Collaborative Status Messaging in Instant Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instant messaging systems lack the ability to provide collaborative status information, such as whether multiple users are participating in the same event, limiting the detail and accuracy of user availability notifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify instant messaging users belonging to a group and generate a collaborative status message specifying users participating in an event, which is then broadcast to other users, enhancing the information provided about user status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional status messages are used to indicate user availability, then users can be notified of basic status (online, away, in meeting), but detailed collaborative status information (which specific users are in the same meeting) cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The status information is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: basic status (online/away/in meeting) and detailed collaborative status (specific users in the same event). This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive information while maintaining manageable complexity through modular information structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines traditional status messaging with collaborative status information into a unified status update mechanism. By merging these functions, the system provides both basic availability notification and detailed collaborative context without requiring separate systems, thus reducing overall complexity while preventing information loss.
2Loss of information
If basic status messages are provided to notify users of availability, then simple availability information is communicated, but detailed information about which users are participating in the same event is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The status message system dynamically adjusts the quantity of information provided based on user needs and context. The system can provide concise basic status updates when sufficient, or expand to include detailed collaborative status information about specific event participants when needed, thus optimizing the balance between information completeness and data quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to status messaging by incorporating collaborative context (which users are in the same event) as an additional layer of information. This dimensional expansion transforms the status message from a simple availability indicator to a multi-dimensional communication tool that provides both basic status and detailed event participation information.
3Productivity
If detailed collaborative status information is provided about users in the same event, then communication and collaboration are improved, but the complexity of the status message system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The status message system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a basic availability notification mechanism and as a detailed collaborative status platform. By making the system universal and capable of performing multiple functions through a single unified architecture, the patent improves collaboration efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the server and processing logic) that manages the complexity of generating and distributing detailed collaborative status information. This intermediary handles the sophisticated task of identifying users in the same event and formatting appropriate status messages, thereby enabling enhanced collaboration while shielding end users from underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for providing a collaborative status message in an instant messaging system. Instant Messaging (“IM”) users that belong to a group are identified. A collaborative status message (e.g., “In Meeting with User 2 and User 3”) is generated that specifies the IM users of the group (e.g., User 2 and User 3) that are participating in an event (e.g., meeting) with an IM user upon the event occurring. The collaborative status message is broadcasted to other IM users. In this manner, more detailed information can be provided to other IM users regarding the status of the IM user in question.