Browser-Based Instant Messaging via Web Chat Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instant messaging systems require software installation on user terminals, which is inconvenient, especially in public settings and can be hindered by firewalls, and necessitate frequent updates, posing challenges for users.
Innovation Solution
An instant messaging system and method that uses a Web chat server within a browser to transmit messages between users, allowing communication without the need for specific instant messaging software, enabling messaging between browser users and client software users, and optimizing message fetching frequencies based on activity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If instant messaging software is installed on user terminals, then instant messaging functionality is achieved, but software installation and updates become troublesome and privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that hosts the instant messaging software. Instead of installing software on user terminals, users access the IM service through a web browser that connects to the server. The server acts as a mediator between users, handling all software execution and updates centrally, thereby eliminating the need for users to install or update software locally while maintaining full IM functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses web browser technology to create a virtual copy of the instant messaging client interface. The browser displays and interacts with the IM software through web pages, effectively copying the client experience without requiring actual software installation. This allows users to access IM functionality through standard web browsers, eliminating installation requirements while preserving the user experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instant messaging software is installed on public computers, then online chat is enabled, but the process becomes troublesome and lacks privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a remote intermediary that provides IM functionality without requiring local software installation. Users can access the IM service from any public computer with a web browser, as all software execution occurs on the server. This eliminates the need to install software on public computers while maintaining adaptability to various public computing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The web-based IM system achieves universality by working across multiple platforms and devices without requiring platform-specific software installation. Any computer with a standard web browser can access the IM service, making the system universally accessible in public settings while eliminating the need for repeated software installation and configuration.
3Reliability
If software updates are required frequently, then functionality and security are improved, but manual or automatic update setup becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a central intermediary that manages all software updates. Since the IM software runs on the server rather than user terminals, the server administrator can update the software centrally without requiring user action. Users automatically receive updated functionality and security improvements whenever the server is updated, eliminating the difficult task of manual or automatic update setup on each user device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service updates through the centralized server architecture. The server automatically manages software maintenance, security patches, and functionality updates without requiring user intervention. Users simply continue using the service and automatically benefit from updates, transforming the complex update process into a transparent, self-managing system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for instant messaging using a browser to eliminate the requirement of installation of instant messaging software at the user end is described. When a source user sends an instant message to a target user, the source server (the server which the source user is logged in) searches the information of the target server (the server which the target user is currently logged in) with the help of an instant messaging status server, and sends the instant message to the target server according to the search result. The target server then relays the instant message to the target user. The target server may also send a reply message to the source server, which in turn transmits the reply message to the source user. Preferably, at least one of users uses a browser and not an instant messaging client software.