Custom Character Messaging System with Reference-Based Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Unicode Standard limits users in expressing sentiments beyond its predefined emoji, and these emojis can appear differently on various devices due to vendor-specific representations, leading to inconsistent messaging experiences.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to create and send custom characters, including custom emoji, which are referenced and stored on client devices and remote servers, enabling their display alongside standard characters within the same message bubble, regardless of device compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users are limited to Unicode Standard characters and emoji, then device compatibility and standardization are maintained, but the ability to express diverse sentiments and customize messages is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpression capabilityVSAvoidcharacter encoding system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The character representation system is segmented into two independent parts: standard Unicode characters (for compatibility) and custom character references (for versatility). Custom characters are represented by references rather than actual image data, allowing unlimited customization without breaking compatibility standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A custom character reference system acts as an intermediary between the user's creative expression and the device's display capabilities. The reference system translates diverse user sentiments into standardized message formats that can be universally displayed while maintaining customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If Unicode Standard emoji are used, then cross-device compatibility is maintained, but consistent display appearance across different devices and platforms cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay consistencyVSAvoidemoji variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on vendor-specific emoji representations, the system creates custom character references that can be copied and transmitted between devices. Each device has its own local store of custom character images, ensuring consistent display appearance while allowing unlimited variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If custom character image data is transmitted with each message, then display accuracy is maintained, but message size and data transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacter display accuracyVSAvoidmessage data size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The actual image data is extracted from the message transmission and stored locally on each device. Only the lightweight custom character reference (identifier) is transmitted with the message, dramatically reducing data size while maintaining display accuracy through local image storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9794202B1Messaging including standard and custom characters

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 AMOJEE INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present technology enable messages including both standard and custom characters to be communicated between client devices. Each of the standard character(s) is included within a Unicode Standard that is supported by an operating system of a client device. By contrast, each of the custom character(s) is not included within the Unicode Standard. Such embodiments enable users to create their own custom characters, such as custom emoji, or utilize custom characters created others. Beneficially, embodiments described herein overcome many of the drawbacks associated with electronic messages being limited to including only standard characters, such as standard emoji.