System and method for conveying real-time messages in silence

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for transmitting real-time messages in silence, which is applied to a mobile communication device. A database stores a plurality of user information, and a server accesses the database. The mobile communication device reads a silence period table. The mobile communication device checks whether the current time set by the receiving end corresponds to a silence period or a non-silence period according to the silence period table. When the current time is the silence period, a silent transmission button and a normal transmission button are displayed on a screen of the mobile communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for real-time message transmission used in mobile communication devices, and more particularly to a system and method for silent real-time message transmission. Background Technology

[0002] Users are increasingly reliant on real-time messaging on mobile devices, sending messages almost constantly to share information, exchange intelligence, discuss business, or connect with others. However, the high volume and dependence on real-time messaging can easily lead users to overlook basic etiquette when sending messages. Sometimes, they may forward a message immediately after receiving it from a friend without considering the timing, sending it too early or too late, often disturbing recipients in their sleep with real-time message notifications.

[0003] There is an existing technology developed by LINE Corporation, a subsidiary of the South Korean company NHN in Japan, for the "Line" application and its backend system, such as Line version 10.9.2 or later on Android phones. The method for sending silent messages is as follows: 1. On the Line home page, tap the "Settings" option with the gear icon in the upper right corner; 2. Scroll down to find "Line Labs" and tap to enter, then scroll down to "Silent Messages" and check the box to use; 3. After that, write the message to be sent, then long press the send button. The phone screen will then display the "Normal Send" and "Silent Send" options for the user to choose from.

[0004] Because existing technology requires pre-setting before sending silent messages, novice users may not know how to set it up, or may even be completely unaware that the technology has this "silent message" sending function. They might forget to press and hold the send button and send the written message directly (i.e., send it as a normal "audio message"), "accidentally" disturbing the recipient and thus defeating the purpose of this function. In other words, the operation of existing technology is not intuitive for users, and the "silent message" function is easily overlooked and fails to play its role at important times. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing method and propose a system and method for silent real-time message transmission in mobile communication devices, using hardware and software resources that work together, with an intuitive user interface to avoid being overlooked by users, in order to make up for the shortcomings of existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a system and method for silent transmission of real-time messages. The system checks whether the current time of the receiving end is a silent period, and provides intuitive transmission buttons for user operation directly on the graphical user interface of the sending end client at an appropriate time.

[0006] This invention proposes a system for silently transmitting real-time messages, comprising: a database storing multiple user information entries; a server accessing the database, comprising: a first network communication module establishing a network connection with a mobile communication device associated with one of the user information entries; a login verification module verifying that the mobile communication device is connected to the server via the network; and a first message module receiving an uploaded message and generating a message receiver list based on a receiver setting, the message receiver list including at least one push identifier associated with the mobile communication device, and checking an attribute of the message as a silent mode or a notification sound mode to set a notification sound to be turned off or on; and the mobile communication device comprising: one or more processors and a screen, the processor executing multiple program instructions, each program instruction including: a first program instruction causing the mobile communication device to establish a network connection with the server for login verification; a second program instruction causing the mobile communication device to read a silent time period schedule; and a third program instruction causing the mobile communication device to receive the message. The message input and the input set by the receiving end, and the receiving end setting associates at least one of the user information; a fourth program instruction, causing the mobile communication device to check whether the current time corresponding to the at least one user information associated with the receiving end setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table, and when the current time is the silent period, displaying a silent transmission button and a normal transmission button on the screen; and a fifth program instruction, when the silent transmission button is selected to upload the message, setting the attribute of the message to the silent mode and then uploading it to the first message module, and when the normal transmission button is selected to upload the message, setting the attribute of the message to the sound mode and then uploading it to the first message module; and a push gateway, generating a silent push notification or a sound push notification according to the message and the sound setting, and sending the silent push notification or the sound push notification to the mobile communication device individually corresponding to each of the user information associated with the receiving end setting through an external push host.

[0007] Optionally, the silent period table is stored in the database.

[0008] Optionally, the silent time schedule is stored in a memory of the mobile communication device.

[0009] Optionally, the silent period schedule is associated with multiple international telephone area codes in an international telephone area code table.

[0010] Optionally, each piece of user information stored in the database includes a location time zone; and the second program instruction further includes: downloading from the server at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiving end setting that includes the location time zone.

[0011] Optionally, the fourth program instruction causes the mobile communication device to check whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period based on the silent period table by using the location time zone as the determination.

[0012] Optionally, each piece of user information stored in the database includes source IP information; the second program instruction further includes: downloading the source IP information of the at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiver setting from the server; and the fourth program instruction causes the mobile communication device to check whether the current time corresponding to the at least one piece of user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table by using the source IP information and an IP reverse DNS service to obtain the location time zone, and then using the location time zone as the judgment.

[0013] Optionally, the server also includes: a curfew period setting module, and a management interface that provides a graphical user interface for an administrator with system privileges to set the silent period table stored in the database.

[0014] Optionally, the curfew setting module provides a graphical user interface for a user to set a custom curfew period.

[0015] Optionally, when the fourth program instruction checks that the current time corresponding to at least one of the user information associated with the receiving end is the non-silent period, a first transmit button is displayed on the screen; and when the first transmit button is selected to upload the message, the attribute of the message is set to the mode with prompt sound.

[0016] This invention discloses a method for silently transmitting real-time messages, applied to a mobile communication device comprising a cloud platform, a server, a push gateway, and a client. The method includes: storing multiple user information entries in the database, and the server accessing the database; establishing a network connection between the server and a mobile communication device associated with one of the user information entries to verify login access to the mobile communication device; the mobile communication device reading a silent time period table; the mobile communication device receiving a message input and a receiving end setting, wherein the receiving end setting is associated with at least one of the user information entries; the mobile communication device checking, according to the silent time period table, whether the current time corresponding to the at least one user information entry associated with the receiving end setting is a silent time period or a non-silent time period, and displaying a silent transmission when the current time is a silent time period. A button and a normal send button are displayed on the screen; wherein, when the silent send button is selected to upload the message, an attribute of the message is set to the silent mode before being uploaded to the server; when the normal send button is selected to upload the message, the attribute of the message is set to the sound mode before being uploaded to the server; the server generates a message receiver list based on the receiver settings, the message receiver list includes at least one push identifier associated with the mobile communication device; the server checks the attribute of the message to set a sound to be off or on; and the push gateway generates a silent push notification or a sound push notification based on the message and the sound settings, and sends the silent push notification or the sound push notification to the mobile communication device individually corresponding to each user information associated with the receiver settings through a push host.

[0017] Optionally, the silent period table is stored in the database.

[0018] Optionally, the silent time schedule is stored in a memory of the mobile communication device.

[0019] Optionally, the silent period schedule is associated with multiple international telephone area codes in an international telephone area code table.

[0020] Optionally, each piece of user information stored in the database includes a location time zone; and the method further includes: the mobile communication device downloading from the server at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiving end setting that includes the location time zone.

[0021] Optionally, the mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period based on the silent period schedule by using the location time zone as a criterion.

[0022] Optionally, each piece of user information stored in the database includes source IP information; the method further includes: the mobile communication device downloading the source IP information of the at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiving end setting from the server; the mobile communication device obtaining a location time zone based on the source IP information corresponding to the receiving end setting and an IP reverse DNS service; and the method by which the mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to the at least one piece of user information associated with the receiving end setting is a silent period or a non-silent period based on the silent period table uses the location time zone as a criterion.

[0023] Optionally, the server also includes: a curfew period setting module, and a management interface that provides a graphical user interface for an administrator with system privileges to set the silent period table stored in the database.

[0024] Optionally, the curfew setting module provides a graphical user interface for a user to set a custom curfew period.

[0025] Optionally, in this step, the mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table. When the current time is a non-silent period, a first transmit button is displayed on the screen; and when the first transmit button is selected to upload the message, the attribute of the message is set to the mode with prompt sound.

[0026] This invention discloses a method for silently transmitting real-time messages, applied to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device accesses a cloud server and includes one or more processors and a screen. The processors execute multiple program instructions, each program instruction including: a first program instruction to establish a network connection between the mobile communication device and the server for login verification; a second program instruction to read a silent time schedule; a third program instruction to receive a message input and a receiver-set input; and a fourth program instruction. The mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table. When the current time is a silent period, a silent transmission button and a normal transmission button are displayed on the screen. A fifth program instruction sets an attribute of the message to the silent mode and uploads it to the server when the silent transmission button is selected to upload the message, and sets the attribute of the message to the sound mode and uploads it to the server when the normal transmission button is selected to upload the message.

[0027] Optionally, the cloud consists of a server, a database, and a push gateway, wherein the database stores multiple user information and is accessed by the server.

[0028] Optionally, the silent period table is stored in the database.

[0029] Optionally, the silent time schedule is stored in a memory of the mobile communication device.

[0030] Optionally, the silent period schedule is associated with multiple international telephone area codes in an international telephone area code table.

[0031] Optionally, each piece of user information stored in the database includes a location time zone; and the method further includes: the mobile communication device downloading from the server the at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiving end setting that includes a location time zone.

[0032] Optionally, each piece of user information stored in the database includes source IP information; the method further includes: the second program instruction downloads the source IP information of the at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiver setting from the server; the fourth program instruction causes the mobile communication device to check whether the current time corresponding to the at least one piece of user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table. The method is to use the source IP information and an IP reverse DNS service to obtain the location time zone, and then use the location time zone as the judgment.

[0033] Optionally, the fourth program instruction causes the mobile communication device to check whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period based on the silent period table by using the location time zone as the determination.

[0034] Optionally, when the fourth program instruction checks that the current time corresponding to at least one of the user information associated with the receiving end is the non-silent period, a first transmit button is displayed on the screen; and when the first transmit button is selected to upload the message, the attribute of the message is set to the mode with prompt sound.

[0035] Optionally, the receiving end may be configured to associate at least one of the aforementioned user information.

[0036] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention in the embodiments is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. Based on the disclosure of this specification, the scope of protection of the claims, and the drawings, any person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objects and advantages of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a message view according to an embodiment of the present invention (I).

[0039] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram (II) of the message view in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram (iii) of the message view in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the screen display of the message view in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the message view in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is an operation flowchart of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is an operation flowchart of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 7 This is an operation flowchart of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0046] In the picture:

[0047] 10: Server

[0048] 12: First Network Communication Module

[0049] 14: Login Verification Module

[0050] 16: Curfew Hour Setting Module

[0051] 18: First Message Module

[0052] 20: Database

[0053] 22: Push Gateway

[0054] 24: Cloud

[0055] 26: Push Host

[0056] 28: Mobile communication devices

[0057] 30: Application

[0058] 32: Second network communication module

[0059] 34: Login Module

[0060] 36: Data Access Module

[0061] 38: Second Message Module

[0062] 40: Message Input Module

[0063] 42: Silent Mode Management Module

[0064] 44: Screen

[0065] 46: Message View

[0066] 48: Message Input Box

[0067] 50: Receiving

[0068] 52: First teleport button

[0069] 54: Second teleport button

[0070] 56: Third teleport button. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The "Instant Message" referred to in this invention, in one embodiment, is applied to group chat messages in a chat room, for example, where users in a group use a chat room for multi-person online chat and exchange chat messages; in another embodiment, it is applied to one-on-one chat messages, that is, two-person online chat in a chat room. The "Curfew Time" referred to in this invention, also known as "Do Not Disturb Time," is a user-friendly interface designed to remind senders to send messages silently during this time to avoid disturbing the recipient.

[0072] See Figure 1 The present invention provides a preferred embodiment of a system architecture diagram. The system includes: a database 20, a server 10, and a push gateway 22 on the server side (i.e., cloud 24), and a mobile communication device 28 on the client side. Here, the server and client can communicate via an external push system, but this external push system is not within the scope of the present invention and is only used for illustration.

[0073] Database 20 pre-stores multiple user information entries, each containing an account and password. The term "database" in this invention is not limited to a specific type, form, or version of software, hardware, or a combination of both. Any storage container with a computer-readable recording medium and capable of accessing computer digital data can be considered database 20. Even simply storing data in plain text files and managing it using a file system can be considered a database. In some embodiments, database 20 pre-stores system curfew periods. These curfew periods can be considered a parameter of application 30, containing a start time and an end time (e.g., 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) to remind users (senders) to transmit real-time messages in silent mode during curfew periods to avoid disturbing receivers. In these embodiments, the system curfew periods are stored in database 20. Server 10 accesses database 20, and then the second program instruction (i.e., data access module 36) of mobile communication device 28 downloads the system curfew periods from server 10 and stores them in the memory of mobile communication device 28. In some embodiments, the system curfew periods are stored in the memory of mobile communication device 28 and can be directly read from memory by the second program instruction (i.e., data access module 36). In some embodiments, the system curfew periods are set with the international dialing code (Country Calling Code, or Country Dial-In Code) of the telecommunications number. The codes are fixed, meaning that the curfew hours of each country's system can be found by looking up the corresponding settings in its international dialing code. For example: 1 (international dialing code of the United States) - 22:00~08:00 (curfew hours from 22:00 to 08:00), 49 (international dialing code of Germany) - 22:00~07:00 (curfew hours from 22:00 to 07:00), 81 (international dialing code of Japan) - 23:00~08:00 (curfew hours from 23:00 to 08:00). Therefore, the present invention can use an international telephone area code table (containing multiple international telephone area codes) to set the system curfew period corresponding to each international telephone area code, and this international telephone area code table is stored in the memory of database 20 or mobile communication device 28; in some embodiments, the scope of the system curfew period covers all users in the entire system; in some embodiments, the system curfew period can be set to be disabled by the user, and the scope of disabling the system curfew period is limited to the account of the user who set it; in some embodiments, the system curfew period can be overwritten by a user-defined "custom curfew period", that is, the custom curfew period replaces the system curfew period.The scope of a custom curfew period is limited to the user's account that is set. For example, if "User A" sets a custom curfew period from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM, its scope is limited to "User A's" account, while other users in the system still use the default system curfew period. In some embodiments, the custom curfew period is stored in database 20; in other embodiments, the custom curfew period is stored in the memory of mobile communication device 28 (not shown). In addition to the pre-stored information mentioned above, database 20 is also used to store the user's address book and real-time messages sent by the user (hereinafter referred to as messages). Messages include message content, message sender, message receiver, message attributes, message sending time, attachments, and other related information. In some embodiments, database 20 stores the user's IP address, which can be used to determine the user's location. In some embodiments, database 20 stores the user's "Device Time Zone" (or "Location Time Zone"), which can be used to determine the time zone of the user's location.

[0074] Server 10 includes one or more processors and implements the following modules in a hardware and software collaborative manner: a first network communication module 12, a login verification module 14, a curfew time setting module 16, and a first message module 18. The first network communication module 12 is used to establish a network connection with the second network communication module 32 of the client's mobile communication device 28. In different embodiments of the present invention, this network connection is based on the TCP protocol (including Socket and WebSocket connections), HTTP protocol, HTTPS protocol, HTTP / 2 protocol, or SPDY protocol. The login verification module 14 verifies that the mobile communication device 28 connects to server 10 via the network and receives the account and password uploaded by the user through the mobile communication device 28, and then verifies the account and password against the account and password of the user information stored in database 20. The curfew setting module 16 provides a graphical user interface for administrators with system privileges to set system curfew periods. For example, after logging in, the administrator can use the management interface (such as a management webpage, without an icon) to set the start and end times of the system curfew period, or to turn off the system curfew period. In some embodiments, the curfew setting module 16 provides a graphical user interface for users to set custom curfew periods. These custom curfew periods are used to replace the system curfew periods, and their scope is limited to the user's account. The first message module 18 receives messages uploaded by the mobile communication device 28 and generates a message receiver list based on the receiver settings (i.e., "selected contacts in the address book"). The message receiver list contains at least one push identifier associated with the mobile communication device 28. Each push identifier corresponds to a user's (selected contact's) receiving device (i.e., mobile communication device 28). When setting the message receiver (i.e., receiver settings), contacts in the address book are usually selected by checking boxes. The first message module 18 needs to perform mapping to convert the receiver into the message receiver list (i.e., the "push identifier" of the selected contacts). In addition, the first message module 18 checks whether the uploaded message is in silent mode or has a notification sound mode to set the notification sound to be off or on. When the attribute is in silent mode, the notification sound is set to "off" and when the attribute is in notification sound mode, the notification sound is set to "on".

[0075] In embodiments of the present invention, the modules included in server 10 should be understood as a hardware and software collaborative resource. The technical features of each module can be expressed as part of multiple program instructions or applications. However, the technical effect of each module must be achieved by one or more processors executing the program instructions or applications (i.e., a hardware and software collaborative resource). The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to achieve improvement through such a hardware and software collaborative resource.

[0076] The server 10 and database 20 are not limited to being deployed on a specific number of devices. In different embodiments of the present invention, the server 10 and database 20 may be deployed on the same device, or they may be deployed on clustered devices or on clustered devices in different locations.

[0077] The push gateway 22 generates a "silent push notification" or a "push notification with sound" based on the message and its prompt tone settings, and sends the "silent push notification" or "push notification with sound" to the mobile communication device 28 corresponding to the message receiving end list through an external push host 26 (e.g., Microsoft Azure, MPNS, GCM, and APNS).

[0078] In different embodiments of the present invention, the mobile communication device 28 is a smartphone or tablet computer running iOS, Android, or Windows 10 operating systems. The mobile communication device 28 includes one or more processors and a screen. The processor can execute multiple program instructions or applications 30 (i.e., Applications, also known as Apps). The processor executing the application 30 includes: a second network communication module 32, a login module 34, a data access module 36, a second message module 38, a message input module 40, and a silent mode management module 42. The second network communication module 32 is used to establish a network connection with the first network communication module 12 of the server 10. In different embodiments of the present invention, this network connection is based on the TCP protocol, HTTP protocol, HTTPS protocol, HTTP / 2 protocol, or SPDY protocol. The login module 34 receives the username and password entered by the user from the input interface of the mobile communication device 28 and uploads them to the server 10 for verification. In another embodiment of the present invention, the username and password can be temporarily stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 28, and repeated logins within a certain period of time (e.g., one day or one week) can be automatically logged in without the need for manual input of the username and password. The data access module 36 (or the second program instruction) is used to read data stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 28, or to download data (e.g., messages, address book, the receiver's "location time zone", source IP, etc.) from the server 10 through the network connection (TCP protocol, HTTP protocol, HTTPS protocol, HTTP / 2 protocol, or SPDY protocol) established between the second network communication module 32 and the first network communication module 12 of the server 10. In some embodiments, the system curfew period is pre-stored in the database 20, that is, the data access module 36 (or the second program instruction) downloads the system curfew period from the server 10; in some embodiments, the system curfew period is stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 28, then the data access module 36 (or the second program instruction) directly reads the system curfew period from the memory. The second message module 38 generates a message view and displays it on the screen of the mobile communication device 28. The message view is the graphical user interface of the application 30, which allows the user to browse or operate messages. The message input module 40 receives user commands to input message content (including creating a new chat room and replying to an existing chat room) and receiver settings. Inputting a message involves clicking the message input box (generated by the message input module 40). In addition to inputting the message content, generating a message also includes receiver settings (i.e., the recipient; the settings interface is also generated by the message input module 40). The so-called "receiver settings" are: when creating a new chat room, a specific contact (at least one) is selected from the address book by checking a box; when replying to an existing chat room, the participants in the original chat room are used as the receiver settings (i.e., no additional check of the address book is required).The silent mode management module 42 checks whether the current time of the receiving end (i.e., the time set by the receiving end) is within the curfew period or not, based on the system curfew period read by the second program instruction. When the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period, it generates a curfew period confirmation instruction (or a silent instruction) to the second message module 38, triggering the second message module 38 to generate and display the silent transmission button and the normal transmission button in the message view. In some embodiments, when the silent mode management module 42 confirms that it is within the curfew period, it triggers the second message module 38 to display an additional prompt warning in the message view to remind the user, such as: "The other party may be resting, please confirm the sending method." Regarding the method for checking whether the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period, in some embodiments, the source IP of the receiving end (stored in database 20) is used and the location time zone of the receiving end can be determined through IP Reverse DNS Lookup service, and the current time of the receiving end can be determined based on the location time zone; in other embodiments, the location time zone of the receiving end (stored in database 20) is used to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period.

[0079] The processor described above can execute multiple program instructions, including: a first program instruction that causes the mobile communication device 28 to establish a network connection with the server 10 for login verification; a second program instruction that causes the mobile communication device 28 to read the system curfew period (downloaded from the server 10, or read from the memory of the mobile communication device 28); a third program instruction that causes the mobile communication device 28 to receive message input and receiver settings, and the receiver settings are associated with user information (i.e., the contacts in the address book are also users stored in the database 20, at least one); a fourth program instruction that causes the mobile communication device 28 to check whether the current time of the receiver is during the curfew period or not, and when the current time of the receiver is during the curfew period, displays a silent send button and a normal send button on the screen; and a fifth program instruction that when the user uploads a message using the silent send button, the message attribute is set to "silent mode" before being uploaded to the first message module 18 of the server 10, and when the user uploads a message using the normal send button, the message attribute is set to "with sound mode" before being uploaded to the first message module 18.

[0080] In different embodiments of the present invention, the first program instruction, the second program instruction, ... executed by the processor represent sets of multiple program instructions, and the first, second, ... etc. are not used to limit the steps of the technical features or methods expressed by the first program instruction, the second program instruction, ... . Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps of the technical features or methods expressed by the first program instruction, the second program instruction, ... can be combined or merged and expressed by different sets of program instructions.

[0081] See Figures 2A to 2C This is a schematic diagram of the screen 44 of the message view 46 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, illustrating the graphical user interface presented on the screen 44 after the application 30 is executed on the mobile communication device 28 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The message view 46 in Embodiments 1 to 3 is a chat room, which can be used for multi-person (such as group) or one-on-one chat. In this embodiment, after the user inputs a message, they first press the first send button 52. If the current time on the receiving end (i.e., the receiving end setting) is during a curfew period, the message view 46 displays the second send button 54 (silent send), the third send button 56 (normal send), and a cancel button. When the current time on the receiving end is not during a curfew period, the first send button 52 is the normal send button, and pressing the first send button 52 directly uploads the message to the server. Figure 2A This means that a business department chat room of a certain company has 7 contacts. The contact "Wang Xiaoming" sent a message first. After the user saw the message sent by the other party in message view 46, he has not yet entered a reply message. Therefore, there is no first send button 52 in message view 46. Figure 2B This means that after the user enters a reply message in the message input box 48, the message view 46 will display the first send button 52. Figure 2C This means that since the current time of the receiving end is "22:03" (Assumption 1: After system check, the receiving end and the sending end are in the same time zone; Assumption 2: The system curfew period is "22:00 to 7:00"), message view 46 displays the second send button 54 (silent send), the third send button 56 (normal send), and the cancel button for the user to select again. The illustration also shows a prompt warning: "The other party may be resting. Please confirm the sending method."

[0082] See Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the screen 44 of the message view 46 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, illustrating the graphical user interface presented on the screen 44 after the application 30 is executed on the mobile communication device 28. In this embodiment, when the current time of the receiving end is during the curfew period, the second send button 54 (silent send) and the third send button 56 (normal send) are directly displayed in the message view 46. The illustration shows that even if the user has not yet entered message content in the message input box 48, since the current time of the receiving end is "22:01" (assuming the system curfew period is "22:00 to 7:00"), the message view 46 directly displays the second send button 54 (silent send) and the third send button 56 (normal send).

[0083] See Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the screen 44 of the message view 46 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention, illustrating the graphical user interface presented on the screen 44 after the application 30 is executed on the mobile communication device 28 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the user enters message content in the message input box 48 and the current time of the receiving end is during the curfew period (assuming the system curfew period is "22:00 to 7:00 in the morning"). The message view 46 directly displays the second send button 54 (silent send), the third send button 56 (normal send), and the cancel button.

[0084] The above three embodiments are illustrated using system curfew periods as examples. When users set custom curfew periods, this invention replaces the system curfew periods with custom curfew periods. The operation process of the embodiment using custom curfew periods as checking parameters is the same as described above, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0085] See Figure 5 The flowchart of Embodiment 1 of the present invention illustrates the operation process of sending a message to a mobile device during curfew hours. Please also refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The method of the present invention includes:

[0086] Step S101: Execute the application program 30 of the present invention on the mobile communication device 28. The mobile communication device 28 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet computer.

[0087] Step S102: The mobile communication device 28 establishes a network connection with the server 10 and performs login verification. After the application 30 is executed, the second network communication module 32 of the application 30 establishes a network connection with the first network communication module 12 of the server 10 in the cloud 24. The network connection is based on TCP protocol (including Socket and WebSocket connections), HTTP protocol, HTTPS protocol, HTTP / 2 protocol, or SPDY protocol. After the connection is established, the login module 34 of the mobile communication device 28 uploads the username and password entered by the user to the server 10, and the login verification module 14 performs login verification. In another embodiment of the present invention, the login module 34 temporarily stores the previously entered username and password within the validity period. When the application 30 is executed, the username and password are automatically uploaded to the server 10, and then the login verification module 14 performs login verification.

[0088] Step S103: The mobile communication device 28 reads the system curfew period. After logging in, in some embodiments, the system curfew period is pre-stored in the database 20, and the data access module 36 of the mobile communication device 28 downloads the system curfew period from the server 10; in some embodiments, the system curfew period is stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 28 and is directly read by the data access module 36. In some embodiments, the user sets a custom curfew period, and in this step, the custom curfew period replaces the system curfew period.

[0089] Step S104: Mobile communication device 28 receives message input and receiver settings. First, the second message module 38 generates a message view 46 and displays it on the screen 44 of the mobile communication device 28. Next, the user uses the message input module 40 to input message content and receiver settings, such as... Figure 2A As shown in the illustration (the example shows a reply to an existing chat room, therefore, there is already a receiver setting, namely "7 people in the business department" in the illustration; clicking here will show the detailed list). After the user enters the message content, the second message module 38 generates the first send button 52 in the message view 46, as shown. Figure 2B As shown.

[0090] Step S105: The mobile communication device 28 checks whether the current time of the receiving terminal is within or outside the curfew period according to the system curfew period. The silent mode management module 42 checks whether the current time of the receiving terminal is within or outside the curfew period according to the system curfew period (assuming the system curfew period is "22:00 to 7:00"), and if the current time of the receiving terminal is outside the curfew period, the first transmit button 52 is the normal transmit button (i.e., the message attribute is set to "with sound mode"), and the user presses the first transmit button 52 to directly upload the message to the server 10. If the current time of the receiving terminal is within the curfew period, the second message module 38 displays the silent transmit button (second transmit button 54) and the normal transmit button (third transmit button 56) in the message view 46, such as Figure 2C As shown, the illustration also includes a cancel button to cancel the transmission, and a warning message: "The other party may be resting; please confirm the sending method." In some embodiments, the method for checking the current time of the receiving end is to use the source IP of the receiving end (stored in database 20) and the IP reverse DNS service to determine the location time zone of the receiving end, and then use the location time zone to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is during curfew hours; in some embodiments, the location time zone of the receiving end (stored in database 20) is used to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is during curfew hours.

[0091] Step S106: The mobile communication device 28 sets the attributes of the message and then uploads it to the server. In the previous step, when the user selects to upload the message using the silent transmission button (second transmission button 54), the message attribute is set to silent mode before being uploaded to the server 10. When the user selects to upload the message using the normal transmission button (third transmission button 56), the message attribute is set to sound mode before being uploaded to the server 10.

[0092] See Figure 6 The flowchart of Embodiment 2 of the present invention illustrates the operation process of sending a message to a mobile device during curfew hours. Please also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The method of the present invention includes:

[0093] Step S201: Execute the application program 30 of the present invention on the mobile communication device 28. The mobile communication device 28 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet computer.

[0094] Step S202: The mobile communication device 28 establishes a network connection with the server 10 and performs login verification. After the application 30 is executed, the second network communication module 32 of the application 30 establishes a network connection with the first network communication module 12 of the server 10 in the cloud 24. The network connection is based on TCP protocol (including Socket and WebSocket connections), HTTP protocol, HTTPS protocol, HTTP / 2 protocol, or SPDY protocol. After the connection is established, the login module 34 of the mobile communication device 28 uploads the username and password entered by the user to the server 10, and the login verification module 14 performs login verification. In another embodiment of the present invention, the login module 34 temporarily stores the previously entered username and password within the validity period. When the application 30 is executed, the username and password are automatically uploaded to the server 10, and then the login verification module 14 performs login verification.

[0095] Step S203: The mobile communication device 28 reads the system curfew period. After logging in, in some embodiments, the system curfew period is pre-stored in the database 20, and the data access module 36 of the mobile communication device 28 downloads the system curfew period from the server 10; in some embodiments, the system curfew period is stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 28 and is directly read by the data access module 36. In some embodiments, the user sets a custom curfew period, and in this step, the custom curfew period replaces the system curfew period.

[0096] Step S204: Mobile communication device 28 receives receiver settings. First, the second message module 38 generates a message view 46 and displays it on the screen 44 of mobile communication device 28. When a user creates a new chat room, they need to select a contact (receiver settings, i.e., receiver). The message input module 40 of mobile communication device 28 receives the user's receiver settings (e.g., selecting a contact from the address book). When in an existing chat room, it is not necessary to select a contact (i.e., there are already receiver settings).

[0097] Step S205: The mobile communication device 28 checks whether the current time of the receiving terminal is within or outside the curfew period according to the system curfew period. In this step of Embodiment 2, before the user inputs message content, the receiving terminal setting has been obtained. The silent mode management module 42 checks whether the current time of the receiving terminal is within the curfew period according to the system curfew period (assuming the system curfew period is "22:00 to 7:00"), and if any bit of the receiving terminal is within the curfew period (e.g., curfew periods in different time zones), the second message module 38 directly displays the silent transmission button (second transmission button 54) and the normal transmission button (third transmission button 56) in the message view 46, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the illustration, the legend also includes a warning message: "The other party may be resting; please confirm the sending method." In some embodiments, the method for checking the current time of the receiving end is to use the source IP of the receiving end (stored in database 20) and then use the IP reverse DNS service to determine the location time zone of the receiving end. The location time zone can then be used to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period. In some embodiments, the location time zone of the receiving end (stored in database 20) is used to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period.

[0098] Step S206: The mobile communication device 28 receives message input. The user inputs message content using the message input module 40. After inputting the message content, the user can choose to upload the message using the silent transmission button (second transmission button 54) or the normal transmission button (third transmission button 56).

[0099] Step S207: The mobile communication device 28 sets the attributes of the message and then uploads it to the server. In the previous step, when the user selects to upload the message using the silent transmission button (second transmission button 54), the message attribute is set to silent mode before being uploaded to the server 10. When the user selects to upload the message using the normal transmission button (third transmission button 56), the message attribute is set to sound mode before being uploaded to the server 10.

[0100] See Figure 7 The flowchart of Embodiment 3 of the present invention illustrates the operation process of sending a message to a mobile device during curfew hours. Please also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The method of the present invention includes:

[0101] Step S301: Execute the application 30 of the present invention on the mobile communication device 28. The mobile communication device 28 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet computer.

[0102] Step S302: The mobile communication device 28 establishes a network connection with the server 10 and performs login verification. After the application 30 is executed, the second network communication module 32 of the application 30 establishes a network connection with the first network communication module 12 of the server 10 in the cloud 24. The network connection is based on TCP protocol (including Socket and WebSocket connections), HTTP protocol, HTTPS protocol, HTTP / 2 protocol, or SPDY protocol. After the connection is established, the login module 34 of the mobile communication device 28 uploads the user's entered account and password to the server 10, and the login verification module 14 performs login verification. In another embodiment of the present invention, the login module 34 temporarily stores the previously entered account and password within the validity period. When the application 30 is executed, the account and password are automatically uploaded to the server 10, and then the login verification module 14 performs login verification.

[0103] Step S303: Mobile communication device 28 reads the system curfew period. After logging in, in some embodiments, the system curfew period is pre-stored in database 20, and the data access module 36 of mobile communication device 28 downloads the system curfew period from server 10; in some embodiments, the system curfew period is stored in the memory of mobile communication device 28 and is directly read by data access module 36. In some embodiments, the user sets a custom curfew period, and in this step, the custom curfew period replaces the system curfew period.

[0104] Step S304: Mobile communication device 28 receives receiver settings. First, the second message module 38 generates a message view 46 and displays it on the screen 44 of mobile communication device 28. When a user creates a new chat room, they need to select a contact (receiver settings, i.e., receiver). The message input module 40 of mobile communication device 28 receives the user's receiver settings (e.g., selecting a contact from the address book). When in an existing chat room, it is not necessary to select a contact (i.e., there are already receiver settings).

[0105] Step S305: The mobile communication device 28 receives message input. The user inputs message content using the message input module 40.

[0106] Step S306: The mobile communication device 28 checks whether the current time of the receiving terminal is within or outside the curfew period according to the system curfew period. In Embodiment 3, the curfew period check is performed in this step only after the message content is entered in the previous step. The silent mode management module 42 checks whether the current time of the receiving terminal is within the curfew period according to the system curfew period (assuming the system curfew period is "22:00 to 7:00"), and if any bit of the receiving terminal is within the curfew period (e.g., the curfew period is in a different time zone), the second message module 38 directly displays the silent transmission button (second transmission button 54) and the normal transmission button (third transmission button 56) in the message view 46, such as Figure 4 As shown in the illustration, the legend also includes a warning message: "The other party may be resting; please confirm the sending method." After displaying the send button, the user can choose to send the message using the silent send button (second send button 54) or the normal send button (third send button 56). In some embodiments, the method for checking the current time of the receiving end is to use the source IP of the receiving end (stored in database 20, automatically uploaded to server 10 by application 30 after user login verification) and the IP reverse DNS service to determine the time zone of the receiving end's location. The time zone of the location can then be used to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period. In some embodiments, the time zone of the receiving end's location (stored in database 20, automatically uploaded to server 10 by application 30 after user login verification) is used to determine whether the current time of the receiving end is within the curfew period.

[0107] Step S307: The mobile communication device 28 sets the attributes of the message and then uploads it to the server. In the previous step, when the user selects to upload the message using the silent upload button (second upload button 54), the mobile communication device 28 sets the message attributes to silent mode before uploading it to the server 10; when the user selects to upload the message using the normal upload button (third upload button 56), the mobile communication device 28 sets the message attributes to tone mode before uploading it to the server 10.

[0108] The aforementioned curfew period is a concept of a silent period. The curfew period defines the time at the receiving end, automatically generated and providing the user with the function of muting transmissions. This silent period can be defined by a silent period table, which can be edited and recorded in database 20 by an administrator on server 10, or edited and recorded in database 20 by a user, or edited and recorded in the memory of mobile communication device 28 by a user. Therefore, the aforementioned curfew period (table) is uniformly defined in this invention as a silent period table.

[0109] As will be understood from the various embodiments of the present invention, program instructions executed by a computer can perform the various blocks in the flowchart, combinations of blocks in the flowchart, and steps in the various embodiments. Providing the program instructions to a processor for execution generates a machine or resources for hardware and software to work together, thereby creating components to perform the actions or technical effects specified in the flowchart blocks when the instructions are executed on the processor. Different sets of program instructions may also cause at least some of the operational steps shown in the flowchart blocks to be performed in parallel, and the technical content expressed by the first, second, ... program instructions of an application may differ depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, some of the steps may be performed on more than one processor, for example, in a multiprocessor server computer system, or in a mobile communication device where a microprocessor and a peripheral interface processor work together. Moreover, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention, one or more blocks or combinations of blocks in the flowchart may be performed simultaneously with other blocks or combinations of blocks, or even in a different order than shown.

[0110] Therefore, the blocks of the flowchart of the present invention support combinations of components for performing specified actions or technical effects, combinations of steps for performing specified actions or technical effects, and program instruction components for performing specified actions or technical effects. It will also be understood that these specified actions or technical effects are implemented by special purpose hardware systems or special purpose hardware working in conjunction with program instructions to execute the various blocks of the flowchart of the present invention and combinations of flowchart blocks.

[0111] In summary, the system and method for silent real-time message transmission in a mobile communication device disclosed in this invention solves the problems of existing technologies where "the operation of transmitting silent messages is not intuitive and is easily overlooked by users," as well as the problem of existing technologies requiring "pre-setting of silent message transmission." This invention makes it easier for users to send silent messages during curfew hours, eliminates the inconvenient "long press button" operation method of existing technologies, and reduces the likelihood of accidentally sending messages with beeping sounds that disturb the recipient.

[0112] Although the technical content of the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications and refinements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for silently transmitting real-time messages, characterized in that, Include: A database stores information on multiple users, and each piece of information on a user in the database contains a source IP address. A server accesses this database, which includes: A first network communication module establishes a network connection with a mobile communication device associated with one of the user information items; Upon login verification, the mobile communication device is verified to be connected to the server via the network; and A first message module receives an uploaded message and generates a message receiver list according to a receiver setting. The message receiver list includes at least one push identifier associated with the mobile communication device, and checks an attribute of the message to be a silent mode or a notification mode to set a notification sound to be turned off or on. The mobile communication device includes: one or more processors and a screen, wherein the processor executes a plurality of program instructions, each of the program instructions including: A first program instruction causes the mobile communication device to establish a network connection with the server for login verification; A second program instruction causes the mobile communication device to read a silent time period schedule and download the source IP information of at least one user information corresponding to the receiving end setting from the server; A third program instruction causes the mobile communication device to receive the input of the message and the input set by the receiving end, and the receiving end is configured to associate at least one of the user information; A fourth program instruction causes the mobile communication device to check, according to the silent period table, whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver is a silent period or a non-silent period. When the current time is a silent period, a silent transmission button and a normal transmission button are displayed on the screen. The method by which the mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver is a silent period or a non-silent period is based on the silent period table is to use the source IP information and an IP reverse DNS service to obtain the location time zone, and then use the location time zone as the basis for judgment. A fifth program instruction, when the silent transmission button is selected to upload the message, sets the message's attribute to the silent mode before uploading it to the first message module; when the normal transmission button is selected to upload the message, sets the message's attribute to the sound mode before uploading it to the first message module; and A push gateway generates a silent push notification or a push notification with a prompt sound based on the message and the setting of the prompt sound, and sends the silent push notification or the push notification with a prompt sound to the receiving mobile communication device corresponding to each of the user information associated with the receiving end setting through an external push host. The cloud consists of the database, the server, and the push gateway.

2. The system for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the user information stored in the database contains a location time zone; and the second program instruction further includes: downloading from the server the location time zone contained in at least one of the user information corresponding to the receiving end setting.

3. The system for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The server also includes: a curfew period setting module, and a management interface that provides a graphical user interface for an administrator with system privileges to set the silence period table stored in the database.

4. The system for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 3, characterized in that, This curfew setting module provides a graphical user interface for users to set a custom curfew period.

5. The system for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the fourth program instruction checks that the current time corresponding to at least one of the user information associated with the receiving end is a non-silent period, it displays a first transmit button on the screen; and when the first transmit button is selected to upload the message, it sets the attribute of the message to the mode with a prompt sound.

6. The system for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The silent period schedule is stored in the database or in the memory of the mobile communication device.

7. The system for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 1, characterized in that, This silent period schedule is associated with multiple international telephone area codes in an international telephone area code table.

8. A method for silently transmitting real-time messages, applied in a mobile communication device comprising a database, a server, and a push gateway, a cloud, a client, and a screen, characterized in that... The method includes: The database stores information on multiple users, and the server accesses the database. Each piece of information on a user stored in the database contains a source IP address. The server establishes a network connection with the mobile communication device associated with one of the user information items to perform login verification of the mobile communication device; The mobile communication device reads a silent period schedule and downloads the source IP information of at least one user information corresponding to the receiving end setting from the server; The mobile communication device receives an input message and an input set by a receiving end, and the receiving end setting associates at least one of the user information; The mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table. When the current time is a silent period, a silent transmission button and a normal transmission button are displayed on the screen. The method by which the mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table is to use the source IP information and an IP reverse DNS service to obtain the location time zone, and then use the location time zone as the judgment. Specifically, when the silent transmission button is selected to upload the message, one attribute of the message is set to silent mode before being uploaded to the server; when the normal transmission button is selected to upload the message, that attribute of the message is set to sound mode before being uploaded to the server. The server generates a message receiver list based on the receiver settings, and the message receiver list includes at least one push identifier associated with the mobile communication device. The server checks this attribute of the message to set a sound to be turned off or on; and, The push gateway generates a silent push notification or a push notification with a notification sound based on the message and the setting of the notification sound, and sends the silent push notification or the push notification with a notification sound to the mobile communication device individually corresponding to each user information set by the receiving end through a push host.

9. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Each piece of user information stored in the database contains a location time zone; and the method further includes: the mobile communication device downloading from the server at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiving end setting that contains the location time zone.

10. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The server also includes: a curfew period setting module, and a management interface that provides a graphical user interface for an administrator with system privileges to set the silence period table stored in the database.

11. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 10, characterized in that, This curfew setting module provides a graphical user interface for users to set a custom curfew period.

12. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver setting is a silent period or a non-silent period according to the silent period table. When the current time is a non-silent period, a first transmit button is displayed on the screen; and when the first transmit button is selected to upload the message, the attribute of the message is set to the mode with prompt sound.

13. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The silent period schedule is stored in the database or in the memory of the mobile communication device.

14. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 8, characterized in that, This silent period schedule is associated with multiple international telephone area codes in an international telephone area code table.

15. A method for silently transmitting real-time messages, applied to a mobile communication device that accesses data in a cloud, the mobile communication device comprising one or more processors and a screen, the processors executing multiple program instructions, characterized in that... The cloud platform consists of a server, a database, and a push gateway. The database stores multiple user information entries, which are accessed by the server. Each user information entry stored in the database includes a source IP address. The program instructions include: A first program instruction causes the mobile communication device to establish a network connection with the server for login verification; A second program instruction causes the mobile communication device to read a silent time period schedule and download the source IP information of at least one user information corresponding to the receiving end setting from the server; A third program instruction causes the mobile communication device to receive an input message and an input set by the receiving end; A fourth program instruction causes the mobile communication device to check, according to the silent period table, whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver is a silent period or a non-silent period. When the current time is a silent period, a silent transmission button and a normal transmission button are displayed on the screen. The method by which the mobile communication device checks whether the current time corresponding to at least one user information associated with the receiver is a silent period or a non-silent period is using the source IP information and an IP reverse DNS service to obtain the location time zone, and then using the location time zone as the basis for judgment; and... A fifth program instruction: when the silent transmission button is selected to upload the message, set one attribute of the message to silent mode before uploading it to the server; when the normal transmission button is selected to upload the message, set that attribute of the message to sound mode before uploading it to the server.

16. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Each piece of user information stored in the database contains a location time zone; and the method further includes: the mobile communication device downloading from the server at least one piece of user information corresponding to the receiving end setting that contains the location time zone.

17. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 15, characterized in that, When the fourth program instruction checks that the current time corresponding to at least one of the user information associated with the receiving end is a non-silent period, it displays a first transmit button on the screen; and when the first transmit button is selected to upload the message, it sets the attribute of the message to the mode with a prompt sound.

18. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The silent period schedule is stored in the database or in the memory of the mobile communication device.

19. The method for silently transmitting real-time messages as described in claim 15, characterized in that, This silent period schedule is associated with multiple international telephone area codes in an international telephone area code table.

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