Social Network Contact Profile Routing for Non-Registered Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current social networking systems do not allow registered users to initiate conversations with non-registered users, limiting communication to only those who have shared their contact information, and lack a method to include additional users in conversations even if registered users possess their contact details like mobile phone numbers or email addresses.
Innovation Solution
The system enables registered users to start conversations with non-registered users by using their contact information, creating a contact profile if necessary, and allows the contact information to be claimed and associated with an existing user profile, using prediction methods to verify the ownership of the contact information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conversations are restricted to registered users only, then the system maintains simplicity and reliability, but the adaptability and communication reach are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces contact profiles as intermediary entities that bridge registered users and non-registered users. Contact profiles store contact information and enable message routing without requiring the recipient to be a registered user, thus extending communication reach while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user base into registered users (with full system access) and non-registered users (accessible only through contact profiles). This segmentation allows the system to support both groups with appropriate complexity levels - simple contact-based communication for non-registered users while maintaining the full social networking experience for registered users
2Ease of operation
If contact information is stored without verification, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability and data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification by checking whether contact information already exists in the system before creating new contact profiles. This preliminary check prevents duplicate entries and ensures data accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users during the contact addition process, including notifications when contact information is found versus when it needs to be newly stored. This feedback mechanism guides users through the process and ensures accurate contact information management
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system stores and manages contact profiles for non-users, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the contact profile structure universal, allowing it to serve multiple functions: storing contact information for non-registered users, routing messages to external contacts, and potentially linking to registered user profiles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different user types
Data Source
AI summary
Users of a social networking system initiate conversations between other users and additional users who may not be registered to use the social networking system. Each additional user is identified by an item of contact information, and conversation messages are sent to an additional user using the contact information. The conversations are associated with the item of contact information and saved in the social networking system. A user of the social networking system may subsequently claim the item of contact information. The claiming user is given access to the associated conversations if the social networking system can verify that the item of contact information belongs to the claiming user.