Autocomplete for Integrating Diverse Electronic Communication Methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication interfaces burden users with selecting the appropriate protocol, remembering protocol-specific addresses, and entering them manually when sending messages across different communication methods like email and chat.
Innovation Solution
A message composition apparatus and method that receives an input string, displays a match list of potential communication addresses, and allows users to select and send messages to the appropriate address based on the selected match, automatically configuring the user interface for the chosen communication method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing communication interfaces are used, then users can send messages through multiple communication methods, but users are burdened with determining the appropriate protocol, selecting the appropriate interface, remembering protocol-specific addresses, and entering them manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that can handle multiple communication protocols (email, chat, text messaging) through a single unified address input field. The system automatically detects the appropriate protocol and formats the address accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually select different interfaces or remember protocol-specific address formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the appropriate communication protocol and formats the recipient address without user intervention. The autocomplete logic analyzes the input string and autonomously selects the correct protocol (email, chat, or text messaging) and corresponding address format, freeing users from the burden of manual protocol selection and address formatting.
2Reliability
If protocol-specific addresses are used for different communication methods, then each communication method can be precisely identified, but users must remember and manually enter different addresses for the same recipient across protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary autocomplete system that sits between the user and the protocol-specific address fields. This intermediary automatically translates a single unified recipient input into the appropriate protocol-specific address format (email, chat, or text messaging) based on the recipient's availability and communication preferences, eliminating the need for users to manually manage multiple protocol-specific addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining the appropriate protocol and address format before the user completes the address entry. The autocomplete logic proactively analyzes the input string, identifies the intended recipient, and automatically selects the correct protocol-specific address format in advance, saving users time and reducing manual input requirements.
3Reliability
If users manually select and enter protocol-specific addresses, then precise control over message routing is achieved, but message composition efficiency is reduced due to multiple steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The autocomplete system performs self-service by automatically detecting the intended recipient, determining the appropriate communication protocol, and formatting the address without user intervention. The system autonomously completes the address field and configures the appropriate message composition interface, maintaining precise routing control while significantly improving message composition efficiency by eliminating multiple manual steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Instant messaging, also known as chat, is integrated with electronic mail in a user interface that provides for automatic completion of recipient names or addresses, such as email addresses or chat addresses, as a user types characters of the name or address when addressing a message. The automatic completion feature displays a list of matches, which are names or addresses in, for example, the user's online contact list, that match the characters the user types. The matches list may contain names or addresses for multiple different communication methods. The user may then select one of the names or addresses to compose a message to be sent to the selected name or address. A user interface is then provided for composing a message to be sent to the selected name or address using the communication protocol associated with the selected name or address.