Microsoft Tries To Patent Online Goodbyes

Microsoft wants to patent the technological mechanisms by which instant messaging, chat, and VoIP applications automatically send goodbye messages, according to a recently published patent application with the U.S. Patent Office.

Originally filed April 28, 2006, the application covers the technology that triggers an indication to end a conversation, the selecting of a goodbye message based on a user's identity, the actual sending of the goodbye message, and the termination of the conversation.

The application also gives a few examples of what consitutes an online goodbye message, including: Have a great afternoon!"; "Sorry, I have got to go!"; "Have a terrific day!"; and "Ciao, Harry!"

In its description of why goodbye messages are necessary in online communication, Microsoft notes that some people "may be insulted when the user terminates a conversation without saying goodbye."

The filing also notes that this danger also applies to users who end online conversations abruptly because they're in a hurry. (As in, when the boss peeks his or her head over your cubicle wall to ask you about the status of the Burns account report, or just wants to verify that they didn't make an error in judgement by hiring you.)

In the application, Microsoft also points out the cultural differences that exist when it comes to ending conversations, which are exacerbated by the lack of visual or auditory clues in text-based messaging environments.

"Moreover, because messaging systems are generally textual, it can be difficult to provide other visual or auditory cues that humans generally provide when they converse in person," reads the filing.