E-mail program capable of transmitting, opening and presenting a container having digital content using embedded executable software

Abstract

An E-mail message enhancement apparatus is preferably implemented through a sequence of program instructions. On the sender side, creation software implements a data format that allows for differing types of content, such as visual images, audio, multimedia, and functional attributes such as links to a sender's home page on the world wide web. Furthermore, in addition to such content in the E-mail message, there is included header information, including the E-mail address of the sender, and recipient executable embedded software that ensures the recipient will be able to view contents and perform the functional attributes that make up the E-mail message.

1 . A method of presenting a container to a recipient that has been electronically transmitted and receiving a return receipt comprising the steps of: 
 forming a data file representing said container as a plurality of objects, certain of said objects having associated therewith digital images, certain other of said objects having associated therewith initiable sub-components;    creating executable software that can cause said container to automatically open, generate a return receipt indicating that said container has been opened, initiate said initiable sub-components and cause said digital images to be rendered;    creating an attachment file by combining together said executable software and said data file;    electronically transmitting said attachment file from a first computer to a second computer; and    receiving said return receipt indicating that said container has been opened.