Method of authorizing receipt of instant messages by a recipient user

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An exemplary table, such as shown in FIG.
1, illustrates the control processes that a potential recipient of instant messages may use to control access to receipt of these messages.
The exemplary table has a matrix structure relating segmented interest categories to contact listed transmitting sources of instant messages.
In the exemplary embodiment interest categories "family", "soccer", "club", "class" and "hobby" are matrixed with the individual names #1 through name #6.
This table is preferably displayed on a screen of the potential recipient and is designed to be interactively controlled by the recipient.
The potential recipient may edit the contents of the table in real time.
A list of potential senders comprises a first column.
Categories of acceptable senders for message receipt comprise a top row listing.
Acceptable message senders for receipt of transmitted instant messages in each category are specified in columns beneath each category heading.
Acceptance is indicated by a checking or marking in the matrix by marking intersection of the vertical lists of senders with the specific categories heading.
As shown, various status possibilities are associated with each column heading defining category lists.
In the exemplary embodiment several status states include A=available, B=busy-but-on-line, U=unavailable, E=emergency.
As is apparent these status possibilities refer to the column of names below.
An individual blocked according to one category may be enabled by being listed in another category (which recipient has enabled) and hence able to send an instant message to the recipient.
Status indicators may be communicated to the potential sender who knows for example to send an instant message in an emergency; or a fellow class member may be invited to communicate for that reason but discouraged to communicate on matters of a club for example.
An exemplary flow or logic process by which specific instant messages may be authorized for receipt by a potential recipient is shown in the schematic blocks of FIGS