and the general concept of correlating conversations in a multi-user environment. The specific interaction model for defining an "active conversation" and the visual change to the message entry location in US9246857B2 would likely be distinguishing features.

21. US8725813B2

    • Full Citation: US8725813B2 to Microsoft Corporation.
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: May 13, 2014. Priority date: September 30, 2008.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes communications grouped as conversations. This is directly on point with the subject matter of US9246857B2.
    • Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is extremely strong prior art. "Communications grouped as conversations" directly aligns with the core inventive concept of US9246857B2. It likely anticipates the broad ideas of claims 1 and 15 related to providing a discussion interface, displaying messages, and grouping them into conversations. The specific user interaction of "receiving a first indication that the first message is part of an active conversation" and "changing a visual element of the message entry location" (Claim 1) or "modifying a visual element of the message entry location" (Claim 15) could be distinguishing features for US9246857B2.

Overall Most Relevant Prior Art:

The most relevant prior art references appear to be those that explicitly deal with multi-threaded conversations, grouping messages into conversations, or correlating questions and answers in messaging environments. These include:

• US7475110B2 (IBM): "Method and interface for multi-threaded conversations in instant messaging."
• US20100023586A1 (IBM): "System and method for correlating questions and answers in an instant messaging environment."
• US7885641B2 (Research In Motion Limited): "Method and system for using subjects in instant messaging sessions on a mobile device."
• US8001184B2 (IBM): "System and method for managing an instant messaging conversation."
• US8024412B2 (Microsoft): "User interface reading email conversations."
• US8312095B2 (IBM): "Tracking interactive text-message communications."
• US8473553B2 (IBM): "Management of multiple synchronous responses to single question in community-based instant messaging."
• US20140040784A1 (Google): "Multi-user chat."
• US8725813B2 (Microsoft): "Communications grouped as conversations."

These patents and applications directly address the core problem of managing and visualizing multiple intertwined conversations, which is the central theme of US9246857B2. The novelty of US9246857B2 likely lies in the specific user interaction model for defining an "active conversation" (e.g., tapping an existing message) and the subsequent change in the visual element of the message entry location to match the visual cue of the active conversation, which is a key element of both independent claims 1 and 15. While other prior art may show visual cues for messages, the explicit change to the input area to reflect the active conversation's visual cue appears to be a distinguishing feature of US9246857B2.