Lewis W Ross

US Patent:

6615241, Sep 2, 2003

Filed:

Dec 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/269587

Inventors:

Stephen S. Miller - New York NY
Mohammed S. Shaalan - Kearny NY
Lewis Edward Ross - Far Rockaway NY

Assignee:

Net Exchange, LLC - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

G06F 1516

US Classification:

709206, 707100

Abstract:

Techniques to make e-mail correspondent-centric rather than message-centric, and reduce junk e-mail. Tabulates, maintains, and updates useful information about the users chosen correspondents, and the history and status of each correspondence series. Filters incoming messages from an unrecognized sender, asking user whether to add sender to correspondent list, and if so prompts user for needed information. Eliminates the need to search for e-mail addresses. Facilitates viewing sequential messages to and from a correspondent. Provides an effective tool to eliminate junk-mail by making it simpler and more practical to screen messages or change ones e-mail address. When user changes his e-mail address, automates notification of users chosen correspondents, and in some cases can automatically update such correspondents e-mail address lists. Eliminates need to manually create and maintain mailboxes or folders. Allows automated organization of e-mail by correspondent.