Chat Service Mode Switching via Temporary Account Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chat services do not provide a mechanism for users to easily switch between anonymous and general modes during multilateral chats, limiting user privacy and flexibility in communication settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to convert a chat room mode from general to anonymous and back, based on voting by participants, using temporary accounts to maintain anonymity, with options for duration and disclosure settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a general mode is used where sender identity is disclosed, then communication transparency is improved, but user privacy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The chat system implements dynamic mode switching between general mode and anonymous mode. In general mode, sender identities are disclosed for transparency. In anonymous mode, temporary accounts are assigned to hide sender identities while maintaining communication functionality. The system can transition between these modes based on user needs, allowing both transparency and privacy protection at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary accounts as intermediary entities that mask the relationship between real user accounts and chat messages. Instead of directly linking messages to real accounts, the system uses temporary accounts as intermediaries, thereby protecting user privacy while still enabling traceable communication within the anonymous session.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If anonymous mode is implemented to protect privacy, then user privacy is improved, but communication flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing users to switch between general mode and anonymous mode during chat sessions. This dynamic switching capability ensures that users can adapt the communication mode to their specific needs, maintaining both privacy protection and communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The chat system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in general mode for transparent communication, in anonymous mode for privacy-protected communication, and support mode transitions. This multi-functionality makes the system versatile and adaptable to different communication scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching capability is added to allow transitions between general and anonymous modes, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the chat functionality into distinct modes (general mode and anonymous mode) with clear boundaries and transition protocols. Each mode has its own account management mechanism, making the complexity modular and manageable rather than monolithic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing operational parameters rather than structural architecture. Mode switching is achieved by changing parameters such as account visibility settings and message attribution rules, rather than fundamentally redesigning the chat system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of facilitating electronic communication of a message between a plurality of accounts including a first account and a plurality of outside accounts may include determining if a number of the plurality of accounts or a ratio of the plurality accounts that approve an anonymous mode is greater than or equal to a first reference value based on first voting information received from the plurality of accounts, converting the mode of a chat room to the anonymous mode by matching each of a plurality of temporary accounts with a respective one of the plurality of accounts, if the determining determines that the number of the plurality of accounts or the ratio of the plurality accounts is greater than or equal to the first reference value; and displaying the message from an account in the chat room with an indication of the temporary account associated with the account.