Method and Apparatus for Displaying Information During an Instant Messaging Session

Abstract

A method and an apparatus are provided for controlling a graphical user interface to display information related to a communication session. Information relating to data produced by a first participant to the communication session is displayed on a first display unit, wherein the information produced by the first participant is displayed at a first position on the first display unit. Data is received from a second participant to the communication session, and information relating to the data received from the second participant is displayed on the first display unit, wherein the information received from the second participant is displayed at a second position on the first display unit. The first and second positions are horizontally spaced apart.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for displaying information related to a communication session, comprising:
 displaying information relating to data produced by a first participant to the communication session on a first display unit, wherein the information produced by the first participant is displayed at a first position on the first display unit;   receiving data from a second participant to the communication session; and   displaying information relating to the data received from the second participant on the first display unit, wherein the information received from the second participant is displayed at a second position on the first display unit, wherein the first and second positions are spatially distinct.