WO2016170402A1

WO2016170402A1 - Method of and system for processing an electronic message based on a user interaction

Info

Publication number: WO2016170402A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/056347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Egor Vladimirovitch GANIN
Original assignee: Yandex Europe Ag; Yandex Llc; Yandex Inc.
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2015-08-21
Publication date: 2016-10-27
Also published as: RU2015115584A; RU2640638C2

Abstract

There is provided a method of processing an electronic message, receiving from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with a message element; responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions, presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element associated with the one of a plurality of predefined directions, the action element located at a pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions, the respective action element indicating the respective action to the user; receiving from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element; responsive to the second indication, executing the respective action with the electronic message.

Description

METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE

BASED ON A USER INTERACTION

CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] The present application claims priority to Russian Patent Application No. 2015115584, filed April 24, 2015, entitled "METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BASED ON A USER INTERACTION" the entirety of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY [0002] The present technology relates to electronic communications over a communication network in general and, specifically, to a method of and a system for processing an electronic message based on a user interaction.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The recent developments in telecommunications networks have provided a typical user with a choice of communication applications for exchanging information with other users over a telecommunication network. The typical user can select a specific way to exchange information over the telecommunication network, which specific way may depend on one or both of the typical user's personal preferences or the type of information she is desirous of exchanging. [0004] For example, the user can choose and send an e-mail using an e-mail client or a webmail application. Both the e-mail client and the webmail application allow the user to send an e-mail message that includes various types of data (for example, both text and attachments - such as, images, financial worksheets, multi-media presentations, audio files, video files and the like). The e-mail message provides the user with flexibility to choose virtually any length of the e-mail message and virtually any number of attachments (subject only to the e-mail size limitations potentially imposed by the e-mail service provider that the user chooses to use). [0005] Figure 1 depicts an example screenshot of a conventional webmail page illustrating a prior art web mail page implementation. A webmail page 100 is viewable using an electronic device by accessing the web mail service using a browser or an e-mail application. The webmail page 100 is what can be called a "summary screen". Generally, the summary screen of the web mail service is a page that provides a listing of e-mail messages, as opposed to a "message page" which displays content of a particular e-mail message. The summary screen can be an Inbox screen (as is the case in Figure 1), which lists incoming e-mail messages destined to a user who is a subscriber to the web mail service. The summary screen can also be a Sent Items screen, a Trash items screen, and one of the folder summary screens that can be defined by the user (such as, for example, "My 2013 e-mails", "My 2014 e- mails", "My 2015 e-mails" and the like).

[0006] The webmail page 100 shows a plurality of lines 102 that, together, form a list of recent e-mail messages addressed to the e-mail receiver (i.e. incoming messages, both read and unread incoming messages). Each line 102 provides information about a particular e-mail message. More specifically, each line 102 shows an identity 104 of a sender of the e-mail message, a title 106 of the e-mail message, and a date and/or time 108 when the e-mail message was sent from the sender. An avatar 114 representing the sender may be included, if available (otherwise a filler image may be displayed). First few words 110 of a text content of the e-mail message (or a compiled summary of the e-mail message) may also be shown. [0007] On each line 102, a box 112 can be selected by the e-mail receiver to execute an action that the e-mail receiver is desirous of executing by clicking on a command related to the e-mail message. Line 102A shows an icon 120, usually illustrating a paper clip, indicating that a particular e-mail message associated with the line 102A contains one or more attachments. The content of a given line 102 is displayed in bold font when the corresponding e-mail message has not been previously opened by the e-mail receiver. The content of the given line 402 that is not in bold font indicates that it refers to an e-mail message that has already been opened by the e-mail receiver. The first two lines 102 are depicted in bold font, illustrative of the two new (i.e. unread) e-mail messages being received for the user associated with the webmail account. Naturally, it is known to use other visual attributes to delineate read and unread e-mail messages.

[0008] In the illustrated webmail page 100, in order to execute an action with the given e- mail message, the user can highlight the message that the user is desirous of performing the action with (for example, by clicking the box 112 of the given message) and then the user can select the desired action - for example, by clicking a delete button 140 if the user desires to delete the message. In other known solution (especially those that are implemented on smartphones and other wireless electronic devices), the user can select the message that the user is desirous of performing an action with by executing a "swipe action" over the message, at which point the user can be presented with a number of pre-selected actions to be performed with the message (such as delete, mark unread, forward, etc). The user can then select the action the user is desirous of performing.

SUMMARY [0009] It is thus an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0010] Developers of the present technology have developed embodiments thereof based on their realization of at least one technical problem associated with the prior art solutions for processing e-mail messages displayed in an inbox summary screen or other types of summary screens. Developers believe that methods for processing messages in an inbox (or other summary screens) currently available are not entirely satisfactory. For example, the methods for processing and manipulating e-mail messages that were described with reference to Figure 1 require the user to perform several actions (such as, selecting the message, selecting the desired action, etc). Not only can it be considered to be nuisance by some users, it can also put an additional strain on the battery of the electronic device (which can be a significant problem in some smartphones and other wireless and/or portable devices).

[0011] With the solution that was described in the paragraphs above as it pertains to smartphones, the selection of action elements presented after the swipe action is typically displayed in a close proximity to the message. This arrangement, combined with a somewhat small screen (and thus displaying real estate available) results in a possibility of the user clicking the wrong button (i.e. inadvertently selecting the wrong action) and, therefore, having to undo the action and re-select the correct one. Again, this may cause dis-satisfaction to the user and the unnecessary use of battery power.

[0012] According to a first broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method of processing an electronic message. The electronic message is being displayed in a summary screen displayed on a display of an electronic device. The electronic device is associated with a user. The method is executed by the electronic device. The method comprises: presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device a message element, the message element associated with the electronic message; receiving from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element; responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions, each of the plurality of predefined directions being associated with a respective action element of a plurality of action elements, each respective action element being associated with a respective action to be performed with the electronic message, the respective action being one of a plurality of actions; presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action element located at a pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions, the respective action element indicating the respective action to the user; receiving from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element; responsive to the second indication, executing the respective action with the electronic message.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, the electronic message is one of a plurality of electronic messages being displayed in the summary screen.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, the summary screen is one of an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the pre-defined location is visually spaced away from at least some of the plurality of message elements, at least some of the plurality of message elements including the message element.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the at least some of the plurality of message elements include all of the plurality of message element.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the method further comprises: ceasing to display the respective action element; presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device another respective action element of the plurality of action elements, the other respective action element associated with another one of the plurality of predefined direction, the other respective action element being associated with another predefined action of the plurality of actions and being located at another pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of the second drag action, the other respective action element indicating the other pre-defined action; receiving from the user a fifth indication of another drop action of the message element into the other respective action element; responsive to the fifth indication, executing the other pre-defined action with the electronic message.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, each of the plurality of action elements is associated with a respective unique background texturing.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, the presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element comprises presenting an interface element that overlaps a portion of the summary screen view such that the respective action element is prominently visible to the user. [0020] In some embodiments of the method, the respective action element comprises one of a graphical portion and a text portion indicative of the respective action.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises presenting to the user an action indicator, the action indicator being indicative of the respective action associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action indicator being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method, the action indicator is of a different visual appearance than the respective action element.

[0023] In some embodiments of the method, the action indicator is displayed in the pre- defined location.

[0024] In some embodiments of the method, the presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element comprises replacing the action indicator with the respective action element. [0025] In some embodiments of the method, in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the method further comprises: replacing the respective action element with the action indicator.

[0026] In some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises presenting to the user a plurality of action indicators, each of the plurality of action indicators being associated with a respective one of the plurality of pre-defined directions, each of the plurality of action indicators being indicative of an associated action associated, the plurality of action indicators being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[0027] According to another broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided an electronic device. The electronic device comprises: a user input output interface for receiving user inputs and for providing at least one of visual and audible outputs; a network communication interface for two-way communication over a communications network; and a processor coupled to the user input output interface and the network communication interface, the processor being configured to have access to computer readable instructions which instructions, when executed, cause the processor to display an electronic message on the user input output interface, the electronic message being displayed in a summary screen, the computer readable instructions being further configured to cause the processor: present to the user on the input output interface a message element, the message element associated with the electronic message; receive from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element; responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions, each of the plurality of predefined directions being associated with a respective action element of a plurality of action elements, each respective action element being associated with a respective action to be performed with the electronic message, the respective action being one of a plurality of actions, present to the user on the input output interface the respective action element associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action element located at a pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions, the respective action element indicating the respective action to the user; receive from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element; responsive to the second indication, execute the respective action with the electronic message.

[0028] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the electronic message is one of a plurality of electronic messages being displayed in the summary screen. [0029] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the summary screen is one of an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen.

[0030] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the pre-defined location is visually spaced away from at least some of the plurality of message elements, at least some of the plurality of message elements including the message element.

[0031] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the at least some of the plurality of message elements include all of the plurality of message element.

[0032] In some embodiments of the electronic device, in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the processor is further configured to: cease to input output interface the respective action element; present to the user on the input output interface of the electronic device another respective action element of the plurality of action elements, the other respective action element associated with another one of the plurality of predefined direction, the other respective action element being associated with another pre-defined action of the plurality of actions and being located at another pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of the second drag action, the other respective action element indicating the other pre-defined action; receive from the user a fifth indication of another drop action of the message element into the other respective action element; responsive to the fifth indication, execute the other pre-defined action with the electronic message.

[0033] In some embodiments of the electronic device, each of the plurality of action elements is associated with a respective unique background texturing. [0034] In some embodiments of the electronic device, to present to the user on the input output interface of the electronic device the respective action element, the processor is configured to present an interface element that overlaps a portion of the summary screen view such that the respective action element is prominently visible to the user. [0035] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the respective action element comprises one of a graphical portion and a text portion indicative of the respective action.

[0036] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the processor is being further configured to present to the user an action indicator, the action indicator being indicative of the respective action associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action indicator being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[0037] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the action indicator is of a different visual appearance than the respective action element.

[0038] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the action indicator is displayed in the pre-defined location.

[0039] In some embodiments of the electronic device, to present to the user on the input output interface of the electronic device the respective action element, the processor is configured to replace the action indicator with the respective action element.

[0040] In some embodiments of the electronic device, in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the processor is further configured to: replace the respective action element with the action indicator. [0041] In some embodiments of the electronic device, the processor is being further configured to present to the user a plurality of action indicators, each of the plurality of action indicators being associated with a respective one of the plurality of pre-defined directions, each of the plurality of action indicators being indicative of an associated action associated, the plurality of action indicators being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[0042] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, a "server" is a computer program that is running on appropriate hardware and is capable of receiving requests (e.g. from client devices) over a network, and carrying out those requests, or causing those requests to be carried out. The hardware may be one physical computer or one physical computer system, but neither is required to be the case with respect to the present technology. In the present context, the use of the expression a "server" is not intended to mean that every task (e.g. received instructions or requests) or any particular task will have been received, carried out, or caused to be carried out, by the same server (i.e. the same software and/or hardware); it is intended to mean that any number of software elements or hardware devices may be involved in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request; and all of this software and hardware may be one server or multiple servers, both of which are included within the expression "at least one server".

[0043] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, "client device" is any computer hardware that is capable of running software appropriate to the relevant task at hand. Thus, some (non-limiting) examples of client devices include personal computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), smartphones, and tablets, as well as network equipment such as routers, switches, and gateways. It should be noted that a device acting as a client device in the present context is not precluded from acting as a server to other client devices. The use of the expression "a client device" does not preclude multiple client devices being used in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request, or steps of any method described herein.

[0044] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, a "database" is any structured collection of data, irrespective of its particular structure, the database management software, or the computer hardware on which the data is stored, implemented or otherwise rendered available for use. A database may reside on the same hardware as the process that stores or makes use of the information stored in the database or it may reside on separate hardware, such as a dedicated server or plurality of servers. [0045] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, the expression "information" includes information of any nature or kind whatsoever capable of being stored in a database. Thus information includes, but is not limited to audiovisual works (images, movies, sound records, presentations etc.), data (location data, numerical data, etc.), text (opinions, comments, questions, messages, etc.), documents, spreadsheets, etc.

[0046] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, the expression "component" is meant to include software (appropriate to a particular hardware context) that is both necessary and sufficient to achieve the specific function(s) being referenced. [0047] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, the expression "computer usable information storage medium" is intended to include media of any nature and kind whatsoever, including RAM, ROM, disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppy disks, hard drivers, etc.), USB keys, solid state-drives, tape drives, etc.

[0048] In the context of the present specification, unless specifically provided otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns. Thus, for example, it should be understood that, the use of the terms "first server" and "third server" is not intended to imply any particular order, type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking (for example) of/between the server, nor is their use (by itself) intended imply that any "second server" must necessarily exist in any given situation. Further, as is discussed herein in other contexts, reference to a "first" element and a "second" element does not preclude the two elements from being the same actual real-world element. Thus, for example, in some instances, a "first" server and a "second" server may be the same software and/or hardware, in other cases they may be different software and/or hardware.

[0049] Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above- mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. [0050] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0051] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0052] Figure 1 is an example screenshot of a conventional webmail page, the conventional webmail page displaying an inbox summary screen, the webmail page being implemented in accordance with the prior art techniques.

[0053] Figure 2 is an example screenshot of a webmail page, the webmail page displaying an inbox summary screen, the webmail page being implemented in accordance with non- limiting embodiments of the present technology, the webmail page being depicted prior to any of the action elements being displayed therein. [0054] Figure 3 is an example screenshot of the webmail page of Figure 2, the webmail page displaying an inbox summary screen, the webmail page being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the webmail page displaying a first action element.

[0055] Figure 4 is an example screenshot of the webmail page of Figure 2, the webmail page displaying an inbox summary screen, the webmail page being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the webmail page displaying a second action element, the second action element being in a first configuration thereof.

[0056] Figure 5 is an example screenshot of the webmail page of Figure 2, the webmail page displaying an inbox summary screen, the webmail page being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the webmail page displaying the second action element, the second action element being in a second configuration thereof. [0057] Figure 6 depicts a diagram of a system, the system being suitable for implementing non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0058] Figure 7 depicts a schematic diagram of an electronic device of the system of Figure 6, the electronic device being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0059] Figure 8 depicts a flow chart of a method, the method being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0060] Figure 9 depicts another example screen shot, the screen shot depicting some of the non-limiting optional enhancements of some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present technology and not to limit its scope to such specifically recited examples and conditions. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art may devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, nonetheless embody the principles of the present technology and are included within its spirit and scope.

[0062] Furthermore, as an aid to understanding, the following description may describe relatively simplified implementations of the present technology. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[0063] In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the present technology may also be set forth. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may make other modifications while nonetheless remaining within the scope of the present technology. Further, where no examples of modifications have been set forth, it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology. [0064] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and implementations of the present technology, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof, whether they are currently known or developed in the future. Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the present technology. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo-code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer-readable media and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0065] The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional block labeled as a "processor" or a "graphics processing unit", may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. In some embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be a general purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a processor dedicated to a specific purpose, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. [0066] Software modules, or simply modules which are implied to be software, may be represented herein as any combination of flowchart elements or other elements indicating performance of process steps and/or textual description. Such modules may be executed by hardware that is expressly or implicitly shown.

[0067] With these fundamentals in place, we will now consider some non-limiting examples to illustrate various implementations of aspects of the present technology. [0068] Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a diagram of a system 600, the system 600 being suitable for implementing non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. It is to be expressly understood that the system 600 is depicted as merely as an illustrative implementation of the present technology. Thus, the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the system 600 may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e. where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition it is to be understood that the system 600 may provide in certain instances simple implementations of the present technology, and that where such is the case they have been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity. [0069] The system 600 comprises an electronic device 602. The electronic device 602 is typically associated with a user (not depicted) and, as such, can sometimes be referred to as a "client device". It should be noted that the fact that the electronic device 602 is associated with the user does not need to suggest or imply any mode of operation - such as a need to log in, a need to be registered or the like. [0070] The implementation of the electronic device 602 is not particularly limited, but as an example, the electronic device 602 may be implemented as a personal computer (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), a wireless electronic device (a cell phone, a smartphone, a tablet and the like), as well as network equipment (a router, a switch, or a gateway). Merely for the purposes of an illustration, it shall be assumed that the electronic device 602 is implemented as a laptop computer, such as LENOVO™ THINKPAD™ X220 lap top running a WINDOWS™ operating system. [0071] As has been mentioned in the paragraphs above, the implementation of the electronic device 602 is not particularly limited. In a specific embodiment and with brief reference to Figure 7, a schematic diagram of the electronic device 602 is depicted and will now be described. The electronic device 602 may comprise a processor 703. In a particular embodiment, the processor 703 may comprise one or more processors and/or one or more microcontrollers configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the operation of the electronic device 602. In various embodiments, processor 703 may be implemented as a single-chip, multiple chips and/or other electrical components including one or more integrated circuits and printed circuit boards. Processor 703 may optionally contain a cache memory unit (not depicted) for temporary local storage of instructions, data, or computer addresses. By way of example, the processor 703 may include one or more processors or one or more controllers dedicated for certain processing tasks of the electronic device 602 or a single multi-functional processor or controller.

[0072] The processor 703 is operatively coupled to a memory module 704. Memory module 704 may encompass one or more storage media and generally provide a place to store computer code (e.g., software and/or firmware). By way of example, the memory module 704 may include various tangible computer-readable storage media including Read-Only Memory (ROM) and/or Random- Access Memory (RAM). As is well known in the art, ROM acts to transfer data and instructions uni-directionally to the processor 703, and RAM is used typically to transfer data and instructions in a bi-directional manner. Memory module 704 may also include one or more fixed storage devices in the form of, by way of example, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), flash-memory cards (e.g., Secured Digital or SD cards, embedded MultiMediaCard or eMMD cards), among other suitable forms of memory coupled bi- directionally to the processor 703. Information may also reside on one or more removable storage media loaded into or installed in the electronic device 602 when needed. By way of example, any of a number of suitable memory cards (e.g., SD cards) may be loaded into the electronic device 602 on a temporary or permanent basis.

[0073] The memory module 704 may store inter alia a series of computer-readable instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor 703 (as well as other components of the electronic device 602) to execute the various operations described herein.

[0074] The electronic device 602 further comprises an input output module 706 (also called sometimes a display, a screen or a monitor). Input output module 706 may comprise one or more input and output devices operably connected to processor 703. For example, input output module 706 may include keyboard, mouse, one or more buttons, thumb wheel, and/or display (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), Interferometric modulator display (IMOD), or any other suitable display technology). Generally, input devices are configured to transfer data, commands and responses from the outside world into electronic device 602. The display is generally configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides an easy to use visual interface between a user of the electronic device 602 and the operating system or application(s) running on the electronic device 602. Generally, the GUI presents programs, files and operational options with graphical images. During operation, the user may select and activate various graphical images displayed on the display in order to initiate functions and tasks associated therewith. Input output module 706 may also include touch based devices such as touchpad and touch screen. A touchpad is an input device including a surface that detects touch-based inputs of users. Similarly, a touch screen is a display that detects the presence and location of user touch inputs. Input output module 706 may also include dual touch or multi-touch displays or touchpads that can identify the presence, location and movement of more than one touch inputs, such as two or three finger touches. In the particular embodiment of the electronic device 602 being implemented as a laptop computer, the input output module 706 can be implemented as a key board and a screen. In alternative embodiments, the input output module 706 can be implemented as a touch-sensitive screen. [0075] In particular embodiments, electronic device 602 may additionally comprise an audio module 708, a camera module 710, a wireless communication module 712, a sensor module 714, and/or wired communication module 716, all operably connected to the processor 703 to facilitate various functions of electronic device 602.

[0076] For example, the camera module 710, including an optical sensor (e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD), or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor), can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips. For example, the wired communication module 716 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for file transferring, or an Ethernet port for connection to a local area network (LAN). Additionally, the electronic device 602 may be powered by a power source module 618, which can be executed as rechargeable batter or the like.

[0077] Wireless communication module 712 can be designed to operate over one or more wireless networks, for example, a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN, an infrared PAN), a WI-FI network (such as, for example, an 802.11a/b/g/n WI-FI network, an 802.11s mesh network), a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, and/or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network). Additionally, wireless communication module 712 may include hosting protocols such that electronic device 602 may be configured as a base station for other wireless devices.

[0078] The sensor module 714 may include one or more sensor devices to provide additional input and facilitate multiple functionalities of the electronic device 602. Some examples of implementations of the sensor module 714 can include one or more: GPS module, a GLONASS module, an accelerometer, an ambient temperature measurement device, a device for measuring the force of gravity, a gyroscope, a device for measuring ambient light, a device for measuring acceleration force, a device for measuring ambient geomagnetic field, a device for measuring a degree of rotation, a device for measuring ambient air pressure, a device for measuring relative ambient humidity, a device for measuring device orientation, a device for measuring temperature of the device, etc. It is noted that some of these devices can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of the two.

[0079] In various embodiments, various components of electronic device 602 may be operably connected together by one or more buses (including hardware and/or software). As an example and not by way of limitation, the one or more buses may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a front- side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI- Express (PCI-X) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) interface, a Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) bus, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a Secure Digital (SD) memory interface, a MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory interface, a Memory Stick (MS) memory interface, a Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) interface, a Multi-channel Buffered Serial Port (McBSP) bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) bus, a General Purpose Memory Controller (GPMC) bus, a SDRAM Controller (SDRC) bus, a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) bus, a Separate Video (S-Video) bus, a Display Serial Interface (DSI) bus, an Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA) bus, or another suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these.

[0080] Returning to the description of Figure 6, the electronic device 602 comprises hardware and/or software and/or firmware (or a combination thereof) to execute a web browser 604. Generally speaking, the purpose of the web browser 604 is to enable the user (not depicted) to access one or more networked resources over a communication network 608, including a web mail service available on a server 610, which server 610 is also coupled to the communication network 608.

[0081] How the web browser 604 is implemented is not particularly limited. One example of the web browser 604 may be a YANDEX™ browser. Alternatively, the web browser 604 can be implemented as a GOOGLE CHROME™ browser, an OPERA™ browser, and the like.

[0082] Using the web browser 604, the user of the electronic device 604 is able to access the web mail service provided by the server 610 by typing in a Universal Resource Locator (URL) of a web portal or a web page that hosts the web mail service, such as mail.yandex.ru, gmail.com or the like. Naturally, the user can also click a link from a document, select a bookmark, select a favourite website link and the like to access the service. How the user accesses, signs up for, logs in and logs out of the web mail service is generally known in the art and, as such, will not be described here at any length.

[0083] Additionally, even though the description to be presented herein below will use the example of the web browser 604 being used for accessing the web mail service, teachings presented herein should not be construed as so limited. In other embodiments of the present technology, the electronic device 602 can execute another application (such as an e-mail application or a messaging application) and teachings presented herein can be equally applied to such other applications executed by the electronic device 602. Naturally, the other type of the messaging service can also be accessed using the web browser 604 or a dedicated application.

[0084] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the communication network 608 can be implemented as the Internet. In other embodiments of the present technology, the communication network 608 can be implemented differently, such as any wide-area communication network, local-area communication network, a private communication network and the like. The electronic device 602 is coupled to the communication network 608 via a communication link 612. How the communication link 612 is implemented is not particularly limited and will depend on how the electronic device 602 is implemented.

[0085] Recalling that the electronic device 602 can be implemented, in this example, as a laptop, the communication link 612 can be wireless (such as the Wireless Fidelity, or WiFi® for short, Bluetooth® or the like) or wired (such as Ethernet™ based connection). In other embodiments, the communication link 612 can be wireless - such as the Wireless Fidelity, or WiFi® for short, Bluetooth® or the like or cellular (such as 3G, LTE and the like).

[0086] It should be expressly understood that implementations for the electronic device 602, the communication link 612 and the communication network 608 are provided for illustration purposes only. As such, those skilled in the art will easily appreciate other specific implementational details for the electronic device 602, the communication link 612 and the communication network 608. As such, by no means, examples provided herein above are meant to limit the scope of the present technology. [0087] The server 610 can be implemented as a conventional computer server. In an example of an embodiment of the present technology, the server 610 can be implemented as a Dell™ PowerEdge™ Server running the Microsoft™ Windows Server™ operating system. Needless to say, the server 610 can be implemented in any other suitable hardware and/or software and/or firmware or a combination thereof. In the depicted non-limiting embodiment of present technology, the server 610 is a single server. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the functionality of the server 610 may be distributed and may be implemented via multiple servers.

[0088] The server 610 comprises hardware and/or software and/or firmware (or a combination thereof) to execute an e-mail service, as is generally known in the art. As has been described above, the e-mail service of the server 610 can be accessed using the web browser 604 or a dedicated e-mail client. In other embodiments, the server 610 is configured to execute another type of a messaging application, such as, an instant messaging application, a short messaging application and the like. Examples of such applications include but are not limited to: SKYPE™ instant messaging application, WHATS APP messaging application and the like. [0089] The server 610 comprises or has access to a data storage 614, which data storage 614 is used by the server 610 to store incoming and outgoing messages for the subscribers of the e-mail service hosted by the server 610. The server 610 can use the data storage 614 to host subscribers' profiles, log in information, billing information and the like. The term "subscriber" should not be interpreted to have any particular meaning and, as such, teachings of the present technology equally apply to both "free" and "paid for" messaging services.

[0090] When the user accesses the e-mail service hosted by the server 610, the user is presented, on the input output module 706, a so called "landing page" of the service, also known as a "summary screen". With reference to Figure 2, there is depicted a screen shot 200 of such an example summary screen, which in the embodiment of Figure 2 is depicted as an inbox summary screen.

[0091] The screen shot 200 displays several elements and some of such elements are known to those skilled in the art and, as such, the screen shot 200 will only be described in pertinent details for the embodiments of the present technology. [0092] The screen shot 200 depicts a message portion 204, which is configured to display to the user one or more e-mail messages. The message portion 204 will be described momentarily. The screen shot 200 further comprises a view control panel 206. The view control panel 206 allows the user to select a particular one of a plurality of possible summary screens that the user is desirous of perusing. The different summary screens that the user can select using the view control panel 206 include but are not limited to: an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen. An example of the user-defined message folder screen depicted in Figure 2 include: "Feedback" folder, "Jira" folder and the like. As such, it should be understood that the teachings presented herein in respect to the inbox screen apply mutatis mutandis to the other types of summary screens.

[0093] The message portion 204 shows a plurality of lines 220 that, together, form a list of e- mail messages addressed to the e-mail receiver or originated from the e-mail sender (i.e. incoming messages, both read and unread incoming messages). Each line 220 (such as a first line 212, a second line 214 and the like) provides information about a particular e-mail message. More specifically, each line 220 shows an identity 224 of a sender of the e-mail message, a title 226 of the e-mail message, and a date and/or time 228 when the e-mail message was sent from the sender. An avatar 230 representing the sender may be included, if available (otherwise a filler image may be displayed). First few words 232 of a text content of the e-mail message (or a compiled summary of the e-mail message) may also be shown.

[0094] Each of the plurality of lines 220 (or a portion thereof) can be considered to be a "message element". Within the description presented herein, the "message element" is any visual element that indicated a specific e-mail message (or any other applicable type of electronic messages, as the case may be in other embodiments of the present technology) within the message portion 204.

[0095] Much akin to the description of the prior art solution of Figure 1, each line 220, can have a box 234, which box 234 can be selected by the e-mail receiver to execute an action chosen by clicking on a command related to the e-mail message using a message control command panel 210. In the depicted embodiment, the message control command panel 210 enables the user to select one of the message commands. These command include for illustration purposes, but are not limited to: New, Refresh, Forward, Delete, Spam!, Mark Read, Tag and Move commands (these are not separately numbered).

[0096] In alternative embodiments of the present technology, the box 234 and the message command panel 210 can be omitted.

[0097] It should be noted that the e-mail service can have services other than the e-mail, such as, for example, Cloud Storage, Contacts listing, Calendar and the like. To that end, the screen shot 200 further includes a service control panel 208. The service control panel 208 allows the user to switch between different services available in association with the e-mail service hosted on the server 610. In some embodiments, the user needs to be logged into the service(s) and an indication of a log in indicator 280 can be provided.

[0098] According to some embodiments of the present technology, the web browser 604 allows the user to manipulate the e-mail messages displayed within the message portion 204 by means of a "drag and drop" action To that end, there is provided a cursor 216. In the depicted embodiment, the cursor 216 comprises a pointed finger hand. However, the cursor 216 can be implemented in any other shape. Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the cursor 216 can be omitted. This is particularly applicable (but not limited) to those embodiments where the input output module 706 is implemented as a touch screen. [0099] In accordance with embodiments of the present technology, when the user is desirous of executing a given action with a given e-mail message 218, the user can highlight the given e-mail message 218 by either hovering the cursor 216 over the given e-mail message 218, left-clicking the given e-mail message 218, right-clicking the given e-mail message 218 and the like. In some embodiments, the selected given e-mail message 218 can be highlighted using a different color, for example. Naturally, the given e-mail message 218 can include a plurality of given e-mail messages. If the user is desirous of executing the given action with the plurality of e-mail messages, the user can highlight the plurality of given e-mail messages by either actuating the respective boxes 234 or by "swiping" over the plurality of given e- mail messages.

[00100] The user can perform a drag action associated with the selected given e-mail message 218 into one of pre-defined directions. The dragging action can be executed, for example, by a mouse device, by holding a left or a right button of the mouse and moving the mouse. Alternatively, the dragging action can be executed by the user holding the finger on the selected given e-mail message 218 and moving the finger along the screen on one of the pre-defined directions. The latter is particularly suitable where the input output module 706 is implemented as a touch sensitive screen. Alternatively, the dragging action can be executed by the user executing a special action using a track pad (such as a two or three finger swipe).

[00101] The pre-defined direction can be one of four pre-defined directions: up, down, left and right. Alternatively, the pre-defined direction can be one of eight pre-defined directions: up, down, left and right, towards top left corner, towards top right corner, towards bottom right corner and towards bottom left corner. Naturally, other combinations of these and other directions are possible.

[00102] With reference to Figure 3, there is depicted the screen shot 200, as the user is moving the selected given e-mail message 218 in an upward direction 304, the upward direction 304 being one of the pre-defined directions. Within the illustrated embodiment and an example only, the upward direction 304 is associated with an action "Forward".

[00103] In some embodiments of the present technology, as the user "drags" the selected given e-mail message 218, the web browser 604 can execute an animation, providing an appearance of the selected given e-mail message 218 moving in the one of the pre-defined directions. In some embodiments of the present technology, the message element associated with the selected given e-mail message 218 can "stay" in its original position (as is the case in Figure 3 illustration). In other words, what is being "dragged" is a copy of the message element. In other embodiments, the original message element associated with the selected given e-mail message 218 can be removed and, hence, what is being "dragged" is the original message element.

[00104] As such, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, as the user starts to move the selected given e-mail message 218 in the upward direction 304, the web browser 604 displays a first action element 306. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first action element 306 is visually located at a pre-defined location that is visually spaced away from the selected given e-mail message 218 (or, more specifically, from it's original position before the user started moving it - in other words, the position depicted in Figure 2).

[00105] It is also clear from the illustration of Figure 3, that the pre-defined location is spaced away from the selected given e-mail message 218 in the upward direction 304 (i.e. the direction of the drag action). Within the illustration of Figure 3, the pre-defined location is located at the top-most extremity of the screen shot 200. As such, it can be said that the predefined location is spaced away from all the message elements displayed within the message portion 204. However, this does not need to be so in every embodiment of the present technology. As such, in alternative embodiments of the present technology, the pre-defined location can overlap some of the message elements displayed in the message portion, some of the message elements being different from the selected given e-mail message 218.

[00106] As can be seen in the illustration of Figure 3, the first action element 306 comprises an indication of the action 308, the indication of the action 308 for enabling the user to appreciate the associated action. Within the depicted embodiment, the indication of the action 308 includes a graphical element of an envelope, the envelope being associated with the "Forward" action. Naturally, in the alternative embodiments of the present technology, the first action element 306 can include a different type of the indication of the action 308, such as one implemented as a textual portion, an alpha-numerical portion and a combination of text and graphical elements, etc.

[00107] The first action element 306 can also be associated with a background texturing 310, which can be implemented as a different color, as a different pattern, etc. The background texturing 310 of the first action elements 306 can be uniquely different from background texturing 310 of all other action elements potentially present within the screen shot 200.

[00108] Overall, it can be said that at least some or all of: the size of the first action element 306, the indication of the action 308, the background texturing 310 and the placement of the first action element 306 is in the pre-defined location make the first action element 306 prominently visible to the user even though it only overlaps a portion of the screen shot 200.

[00109] Then, as the user continues to drag the selected given message 218 towards the first action element 306, the user may actually hover the selected given message 218 over the area of the first action element 306 and, then, eventually "drop" the selected given message 218 into the first action element 306. The dropping of the selected given message 218 into the first action element 306 can be executed, for example, by means of releasing the left or the right button of the mouse that was depressed while dragging the selected given message 218 towards the area of the first action element 306. [00110] In response to the web browser 604 receiving from an indication of a "drop action" of the selected given message 218 into the first action element 306, the web browser 604 can execute the associated action with the selected given e-mail message 218. In this case, the web browser 604 can execute the "Forward" action. So, the web browser 604 can open a new e-mail window having "cited" the text and other information of the selected given e-mail message 218 included.

[00111] On the other hand, the user may change her mind about forwarding the selected given e-mail message 218 and the user may start dragging the selected given e-mail message 218 into a different one of the pre-defined directions.

[00112] With reference to Figure 4, there is depicted the screen shot 200, as the user is moving the selected given e-mail message 218 into a right-ward direction 404, the right-ward direction 404 being one of the pre-defined directions. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the right-ward direction 404 is actually associated with five actions. Within the illustrated embodiment and an example only, the right-ward direction 404 is associated with five actions "Set an Alarm", "Set a Timer", "Set an appointment", "Set a Reminder" and "Add to Address Book". The right-ward direction 404 is also associated with a "Settings" function. [00113] In other words, when comparing the illustration of Figure 3 and Figure 4, it should be apparent that the given one of the pre-defined directions can be associated with one or more actions.

[00114] As such, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, as the user starts to move the selected given e-mail message 218 in the right-ward direction 404, the web browser 604 displays a second action element 406. The web browser 604 also ceases to display the first action element 306. As can be seen in Figure 4, the second action element 406 is visually located at another pre-defined location (i.e. different from the pre-defined location of the first action element 306). The other pre-defined location is visually spaced away from the selected given e-mail message 218 (or, more precisely, it's original position before the user started moving it).

[00115] It is also clear from the illustration of Figure 4, that the pre-defined location is spaced away from the original position of the selected given e-mail message 218 in the right- ward direction 404. Within the illustration of Figure 4, the pre-defined location is located at the right-most extremity of the screen shot 200. As such, it can be said that the pre-defined location is spaced away from substantially all the message elements displayed within the message portion 204. However, this does not need to be so in every embodiment of the present technology. As such, in alternative embodiments of the present technology, the predefined location can overlap some of the message elements displayed in the message portion, some of the message elements not including the selected given e-mail message 218.

[00116] As can be seen in the illustration of Figure 4, the second action element 406 comprises an indication of the action 408. Within the depicted embodiment, the indication of the action 408 comprises indications of several actions. Namely, the indication of the action 408 comprises a first action indicator 410 and a second action indicator 412, amongst others. Within the depicted embodiment, the first action indicator 410 includes a graphical element of a clock, the clock being associated with the "Set an Appointment" action. The second action indicator 412 includes a graphical element of a timer, the timer being associated with the "Set a Timer" action. Within the depicted embodiment, the first action indicator 410 is in focus (as it is being depicted in a larger size compared to the second action indicator 410 and other ones of the action indicators). Naturally, the fact that the first action indicator 410 is in focus can be represented by other visual means, such as change in color, change in size, change in size and color; and the like. It should be recalled that the right-ward direction 404 is also associated with a "Settings" function. To that end, there is provided a Settings actuator 414. The Settings actuator 414 when actuated, allows the user to set the parameters of the drag and drop processing of e-mails described herein.

[00117] Naturally, in alternative embodiments of the present technology, the second action element 406 can include a different type of the indication of the action, such as one implemented as a textual portion, an alpha-numerical portion and a combination of text and graphical elements. The second action element 406 can also be associated with a background texturing 440, which can be implemented as a different color, as a different pattern, etc.

[00118] In some embodiments, the background texturing 440 is the same as the background texturing 310. In other embodiments, the background texturing 440 is different from the background texturing 310. In other embodiments, each of the background texturing (such as the background texturing 310 and the background texturing 440) are selected to be unique amongst all background texturings respectively associated with the different action indicators (such as the first action indicator 306, the second action indicator 406, etc). [00119] The user can bring a given one of the first action indicator 410 and the second action indicator 412 by "hovering" the cursor 216 (or a trailing edge of the selected given e- mail message 218) over desired one of the first action indicator 410 and the second action indicator 412. Naturally, other ways to bring the given one of the first action indicator 410 and the second action indicator 412 into focus are possible. [00120] As such, to switch between the first action indicator 410 and the second action indicator 412, the user could move the cursor 216 (or a trailing edge of the selected given e- mail message 218) to the other one of the first action indicator 410 and the second action indicator 412 (the movement can be executed with one of the left-hand button and the right- hand button of the mouse being depressed to enable the continued dragging action of the selected respective e-mail message 218).

[00121] As such, if the user was desirous of executing an action associated with the second action indicator 412, the user would move the cursor 216 to the second action indicator 412 and would effectively end up with the screen shot 200 depicted in Figure 5, where a second action indicator 412' is an active one (i.e. the one in focus) and a first action indicator 410' is no longer in focus. [00122] Given the architecture described above, as well as using the various examples provided above, it is possible to execute a method of processing an electronic message (such as the selected given e-mail message 218 and the like). The electronic message is displayed in a summary screen displayed on the input output module 706 of the electronic device602. The electronic device 602 is associated with a user (not depicted). With reference to Figure 8, there is depicted a flow chart of a method 800, the method 800 being implemented in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. The method 800 can be executed by the processor 703 of the electronic device 604. To that end, the memory module 704 can store computer executable instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor 703 to execute the method 800.

[00123] Step 802 - presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device a message elements, the message element associated with the electronic message

[00124] The method 800 starts at step 802, where the processor 703 causes the input output module 706 to present to the user a message element, the message element associated with the electronic message. As has been illustrated above, the processor 703 can cause displaying of the message portion 204 that shows the plurality of lines 220 that, together, form a list of e-mail messages addressed to the e-mail receiver (i.e. incoming messages, both read and unread incoming messages; outgoing messaged; deleted messages; messages organized in user-defined folders and the like). [00125] Each line 220 can show some or all: the identity 224 of the sender of the e- mail message, the title 226 of the e-mail message, and the date and/or the time 228 when the e-mail message was sent from the sender. There can also be provided the avatar 230 representing the sender may be included, if available (otherwise a filler image may be displayed). First few words 232 of a text content of the e-mail message (or a compiled summary of the e-mail message) may also be shown.

[00126] In some embodiments, the step 802 is executed in response to the user logging in or otherwise accessing the e-mail service (or another type of message service) provided by the server 610.

[00127] In some embodiments of the method, the electronic message displayed is one of a plurality of electronic messages being displayed in the summary screen. In some embodiments of the method, the summary screen is one of an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen.

[00128] The method 800 then continues to step 804.

[00129] Step 804 - receiving from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element

[00130] At step 804, the processor 703 receives from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element. For example, this indication can be received in response to the user performing a drag action associated with the selected given e-mail message 218 into one of the pre-defined directions. The dragging action can be executed, for example, by a mouse device, by holding a left button (or the right button) of the mouse and moving the mouse. Alternatively, the dragging action can be executed by the user holding the finger on the selected given e-mail message 218 and moving the finger along the screen on one of the pre-defined directions.

[00131] The method 800 then proceeds to executing step 806. [00132] Step 806 - responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions, each of the plurality of predefined directions being associated with a respective action element of a plurality of action elements, each respective action element being associated with a respective action to be performed with the electronic message, the respective action being one of a plurality of actions, presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action element located at a pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions, the respective action element indicating the respective action to the user [00133] At step 806, responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions, the processor 703 causes the input output module 706 to present to the user the respective action element associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions. As has been described above, as the user starts to move the selected given e-mail message 218 in the upward direction 304 (as an example of one of the plurality of pre-defined directions), the processor 703 causes the input output module 706 to display the first action element 306. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first action element 306 is visually located at the pre-defined location visually spaced away from the selected given e- mail message 218 (it's original position before the user started moving it). As has been alluded to above, the first action element 306 has an indication of the respective action to the user.

[00134] In some embodiments of the method, the pre-defined location is visually spaced away from at least some of the plurality of electronic messages, at least some of the plurality of electronic messages including the electronic message. In some embodiments of the method, the at least some of the plurality of electronic messages include all of the plurality of electronic messages.

[00135] The method 800 then proceeds to step 808.

[00136] Step 808 - receiving from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element

[00137] At step 808, the processor 703 receives from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element. The processor 703 can receive the second indication in response to the user continuing to drag the selected given message 218 towards the first action element 306 and then hovering the selected given message 218 over the area of the first action element 306 and, then, eventually "dropping" the selected given message 218 into the first action element 306. The dropping of the selected given message 218 into the first action element 306 can be executed, for example, by means of releasing the left or the right button of the mouse that was depressed while dragging the selected given message 218 towards the area of the first action element 306.

[00138] The method 800 then proceeds to step 810.

[00139] Step 810 - responsive to the second indication, executing the respective action with the electronic message

[00140] Next, at step 810, responsive to the second indication, the processor 703 causes execution of the respective action with the electronic message. In some embodiments, the processor 703 can maintain, within the memory module 704, a table (not depicted) with an indication of which action needs to be performed in association with which one of the plurality of pre-defined directions and pointers to the associated routines to be executed for the associated actions.

[00141] In some embodiments of the method 800, in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the selected given message 218 into the first action element 306; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the method 800 further comprises: ceasing to display the first action element 306; and presenting to the user on the input output module 706 another respective action element (such as for example, the second action element 406) of the plurality of action elements, the other respective action element associated with another one of the plurality of predefined direction, the other respective action element being associated with another pre-defined action of the plurality of actions and being located at another pre-defined location visually spaced away from selected given message 218 (or, more precisely its original location) in the direction of the second drag action. The other respective action element indicates the other pre-defined action. Then, the method 800 further includes receiving from the user a fifth indication of another drop action of the selected given message 218 into the other respective action element and responsive to the fifth indication, the method 800 further includes executing the other pre-defined action with the selected given message 218.

[00142] In some implementations of the method, each of the plurality of action elements potentially displayable within the input output module 706 is associated with a respective unique background texturing amongst all others of the plurality of action elements.

[00143] In some implementations of the method 800, the presenting to the user on input output module 706 the respective action element comprises presenting an interface element that overlaps a portion of the summary screen view such that it is prominently visible to the user.

[00144] In some implementations of the method 800, the action element (such as, for example, the first action element 306) comprises one of a graphical portion and a text portion indicative of the respective action (such as the indication of the action 308).

[00145] The method 800 can then terminate. Alternatively, the method reverts to execution of step 802 or 804. [00146] Optional enhancement

[00147] In some implementations of the method 800, the method 800 further comprises presenting to the user an action indicator. To illustrate the optional enhancement, reference will now be made to Figure 9, which depicts the screen shot 200 prior to execution of step 802. Within this illustration and at a point of time before the user executes the "drag and drop" action described above, the screen shot 200 displays a first action indicator 902, a second action indicator 904, a third action indicator 906 and a fourth action indicator 908.

[00148] The action indicator (such as a respective one of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) is indicative of the respective action associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions. The action indicator (such as the respective one of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) can be presented to the user before the step of receiving 802 from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action. In some implementations of the method 800, the action indicator (such as the respective one of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) is of a different visual appearance than the associated action element. In some implementations of the method, the action indicator (such as a respective one of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) is displayed in the same pre-defined location as the associated action element.

[00149] Within these embodiments of the present technology, a respective one of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908 is associated with a respective one of the pre-determined locations. In some embodiments, the respective one of the pre-determined locations can be the same as the pre-determined location of the associated action element. The respective one of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908 can be useful to indicate which direction to drag the selected given e-mail message 218 when the user is desirous of performing an action therewith. [00150] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908 can be displayed all the time as the summary screen is displayed. In other embodiments of the present technology, the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908 can be displayed upon user executing a pre-determined action, such as pressing a pre-determined key, a combination of keys, executing a pre-determined action using a touch sensitive screen and the like.

[00151] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908 can be displayed as partially overlapping other content of the screen shot 200. In other embodiments of the present technology, the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908 can be displayed in a dedicated space that is devoid of any other content of the screen shot 200.

[00152] The second action indicator 904 can be associated with an additional actions indicator 910, the additional actions indicator 910 being indicative of additional actions available with the respective direction (as is depicted in Figures 4 and 5, for example).

[00153] As such, within these embodiments of the present technology, the step of presenting to the user on the input output module 706 the respective action element (such as the first action element 306, for example) comprises replacing the action indicator (the first action indicator 902, for example) with the respective action element (such as the first action element 306, for example).

[00154] In some implementations of the method 800, in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the given e-mail message 218 into the respective action element (such as the first action element 306, for example); and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions (such as the second direction 404), the method 800 further comprises: replacing the respective action element (such as the first action element 306, for example) with the action indicator (the first action indicator 902, for example). [00155] In some implementations of the method 800, the method 800 further comprises presenting to the user a plurality of action indicators (all of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908), each of the plurality of action indicators (all of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) being associated with a respective one of the plurality of pre-defined directions, each of the plurality of action indicators (all of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) being indicative of an associated action associated, the plurality of action indicators (all of the first action indicator 902, the second action indicator 904, the third action indicator 906 and the fourth action indicator 908) being presented to the user before executing the receiving 802 from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[00156] It should be expressly understood that not all technical effects mentioned herein need to be enjoyed in each and every embodiment of the present technology. For example, embodiments of the present technology may be implemented without the user enjoying some of these technical effects, while other embodiments may be implemented with the user enjoying other technical effects or none at all.

[00157] One skilled in the art will appreciate when the instant description refers to "receiving data" from a user that the electronic device executing receiving of the data from the user may receive an electronic (or other) signal from the user. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that displaying data to the user via a user-graphical interface (such as the screen of the electronic device and the like) may involve transmitting a signal to the user- graphical interface, the signal containing data, which data can be manipulated and at least a portion of the data can be displayed to the user using the user-graphical interface.

[00158] Some of these steps and signal sending-receiving are well known in the art and, as such, have been omitted in certain portions of this description for the sake of simplicity. The signals can be sent-received using optical means (such as a fibre-optic connection), electronic means (such as using wired or wireless connection), and mechanical means (such as pressure-based, temperature based or any other suitable physical parameter based).

[00159] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

[00160] Accordingly, from some perspective of the present technology, some of the features of the instant technology can be summarized as following, presented in numbered clauses.

[00161] [Clause 1]. A method (800) of processing an electronic message, the electronic message being displayed in a summary screen (204) displayed on a display (703) of an electronic device (602), the electronic device (602) associated with a user, the method (800) executed by the electronic device (602), the method (800) comprising: [00162] presenting (802) to the user on the display (703) of the electronic device (602) a message element (212, 214, 218), the message element (212, 214, 218) associated with the electronic message;

[00163] receiving (804) from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element (212, 214, 218); [00164] responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions (304, 404), each of the plurality of predefined directions (304, 404) being associated with a respective action element (306, 406) of a plurality of action elements (306, 406), each respective action element (306, 406) being associated with a respective action to be performed with the electronic message, the respective action being one of a plurality of actions,

[00165] presenting (806) to the user on the display (703) of the electronic device (602) the respective action element (306, 406) associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions (304, 404), the action element located at a pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element (212, 214, 218) in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions (304, 404), the respective action element (306, 406) indicating the respective action to the user;

[00166] receiving (808) from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element (212, 214, 218) into the respective action element (306, 406); [00167] responsive to the second indication, executing (810) the respective action with the electronic message.

[00168] [Clause 2]. The method (800) of clause 1, wherein the electronic message is one of a plurality of electronic messages being displayed in the summary screen (204). [00169] [Clause 3]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the summary screen (204) is one of an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen.

[00170] [Clause 4]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the predefined location is visually spaced away from at least some of the plurality of message elements (212, 214, 218), at least some of the plurality of message elements (212, 214, 218) including the message element (212, 214, 218).

[00171] [Clause 5]. The method (800) of clause 4, wherein the at least some of the plurality of message elements (212, 214, 218) include all of the plurality of message element (212, 214, 218). [00172] [Clause 6]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element (212, 214, 218) into the respective action element (306, 408); and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions (404), the method (800) further comprises:

[00173] ceasing to display the respective action element (306);

[00174] presenting to the user on the display (703) of the electronic device (602) another respective action element (406) of the plurality of action elements (306, 406), the other respective action element (406) associated with another one of the plurality of predefined direction, the other respective action element (406) being associated with another pre-defined action of the plurality of actions and being located at another pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element (218) in the direction of the second drag action, the other respective action element (406) indicating the other pre-defined action; [00175] receiving from the user a fifth indication of another drop action of the message element (218) into the other respective action element (406);

[00176] responsive to the fifth indication, executing the other pre-defined action with the electronic message. [00177] [Clause 7]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of action elements (306, 406) is associated with a respective unique background texturing (310, 440).

[00178] [Clause 8]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the presenting to the user on the display (703) of the electronic device (602) the respective action element (306, 406) comprises presenting an interface element that overlaps a portion of the summary screen view such that the respective action element (306, 406) is prominently visible to the user.

[00179] [Clause 9]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the respective action element (306, 406) comprises one of a graphical portion and a text portion indicative of the respective action.

[00180] [Clause 10]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising presenting to the user an action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908), the action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908) being indicative of the respective action associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908) being presented to the user before the receiving (802) from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[00181] [Clause 11]. The method (800) of clause 10, wherein the action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908) is of a different visual appearance than the respective action element (306, 406). [00182] [Clause 12]. The method (800) of clause 10, wherein the action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908) is displayed in the pre-defined location.

[00183] [Clause 13]. The method (800) of clause 12, wherein the presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element (306, 406) comprises replacing the action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908) with the respective action element (306, 406).

[00184] [Clause 14]. The method (800) of clause 13, wherein in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element (218) into the respective action element (306, 406); and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the method (800) further comprises:

[00185] replacing the respective action element (306, 406) with the action indicator (902, 904, 906, 908). [00186] [Clause 15]. The method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 14, further comprising presenting to the user a plurality of action indicators (902, 904, 906, 908), each of the plurality of action indicators (902, 904, 906, 908) being associated with a respective one of the plurality of pre-defined directions, each of the plurality of action indicators (902, 904, 906, 908) being indicative of an associated action associated, the plurality of action indicators (902, 904, 906, 908) being presented to the user before the receiving (802) from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

[00187] [Clause 6]. An electronic device (602) configured to execute the method (800) of any one of clauses 1 to 15.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of processing an electronic message, the electronic message being displayed in a summary screen displayed on a display of an electronic device, the electronic device associated with a user, the method executed by the electronic device, the method comprising:

presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device a message element, the message element associated with the electronic message;

receiving from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element;

responsive to the first drag action being performed in one of a plurality of predefined directions, each of the plurality of predefined directions being associated with a respective action element of a plurality of action elements, each respective action element being associated with a respective action to be performed with the electronic message, the respective action being one of a plurality of actions,

presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action element located at a pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions, the respective action element indicating the respective action to the user;

receiving from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element;

responsive to the second indication, executing the respective action with the electronic message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic message is one of a plurality of electronic messages being displayed in the summary screen.

The method of claim 1, wherein the summary screen is one of an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen.

The method of claim 2, wherein the pre-defined location is visually spaced away from at least some of the plurality of message elements, at least some of the plurality of message elements including the message element.

The method of claim 4, wherein the at least some of the plurality of message elements include all of the plurality of message element.

The method of claim 1, wherein in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the method further comprises:

ceasing to display the respective action element;

presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device another respective action element of the plurality of action elements, the other respective action element associated with another one of the plurality of predefined direction, the other respective action element being associated with another pre-defined action of the plurality of actions and being located at another pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of the second drag action, the other respective action element indicating the other pre-defined action;

receiving from the user a fifth indication of another drop action of the message element into the other respective action element;

responsive to the fifth indication, executing the other pre-defined action with the electronic message.

The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of action elements is associated with a respective unique background texturing.

The method of claim 1, wherein the presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element comprises presenting an interface element that overlaps a portion of the summary screen view such that the respective action element is prominently visible to the user.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the respective action element comprises one of a graphical portion and a text portion indicative of the respective action.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting to the user an action indicator, the action indicator being indicative of the respective action associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action indicator being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the action indicator is of a different visual appearance than the respective action element.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the action indicator is displayed in the pre-defined location.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device the respective action element comprises replacing the action indicator with the respective action element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the method further comprises:

replacing the respective action element with the action indicator.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting to the user a plurality of action indicators, each of the plurality of action indicators being associated with a respective one of the plurality of pre-defined directions, each of the plurality of action indicators being indicative of an associated action associated, the plurality of action indicators being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

16. An electronic device comprising: a user input output interface for receiving user inputs and for providing at least one of visual and audible outputs; a network communication interface for two-way communication over a communications network; and a processor coupled to the user input output interface and the network communication interface, the processor being configured to have access to computer readable instructions which instructions, when executed, cause the processor to display an electronic message on the user input output interface, the electronic message being displayed in a summary screen, the computer readable instructions being further configured to cause the processor:

present to the user on the input output interface a message element, the message element associated with the electronic message;

receive from the user a first indication of the user performing a first drag action associated with the message element;

present to the user on the input output interface the respective action element associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action element located at a predefined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of one of a plurality of predefined directions, the respective action element indicating the respective action to the user;

receive from a user a second indication of a drop action of the message element into the respective action element;

responsive to the second indication, execute the respective action with the electronic message.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the electronic message is one of a plurality of electronic messages being displayed in the summary screen.

18. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the summary screen is one of an inbox screen, a sent messages screen, a spam screen, an outbox screen and a user-defined message folder screen.

19. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the pre-defined location is visually spaced away from at least some of the plurality of message elements, at least some of the plurality of message elements including the message element.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the at least some of the plurality of message elements include all of the plurality of message element.

21. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the processor is further configured to:

cease to input output interface the respective action element;

present to the user on the input output interface of the electronic device another respective action element of the plurality of action elements, the other respective action element associated with another one of the plurality of predefined direction, the other respective action element being associated with another pre-defined action of the plurality of actions and being located at another pre-defined location visually spaced away from the message element in the direction of the second drag action, the other respective action element indicating the other pre-defined action;

receive from the user a fifth indication of another drop action of the message element into the other respective action element;

responsive to the fifth indication, execute the other pre-defined action with the electronic message.

22. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of action elements is associated with a respective unique background texturing.

23. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein to present to the user on the input output interface of the electronic device the respective action element, the processor is configured to present an interface element that overlaps a portion of the summary screen view such that the respective action element is prominently visible to the user.

24. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the respective action element comprises one of a graphical portion and a text portion indicative of the respective action.

25. The electronic device of claim 16, the processor is being further configured to present to the user an action indicator, the action indicator being indicative of the respective action associated with the one of the plurality of predefined directions, the action indicator being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.

26. The electronic device of claim 25, wherein the action indicator is of a different visual appearance than the respective action element.

27. The electronic device of claim 25, wherein the action indicator is displayed in the predefined location.

28. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein to present to the user on the input output interface of the electronic device the respective action element, the processor is configured to replace the action indicator with the respective action element.

29. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein in response to (i) receiving from the user a third indication of the user not executing the drop action of the message element into the respective action element; and then (ii) receiving from the user a fourth indication of a second drag action being performed in another one of the plurality of predefined directions, the processor is further configured to:

replace the respective action element with the action indicator.

30. The electronic device of claim 16, the processor is being further configured to present to the user a plurality of action indicators, each of the plurality of action indicators being associated with a respective one of the plurality of pre-defined directions, each of the plurality of action indicators being indicative of an associated action associated, the plurality of action indicators being presented to the user before the receiving from the user the first indication of the user performing the first drag action.