Augmented Message Elements in Electronic Communication Threads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic communication methods lack interaction and expression, as emoticons and stickers do not provide feedback on receipt or understanding, and are limited to static or rudimentary animated forms, failing to replicate the interactivity of face-to-face communication.

Innovation Solution

An electronic communication system that detects corresponding message elements and replaces them with augmented elements, such as animations, to create an interactive communication thread, enhancing expression and feedback between users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional emoticons and stickers are used in electronic communications, then communication efficiency is improved by reducing typing, but interaction and feedback capability deteriorates as users cannot see how messages are received or understood

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidfeedback information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by detecting when a second user sends a message element in response to a first user's message element, and automatically generating and displaying an augmented message element that shows the interaction. This creates a feedback loop where users can see how their messages are received and responded to, transforming static emoticons into interactive communications that provide real-time feedback on message reception and understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If static emoticons are used in electronic communications, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but expression capability and interactivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of using message elementsVSAvoidexpression capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming static message elements into dynamic, interactive elements. When corresponding message elements are detected from different users, the system automatically generates augmented message elements that animate the interaction between them. This maintains ease of operation since users still simply send regular emoticons, but dramatically enhances expression capability by showing animated interactions like high-fives, fist bumps, or other contextual responses between message elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If augmented message elements are generated to provide interaction, then expression capability is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automated detection and generation systems. The electronic communication system automatically detects when corresponding message elements are sent by different users, identifies the interaction type, generates the appropriate augmented message element, and displays it without requiring manual user intervention. This automation manages the increased complexity by having the system serve itself, reducing the burden on users while maintaining sophisticated interaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3101845B1Providing augmented message elements in electronic communication threads
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 META PLATFORMS INC
  • EP3101845B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3101845B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3101845B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods for providing message element in electronic communication threads. For example, systems and methods described herein identify message elements in electronic communication threads and add interactions between the message elements to the electronic communication thread.